Many of these topics have touched on the life experiences of the youth, so we have had some wonderful opportunities to open doors for ministry. Often, because of language limitations, these conversations are then carried forward individually by the other leaders. We are grateful for our role in being the outsiders who can raise topics from a neutral and non-threatening position.
Every afternoon we have our recreation activity. Last time I wrote about soccer and softball. Those went quite well. Now, try explaining American football to people whose closest concept of it is rugby. One thing was clear - they did not want to play 2-hand touch. They wanted to tackle! It was the most unusual game of football we have ever played, to be sure, but everyone seemed to have a great time, and only a couple of kids were limping at the end of it. One kid (the Pete Perhach look-alike) declared in his broken German (he speaks no English), "I don't think I will play American football anymore. My leg is sick!"
We have been struck by the tremendously warm welcome we have received here at the camp. Always one of the youth is by our side to translate as needed (it is always needed, though we have gotten better at figuring out the gist of what is being talked about at any given time). Many of the youth and adults have stopped to thank us for being here, to share their appreciation for the messages and sermons, to thank us for teaching them how to throw an American football, and the like. We get the sense that we have truly been valued here, which is a good feeling.
Yesterday was the all day trip - a canoe trip - for the youth. Because of the threatening weather, we opted out and instead went with a smaller group to visit a castle about 20 miles south of here. It was called Zamek Hubloka nad Vltavou. I think the Vltavou part refers to the nearby Vltava river which flows through Prague as well.
On the way to the castle we drove past a large nuclear power plant that provides 20% of the Czech Republic's electricity. When I say, we drove past, I mean almost directly under! The road we were on couldn't have been more than 50 feet from the edge of one of the huge (150 meter high) cooling towers. It was a pretty impressive sight. Unfortunately, because of the driving rain we did not get good photos.
At the castle the weather broke and we had a nice, cool afternoon of about 70 degrees. We checked the weather in the USA and saw that it is still 100 degrees everywhere - sorry guys. Just don't expect us to come back with suntans. The castle had been used without interruption from the 1200's until 1947 when the communists took it from the most recent owners, the Schwarzenberg family (still a powerful force in Czech politics). It was definitely a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy. Certainly no expense was spared in this place. Photos were not allowed inside, which is a shame, because it was opulent to say the least.
Tonight is the final evening of Youth Camp. Tomorrow we will clean the camp and then return to Tachov in the afternoon, where Phil's Sunday sermon and English students await.
A video from worship at Camp:
Some photos:
Eric getting a hit during our softball game:
Youth camp looked like you all were having an awesome time! The Mohrs and all our Czech brethren remain in our fondest thoughts and prayers.
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