The journey over

 As we begin our trip, we are all sitting in the same row together on our way to Newark. We have a 59 min layover so I am just praying we can move as quickly as possible and make it where we need to be in the right amount of time. 

Maddie and Jan are already asleep and I am just sitting here with not much to do on the first flight! I feel a little bit like I can just breathe for a little while. Books are finished. Name tags are made. Shirts are printed. I will try to enjoy these flights and enjoy the calm before we are literally go go go for the next 17 days! 

I already have outings set up with several students and I can't wait to get on the ground in ks and start running! 

Madison is so excited to be coming this year and I am glad she is here! We are about an hour and a half into our long flight to Istanbul and it took off about an hour late. Just finished with some tiny itty bitty pretzels and will see soon what we will have for dinner. 

This is my first united flight over dead and it has been wonderful so far! We have currently flown 704 miles and we have 3498 miles left to go! Wow about one fifth of the way in! 

Turkey was absolutely beautiful to fly into:

Well we made it to turkey and once we found out it would cost 20$ each to get a visa to spend less than three hours in the city we decided to just head on to the gate. 

We used the time to work on documents for this week and double check our schedule: 

We had a great smooth flight into kosova. It was the absolute best timing getting through the kosova airport. We got off the plane, got throught the passport check and got our bags in less than ten min. We even beat mark outside!

 

As we arrived in Pristina, we were greeted by beautiful new trees and flowers and a brand new fountain in the city center! Maddie got an awesome pic so be on the look out for that! 

Ended te night with a chopped salad... My fav:

Getting through the air port

My sweet Keith got the taxi role this year! We drove to the airport and met jan and Maddie. After about 20 min of switching items between bags we got everything under 50lbs and we were ready to go. Here we are with our sea of bags... Literally

Then we got through the line quickly and had time to eat at Atlanta bread company. Thanks to GG who sent money for us to get a good meal before we started

I finally had to say goodbye to sweet Keithy. I wish he were coming with us this year, but I know he will be just fine. 

Love him!

Day 7: The Goodbye

As we prepare to depart the bubble I am reminded of where our group was just 6 days ago. Shy,not knowing anyone, not knowing if they were going to make friends or what to expect from the week. 

Now they are outgoing, knows many other student and leaders, and were overwhelmed by what all happened this week.

It has been a jam packed week. The things and friends that they have made will last a lifetime.

"Will we come back next year?"

Only God will know. But I'm going to try my hardest to make it happen.

I am encouraged in so many ways for these students and look forward to seeing the disciples they will not only become but make.

From the heart of Keith Davis 

Day 6: The Hike

The view from the top of the mountain. Was called a hike but was in actuality a mountain climb.

Everyone went up half way and had a devotion time there. For those that wanted to they went up the rest of the way. Which was a trek to say the least.but it was great to see the students push through the obstacles of the mountain.

The last day is always a hard one, knowing that tomorrow will be the end. But we make the best of every moment. 

From the heart of Keith Davis 

Day 5: The Food

This seems strange to have a post of only food but if you have ever been to camp this is sometimes the talk of the students...in a bad way.

This is not the case here. Since we got here, it has been great. I tell the students 

"it's like mom used to make"

They are being fed in many ways. 

Physically, emotionally, and most important spiritual. I have already seen in the short time we have been here a maturing of what they believe, how they believe and why they believe. 

The focus at this camp of course is leading the lost to their savior and building towards discipleship for the saved but it gets a little more deeper then that.

I am encouraged many minutes of the day of how that is accomplished here through games, team building, devotional, and relationships.

"We are thirsty for more of you"

From the heart of Keith Davis 

Day 4: enlightening

During morning devotion today the students were asked to describe what church is to them...some I saw coming but others alarmed me.

These same descriptions are some of the   major issues as to why some students are leaving the church.

When asked as to "can you be a Christian without going to church?" Most responded with a no. This correlates back to the thinking they have of church.

How can you be part of a family if you don't live in the house; to be a Christian shouldn't you be in his house with the rest of the family?

The post has two meanings. Enlightening to these observations but also true lighting. Rain has begun and has put a delay on afternoon free time. An opportunity for the students to find ways to fellowship and spend time with one another outside of the modern conveniences. What does that mean for the guys? Cards and wresting on their mattresses. For the girls? Facials and mani pedis. Ahh the simple life of camp. Just as it should be.

From the heart of Keith Davis 

Day 3: Refreshing

With a great morning devotion at the flag poll starting the day speaking about not just Talking the talk but walking the walk.

Anyone can talk what to do but do you walk what you say?

I have already been asked by most of the students during breakfast the question of the week so far...

"Are we coming back next year?"

That is a very promising question especially only being on the second full day of camp.

The one worry I had that been taking away...”will they meet new people”...

Every student has met new leaders and other campers. The relationships they are building will last longer then just tomorrow… they will last a lifetime.

I now sit here pondering "are we coming back next year?"

Only God knows that one. But one thing I know is...God is great, He has love for these students and knows the best for them.

From the heart of Keith Davis