CBU – Novgorod: Half way through the first week of camp!

Greetings from Novgorod! Today is our 3rd full day here and what a blessing it has been! All the girls were extremely excited to get here and now, after many months of intensive training, we finally made it and the camps have begun!

The purpose for our trip to Novgorod, Russia, is to do ministry through summer camps. Our camps are 2 weeks long and the camp theme is “The Olympics” — a great choice being that the Olympics are taking place this summer. While running the camps, we as a team will do ministry work through games, stories, crafts, and much more! And so far, the camps have been amazing! Each of the girls on the team are assigned days and a theme that goes along with the Olympics. Some examples include Teamwork and Obedience.

Within the camp, we have about 20-25 children. To incorporate our camp theme, we split the children into three groups: China, England, and Brazil. The groups together get to play games to compete for Olympic Points. The games get to be played at least 3 times, and whichever team wins, earns an Olympic Point. The games are teaching teamwork, fairness, sharing, and many other important life skills. The games are always a lot of fun, but the best part is being able to get to know the children little by little. Today, for example, we were able to talk to some of the children, and get to know them. Two boys that a few of us had the chance to speak with were: German, who is 17-years old, and Stepa, who is 14-years old. We had the chance to talk about who we were, why we were there, and what we wanted to do for our careers. German wants to go to college and later on join the army, and Stepa wants to become a car technician. Those are only a couple boys, and we are all looking forward to getting to know more of the kids.

Altogether, the camps have been so much fun, and the love for the children is enlarged with every passing moment. Another very fun opportunity the team has been given is to visit a baby orphanage. A baby orphanage is another center part of the main orphanage, but is for children that are younger than the age of five. We get to go to the baby orphanage every Tuesday and Thursday, so yesterday was our first visit. Talk about a workout! We got to play outside and chase them around for a couple of hours in the morning, and it was so bittersweet to say “Paka,” (goodbye) because we wanted to stay with them but we were ready to catch our breaths!

Overall, Novgorod has only been a blessing after blessing! The girls are enjoying the time we get to have here, and are especially enjoying all the children and the adults we have been given the chance to befriend. We are looking forward to more opportunities for growth and ministry as we continue our days here in Novgorod. Please be praying against spiritual warfare, and that the Lord would guard our hearts and minds. Also be praying that we would be given more opportunities for spiritual conversations with the children. Thank you so much, all the girls say hello, and we miss you all!

Much Love! 

~Russia B Team. Written by Kayla Stephens