Day 29 and 30: Here I am, for you did call me

Today is Father's Day. I know my dad will read this, so I'd like to wish him a Happy Father's day. I love and am missing you very much today Papa. I wish I could be in two places at once...
If any other dads read this, the wishes for a great day extend to you too!

I promised pictures, so here are a few that I've taken this week:

They are such great students!
















This is Kati - She is one of my favorites.
She's so patient with my terrible attempts
at Hungarian. :)
















The Parachute was a big hit!!
















I've been thinking a lot lately about the responsibility involved in leadership. Katie and I have had some interesting conversations since we've been here about just that. We were discussing last night about how all of the children watch us very closely. I'm not sure if they are comparing us to the image that they have of Americans from television and movies etc... if it is because we are believers, and speak to them about it every day, or if it is simply because we are different from them. I was overwhelmed last night after realizing many times throughout the day that children were just staring at me - for seemingly no reason. What do they see? What are they thinking? Am I putting forth the person every day that I want them to see? I really think that I am; knowing that I am being watched so closely does put a different perspective on how I behave, even subconsciously sometimes. When I leave this camp, what do I want the children to remember about me? Namely, that I both told and showed them the love of Christ. I don't think that the little English that I've taught them this week really matters. But I want them to know in their hearts that they are loved. Will they remember that? Will they tell their families? Will they be impacted for the rest of their lives? My only desire is to say with the Psalmist, "You are loved. There is no reason to be afraid. In love God created your inmost self and knit you together in your mother's womb."(Psalm 139:13)
Responsibility. We have a responsibility not only as leaders of these children to proclaim this message, but also as children of God. This is the good news. There is a Love far greater than any love that I can offer - am I fulfilling my responsibility to share it with every one that I meet? It sounds so trite, "Love your neighbor", but do I really unconditionally love my neighbor? It seems easy to love these children, but after I go home, will it still be as easy to love those around me?

"Let me love you, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am: a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and love all whose lives I touch, those in authority over me, or those under my authority, my friends and my enemies."