Hello to Everyone!
Camp is here! and so are about 200 campers! Ahhhhhh! That was an excited ahh!, not a "what have a gotten myself into" ahh! just to clarify. I'm an assistant leader to Marysia, another intern, and we have 13 girls this week. Since there are so many campers this week most of the assistants aren't starting with their cabins, which is cool with me. I think I can "suffer" and stay another week in the hotel :).
All the kids arrived Sunday, which was chaos with luggage, kids, and parents everywhere, but it wouldn't be camp without that chaos. The language barrier made things a little awkward at first, but now the girls are always teaching new things to say, like hamster (I'm not sure when I'll ever use that, but it's all good :). They're all about 9-11 years old and very sweet! A couple of them speak English well enough to help me communicate with the other girls that only speak Polish and when we can't communitcate with words we play Gestures (I'll be a gestures pro by the end of the summer).
The camp schedule is pretty much the same as any other camp, except it's written in Polish so I still don't know what's going on sometimes lol... but that might have something to do with that fact I'm a little ADD too... Did I mention my need to wash my feet and I'm so getting a pedicure when I get home? I thought my feet were bad before. Anyway, what was I saying? :) Oh yes, camp and the girls. Marysia and I really do have a great group this week! Tonight we all prayed together before they went to bed and Marysia asked is any of them wanted to pray and almost of them raised their hand. Even though I couldn't understand everything, it was still awesome to see all of these young girls jumping as the chance to talk with God.
It's been interesting to see God's hand in everything this summer. From being sick, to cultural barriers, to building relationships with people I never imagined I would be able to be friends with. So many things the be thankful for and excited about!
I'm sorry this is short, but I'm tired and tomorrow is going to start early. And again I apologizes for the spelling errors and missing words. I'm too tired to reread this. I love you all and your prayers are much appreciated!
Joanna "Powerhouse" Hufhand
Oh! and a special thank you to the Kenya MI2 Team for the gifts and letters! Love you guys! Wish we could all be in 2 places at once!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Po to da Land
What up Everybody!
So many things have been happening in Zako lately! It's pretty much the most exciting place in the world! Lol... jk, but really.... things have been picking up with all the new interns coming in, staff moving to camp, and mission groups coming in. Kids will be coming in Sunday afternoon for Fish Art camp, where the kids will have the opportunity to learn more about media, photography, music, and dancing. I'm not exactly sure what I'll be helping with next week, but all of us interns will be assigned jobs for the week at the staff training meeting on Saturday. Also on Saturday, there is an AWESOME group coming in from CAL (Christian Academy of Louisville) to help out for a couple weeks. I don't really know that many people in the group, but Blake Shively, who led my missions trip to kenya, is leading the CAL group, so it will be nice to see a friend from home.
Let's go to some general updates:
Asia
So many things have been happening in Zako lately! It's pretty much the most exciting place in the world! Lol... jk, but really.... things have been picking up with all the new interns coming in, staff moving to camp, and mission groups coming in. Kids will be coming in Sunday afternoon for Fish Art camp, where the kids will have the opportunity to learn more about media, photography, music, and dancing. I'm not exactly sure what I'll be helping with next week, but all of us interns will be assigned jobs for the week at the staff training meeting on Saturday. Also on Saturday, there is an AWESOME group coming in from CAL (Christian Academy of Louisville) to help out for a couple weeks. I don't really know that many people in the group, but Blake Shively, who led my missions trip to kenya, is leading the CAL group, so it will be nice to see a friend from home.
Let's go to some general updates:
- Health status = Fabulous! Thank you for the prayers!
- Cleaning status= Been doing a lot of it
- Room status= 3 girl interns, 1 room, 1 bathroom, + a lot of luggage = crazy! (Fortunately we all like each other, at least right now we do... lol... I let you know next week if the status is still the same.)
- Polish status= becoming more Polish everyday! Most importantly I know how to ask for certain foods, the bathroom, and pay for things. Oh! and I already know how to do a Polish smile. Thank you Chicantek side of the family :).
- Relationship status= I haven't been married off yet. But they've tried to set me up multiple times.
- We will be attending church in Warsaw to celebrate the 90 years the Christian church has had an influence in Poland.
- Ummm... that's the only other thing I can think of thats going on. lol... more later.
- They throw the veil instead of flowers at weddings.
- Its considered rude to say "hi" to random people on the street.
- When you walk into a store its polite to say "good afternoon".
- Aggressive behavior is absolutely necessary when standing in line- Line jumping is acceptable and no that doesn't mean people jump over lines painted on the ground.
- Hair driers will blow up if you have the wrong type of convertor. (Yes, that's spoken from experience. If you smell smoke and seeing a glowing red/orange light coming from your hair drier I would suggest turning it off. Just a suggestion ;)
- I'm not for sure about this one, but I would say "Girl Power" is not as popular in Poland as it is in the states. lol... Why is would say this is because... one last quick story... Molly and I came to the directors wife to see if we could go kayaking up the river. Simple enough, right? Yeeeeaaaah... the were both like, "Are you going by yourselves? No, boy is going with you?" Molly and I looked at each other and looked back at them, "No." Lol... neither one of them seemed too excited about that idea, but it ended up working out ok. I took my cellphone with us and a boy intern went with us. :)
Asia
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thank You Lord for Today
Greetings from Poland,
I think a good place to start would be a very special thank you to everyone who has remembered me in your prayers. I think some times we forget what prayer can really do, what it means to the people we pray for, and what a privilege it is to be able to talk to God personally. How awesome is it that I can be anywhere, doing anything, and talk to my Jesus about whatever is going on! Tonight a couple of the other intern girls (Molly and Hannah) and I went to Stephanie's house for dinner and some girl time. After hanging out and talking Stephanie prayed for us, which doesn't seem like it would be a big deal, but I know it meant a lot to all of us. Rarely, do we pray for someone on the spot, but what an encouragement that is! God is so good.
Praises from the week:
The smallest gestures mean the world, and the days that I feel well are a blessing. During the week we always have a meeting where we read scripture, pray, and discuss what needs to be accomplished that day. Thursday we read Psalms 30 and the first 2 verses stood out to me the most. The first verse talked about God not letting our enemies defeat us, and verse 2 talked about the Lord hearing our cries and healing us, which is exactly what I did that day. I prayed and cried out to God for physical healing, which may sound a little drastic. I don't feel like it was at all. I'm stilling praying that same prayer. Being healthy and having the physical ability to do anything, it's a gift. I used to run or workout everyday, but right now I'm excited that I can work and go for a walk. I'm not telling you these things for pity, but rather to have you stop and recognize the little gifts God gives you every day. Praise God for caring about the little things in our lives.
Much Love,
Do Widzenia,
Joanna Meredith
I think a good place to start would be a very special thank you to everyone who has remembered me in your prayers. I think some times we forget what prayer can really do, what it means to the people we pray for, and what a privilege it is to be able to talk to God personally. How awesome is it that I can be anywhere, doing anything, and talk to my Jesus about whatever is going on! Tonight a couple of the other intern girls (Molly and Hannah) and I went to Stephanie's house for dinner and some girl time. After hanging out and talking Stephanie prayed for us, which doesn't seem like it would be a big deal, but I know it meant a lot to all of us. Rarely, do we pray for someone on the spot, but what an encouragement that is! God is so good.
Praises from the week:
- The Doctor came and gave me antibiotics! Thank you Lord!
- Thankful for the girl interns from the States- we all get along really well- huge praise!
- We had beet soup yesterday, potatoes, eggs, and cooked carrots today- thankful for food that doesn't hurt my throat! (awh it's truly the little things in life!)
- Culture shock is wearing off.
- Last but not least, I'm feeling better today! Huge praise again!
The smallest gestures mean the world, and the days that I feel well are a blessing. During the week we always have a meeting where we read scripture, pray, and discuss what needs to be accomplished that day. Thursday we read Psalms 30 and the first 2 verses stood out to me the most. The first verse talked about God not letting our enemies defeat us, and verse 2 talked about the Lord hearing our cries and healing us, which is exactly what I did that day. I prayed and cried out to God for physical healing, which may sound a little drastic. I don't feel like it was at all. I'm stilling praying that same prayer. Being healthy and having the physical ability to do anything, it's a gift. I used to run or workout everyday, but right now I'm excited that I can work and go for a walk. I'm not telling you these things for pity, but rather to have you stop and recognize the little gifts God gives you every day. Praise God for caring about the little things in our lives.
Much Love,
Do Widzenia,
Joanna Meredith
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Updates
Dzien Drobry! (good afternoon)
I hope that everyone is doing well and surviving the heat. The weather here has been finicky, really hot then cold, which might have something to do with me being sick again. This time I have strep, but thankfully it isn't to bad yet and the doctor is coming today! Woohoo! I don't think I've ever been so excited to see a doctor. Hahaha... Actually, the doctor that is coming just got baptized this weekend with about 13 other people at camp. During the service everyone who was getting baptized gave their testimony- doctors, college and high school students, fathers, and families, all who were brought to Christ by others who wanted share how Christ had changed their life. I don't remember the names of everyone, but I hope you can still understand One story about a father, daughter, and friend that touched my heart. The daughter she spoke first, telling how she grew up with a catholic background, which was how everyone began their story, but there was no relationship with Christ. Because of circumstances and frustration she walked away from the church for awhile. A few years later she came to a basketball camp at Proem that a friend invited her too. Her friend had recieved Christ at basketball camp a few years prior. The daughter had come to camp only for basketball, but walked away with much more, a heart for Christ. When she came home her father noticed a difference and began to listen to what his daughter had to say about God. After reading the Bible and searching for what his daughter had, God revealed Himself and the girls father accepted Christ as his Savior. One by one lives are changed and people are giving a hope, a purpose.
Other Highlights:
Four other interns from America are here, well one is on her way. I now have a roommate, Hannah, who is actually from Greentown, IN, which is about 20 min. from my home town aaaaannnndddd her grandma lives in Tipton. It's crazy how small the world really is and the sense of humor God has. Hannah is teaching in the school today, since she has a degree in English as a second language. The other interns and I taught at the language school last night to cove for some peopel who were gone. The best part of the class is when the students walk in and look at you with big eyes and a question on there face. That question is, "Do they speak polish?" and there's another one, "Where is my real teacher?" As soon as the word "um" is said they know that English is the only language that will be coming out your mouth. No one ever seems to excited about lol... Anyway, the classes went well. I taught an advance class of adults, that means they already know a lot so I corrected more than I taught. We did introductions, answered some questions, and played a game, so class was pretty simple.
Well, I thats about it for now.
Do Widzenia! (goodbye)
Asia (Joanna)
I hope that everyone is doing well and surviving the heat. The weather here has been finicky, really hot then cold, which might have something to do with me being sick again. This time I have strep, but thankfully it isn't to bad yet and the doctor is coming today! Woohoo! I don't think I've ever been so excited to see a doctor. Hahaha... Actually, the doctor that is coming just got baptized this weekend with about 13 other people at camp. During the service everyone who was getting baptized gave their testimony- doctors, college and high school students, fathers, and families, all who were brought to Christ by others who wanted share how Christ had changed their life. I don't remember the names of everyone, but I hope you can still understand One story about a father, daughter, and friend that touched my heart. The daughter she spoke first, telling how she grew up with a catholic background, which was how everyone began their story, but there was no relationship with Christ. Because of circumstances and frustration she walked away from the church for awhile. A few years later she came to a basketball camp at Proem that a friend invited her too. Her friend had recieved Christ at basketball camp a few years prior. The daughter had come to camp only for basketball, but walked away with much more, a heart for Christ. When she came home her father noticed a difference and began to listen to what his daughter had to say about God. After reading the Bible and searching for what his daughter had, God revealed Himself and the girls father accepted Christ as his Savior. One by one lives are changed and people are giving a hope, a purpose.
Other Highlights:
Four other interns from America are here, well one is on her way. I now have a roommate, Hannah, who is actually from Greentown, IN, which is about 20 min. from my home town aaaaannnndddd her grandma lives in Tipton. It's crazy how small the world really is and the sense of humor God has. Hannah is teaching in the school today, since she has a degree in English as a second language. The other interns and I taught at the language school last night to cove for some peopel who were gone. The best part of the class is when the students walk in and look at you with big eyes and a question on there face. That question is, "Do they speak polish?" and there's another one, "Where is my real teacher?" As soon as the word "um" is said they know that English is the only language that will be coming out your mouth. No one ever seems to excited about lol... Anyway, the classes went well. I taught an advance class of adults, that means they already know a lot so I corrected more than I taught. We did introductions, answered some questions, and played a game, so class was pretty simple.
Well, I thats about it for now.
Do Widzenia! (goodbye)
Asia (Joanna)
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Week...
Hello Everyone!
I hope you are all doing well and soaking up some sun! The weather has been gorgeous here and I was able to catch some rays this past Saturday. An interesting note on that, whitey tighties are perfectly acceptable at the beach at any age in Poland... lol... I wanted to take a picture, but thought that might be a little inappropriet.
Other interesting facts I've learn:
All the schools in Poland have a program called green schools, where parents sign their children up for basically multi-day field trips. During the school year Proem has different green schools come and rent the camp. Right now we have 2 greens schools here, about 80 children altogether, till Friday. The schools have their own programs, but each day there are different activities that we do for them, like the climbing wall, zip line, baseball, mini-golf, etc. Also, this week we are having a men's conference. I'm not exactly sure how I'll fit into that, but I know I'll be finding out soon.
I've been able to take a couple Polish lessons and hopefully will continue that for as long as possible. I'm sure when camp starts things will get to crazy to continue, but then I'll have 12 little teachers/kiddos running around me all the time telling me how to say things. I can't wait! really!
Oh! and to update you on my sickness status- I'm still sick... lol... but I'm feeling better. The good news is there is a doctor that goes to the church in Tomy, who was able to check me out. I have a lovely sinus infection, but thankfully I now have antibiotics that are supposed to start helping me feel better in 3 days. Being sick for almost 2 weeks has taken a toll on me but I have a greater heart for those who are sick all the time. Thank you so much for your prayer, but I would appreciate prayer for me to get better.
You all are greatly miss and loved! I wish I could hug everyone of you!
The Poland Team (a.k.a. Team Jo)
I hope you are all doing well and soaking up some sun! The weather has been gorgeous here and I was able to catch some rays this past Saturday. An interesting note on that, whitey tighties are perfectly acceptable at the beach at any age in Poland... lol... I wanted to take a picture, but thought that might be a little inappropriet.
Other interesting facts I've learn:
- "No" literally means "yeah" in Polish. ("Nie" is "no")
- The Olympic Polish Training Center is 10 min. from where I presently live.
- Instead of chasing you with flashing lights, Police officers wave a flag if you are speed and you are supposed to stop (I'm not sure what happens if you don't stop.)
- Polish people don't do ice cubes. (I never realized how much I love ice till now :)
- To roll down the window in a car you push the up arrow instead of the down.
- The bride and groom sit for the ceremony at a Polish wedding.
- Hot coffee/tea are always acceptable no matter what the temperature.
- Polish people make fun of Ukrainians and Lithuanians like we make fun of people from West Virginia
All the schools in Poland have a program called green schools, where parents sign their children up for basically multi-day field trips. During the school year Proem has different green schools come and rent the camp. Right now we have 2 greens schools here, about 80 children altogether, till Friday. The schools have their own programs, but each day there are different activities that we do for them, like the climbing wall, zip line, baseball, mini-golf, etc. Also, this week we are having a men's conference. I'm not exactly sure how I'll fit into that, but I know I'll be finding out soon.
I've been able to take a couple Polish lessons and hopefully will continue that for as long as possible. I'm sure when camp starts things will get to crazy to continue, but then I'll have 12 little teachers/kiddos running around me all the time telling me how to say things. I can't wait! really!
Oh! and to update you on my sickness status- I'm still sick... lol... but I'm feeling better. The good news is there is a doctor that goes to the church in Tomy, who was able to check me out. I have a lovely sinus infection, but thankfully I now have antibiotics that are supposed to start helping me feel better in 3 days. Being sick for almost 2 weeks has taken a toll on me but I have a greater heart for those who are sick all the time. Thank you so much for your prayer, but I would appreciate prayer for me to get better.
You all are greatly miss and loved! I wish I could hug everyone of you!
The Poland Team (a.k.a. Team Jo)
Friday, June 3, 2011
ProFit
Alright here's what's been going down in Zakosciele. We had about 50 people attend ProFit camp, ages ranging from 21-68, and a few different countries represented. Most people showed up last Wednesday and stayed through Sunday. Everyday there were different fitness classes, medical workshops, discussion groups, and activity times for everyone to choose from. Instructions from America came and taught kickboxing, zumba, and flexible strength. During the week I had the opportunity to teach boot camp and pilates. As I explained what Boot camp was too everyone, I mentioned that it would begin at 7:15 am and it seemed like everyone either groaned or gasped. lol... I then proceeded to tell them how crazy American's would start around 5 or 6 am, rain or shine, hot or cold, which came back to kick me at the end of the week when it rained Saturday morning. I got up that morning hoping, praying, and confidently thinking no one would get up for boot camp. Wrong! 4 people showed up all proud of themselves. Lol... Awh crazy Polish people ;). Over all fit camp went well and relationship were built and strengthend. The only downer this past week has been this cold that I can't seem to kick. Tylenol, sleep, water, tissues and I have all become very close friends lately. It's been lovely getting to know them better... Hopefully this next week will better with a little less sniffing and a little more running! Your prayers are much appreciated, and I miss you all! Oh and you can get a free donut at dunkin donuts today! Eat one for me!
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