On Your Mark, Get Set, GO!

By Alicia Jones

Last week I went with about ninety youth ages 11-18 from the main town and surrounding villages for a week of camp. Life at camp was much like what I’m used to. There were the kids who missed home. There was the video camera and the annoying guys who invaded your room at one o’clock in the morning asking “Where are you?” There was crazy meal time in the dining hall. There was a great talent show, a bonfire, and dancing. And of course there were sports and team games.

For me, the week progressed like the start of a big race. I feel like a settled life here among the Roma and the start of the kindergarten is just around the corner and this week a voice seemed to yell, “On your mark, get set, GO!”

At the start of the week, the American team that was here on mission came two afternoons to the youth camp to do some activities, a little teaching and some small groups. These two afternoons gave me some contact with English speakers and some encouragement; I was on my mark. Additionally, the first four days of camp, a Hungarian girl stayed with me at the camp to help translate small group times and any serious conversations. This time helped me get set. But she had to leave Thursday night to return to Hungary. So, when Friday came it was time to GO! I was excited for the opportunity to be “on my own” among my Roma friends. No translator, no Americans, just me and the Roma.

The week of camp was run by a couple of local pastors and local church members. The songs, tears, and prayers of the youth during worship were meaningful, the friendships built between the young people are encouraging, and the work God did this week will be remembered.