Time to load up! We climb into the van and start bumping and sliding down the extremely muddy road to the beach. Waving palm trees, bobbing fishing boats, and crashing seawater greets us. I stand with my teammates to form a rectangle shape in the water, and soon, kids run into the waves within the rectangle, laughing and shreaking with excitement. When I feel so cold that my lips turn blue, the whistle blows and I am releived to walk back to shore.
Once we have returned to camp and eaten dinner, we gather in the chapel. Each person holds a candle as we sing songs of adoration to the Lord. After receiving encouragement from the Word, we sadly blow out the candles.
But, the evening is far from over! Outside, a bonfire is awaiting us. As we gather around the fire, flames leap high into the air and sparks fill the night sky. This is the night campers and leaders have been waiting for! In a matter of minutes, the African drumming and the brass band begin to play, and the dancing commences. The entire field moves to the rythm of the music, and joy covers the dancers. Then, when it seems like nothing could be better, fireworks burst over our heads! The celebration continues late into the night. When the musicians can play no longer, we slowly make our way to bed, tired, with full hearts. And I am reminded of the beauty of culture and the simple gifts from God.
Learning Missions with Miss M. 