Push The Rock Team Trip 2018 Update #4
It’s hard to believe today (6/29) is the last day of camp in Forli. Our day was jammed packed with morning camp. We spent most of the camp playing group games and interacting with the kids as much as possible. Many of the kids had us sign their camp shirts. The team was a bit sad having to say goodbye. After the morning camp, we went to the shooting camp in Forli. One of the coaches gave a speech on teamwork and the player is more important than the game. He also included a few personal videos. We put the kids through a few drills before having to leave early for Faenza to play basketball with Luca and his family. Overall, the day was filled with many goodbyes.
Saturday was supposed to be a relaxing day, however, going to Florence never feels like that. We boarded a train at 8:18 with the three girls from the Forli Summer Camp along with two teen helpers. It was great getting a chance to get to know everyone more. Upon arriving in Florence, we separated into two groups. Most of the team was interested in shopping and even enjoyed a meal at McDonald’s. After spending 7 hours walking around the city, the team traveled back to Faenza where they enjoyed a nice 3 course meal by the missionary. We spent the rest of the night packing and getting ready to leave for Mestre in the morning.
Our morning (7/1) began with worship and church in Forli with the missionaries. Most of the service was in Italian but it was great getting share why we were here and what the Lord is doing. We enjoyed a potluck style lunch at the church. After church, the team was driven up to Mestre to partake in their service. One of the coaches shared his testimony along with an encouragement message centered around “one body.” Following church, we enjoyed refreshments and got to spend time with the translators who will be helping out with camp.
What a first day of camp!!! Our morning started early as we assisted the church with set up before the kids arrive. We have 56 kids attending camp this week. The morning portion of camp was very similar to last weeks. One of the coaches spoke on obedience followed by stations and coaches challenge. Different from the last year, one of the stations is spiritual focused and features a bible story from the Gospel of John. Lunch was later than normal which really made the day long. Following lunch, the kids enjoyed a spiritual skit and Q&A with the coaches. The remaining time of day was spent playing 4 on 4 games. A testimony was shared as parents arrived so that they could hear more about each coaches background as well as how God worked in their lives. This was a great first day of camp. After camp, we decided to go into Venice and see the city at night. It is such a beautiful city at night! We probably walked a few miles before deciding on a restaurant. Everyone had spaghetti. We couldn’t have asked a for a better ending to our day!
