Sleep last night was pretty good.  However, we were awoken by wild dogs and roosters at 5am.  Literally.  And then, Chris was snoring like a wild boar, right in our room!  It was a crazy few moments and then I slept again for a good hour and a half.  I felt somewhat rested for the first time yet.  Breakfast went well, and then Bessi, Laura, Agustina and I talked about the schedule for today and some philosophy for camping.  It was good.

We talked about different things, and I was able to share some tips.  They told me that at their other camps, they do things differently.  It was a surprise to me that they do other camps.  We learn many things that I wish we would have known before so I can communicate accordingly.  It is hard to know my place when I find out that this is really year #1 again (even though a team came here in summer of ‘08).  Last time we came, apparently the school they worked with was a whole lot more involved and in control.  It is encouraging, but a little difficult when I hear Bessi say she wants Laura and I to return next year to be with them.  It is difficult because I totally agree and see the need for consistent relationships, however, it isn’t my decision.  I can offer my opinion, but the final call doesn’t rest on me.  So I have trouble finding the words.  I want to agree, but then I don’t want to make promises I can’t keep.  I want to return without a doubt, but we will see.  I hope we can arrive at a more long term solution when I am back in the States at PC.

Sidenote:  I am continually blown away by Agustina.  She leads quietly, but still leads.  She is a leader, but not one that we are used to.  Its awesome.  Along with her, the Argentine staff is also doing so well.  I find myself trying to encourage them but not knowing how.  (This is probably the most difficult thing I have ever done.)

We learned today that another group is showing up here at noon.  They are not with us.  They are a part of the school that I mentioned earlier.  They are basically taking over while we try to finish camp with the kids we have here.  We have to just go where they don’t go.  No bueno.  Bessi, nor us, is pleased.  Again, we just have to roll with it.  Si Senor!

We played games and then had lunch.  I almost passed out I was so hungry. After that we gathered together for singing and our closing.  Daniel wrapped up and then they wanted me to speak.  So I grabbed Hannah, and we winged it!  The kids listen well when I talk because I speak English.  It went well I think, thanks to Hannah!  Then we danced and took pictures.  We handed out suckers and the buses came.  The children ran around in a frenzy gathering names from counselors and kept saying “facebook”.  Well, at least the ones who use it.  It was just like camp back home.  How funny.. They all then immediately grabbed each of us and kissed our cheeks and said “chow”.  It is very sweet to watch these children say goodbye with their cultural “hello/goodbye” kiss.  It seemed like the children were so excited to wave goodbye through the windows, and it was sad to see them go.

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We all then got a free popsicle from the store (which is only open for the school) and it tasted GOOD.  Andres then taught me a cool hand beat, kinda like boom snap clap, but way awesomer!  We then sat in a circle outside and I led a share and debrief time with everyone.  It was very hard but really good.  I never knew how hard it would be to bridge two cultures and languages.  Leading a camp debrief with people in 2 languages is tricky.  It will make this summer far easier. :)  We then said goodbyes to the bluffs and a few chicos who were leaving to help them - Marcos, Jony, Ali, July, and Mariana.  I am sad to see them go.  Only Marcos and Jony are supposed to return for our 2nd camp in a few days.  It is sad to say goodbye to the 3 girls.

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Now we are literally on our own at camp until Sunday night.  (It is Friday)  A few notes that I am thinking of.  (1) It was so awesome the way the Argentina team decorated the dining hall a few days ago.  Signs made from construction paper made it way more fun for the kids.  (2) I love the Argentine greeting. It breaks down such barriers between people right away.  It puts me at ease with everyone I meet so much faster.  In the U.S. everyone keeps everyone at a distance.  Even in a handshake, there are more things at play than just introduction.  It is more about how strong you are, how confident you are than the fact that you are happy to meet/greet them.  (Maybe I can change how I handle this in the States.)   (3) Hannah is doing a PHENOMENAL job.  I know it is hard for her because the level of translation we need is high, and she has really never done this.  (4) My staff are doing amazing.. The counselors have done a great job and my program staff the same!  I am very proud of them.

This is an amazing experience for me personally, socially, and spiritually.  It is also great leadership training.  Wow.  And I feel so bonded with some of my staff which will be so great for this summer.  I am privileged to be able to be an environment where I can serve with my staff and get to know them better.  It is hard to do that in the summer, because there are so many and there is SO much more going on.  Juggling parents, campers and staff as well as responsibilities is a ton.  It is refreshing to do something simpler and with a smaller group of people.  Quality, not Quantity.  Yes.

We had snack together and then I circled up my staff to debrief a little.  It was a very good time.  We talked about community, about what we are learning, and how well the Argentine staff is doing.  Andres and Esteban came and sat among us to just listen.  It was great to have them sit with us.  My staff seem to be getting it here in big ways.  I am so proud of them.  After we talked, we went swimming!  Jose and Andres were in the pool wanting us to join.  We all jumped in in different ways and did a follow the leader game.  All the guys showed off for the girls.  One think remains the same globally - guys love showing off for girls.  Swimming was a ton of fun.

We ate dinner together and talked.  I had a long conversation with Esteban, Andres and Emi about learning the different dialects of Argentina Spanish.  For example: “yo” is “cho” and “tu” is “vos”  And then we had an even longer convo trying to figure out what we were saying to each other, and we came to find out that all Emi was telling me was that Andres studies economics.  It is funny how hard it is to even communicate small things because of the language misunderstandings.

Played a little American Football with Neal, John, Kyle and Jose.  I threw the ball literally into the branches in front of me once.  Hilarious.  I talked to Brooke on the phone, that was good.  Soon after, I talked with a few guys to get to know them better - Tanner, Jose, Esteban and Andres in the hall.  I am glad to be here.  Goodnight.