Archive: Aug. 21, 2009: Camp Living Water

The teenage girl from the Bucharest orphanage clambered out of the cars, eager for their one week at Living Water Camp. The backdrop of Romania’s vibrant wine country, in the Pancea district, was refreshing for both campers and counselors. Nate and I had the challenge and joy to share Bible stories around the campfire and address ‘real life’ scenarios of pain and suffering that these girls experience daily.

When asked, “Do you believe if you had just one thing it could make you happy? What would it be?” Each girl answered, without faltering, “If my family took me back, then I would be happy.” Most of the girls are not true orphans, merely ‘abandoned’ by parents who occasionally visit but choose not to parent due to poverty, drug or domestic abuse, and irresponsibility.

It was so fun to get to hang out with these girls whether jumping on the trampoline, snuggling in for late night movies or making s’mores around the campfire!