The History Makers

I was invited to join a conference for young leaders of Slovenia, called The History Makers. The conference lasted 6 days and we talked about our relationship with God and all the important parts of it in our lives (integrity, intimacy with God, stewardship of different things…). ILI team (International Leadership Institute) has been equipping young leaders all over the world for years and this was their first time in Slovenia.

It was an intense conference and I have to admit that it was hard to sit still and 'study' for hours every day, especially after such a busy summer, but I got so much out of it. We had prayer teams where we prayed for one another; we had alone time with God where we sought His call for our lives and asked to give us a vision; we had free time where we played board games :) ...

It was really good to be reminded of all the core things of our walk with the Lord, and it's good to be equipped with all the material they presented to us so we can share it and be leaders who make leaders for the Lord. Ultimately, that is their vision, and it's ours too.

Performing Arts Camp 2014 - Fearless

PA Camp has been a highlight of my summer for the past 5 years. The schedule of the camp is not that different than an English Camp schedule; instead of English classes we have choir and dance practices. Instead of crazy games in the afternoon we have different workshops. Evening program is very similar to other camps, as are late nights as well.
But there is one difference, a really big one too. At PA Camp we all work together towards a goal - to put together a show of singing, dancing, acting and playing instruments, in just 8 days. We sweat together, laugh together, sometimes even cry together; when we are discouraged, we encourage each other, practice the dance routine outside of practice... and we do it all TOGETHER. It's such an amazing experience that by the end of the week, when it's time to say goodbye, most of us cry when it's time to say goodbye, even if we know we'll see each other again.

This year's theme was FEARLESS. When I visited US this past winter, I visited Modesto, CA which is where most of the people from PA Camp US team come from. They took me to see San Francisco one day, and on our drive back Lin, Deb, Chloe and I started talking about recent struggles we've had in our lives, and we realized they were mostly connected to fear. As we talked about upcoming PA Camp, Lin suggested that Fearless could be this year's camp theme. A couple of weeks later that was confirmed by all the directors of camp. 

The whole show was putting together a message that we don't have to be afraid because God is with us. We are His children and He takes care of us.

We had 5 people coming from Kocevje, including me, and it was a really good time of connecting in a different way. 4 of us were in the band workshop, and another girl was in a singing workshop. She didn't know any of us but she came to camp because it seemed interesting. Such courage! :) She is such a joyful person, always smiling and encouraging others.

Band worskhop

All people in black on the picture are from Kocevje :) 

God spoke to me a lot about my fear in life during camp. Fear used to control my life in a really big way. I didn't know that until my spiritual eyes opened when I accepted Jesus into my life. When that happened, God even gave me a life verse (He knows me so well...): "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

Andrea (an extended intern who's my roommate until December) and I just recently wrote down our fears and then next to them wrote down the truth from the Bible (so any kind of verse that talks about that fear and pretty much kills it). We will return to it every time any of those fears comes up and be reminded of God's truth. Fear doesn't come from God and we need to keep our eyes focused on Him!

I hope I can be a part of next year's camp as well... I really feel like I come alive there, I can really be myself, and I love seeing how our youth comes alive and flourishes!

At the American Ambassador's house. He's been inviting us for a picnic for 3 years in a row! :) Such a privilege! And I will never say no to eating American food :)