How can we express our thankfulness for the boss's goodness? This place is KNOWN for its rain and rain and rain (among other things). Somehow we have hit a week of relatively dry weather. Yesterday was amazing. We had outdoor challenge games planned for the evening activity. We woke up to dark gray overcast skies with 15 to 20 mph winds. You could feel the moisture in the air. Everything was damp. There was a bit of sun around noon but then the clouds came in again. We did not really have an alternative plan for rain. He is soooo good. Thanks for lifting us up. The evening was rain free and even less humid. The challenge activities went off without a hitch. We had children engaged in seven different activities, most where they had to work together to solve a task or a problem. Danielle and Tim led the Gilligan's Island task; John and Nancy and Anna M worked with transporting a tennis ball on a sheet with a hole in the middle; Deborah, Michelle, and Dave introduced the the camp to carrying a tennis ball on a piece of PCV pipe with 6 strings coming from the pipe like the spokes of a wheel; Linda Tina, and Renee challenged the camp to untie a human knot; Mollie, Mary Anne (our Vanna White), Chris (our good guy) and Josh (our bad guy) led the students in a wild game of GOOD GUY BAD GUY, Anna T., Logan, Wendy G.,and Christine dazzled the campers with some mind reading activities, Herm, and Anna C, played Steal the Bacon, and Claudette helped to herd children from place to place.

Just how good is the Boss. Well this morning at 3:30 am the skies let loose with a fury of thunder and a lightening show that was pretty amazing. It has been pouring since then. (After all those rice paddies have to get filled with water some way!!!) Guess what? We have no outdoor activities planned for today or tomorrow. Hmmmmmmmm. We are hoping for some sun on Thursday afternoon for our carnival--but we do have an indoor contingency plan.

Classes are going very well. Teachers and students have begun practicing for our closing ceremony. Teachers are selecting their best boy and girl speakers to be interviewed for overall best girl and boy speaker to give a speech at the closing ceremony.

As time draws near to a close so also sometimes does focus and reliance on you know who. Lift us up that we might be mindful to rely on the Boss's desire for our work and stay the course.

Tim still struggles with his mouth and gum problem and Josh is nursing a bad knee. Michelle is taking a rest today so she will be ready to go for the final daysof teaching. Remember them. We have 8 who will go from here to a camp in Xinning. Lift them up as it is hard to see others go to an easier existence knowing you have three more weeks to labor. This is an intense experience with few conveniences and no time to be alone. They will enter their next camp with entusiasm but with bodies that have been taxed to the limit by the demands of this camp. Lift them up continuously for physical and emotional strength.

Here are some Shout OUTS:

Hi, it's me again, Claudette. Well, it is count down for camp 1 (Guiyang) and eager anticipation for camp 2 (Xining). All is well. Keep doing what you do best. Love in Him. Claudette H.

Hey everyone! Nothing new. We got a BIG thunderstorm last night. One of the metal frames for the bed (we think) got hit by lightning. Tell everyone hi for me! When we went shopping, Danielle wanted to get Chinese fireworks and a rubberband gun. (go figure) Well its still raining and class is about to start so bye! Love ya! Mary Anne A.

Hey Mom and Dad, Hey there. Today it is raining and you can feel it over the students. They just seem tired, but are listening. It is funny how creative you can be trying to keep the kids awake. But it is still good. I am missing you all a lot. Love you a ton, and please tell Josh that things are going GREAT!! Tina H.

Well that is it from old camp Guiyang for today. Will try to send more later.

Doug, for the team.