So English camp took place just this past week.  It was three days, starting from tuesday and ending thursday, with a extension into Friday, sorta, not really.  But no matter the time, we went into the camp knowing that God had great plans for us.  What we did not know, however, was that what God was going to do in these three days would change people for a lifetime.

Brendan and I were the “Lao Shi”s or teachers for the Advanced English Class.  Our class consisted of about 25 students plus or minus five depending on the time and day.  What God did with these three days together was far beyond learning English or for us, teaching English.  Soon we found out that the students were not the only people about to learn some new things.

From the beginning we saw that the group of students was rather large.  Twenty five is a pretty big number for two new teachers to handle in a language that neither of us to could speak very well.  It was also hard enough to remember their names, moreover build personal relationships with them?! I thought to myself after the first 10 minutes of class…. God why do you ask so much? But, may your will be done.  Each day we started with an English ice breaker, do an informal Q and A where students were allowed to ask me or Brendan any question they wanted, tell a Bible story, and then interpret the Bible story with a skit.

And so we began.  One Hour Past. I figured out a few of their names as well as all the TA’s names.  One Day Past. We had some good laughes.  I had actually been asked “What color is your underwear?” and “Do you have a girlfriend?” (three times), so I figured they actually wanted to know me on a pretty personal level. =) Praise God for helping us take that first step!!  Day Two. Some more laughes, more learned names, and the word “AWESOME!”  Yes, the students taught me the real meaning of “awesome.”  God is truly Awesome in every sense the kids meant it.  Day Three. This was when we completely stopped “teaching” and started learning.  Sure we told them a Bible story and helped them out with some English, but they were indeed teaching us how to be open, how to love, and how to smile.  Their interpretational skits, even with limited English, showed both of us the Word in ways we had never seen before.

Only in three days and a few pictures later, God has truly helped us build some incredible relationships with the students that were in our class.  We have a list of nearly 30 students’ names and MSN’s!!! That means 30+ new friends!! Interestingly enough, I have actually skyped with a few of them in this past week! Praise God, yes Praise be to his precious and Holy name.

- I thank you Father God for YOUR plans that exceed and go far beyond my plans.  May your power and glor reign forever and ever.”How can I repay you for your awesomeness?… There is NO price for awesomeness!” -Amen

-Brian Luong