Top 7 reasons why YOU should be exited for Champfleuri
Why are so many high schoolers from Immanuel going to France this summer?
What is even in France?
What’s so great about Europe anyway?
“I was excited to sign up, and have heard good things about the trip, but I still don’t quite get it” Says Mackenna Platteel, a first time member of the Champfleuri 2k15 team. Well Mackenna, other first time teammates, and all other interested parties, you will soon find out why France (not a real link) is “The destination missions trip spot” according to Sarah Newell and other reliable sources. Grab your passport and my hand, I can pretend we’re in France for a weekend. (™ Taylor Swift)
Qu list format.
- It’s FRANCE. I guess this is probably one of my more shallow reasons for flying across the Atlantic, but from the landscape, mountain air, ancient buildings, fresh food, and most of all the mountains, France is without a doubt the most gorgeous place I’ve ever been.
- The people. I have made such incredible friendships through camp TED, that are carried out throughout the school year through skyping, messaging, and letters. I have learned a lot from these people, but most importantly I’ve learned that 3,000 miles, an entire ocean, a language barrier, and 11 months apart isn’t enough to keep friendships from growing.
- The sermons. Every day at camp one leader gets up in front of the whole group and gives a talk. There is typically a theme carried out during the month that all of the sermons can link to, but each of them are well prepared, educational, applicable, interesting, and geared to the target audience of kids my age. They are each delivered in either French or English, then translated into the other language so that every person in the room can understand everything that is going on. I believe this is also one of the most important parts of the camp, because so many of the French kids do not have access to a church near their home. While at camp, everyone has total access God’s word. Lol TED talks. We’re at camp TED! Getit?
- The down side is, the camp really isn’t very fun.
(satirical comedy intended)
- Worship time. At camp TED you will become familiar with the experience of large group worship. Both musically and nonmusical, there is time scheduled (said in a British accent please ie. Sh-e-d-yool-ed) for praising God.
- Bread. From local bakeries. Served breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- It’s a rare, life changing, idealistically challenging, wonderful, eye opening opportunity that I am so blessed to have taken part of. One of my favorite quotes is something I came across a while ago, that I think sums up why this trip is so important. “Make friends with people who aren’t your age. Hang out with people whose first language isn’t the same as yours. Get to know someone who doesn’t come from your social class. This is how you see the world. This is how you grow.” Grow in Christ, as a friend, as a person, and most importantly as a Christian.
Disclaimer: You will see virtually no cats on this trip. Few dogs, but no cats.
