I came to Estonia expecting to leave with some new friends. As we're leaving I cannot comprehend how far God exceeded my expectations. I'm not leaving new friends behind, but loved ones. These students touched my heart in such a way that I am coming back to Columbus a changed and broken man. My heart is hurting so bad right now as I leave Tartu heading to Tallinn. It is supposed to be an enjoyable day for us to relax and take in the sights in Tallinn, but my heart will be back in Tartu with the kids. All I can think about is how both of the shoulders of my shirt were soaked last night when I took it off from the tears of the students (Liisi, Liivi, and Helis in particular) as we had to say goodbye one last time.

It was so amazing to sit with each of the students this week—both in small groups and hanging out during free time—and hear all of their stories and backgrounds. Then to share with them not only who God is, but what He has done in my life and what He can do for them in their lives. The students were so open i to hear the gospel from us. As one of the girls in my small group named Liivi told me, "Americans are so cool". I think most Americans like myself do not realize the impact we can have on the world until we make a trip such as this. That being said, I think we need to take more responsibility in doing so. I know that my eyes have been opened and I fully intend to do so.

I am just in awe right now of how God has worked through us this week and used each of us to work out His plan for these students. I have been thanking and praising God non-stop for allowing me to be a part of this. I can already feel God tugging at my heart to bring me back to Estonia next year for English Camp 2010.

Story is what this is all about. Taking the time to hear someone's story and sharing yours. Often we get caught up telling somebody how they should live without listening them. It was amazing to share my story with the students at camp, and begin to see their hearts and eyes open as they saw that someone else—to some degree—has experienced what they have. It's through these stories we can open up examples in the Bible that the students can relate to!

It was so awesome to see one of my students eyes light up, eagerly listening as I related a story to him. He had no real prior understanding of who God was. No family who believed. God put on my heart, to share with my small group, a simple story from one of Pastor Tom's messages. A house doesn't magically appear. The house needs a creator, a builder. I related this to how wonderfully our bodies have been constructed. They don't simply appear with such astounding complexity. Our bodies were built intelligently, in the form of our Creator. Through that story, one of the students in my small group expressed interest in learning more about Christ! My evolutionist students even began to experience a change of heart as I told this story. My life and heart have forever changed on this trip. I learned the value story.

Chris