Today is a free day where we get to explore Tallinn, the beautiful capital city of Estonia. Although, we’ll be taking in the sites, resting and enjoying time together…much more will be going on. Today we start to decompress and allow the awe and splendor of what our Lord has done on this trip to sink in.

God has provided, protected and blessed us beyond any of our expectations. He has worked through us for His glory and His glory alone. We cannot claim that we as individuals have done something great, but only that God decided to use us—despite all our faults—to show the love of Christ to those in Estonia.

I’m reminded of a key phrase we had talked about with the team…Pour Yourself Out! We used this phrase over and over in preparing for our trip to Estonia. This morning on the train ride to Tallinn, I was looking at our team and I saw 14 individuals who had done just that. The team has given everything they have spiritually, physically and emotionally.

As I think about all that has taken place, I'm once again moved by how God desires a relationship with us…a growing, vibrant and lifelong relationship with us. I look forward to seeing how God will continue to work in the seeds that were planted and also in our lives as He's ministered to each of us on this trip. As this mission trip comes to a close I’m excited to apply all that we have learned to the mission field that awaits us at home, right in our backyard!

Although this was my second English Camp, God really performed a work in me this year that is usually experienced by those going for the first time. I knew what to expect having been before, but God far exceeded those expectations beyond anything I could ever comprehend.

As I reflect back to our 4 days at camp, my heart aches for the students I met this year. I had the opportunity to build many new relationships and hear many stories. Many of these kids have already been through some difficult situations; some that are hard for us to understand. We naturally want to be the ones to stay with them and continue to guide them on the right path. But what God has chosen to do through us is to plant a seed that will be watered by our missionaries and Estonian leaders who are in close contact with these students. I trust that God has greater plans in store and I am so grateful for the ministries that are already in place.

As we spent the day sightseeing in Tallinn, God constantly reminded me of the reason why He chose the 14 of us to go to Estonia this year. We are blessed to have had the opportunity to see Tartu and Tallinn, but greater is the impact that He made through us before, during and after camp. As the trip came to a close and we were enjoying the last few hours in Tallinn, I didn’t want to leave. I think that is true for many of us. It is amazing how such a close relationship can be built in just 4 days. These kids will forever be etched in my memory. God used each one of us in a unique way. He is so amazing and His love never fails. I will be praying for those that God allowed me to impact this week and am grateful for those whom God used to minister to me. This trip was life changing for me and will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Kelly