Summer is here, school is out! Warm weather, sunshine, and outdoors! What does the summer hold for us? Almost all of the children are excited about taking Tennis lessons.
Nicu, one of our long term staff members, has begun teaching the fundamentals of tennis. Teaching up to ten children at once how to hold the racket, swing the racket, and hit the ball can be quite a challenge, especially when his helper (me) is just learning the fundamentals as well. Between the two of us we keep the kids quite busy for two hours as they enjoy something new and exciting. Not only do they learn a new sport, but they get to exercise and let off some of that energy that only kids seem to always have.
Each Thursday morning we will learn the basic fundamentals of tennis as long as the weather holds true as we will be on outdoor courts. This past Thursday morning was too wet to start on the courts, but we were not to be stopped. Learning to hold and swing the racket was a bit risky in the backyard of the family center in Unirea, but accomplished with no one getting struck, and no windows broken- a two hour lesson with a huge accomplishment. To finish off the day, we were able to have an afternoon lesson on the courts due to some sunshine that dried up the courts enough to smack a few balls over and at the net.
Where did the rackets come from? How are we able to pay for the courts for so many children? How about the tennis balls? These may be a few questions that you may be asking yourself.
We found the best price for rackets in a town about two hours away. The tennis courts are rented for an incredible rate from a friend of a friend. He even provided the use of the tennis balls for the children. The Lord always provides.
I want to thank you again for all you do for the children. It is only because of your prayers and support that every need has been taken care of. Nicu thought of teaching the children tennis, and we were able to bring this idea into use quickly. You may not have known about this, but the Lord knows and answers. As you pray, for the children, we found tennis courts that would allow us to teach the children for two hours for the same cost as two players (and we have 11 people). We were able to find the best price for rackets, and did not even have to pay for tennis balls. The Lord is so good. Our prayers are always answered. Even for prayer requests we don't even know about yet. And as these were going to be prayer requests, they have already been answered.
Some other activities we are planning on for this summer is camp. Every year we have a kid's camp. Pray for the preparation, and planning. A zoo trip is a tradition we plan on keeping. Pray for each of these as we prepare and plan. Pray for safety and for all to be a blessing to our children.
