Days 6 & 7: Peachland performance and Eagle Bay Bible Camp

6 hours ago

3 min read

After waking up at Camp Kawakawa, we were treated to a camp breakfast by some of the staff. The sausages were a big hit, as pork is something the kids are familiar with. The staff then gifted us with shirts from the camp, which the team greatly appreciated. After we had our fill, we began to load up the bus. By this point the cold that has been going around the team was in full effect, as several of us were coughing and sniffling. Two of the kids, Channa and Reat, were allowed to relax, as they seemed to be too lethargic to help out. I pray that they have a fast recovery just as Channy did.

While on our drive to Peachland, we stopped by Merritt to get supplies and take a bathroom break. Sarah spotted a hockey arena, and after checking inside she found a youth team practicing. We decided to bring the team inside to see what hockey looks like close up. The kids jumped every time the puck hit the glass and would giggle after.

Once we arrived at Peachland Baptist Church, we quickly unpacked and the kids rehearsed their dances. Once they were finished, we decided to take them to the lake which was right beside the church. It was humorous watching the kids frolic around in their dances costumes. I imagine passers-by would have been confused at the sight. The boys all skipped rocks, but none could match the skill of Chentra.

Supper that day was sausages and a collection of snacks prepared by the church. The kids discovered some of the church's toys and began to play with them, with the hoola-hoop proving to be a big hit. Set-up for the performance went smooth, as the team had a pair of performances under their belt.

The performance at Peachland Alliance Church was the first time the team performed at a smaller church, which added some comical moments. One of the boys rolled off the stage during the Praying Mantis dance (a moment I wish I caught on film), and the room's acoustics made it easier to hear an audience member talk to their spouse (audience member, don't worry if you're reading this, it was a funny moment). After the performance was finished and the market was done selling to customers, the team hunkered down, as they would be spending the night at the church.

The next morning saw us pack up and bid Peachland farewell. The kids were more energized than usual, probably due to the sleepover-like environment. Once on the bus, we watched one of the Ice Age movies (I have no idea how many of those films exist), which the kids enjoyed despite the language barrier.

We stopped for lunch at Salmon Arm, where we ate a park that was beside the lake. Channa and Reat lied low and ate little as they needed as much rest as they could get. The rest of us enjoyed the lunches prepared for us by Peachland Baptist. The team liked looking at the flower displays, and greatly enjoyed walking down the dock. It was fun to see the kids interact with Rob, our bus driver, who has once again settled into his 'uncle' role quite well. His best contribution (besides driving us everywhere) was introducing us to the concept of calling Veebol meatball.

We then arrived at our destination: Eagle Bay Bible Camp. We were not even pulled in when the kids started demanding to swim in the lake. Once we were off the bus, we worked out where everyone would be staying, and then the children practically sprinted down to the lake. None of them would stay in the water for long, as they would hop off the docks and come back ashore quickly. The process would then repeat. I joined the kids in the water, but I refrained from my usual swimming antics (throwing the kids around), as the kids seemed more reserved than they would be at a pool.

After swimming, the team was treated to supper by the camp staff. We were served lasagna, which I was nervous would be too different for the kids' tastes. Thankfully, the kids enjoyed the meal greatly. After supper, the team had a marshmallow roast around a campfire, with Hengleap providing musical accompaniment. The team then departed to their cabins, everyone greatly enjoying the camp experience.