(Sunday evening)

Zosna Camp at last! I've been longing to some back here ever since last summer, and at last here I am. So far it's been extremely similar to last year: train ride to Rezekne, pile into a vans and ride to Anatoly's house (he's the guy who pretty much runs Zosna camp, and is one of the most generous, loving, humble, and godly men that I've ever met), hang out there for a couple hours, eat a meal, pile back into vehicles along with all our stuff, hang on for dear life in the back of a cargo van filled with random pieces of equipment as we hurtle down bumpy dirt roads without regard for life or limb, arrive at camp slightly disheveled and disoriented but alive, unload the vans, sweep and wash floors, unpack, hang out for a while, and then voila... here I am.

Some of the 'staff' is here already (the older campers both participate in the camp and help run and organize things during the week), and it's been great to see some old friends... Victor, Sasha, Ivan, Micha, Danik, Tima, and of course Anatoly. Hopefully when everyone else arrives tomorrow I'll be able to reconnect with even more people as well as start forging some new relationships. I'm just thrilled to be back... I had a feeling in my heart of hearts last year that Zosna Camp wasn't going to be just a one-time event for me, and I'm so thankful that God made it possible for me to return. The facilities are spartan, the living conditions are primitive, but the relationships are priceless. Much as I feel like I belong in Skjolden in some small way, I feel like this camp was made for me (and me for it). I'm sure that by the end of the week I'll be less optimistic and cheerful as fatigue, tiredness and a lock of sleep and protein sets in, but as for now I am thoroughly thrilled to be here.