Adelaide Experiences the Feast of Nations

When the team went out yesterday for their visit to Adelaide the team leaders knew that the plan was to present the Feast of Nations at the evening meal, because of that they packed a lighter lunch for the team. Instead of packing two sandwiches for each student, they only packed one and by the end of the day our guys were pretty hungry. They arrived back at the camp ready to head directly to the dining hall. They were met with THE deck of cards and the Feast was on! Many had heard about this experience but were not expecting it so early in the trip. As expected there was a wide range of reactions. There were those at the KING table that desperately wanted to give away their spot or to share their provisions but they were not allowed. Another at the KING table really relished the opportunity and completely enjoyed the experience...every last bite. Another was very quiet but quietly received and enjoyed the provision. Many in the rest of the group were just really MAD. Some students begged to be able to return to their cabins so they could simply eat the candy and junk food they had packed. One student was overheard as saying, "I paid $500 to be treated like this!" Another said, "I have Character Training in the morning and I need my strength!"

For more specifics on what is involved in the Feast of Nations, please refer to the earlier post that was listed for the earlier trip. For this post let me simply say that there were three groups. Once group of 4 ate a steak banquet, a second group of about 12 had beans and rice and the rest of the group had rice and dirty water. (There was cinnamon sprinkled in the water but the visual was there!)

After dinner they all gathered at the Camp Fire for their debrief time. Mr. Ellis really encouraged the students to reconsider their focus. He was able to point out that was he was hearing was a lot of "it's all about me!" They discussed the issues of hunger and talked about the feeling of hunger that many had in their stomachs at that time. They talked about their opportunities and the provisions and gifts that they had by virtue of the families that they are born into and the opportunities they have in the U.S. One of the leaders shared about all the choices that we have and encouraged the students to think about those who have limited choices or no choice. It is not an easy thing to readjust our thinking on these issues. It will be easy to understand the lessons right now, and they were encouraged to consider ways to remember their feelings and impressions once they return to the "land of choices". After the discussion they were offered extra rice and beans, salad and leftovers but many chose to go to bed right away and remember the feeling of hunger.

It was then "Lights Out" and off to sleep! This morning they were up bright and early, fed a hearty breakfast and then the plan was for them to go back to the home of the Haitian pastor that Team Gambier visited last week. They will divide into two ministry groups and send a team to the Pastor's home and a team to the church.

I have received some pictures from the field and will post them as soon as I can figure out the posting process. I like to leave you hanging.....so that's all for now.

Sincerely, Bahama Mama