Traveling and the Start of Precamp

Written by Chris


We made it safely to Sweden! The flight was 9 hours from SeaTac to Copenhagen. We were blessed with a smooth and relatively empty flight which made it easy for James to sleep while Ethan and I slogged through. We landed early so had plenty of time for our layover en route to Stockholm. We landed in Stockholm at 1 PM local time and booked train tickets for 4 PM because we were concerned we wouldn't make it in time for the 2 PM train (blessed by European travel efficiency), so we had a light lunch in the airport and waited for our train.

The train station at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Sweden is known for art
installations in its metro system. Even this simple painted cavern was cool!


The train made what would have been a 2 hr drive into a 1 hr 15 min ride (can the US invest more in rails, please?), and we were picked up by fellow Swedish co-workers. We arrived just in time for dinner and met folks from London, San Francisco, Oslo, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Gothenburg. It was great to connect with other leaders and hear about their past experiences at the NCCC Summer Camp and what they're looking forward to this year.


The camp does not officially begin until Tuesday, but we began Precamp today after dinner - a time for us as leaders to prepare spiritually and logistically for the camp. Sarah, a team member from SF who grew up in Sweden, led us in a devotional about assessing how we're currently doing in our walks with God. It was refreshing to pause and meditate on the Lord before diving into all there is to do. She also had all of the leaders watch an episode of VeggieTales, specifically Dave and the Giant Pickle which is their retelling of David and Goliath. We were reminded with the simple yet profound truth that even though David is small and Goliath is big, God is so much bigger. Many coworkers are leading groups for the first time or attending the NCCC Summer Camp for the first time, so there are many reasons that we may feel afraid or inadequate or like we're facing a giant. We split into groups to share takeaways and pray with one another.

A view of the lake from the camp site


While we are physically tired, jet lagged, and really confused about what time it is, we've already gotten a taste of cross-cultural, global partnerships being formed to alongside each other this week. As we continue with Precamp, here's how you can be praying:

  • Rest: pray for a good night's sleep and recovery from the long day of travel.
  • Travel: many fellow leaders are coming in tomorrow. Pray for safe travels for those still on their way.
  • Connection & Partnership: pray for friendships and partnerships to grow and flourish as we serve together with our brothers and sisters from around the world.

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