A Very Full Day

Day 5: A very full day!
In the last few minutes of Wednesday, I will do my best to recap the title.  It was the third day with the OVC kids and wow, what an amazing and awesome day it was!  For many of us the morming story and moments after was a time when God really moved.  At the end of story time a lot of the kids were praying out loud to accept Jesus instead of silently.  Even if there might have been a language barrier, it was truly special to hear these kids pray out loud, some for the first time...in English and so clear! This is even more special considering most of the kids speak very little if any English.
There were some really great crafts and activities today.  A few of the many touching stories include seeing what the kids write on their newly made headbands Jesus is ..... One of the older boys wrote Jesus is my everything.  He nailed it right on.  We continue to learn more about the hardships and world these kids come from and just how difficult it is, but for some just how easy it is. Jesus is their friend, father and everything.

Today, we also introduced the game dodgeball to the kids.  It was a huge hit and was even added as a request during the kids free time before dinner.  Still in shock it beat out soccer (football) which is the usual free time choice for the kids.  The games definitely picked up in intensity and the OVC kids tried to add in their own rules, mainly when it benefited them. However, the kids are great and so much fun to be with.  The only thing that stopped the game was dinner calling.
After dinner there was a talent show, where there were some true talents on display.  Among the singing, break dancing, line dancing and free style, the most talked about moments were the local and traditional songs and dances the kids performed.  At one point, what started as a small group turned into almost every kid singing their hearts out to us.  It was clear how much they loved singing and dancing.

I think I can say the whole team feels blessed to be here and spending time with these kids.  We haven't been the only ones teaching as the kids are teaching us as well. Whether it is their own language, game, favorite song etc..the lessons are new each day.  I'm touched to see just how sharing they are with their food and how much the love seeing us, playing, singing and participating in the planned VBS activities.

It it is with a heavy heart we close tonight since tomorrow morning this group of kids leaves.  Most, if not all are going back to much harder and difficult times and to some very heartbreaking circumstances.  As a team we discussed this and it weighed heavy on all of our hearts....but, we know God loved them before us and so much more than we possibly can.

Well, tomorrow is already here and need a little rest.  We appreciate your prayers and ask you would continue to keep praying for our strength, health and openness to how God is moving and calling us.

Thank ya'll again for your love and support.

Chris