We had a very relaxing morning due to most of us not feeling
the greatest. Exhaustion and sickness has most definitely set in. Just sitting
around the house with the girls is amazing in itself. My energy level was at an
all time low as I was physically and emotionally drained. Before this trip my
prayer was that God would wreck me so that He could shape me into who He
created me to be and that is exactly what is taking place. I have been met with
a lot of adversity, which left me vulnerable and broken and right where God
wants me to be. I am at the place where I am completely dependent on His
strength and I would have it no other way even though to be honest sometimes it
is very hard and what He puts me through to get there hurts a lot.
Today we
had planned for the younger kids who live in the village to come over for
candy, bible stories, bracelet making, and games so resting was essential so we
could be ready to give the kids our all when they arrived. The kids came over
at two in the afternoon and we were shocked and excited at how many of them
came. They ran through our gates with so much joy and enthusiasm that it made
me realize that this is why I am here. Some of us did not expect, though, just
how much God was going to reveal to us throughout the two hours that the kids
were here.
-Corrinne
I had never thought God would open
my eyes to see and my ears to listen so quickly. It was all too fast that I was
overcome with a sense of purpose as we began to read the bible story of Noah to
the 50 kids that gathered. We handed out
cookies and lollipops and I witnessed an overwhelming sense of appreciation as
gratitude flowed from their lips and formed smiles on their faces. We separated the boys and the girls to begin
our activities. Corrinne, Lindsey and Blair surprised the girls with beads and
string so that they could make bracelets.
Christian, Ashton, and I ran in
excitement holding soccer balls as the boys sprinted after us towards the
field. Immediately, laughter filled the field and the keep away games were brought
forth. It was an experience that I can hardly put into words. It was as if that
moment my purpose was made clear in glorifying the kingdom of God. The glory of
creation was being celebrated with every smile, every kick, and every laugh.
I stopped at the sudden sound of
singing filling the building behind us as we heard the girls echoing their
beautiful voices amongst the field. Once the girls joined us, Blair thought it
would be funny to yell, “Tackle him!” and soon I found myself staring at thirty
grins ready to leap at the chance of tackling the Mzungu. I raced around dodging
each child only to find myself quickly out of breath and on the floor rolling
in laughter. This repeated several times to the point where I was so out of
energy that I could barely get to my feet. The children fanned me with their
hands as I was breezed with an overwhelming sense of love. I then found myself
being lifted off the ground as almost every child who was on the field raised
me with all of his or her strength. I was being carried across the field. This
moment broke me like no other. God had just dropped me on the ground and picked
me up reminding me of His love. He chose to deliver this through the children
and the message had not been clearer. I
needed to be reminded of His love for all and rely on His strength alone.
-Connor