Yesterday was our last day at The Childrens Village (orphanage) so the team was encouraged to really make the most of every moment and to even step out of the moment for a minute to grasp the moment a little deeper. This is truly one of the challenges of doing a short term mission trip like this one: That it can pass by so quickly that you miss the significance (and sacredness) of the many precious moments. So with this in mind, the team engaged the children one last morning! We also received a phone call just before the second team left for The Childrens Village (it takes two trips to get our full group there) informing us that Mme. Soliette had requested that we continue with some more painting. This was not what we were expecting, as today was planned as a Kids Kamp morning only. But I was once again deeply impressed with how many of the team members were willing to give up their morning with the kids in order to do what Mme. Soliette desired. Their attitudes reflected what we had talked about the night before: That we have not come to be served but to serve, following the example and words of Jesus when he washed the disciples feet. So our morning once again took a couple of twists and turns but it was once again a beautiful time serving the kids and the orphanage. The pictures continue to capture many of the sacred moments between the children and our team, so I will simply post more pics and let the team fill in the blanks when they get home! ;) For now I will simply say it was very difficult to drive away knowing we wont be back, at least not anytime soon! Our afternoon was split between the library team and a random team. The library team took all the books they had catalogued over the course of the week to the school and completed the library. The random team walked down to the Saline (poorest area near Anse-a-Galets) with balloons, stickers, pipe cleaners, and a soccer ball to engage whatever little kiddos we came into contact with. It didnt take long for a good size group to gather, including some of their parents, and the team had a great time of just playing with the children. The evening included our nightly de-brief, which has been an excellent time of sharing, and then most played some games or just enjoyed a couple of hours to talk before bed time. Fortunately no one had to deal with large spiders or cockroaches going to bed! :) Just the knowledge that only one more day in La Gonave was ahead. Mixed emotions to be sure! But well make sure all your kids are on the boat Monday morning - unless you request otherwise! ;) Pics of Day Eight to come!
Posted on: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 17:41:55 +0000