Adventures, adventures, and more adventures!!

I hardly know where to start! Our team has arrived with open hearts and have been received in exactly the same way. We have worshiped in both Spanish and English, listened to a sermon delivered by a man that was raised up in the same youth group as Gillian, (be encouraged parents - the story isn't nearly over on your teenagers...this man is the founder of Urban Promise), shopped in the market and prepared the food to share with the church. We have had our orientation and are excited about our first day of work with the children tomorrow.

 

Yes, it is hot and humid here but everyone is keeping well hydrated. We had a huge soccer tournament with the local youth last night and EVERYONE had an amazing time. Over and over, I heard our youth exclaim how wonderful it was...even those who aren't soccer players at home. The teams were all mixed up, young and old (the leaders!), males and females, Spanish and English...A special hats off to Tammy who played like a pro and led by example. I wish you could all have been here to see it for yourselves!

 

Carla, Antonia, and Mama have cooked our meals for us so far and it is no exaggeration to say that we are all in love. These women have the gift of hospitality (not to mention cooking) and treat us as if we were their own family. The youth clear the tables and do the dishes and love doing so because of the love that is present in that kitchen. We are so thankful.

 

We are cooking for ourselves tonight...we have broken into small groups and each group will take a turn shopping and preparing a meal for the rest of the group. We've been given a budget and have to stick to it so we are all excited about that...we've heard some very creative ideas for inexpensive meals!!

 

Please pray for us tomorrow as we go out to the camps to love these children.  Your prayers lift us up and we feel them supporting us so we covet them. There is so much more to tell you but I'm already late for our planning meeting so must run.  As the kids would say...the internet connection is sketch here...so I can't promise when the next blog will be but know that we are all alive...no we are ALIVE...and I wish my eyes were cameras so that you could all see what I see.

 

with love from all of us to all of you

 

Gillian