Blessings!

If I had to describe today in one word I would choose the word blessed. To me, being able to consider yourself blessed is a gift from God. Being blessed doesn't mean having everything or being the most famous. Being blessed means being thankful to God for all He has done for you. 

This morning we woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed (well, sort of) and started our day with breakfast and a quick devotional before heading to San Martín, an adult special needs center. After praying over the center, the staff, and those living at the center, we headed back outside to get the party started. Our time at San Martín was full of dancing, holding hands, face painting, and bracelet making. Those "kids" at the center sure do know how to put us gringos to shame on the dance floor.

We said our goodbyes and headed to the States a Diner for lunch. The States Diner is a part of Sus Hijos' ministry that employs boys and girls who have aged out of the government orphanages. We had some killer cheeseburgers, enjoyed time together, and even headed outside to the playground to bask in the sun before getting back on the bus. 

After lunch we headed to Guirolla, a special needs orphanage. Like the beginning of our day, a majority of the time spent at Guirolla consisted of a dance party. There's nothing like seeing the smiles on the kid's faces after dancing, being pushed in the swings, being pushed around in their wheelchairs, and just being loved on. We had the chance to help the staff members feed the kids dinner after singing some worship songs aloud before heading back to the mission house for the night. 

After we arrived back at the mission house, we all played a couple rounds of dice games before the dinner bell rang at 7:00. As we gathered around the empty dinner table to pray, John informed us that we would not be having our normal night's supper. After sharing some bible verses (Proverbs 17:1 was in the mix), John informed us that we would be having the same bagged food items for dinner that we pass out to the homeless. He also instructed us to serve one another and not ourselves, which is what we are really here to do. We aren't here to serve or help ourselves, we're here to serve others and help others. 

Today was an amazing day that I will never forget. I feel so blessed to gave had the opportunity to experience today. I feel blessed to not only be here, but to build new relationships and watch old ones thrive. I feel blessed to be able to love on these kiddos. I feel blessed to know that when I wake up tomorrow morning there will be breakfast on the table. But more than anything I feel blessed to have a God who loves me enough to send his son to die for me; so I can know what true, unfailing, unconditional love is, and be able to share the love He has for me with the people of El Salvador. 

"The Lord your God has blessed you in all the works of your hands. He has watched over your journey hot ugh this vast wilderness. These forty years The Lord your God has been with you, and yo have not lacked anything." -Deuteronomy 2:7

Jordie