Thursday, June 15, 2017
Finding Joy in Change
Hump Day
For most of us, Wednesday is called hump day. But for the team, today was just another up-close chance to witness God at work as only He can do. We started the day with a short but timely devotion on the bus on our way to visit over 100 young children at a school 1 1/2 hours out of town down a very bumpy gravel road. From the moment we walked through the gate, you could see the excitement on the kids faces that gringos were coming to visit. But you could also tell they had no idea what was about to happen. We started by telling an interactive story about Jesus. Then, one of our translators gave a wonderful Bible lesson which ended in the most awesome prayer I've ever heard, (and I did not know a single word she said). But it did not matter. It was worth it to watch as the kids ended the prayer by throwing their kisses to heaven thanking Jesus for what He had done for them. That was the first tears of the day shed by me. We had a short time to play soccer, face paint, and just enjoy the kids before being able to give a Bible, food, shirts, shorts, and flip-flops to almost every kid. They were very excited and thankful.
Then, we were off to decorate the house that we built yesterday for the mother and her three kids. After moving all the furniture and supplies in, the ladies went to work decorating. You notice I did not say, "the men". The team and the family then gathered for prayer and dedication of the house before the big reveal. This is when more tears came. The family was so humble and appreciative of all that they were blessed with. It was a very humbling experience for me personally, seeing the pure joy on their faces over a house the size of what we would consider a shed. But I know that they will make it a HOME, and I pray that God will continue to provide all that they need.
We ended the night being able to once again feed the homeless around the streets of El Salvador. Tonight we saw more children than we did the previous nights. And the tears rolled once more seeing the children's smiles and excitement as they received "comida" (food).
Thank you, God, for loving us all.
My cup runneth over once again.