Today's post is from Mackenzie Hackney:
To start the day off we set sail for the second time to get to the island where Gods work was to be done! After a 2 hour packed bus ride and 30 minute boat ride we unloaded 99 bags of beans, 96 bags of rice, a PA system, and party supplies for 130 school children. The School on the island was an open area with 2 classrooms, dirt floors, roaming stray dogs, and broken desks. Our eyes did not focus on the devastating conditions, but only on the big eyes and smiles as we entered the school. Face painting, bead making, singing, chalk, and soccer changed the atmosphere immediately. All eyes were on our team members as they performed our "Jesus Walks on Water Skit" in dual languages. The look of joy and appreciation as children clutched their pillow case dresses, stuffed animals, goodie bags, and Bibles made us all realize how much we take for granted.
While the skis were blue and the palm trees swayed, the waste, trash, and putrid smells were a constant reminder of the poverty of the island. Straw huts with chickens and pigs roaming freely on dirt floors describe the typical island home. Our team worked to make only a dent in these conditions by painting the first concrete block home neon yellow. Windows and doors will be added to complete this project. The team divided to begin the construction of another small home by hand mixing concrete, and sifting sand to be poured into the hand dug footers. As well as house building, the others entertained the neighboring children. There is no better feeling at the end of a hot and tiring day than seeing first hand a mother and her children beaming after being blessed with a new home. May we always be reminded of those less fortunate.
As each day passes we are beginning to understand more of Acts 20:35
"In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
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