Precious Moments

My name is Lexie and I'm a PTA student at WKCTC. I heard about this trip from a teacher in my class and I had never been on a mission trip, but wanted to start. Today is day 3 in El Salvador for me and so far, the most humbling. 

We started out our morning going to a hospital. We split into two groups, one going to the general hospital, and the other to an annex with burn victims and cancer patients. I went to the general hospital to see the children there. We were able to stay on each floor only a few minutes but it was more than enough to impact my heart for forever. Our job was to pass out blankets, goodie bags, and stuffed animals. Some sections had new borns with serious medical problems. And although the incubator kept us and the mother from getting close we left a blanket for the mothers to give to them one day when they can be held lord willing. The most precious moment was when I gave a little girl a stuffed monkey. She lit up like we were at Christmas. To be so lonely and scared is something I have never experienced, but to make that go away if even for a moment is a blessing that God allowed me to have today. 

After that we toured the lions club clinic and learned about all the doctors they had working for them. They provide these services for the very poor in San Salvador and out of the kindness of their heart. These people showed me what a true light our God can shine through individuals.

Our last stop of the day was at a children's special needs home. This was where a piece of my heart was left with Roberto. These children were left abandoned because of their disabilities. Nevertheless I thank God that they were saved for me to meet them.  Many of the children were wheelchair bound, but that didn't stop our dance party. I have never danced in front of people before because of my lack of rhythm, but today I danced like no one was watching! The smiles and the joy I got to experience in those few hours was enough to fuel me for a lifetime. Then we got to feed them and I met Roberto. My teammate Nathan and I were assigned to help feed Roberto, he was unable to move his entire body but could open and close his mouth, and move his eyes slightly. He was precious, with big brown eyes, and I will never forget him. We fed him a spoonful at a time and he would make a noise when he was ready for more. He laughed a few times and then in the very end when we had to leave, he made no noise, but shed one tear. Just one. I will always remember those deep brown eyes, that little laugh he made and the one tear he shed. Why? Because he made me feel loved and I thought that was supposed to be my job. He gave me a purpose and a reason to continue mission. I believe special needs children are a gift from God not a burden. These are pure souls that will always be pure, and they have a light that is contagious to any person around. 

These children and this place will change my life forever. They have so little, but they showed me how to be happy without any material things. Moments make happiness, and faith in God gives hope. These children are the essence of that. 

On a Mission to Serve

Today's post is from Nate 

The past two days here in El Salvador have been absolutely amazing.  It has been filled with many emotions, and I have loved every second of it.  So far I have seen some things that I never experienced before in my life.  Both days impacted me in different ways, and I cannot wait for the rest of the week.
The first day I was so excited to get off that plane and start doing something.  Most of the day consisted of settling in and meeting some amazing people who are behind the whole mission.  The best part was getting to prepare food for the homeless and riding in the back of a truck through the streets of San Salvador that night.  This was a very humbling experience for me, and also made me think about how blessed I am for never having to worry about getting food.  Watching the homeless, which consisted of both young kids and adults, running to the back of the truck just for a sack of some food made me so sad.  I have thought about that over and over today, thinking about how the only time I ever run for food is when mom says that dinner is ready.  That may seem like I am trying to be funny, but I do not mean it that way at all. It just made me think that these homeless people are running to the food because they are desperate and in need, and I run to food without even questioning if I will actually have food to eat.  I have never had to worry about food, and seeing the people here just tears me apart.  It was a quick slap in the face from God that I take so much for granted, and it opened my eyes to how much God has blessed me.

Day two here in El Salvador was even better than the first.  Today we went to church, and I did something that I thought I would never do. Now if you know me, I am not much of a public speaker.  However, today was the day I got up in front of the church along, with my fellow mission team, to speak about how thankful and anxious we were to work with the kids.  During Sunday school we got to spend time with the kids at the church.  We told the story of Jonah and the whale, played Simon says, and we even had a puppet skit.

Later today we went to a boys orphanage, which definitely had a big impact on me.  It was sad that these kids had no home, but praise God they are off the streets and with great people.  It felt so good playing soccer with the boys because seeing how joyful they were from us being there made me so happy.  If I could take all the orphanage boys home I would, and it kills me on the inside that I can't.  But I am so thankful for serving a God that provides for these kids at the orphanage through the workers there.  I could really tell the workers there had a heart for the boys and serving God, and that made my day.  I honestly did not want to leave, I would have played soccer all day with the kids.
El Salvador is already having a special spot in my heart, and it is only the second day.  I am so thankful God put me on this trip. I was not sure what to expect but it has already left a huge impact on me.  I cannot wait for the week ahead. I know it'll be hard and tiring at times, but I know God will give us strength.

Safe arrival & already working!

The WKCTC team arrived safely this afternoon and got settled in at the mission house. 

After the entire group packed meals & new t-shirts, a portion of the team went out to feed the homeless tonight. Tomorrow they will be working in an all boys orphanage. Please be in prayer for their continued safety and that they will be used to greatly impact the lives of orphaned children! 

A Day to Remember

The team often doesn't write about their last day, because they are usually getting everything racked to head home the next day. However, I thought you all make get like to see a few pictures!

Carlitos

2-18-17

Shelby Sokolik 

Today was a very successful day! We left the mission house at 7am and drove to Ahuachapán, a village about an hour and a half from the mission house, also the village where we built the house on Friday. We arrived in an open field in the middle of the community. The team set up different stations for the children. They were filled with tattoos and stickers for the kids, we handed out popcorn and snow cones, we even had bouncy houses for all the kids to enjoy, and believe me, they did!! Throughout the day I walked around the field watching all the kids, I didn't have a specific job. My only job was to watch Carlitos, he lived next to the family we built the house for. He was the youngest of four boys. All of the brothers were at the festival, but their parents were not. The older brothers wanted to play soccer with the other kids but they had to watch Carlo. They asked me to watch him and of course I said yes. I had spent quite some time with Carlitos the previous day, so they trusted me with him. We sat by a tree watching his brothers and eating snow cones. He eventually fell asleep in my arms. At 1pm our team left to go and dedicate the home to the family receiving it. They were extremely gracious for our work and were so so excited to make it their new home. Just after the ceremony
Carlitos came to me and gave me a hug, at this time we had to pack our things and head back. I gave Carlitos one last hug and he whispered to me "Te amo" this means "I love you" in Spanish. Those were the first and only words Carlitos had spoken to anyone in the two days we were in his village. I've never felt anything like that before, it was the most heart warming experience in my life, thus far. I already miss my little angel and his brothers but I know I will see them again soon. This trip has been such a blessing to me and my team. We are so so grateful for this opportunity!! 

Lives Changed!

Today we had the blessing and privilege of building a home for and El Salvadorian family. The family lives in the small village of Ahuachapan. The team started the day with a wonderful breakfast prepared by Mrs. Judy at the mission house and then loaded up the busses for the hour and a half journey. The drive was beautiful seeing the El Salvador country side. When we reached the village we were introduced to the family. They were so appreciative of what we were doing for them.  The mother cried and thanked us the entire day. We first laid the foundation of the house and next the floors. After that, we put up all four walls and threw a roof on top. After some lovely painting and furniture organizing by the lady's, we had completed the house. The entire village came to watch this process and we got to play and interact with all of them. They were incredibly kind and thankful for what we had done. 

Today was something I will never forget. Building a house for a family is life changing for both parties. To the family, we provided them with four walls and a roof. However, it is much more then that. It is a home. A place to eat, sleep, and live. A new home to contain a lifetime of memories to come. A place to gather with family and friends. A place to worship the Lord. To us we were showed how blessed we truly are. We take so much for granted. Waking up every morning with a roof over your head is a true blessing. We learned that when hard work and love mix, the results can be amazing. Today we changed someone life and today our lives where changed. 

-Ethan Schaaf

The joy you can't imagine...

                                             

Today was an experience unlike any other. I had the opportunity to see people through God's eyes and realize how great of a life I truly get to live. As soon as I woke up this morning, I knew what the day had in store for the team and I was going to be a total surprise, and we'd just have to take it on with open arms. Most of us, me included, have never shared an experience like this one in our lives, and I am beyond blessed to say that I have. 

     Our first stop for the day was a special needs facility for adults called San Martin. This experience was jammed packed full of dancing, face painting, balloon animals, laughter, and much more. Putting a single sticker on their faces or making turtle balloon bracelets would give them a smile that would last a lifetime. I was personally moved by the ones that couldn't do much but when you smiled at them they gave their biggest smile back. It meant so much to be able to make someone genuinely happy without words. 

     We also made a stop to a children's special needs orphanage called Guirola. I think I made a best friend or two here today. I met the most amazing little girl who could give you the sweetest laugh just by doing the smallest things. We would toss a ball back and forth and then she would hit me with it to make me laugh. She kept that same ball throughout the day and it would be our little thing to hit one another with it to see who could get the biggest laugh.

                                              

     That sound of true joy and laughter is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Today made me truly understand how precious this life God gave us is and how great of an experience it is to share my gifts with those who aren't able.

Today was an emotional one for me and one that will always hold a dear place in my heart.  

                               -Chanyng Floyd

                                                                                                 

Our first full day of service was 10 times better than expected. It was full of dancing, laughter, and games. I had a personal experience with a man named Luis. He had to be in his later 40's, I couldn't figure out due to the fact that he didn't say a word the entire time... He only smiled and held my hand. I will never forget how it felt to be standing in the courtyard of San Martin (adult special needs orphanage) listening to one of the younger patients pray and thank God for sending the "americanos" and that their doors are always open. Even though they thanked us and praised God, I truly believe that going to San Martin was a blessing to me.

 I was then humbled once again visiting Guirola (children special needs orphanage) when a little girl who couldn't speak, grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor. She wrapped her arms around me and rocked back and forth. It was one of those moments I wish I could relive everyday. The adults and kids have been one of the biggest blessings, and I will never forget what it felt like to be wrapped up in those moments. 

- Kendall Mclean