First day. It was a great day yesterday. The camps had not changed much – the kids a year taller, but altogether the same kids and same camps as last year. At #14, the older kids camps, we were able to quickly get into the groove and get the day done. We have to consciously remember that it’s not about completing the schedule or punching a clock, it’s about presenting ourselves to the kids. Day 1 is always about camaraderie more than anything else. And it’s about seeing what worked in our planning times back in Amarillo and what will work in the reality that is the camps.
#40, the younger kids came towards the end of the day. We arrived on time, but there was a man who worked with dogs that was there entertaining the kids. We didn’t get our full allotment of time with them, less than an hour and a half, but we got lots of smiles. The younger kids are more about the touch and smile than the talk and sports. They are busy, they are loud, they are crazy at times and you cant help but chuckle when they react to you. You sit down, look at them, your reaction mirrors God’s in that you laugh at their energy and tenderness and you realize they know. They know a fundamental truth about themselves even tough their mental and, often physical, capacity is limited.
That truth is this: that they are loved. That they are loved, they are desired, and that they are made in the image of a gracious God. This is not an enormous revelation mind you, but it is profound. There is a degree of sadness when one comes here. The conditions are not typical of Western standards. This is not a vacation camp. You don’t send your kids here so they can play with their friends and so you can have some peace. This is their life.
So we returned to the hotel, had dinner (kind of) and had our team meeting. We washed off the bug spray, ink, and drool. We took showers and reset everything for today. But more than anything else, we witnessed something. We witnessed that God is alive and well. That He loves children. We witnessed that He still heals through the power of touch.
12 comments:
I am so happy that everyone is in the groove! God is so good. Shane
Wow!! Thanks for the update and very powerful message! Prayers coming your way daily. Love to you all.
Amie
Wow, Why don't you write like this more often???? Blessings and Prayers my friends!
Mike
This actually made me tear up. What a profound realization that this is what the kids live - day in and day out. I can't imagine being there and sharing God's hope and love with them. It makes me sad but thankful what God has given to me and to my kids. What an awesome experience for the "Younsters" to see! My prayer's are will all of you guys!
Lisa P.
So glad you're there and in the groove. Prayed for you this morning - realized you were at the end of a long first day with kids.
Get rest.
Have a great day tomorrow!
--Laura Seals
Oh how this brings back memories. Sweet memories they get us through our days! Tell Elaine, I'm constantly looking at the clock and counting, what time is it in Russia? And remembering what we were doing about this time last year. Tell all hi and we are continually praying for you all. I hope you took lots of crackers, sound like you need them! Have a good nights rest and have an awesome day tomorrow.
We love you all.
Annette Butler
glad you are in the groove of seeing and loving the kids. praying throughout the days for your strength (physical, mental & emotional).
love to all,
lisa
I'm so glad to hear you are there safely, loving on kids already and finding out new things about yourself. I knew Grace would eat up those kids. Give her a hug from me. Take care of yourselves and have a blast!I'm constantly watching my watch to see what time it is in Russia. How neat to know you are being prayed for by so many every minute.
Lisa M
The daily updates are a real blessing. Our hearts are all there with you. We keep praying for all of you. Love. Becky and John S.
I would like to point out that the title "old folks" on the picture on the right is inappropriately titled. Maybe the mature group or something more those lines is in order.
Rachelle :-p
Hi Honey!! Yes, I finally got to a computer to "catch up", and oh how my heart longs to be there with you all, sharing in the love, the relationships and yes, even the forthcoming heartbreak...because as we all know, it's only in the heartbreak that we come to have even a small glimpse of God's love for us when He gave us His Son. Oh what heartbreak, but oh what love! And yes, David, God does love these precious and chosen children, and He has chosen each of you to be His hands and His feet of love and grace to them. My prayer has been that daily He will renew your strength, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
On the homefront; Zachary and I miss you very much but we are doing well. Enjoying our time in Kansas with family, and he even went to his first baseball game last night, the Kansas City Royals. He has also said to me at every prayer time, be it meal time or bedtime, that I can pray now, but "when Daddy gets home he can pray again", so Honey, you will have a lot of prayers to make up for in your absence! :o) Not to hard for a Baptist minister I know!
We love you so much and miss you greatly, but we are also so proud of how God is using you. By the way, when asked where Daddy is, Zachary says, "he's in Russia playing with boys and girls who don't have a mommy and a daddy" Makes my heart ache and soar at the same time.
Rest and be renewed. Hugs await you when you return.
All my love,
Anne Marie
Mom, it was good to see a picture of you with the little boy in Russia. Hudson and I miss you and Hannah, and can’t wait till your home. We are doing fine and we pray for the both of you daily. We have been going to see Granddaddy and he is getting better. You will see a big difference when you get back. Hudson said to tell you that ”people are do in good here”. Hope you have a great time! Love Bethany and Hudson
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