Today, we followed our usual routine. We woke up, some of us a little late, and ate breakfast. Have we mentioned the fresh fruit that is at every meal? Mango and pineapple are among the favorites. The pineapple is different because it's sweet, and not too sour. We were picked up and shuttled to La Providencia where we were immediately greeted with several of the staff and the director. They started the morning off with a beautiful devotion based on Philippians 2, putting others above yourself. We sang songs in both English and Spanish. And what was really cool was when we sang "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" in English and Spanish at the same time. It was a beautiful moment. We ended the morning playing a game where we had to pass a glove, and whenever the music stopped, the person holding the glove had to do something silly. It was a great time getting to know everyone we would be seeing over the next couple days and growing closer to each other and our God.
Following the devotion, we were given background and a tour of La Providencia. The director took time to give us a very detailed history and discussed the struggles and strengths of their ministry. They have completely devoted themselves to Christ and it was absolutely wonderful getting the opportunity to hear the love for Jesus that they have. We started the tour in the medical clinic. They have a dentist that comes twice a year so the children and members can have proper dental care. A doctor is on site twice a week to do check ups and administer medication. They provide extensive surgeries and we got to see the OR. It was super cool! Pretty sure Rachael was way more excited then any of us were. After the clinic we were shown where we would pick up our tools for the rest of the week. We were given the opportunity to visit one of the homes where 5 of the orphans stay. They way the houses will be set up is there will be two people that make an 18 year commitment, and agree not to have their own children, and raise 7 orphans and then maintain a family like relationship thereafter. The houses have 4 bedrooms, 2 living areas, a kitchen, and playroom. We got to meet with one couple already there. They have 2 of their own children, but they are considered an "exception" They have an incredible commitment on their hands. They let us into their home and shared a little bit of their story and they are doing all of this for Christ. The lined up 6 of us, and said, "This is what I want my kids to grow up to be like." She was in tears as we started praying over her and her husband. Following that emotional and inspiring experience, we got to see the classrooms and the dining hall. In the classrooms we got to meet a few of the teachers. Two of them are from England! The other is named Katie and she's from California. She is an intern.
Lunch was coming up and we finally got to interact with the children. They were so awesome! They were so full energy. Rachael got pummeled with kids. They were wrestling and messing with her. Ivan told one of the boys to kiss her on the cheek and at first he was like, "No, no, no." And then he just did it! Everyone was laughing and having an amazing time. We got to go out on the playground and play soccer and run around! Madison started teaching some of the kids American games, like "A, E, I, O, U are OUT!" Once they got the hang of it, they loved it! We also discovered the Spanish version of "Duck, duck, goose!"
When it was time for the kids to get back to class, we started the work on a new classroom they are building to add another grade next year! We had to dig trenches. And that's all we did. A lot of digging. But it was totally worth it and it seemed like we were definitely accomplishing something. Ivan really bonded with one of the workers named Hedy (the H is silent). It was awesome seeing the work God has done with La Providencia.
Most of us got back completely exhausted. We went straight to dinner but then got the chance to play some Ultimate Frisbee. All the blood, sweat, and tears shed was totally worth. It was a blast. As a group we have grown so much closer together and God is definitely at work in each of us. I can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store!
Check out Anna's take on Day 3 (with pictures!)
Praying for the work of your hands and the seeds of the Spirit. love the photos!
ReplyDeleteYou are in our daily prayers. We are excited in seeing and reading about what you are doing there and how God is using you all there. The mustard seeds are being planted and watered. Some of those seeds you will see sprout before you leave and the fruit from others will be seen much later or even when we get to Heaven!!! Blessings to you all!!! Can't wait to hear more.
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