Tuesday March 8th, 2011
Today was our first day in the village, Sao Jose. VBS went wonderful, the kids responded very well. Skits, crafts, and a Bible lesson (led by Mrs. Paulette) were enjoyed by kids and volunteers. Outside on a dirt playing field, the guys (Michael, Eric, Cole, and Chandler) played a tough game of soccer with some of the little boys in the village. In the women's ministry time, Ashley got to share her testimony and Haley explained the EvangeCube. In the medical clinic, students got to sort and distribute medications to villagers. Grant, Christian, Hope, and Kelby took their turns sanitizing dental equipment and comforting the kids. For Chandler's birthday tonight, we had brownies made and sang to him in English and Portuguese. We are so grateful for a crew that ensures great food, clean clothes every morning, and a welcoming atmosphere.
One of the most rewarding things I got to see today was in the Optometry room. Zach, Chnadler, Sheridan and I got to see men and women come in that had viewed a blurry world for decades. As a vision test, patients would read Bible verses of various sizes indicating their perscription need. Watching them put on the glasses and see a whole new world was a symbol to me of restoration. When one man received his glasses, his face lit up, causing all who watched to smile in the sharing of his joy (Hope).
I saw God today in the faces of the children during worship at the beginning of VBS. Although they were singing in Portuguese, a language that is foreign to me, I could still see the joy of the Lord through the kids. It was amazing to see God work through all of them, as they watched us act out the story of Jesus Christ. Their desire for the love and the gift of Jesus Christ was evident and moving (Rachael & Courtney).
Today I was encourged by one of the moms in the village. She had the most precious little boy cradled in her arms. Later as she watched me hold him, she whispered to the translator, "She's going to be a good mom someday." It was a blessing to hear how even a mom in such a remote location, could see my greatest calling in life (Ashley).
Caroline was a hit with the kids. Everywhere she walked, she had a large group of giggling children following her every step.
As we type this on the front of the boat, we wish everyone could see what we see. Everynight, in a pitchblack sky, where all that shines is the moon and stars, gorgeous lightning illuminates the river. They say the stars at night are big and bright deep in the heart of Texas, but they're nothing compared to the thousands of stars here. To our right, we can hear a loud party on shore. And to the left, we hear nothing but croaking frogs.
Nights are windy, days are hot, bugs are prevalent, and God is good.
Til tomorrow,
A, H, & R
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