The Sad, Last Day

My last Bible class at the campus of this campaign.

Magiboo and a friend in our "classroom" coloring a picture of Daniel.

Daddy preaching to the "congregation" this morning.

One of the most precious and pathetic kids in San Fabien and definitely one of the happiest!

Magiboo, Sandra, their grandmother, and aunt and uncle's two room "house", yesterday when we drove by he was inside washing his own clothes.

Our final "class" in our back porch "classroom"

Magiboo giving Ate Laurie a little much needed love before we left.

Magiboo trying out his photography skills!

Could I bring him back and pass him as mine? Yes? (That's how I have to ask him everything...."Want something to eat, yes?" He always answers "Yes", he doesn't know what I'm saying but he understands voice inflection and when I say yes, he answers yes, no matter what!

Well, it's all over but the travel now. More than a few tears have been shed and I don't see them ending anytime soon. I am so grateful to have been able to come, as I know that so many are not. I love these people, they are truly my family and I miss them as much when we are apart.

Today started off with me and Daddy being picked up by Indios and Daniel. We went to a new congregation that only has three members and two of them were out of town today :^) There were five of us total including the four of us! She is a school teacher and they meet in the local high school. After that we went back to the campus. I got to spend some time with just Jomar 1 and 2 and Magiboo. Magiboo had skanked a balloon from a wedding being celebrated in the compound and was throwing it up and catching, just squealing with delight. One time it went down and he went down full force for it and smacked his head, right at the eyebrow and stared wailing. Usually he just needs a little attention and TLC from Ate Laurie but even that wasn't enough this time. I went and washed his face off and Julie even gave him a orange (which proved he was really hurting because he didn't even eat it!), and put a cold cloth on his head. Finally I picked him up and we went out to the new hammock and we both laid down and both took a little siesta. The kid has to wash his own clothes, I know there isn't anyone to give him TLC when he normally gets a boo boo. It just breaks my heart, literally. Later Julie called him inside and gave him a bath. I guess he is in charge of giving himself one so they keep a change of clothes at the campus and give him regular baths. I know I leave him in good hands with them but I would still prefer to take him with me.

By the 3:30 time for the Campus CoC service there were about 40 kids for class. It was hot and I was pretty emotional but it was very good anyways. I told the story of Daniel and at then end when I asked how we could be like Daniel and go to Heaven (do what God says or pray would have been an acceptable answer) and one girl raised her hand and answered "We could all die" Well, that is one step in the getting to Heaven process :^) After the tears and the goodbyes at the campus, we went to San Fabien and had a short service before thunderstorms set in. Those kids are so precious and so pathetic at the same time. You can't imagine their poverty. We did get some antibiotic ointment and peroxide to the little girl with the "rotting" fingers. They were starting to turn black. Brother Roger will be keeping an eye on them every Sunday.

As I sit here watching Fox News about a father shooting and killing all five of his own children, someone trapping and ambushing police officers, killing three of them, North Korea launching a missile and it is freezing, literally across most of the US, it's hard for me to stop crying about leaving. If I stayed, I would cry, missing my friends and family but right now it is hard to look past leaving all the ones I love here. PaPa did take me and most of the boys to McDonalds for one last coke float and as we pulled up to the hotel the boys sang "Never Say Goodbye." You can imagine how much that helped!

I now have to pack and do a lice treatment (not sure if I need it or not but we always do one when we leave since all the kids have it) and get really for the long trip home. I'm not sure who was more upset when I left, me or Magiboo, but since he is 5, he will probably get over it more quickly. I wish I would be able to get it through my heart that he, and all of them, are ok without me. My head knows it is really me who needs them more than vise versa.

Josie still has not have had Matt and we really have no further word on her. Please keep her and us in your prayers and we will leave for Manilla in the morning. Hopefully I will be able to blog from there.

The Jolibee Day!

From L to R (Jomar 1, Rolly, Sandra, Beverly, Sara, Jender, Jomar 2, Jereme, Magiboo, me, Daddy, Josie)

How priceless are those smiles???

This morning we slept in for the first time since we arrived! We weren't picked up until 8:30, whoo! After breakfast we rode out to the campus and there were only 6 kids at the campus. At about 10:30 me, Daddy, and Beverly took Jomar 1, Jomar 2, Ralli, Jereme, Sara, Sandra, Jender, and (of course) Magiboo to Jolibee!

I wish I could explain to ya'll what that was like for these kids. The best analogy that I have heard is someone that has heard of Disney World, seen commercials about it, and heard others talk about and have always dreamed of going....and the moment when they first get to go. Daddy had taken a couple of the others earlier in the week but he didn't know they had never been before and didn't get them anything to eat, just let them play for a few minutes. Insert: Usually I bring Louise, Leigh, Momma, ect something home from the Philippines. I can't even remember what I brought them last time. This time instead of bringing them presents, we sponsored this day. I didn't have to ask to know that's what they would have wanted!

This time I let them each pick out their own kids meal. Three picked out a hamburger steak meal, three picked out hamburger meals. They LOVED it! Afterwards they wanted ice cream but the machine was down so I bought them Jolibees version of halo halo (I won't even go into detail about the grossness) and them let them play while we waited on the adults that had gone to the market. When the adults got there, they ate and when they ordered dessert (it had been about an hour since we ate), the machine was back up, and Daddy ordered them all ice cream cones! This is all Magiboo ate: a hamburger steak and rice, half of his sisters hamburger steak and rice, half of another kids hamburger, a order of french fries, then his halo-halo dessert, then a piece of one of the adults chicken, then his ice cream cone and half of another's! Before we left he asked one of the kids that was saving their hamburger if he could have it!!! Good grief, if there was any doubt he was mine!

By the time that we got back from Jollibee it was 1:00. We sang all the way home and then just sat around and reviewed our Bible stories and sang some more because it was SO hot! By now the boys were up (they had all been up before the sun this morning to see family off and clean up the campus from the party last night, so they had taken a siesta) and Kevin asked me (notice the quotation marks), "Do you want to play touch the body?" "WHAT?", I replied. And he repeated it, TWICE! I looked around, red in the face, and was thinking, "NO! And if I did it wouldn't be right here in the middle of the yard with 20 kids around!" I realized that I was the only one embarrassed and tickled so I said yes and for them to explain it to me. Thank goodness, it's a game very similar to dodge ball. Get it? Don't let the ball "touch the body" :^) I have laughed so hard I have cried over how shocked I was when he asked me that!

After that, Daddy came back from his Bible study and we went and baptized one of the staff members brother! Everyone was SO excited! He was our 43rd baptism of this campaign. Then we said goodbye to everyone and me, Daddy, NaNa, and PaPa ate sweet and sour pork at Cafe Feliz. I will be honest, I had tears in my eyes when we said goodbye to the kids and everyone tonight, just knowing that tomorrow will be our last day with them. Momma used to say that I was never able to fully enjoy the last half of camp, family reunions, ect because of dreading the end of them. That is definitely true today. I am just dreading it. I miss my family and friends but I would stay here in a hot second, if that was a viable option. Tomorrows blog will be written through many tears in my eyes.

We heard from Josie tonight and still no real progress in her labor. Please, please keep her, little Matt, and all of us in your prayers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evNzzucomVg

The Graduation Day...take two!

Ed, Ronaldo, Kevin, me, Arnel, Jehn Ray, Fernando, and PaPa

Daddy, the VP of PTC, speaking at graduation

Magiboo taking in the construction while enjoying his Halo Halo!

I couldn't resist....how could you?? A little halo halo for Joselito!

GO EAGLES, Philippine style!

Today we arrived about fifteen minutes before chapel so I had a little time with the kids who were already there and waiting. We walked around the campus and greeted everyone . All the faculty, staff, and many of their family members were already busy preparing for our graduation meal. I got to the back just as they were, literally, loading the the goat to the slaughter. They wanted us to watch but it didn't take but one "Baaa" before me and NaNa took off literally running inside.

I need to explain about the difference between the American way of fixing animal meat and the Philippine way. When they serve fish here it looks JUST like it did when they pulled it out of the water, just not moving. Complete with head, eyes, scales, and fins, ect. I have told them many times that I just CANNOT eat something that is looking at me! Americans love meat but they like it NOT to look like it did when it was alive!

Last night me and Daddy went to this really nice bakery and bought three big cinnamon braids for us to have for Graduation Day breakfast. We had that after chapel and it was quite a treat to all of us! Next, I handed out about 25 Faulkner t shirts that Mr. Joey had given me, to the boys, the staff/faculty, and some of their family members. It was bitter sweet because the ones that got them were SO EXCITED, but there were so many that I didn't have one for. Next time my suitcase will be packed with t-shirts, and old kids clothes and kids flip flops! There is no way that I could bring enough for everyone who needs or wants them but everyone who gets one is SO grateful!

After breakfast I went out and had a GREAT Bible class! I was feeling better so I think that helped. We sang, colored, and went over our Bible stories for almost two hours. Then I came in for lunch before going back out with the kids. At 2:00 I tried to send them home to get ready for graduation but, no such luck. About 80 of my kids came to graduation and REALLY did great! They love these boys and cheered like crazy for them when they received their degrees and awards. Also, me, Daddy, NaNa, and PaPa all received an award and went PaPa went up they chanted, "LoLo, LoLo, LoLo!" (grandfather). And when NaNa went up it was, "LoLa, LoLa, Lola!" (Grandmother). When I went of there, of course, there was a roar of "Ate Laurie, Ate Laurie!" but the funniest was when Daddy went up there. Know what they chanted and cheered? "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" I wish that I had recorded it!

I do need to explain that today was the very first graduation for PTC. We had six graduate with their AA degrees and five are planning on returning for their Bachelors. You, along with I, can't imagine how much work these people have put into this and how appreciative they all are of it. That isn't a knock, but with the American mindset we just CAN'T understand! We dont work that hard for anything because we don't have to. When the idea of PTC took place they had $247 U.S. dollars to get it off the ground. It's just amazing and I am more blessed that I could ever describe to you to even be a part of it!

After the graduation there was a massive feast! They killed a pig and a goat and OF COURSE we had rice! they also had bought cokes, which is a major treat over here. They also fed the kids in the back which was such a treat for them but also was really helpful to us! They were told to stay in that kids area while our fiesta was taking place but, of course, little Magiboo made his way over to where me and Daddy were sitting. I had a full plate and told him to go sit behind my chair and I gave him the entire plate. Daddy said if I was going to spoil him I might as well not do it half way and he gave him his Coke :^) That kid is never full because then he went over and scammed another plate off of Josie!

After everyone pretty much went home and everything was pretty much settled down we sat around, what would be like their living room (where we have chapel), in a circle, and were just recapping the day. We decided to sing "I'm Going That Way", one off all of our favorites, before we broke up that night. When we started singing (we had already sent all the kids home), I saw a little movement across the floor and looked up and saw Magiboo standing there. I called him over and he crawled up on my lap and sat there and sang!!! I WISH I had that on video for all of you! The kids knows only the word "yes" and words he learns in Bible songs. He picked up on the chorus pretty quick and kind of just made up words to sing along the tune! It was SO sweet! I understand a little how God takes all the bad of the world with little snip bits of such pure, wonderfulness every now and then.

I am already dreading going home. We have one more full day before it is our last day here and we start the trek home. I just can't believe it, really. Still know word on Josie, please continue to keep her and us in your prayers.

The day with my kids!

I said, "Smile, like 'You're Happy and You Know It', big smile!" He delivered :^D

Today we went straight to the campus for chapel. It was Fernando's day to speak and he did a great job! He is so meek in real life and he becomes a different man behind the pulpit! After that everyone spilt up to go do evangelizing in different compounds but I stayed behind with "my kids" All the boys went evangelizing but we know each other well enough that we can communicate even though we don't speak the same language.

We learned some more books of the Bible, reviewed over our lessons and memory verses, colored, and, of course, sang our hearts out. Since I had so much time we were able to sing each song as many times as they liked :^) We did that for about three very long, hot, fun hours until it was time for our lunch. After lunch I went back out for an hour or so but Daddy played ball with them and we just sat around "talking", mainly about me, my family, America, and my features (my eyes and nose, the "meat" on my legs, my hair, ect). It was just so fun spending time with them. By then I was exhausted and went inside and slept for about 40 minutes before it was time to practice with our "choral group" performing during graduation tomorrow.

After practice, the Americans called it a day and headed back to the hotel. The four of us had a really nice supper in the hotel restaurant, Cafe Feliz. It was just a really nice time. I am SO blessed to be able to come here. Not just for getting to meet the people and witness all that I do but for getting to spend the quality time with Daddy, NaNa, and PaPa.

The picture I am posting today is of Dan Dan. I LOVE him! He has the quickest smile of any human being I have ever seen! SO CUTE! I have decided that he has to come home with me too. Two might be to much for me but, luckily, Rayla has said she wants me to bring her one too. If there was any way, Tucker would have a new big brother next week! I am already starting to really dread leaving! Also, the video is of us singing the PTC alma mater, which one of the teachers, Ruben wrote. The other is of Daddy playing ball with Magiboo, Jomar, DanDan, and maybe one or two others. They kept yelling, "Daddy!" for him to throw it to them :^)

Still no word on Josie and little Matt, please continue to keep them and us in your prayers.

**The YouTube videos won't post.....I'll put them on here as soon as I can get them uploaded**

The Sick Day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcG8plzR4Rk

I woke up very early this morning (while it was still dark) freezing cold and on top of my bed where I had fallen asleep in my clothes and shoes! It was so unusual because I can and do go so often exhausted and just keep going! I took off my shoes and jumped under the covers but never got comfortable or warm really. When I woke this morning with the roof of my mouth swollen and really just feeling bad. I thought I was feeling bad because I hadn't slept well. I wasn't hungry and kept falling asleep while I would be sitting straight up! During chapel it hit me that I was running fever and had a ear infection! That whole side of my face hurts to the touch, my throat and that side of my mouth are swollen and I am running a pretty good fever. Unfortunately, there is no rest for the weary here. I poured some alcohol in my ear, gargled salt water, and took some Echennacia and Tylenol. I still don't feel really great but, what can you do? The biggest thing is that I am just pooped!

We left at 7 to go to another baptism at the beach at 8am. So stinking beautiful! Even feeling bad, it's hard to have a bad day when you start it out that way! Today was Kevins day to speak in chapel and he was GREAT! I don't mean for a Filipino student, I mean just GREAT! What a amazing thing how these boys are growing as preachers! I had to get up after I did the alcohol thing in my ear, after chapel to go outside and do the Bible class. You just can't NOT do it, those kids show up literally at daybreak asking for me and waiting to sing Bible songs and learn Bible facts. Seeing Magiboo and the other kids makes me feel better anyways! I had missed Magiboo because I hadn't seen him at all yesterday! I just love that kid!

Since chapel was late because of the baptisms (the beach is about a 25 minute drive from the campus. During the rainy season there is a river in the compound that we use to baptize, it is stagnant during the dry season) I had Bible class for about an hour and half and then it was time for lunch. After lunch we went to San Fabien, which is where I taught the other day in the goat alley. That was my same class room today and let's just say, although the kids are more than precious, I was kind of miserable in that awful heat with no shade. Arnel was an amazing amount of help and we were out there for about 2 1/2 hours while PaPa and Roger were in a Bible study. It was well worth it though because 2 girls decided to become Christians out of that Bible study! We loaded up the van and ran to another beautiful beach and baptized them! It was kind of funny because Arnel lost one of them under the water!

One of the little girls, probably about 4 or 5, had the worst looking fingers ever! I started to take a picture but it was too gross to show anyone. I had the boys ask her what was wrong and she said that it was an allergy. That's no allergy, I can almost see bone on most of the tips of her fingers! I then had them ask if her mother put medicine on it and she told them that she boils some kind of leaves and puts that salve on it it. I am certainly all for herbal medicine but that's not working! Even to my untrained eye, I can diagnose that, that little girl is in danger of being deformed at best, losing her fingers or even life due to infection, at worst. I got Daddy and Roger to come see and I am sending her family some peroxide and triple antibiotic ointment. Her family are members of our small congregation there so Roger and his wife Lisa will be monitoring the situation. It brings tears to my eyes and makes me sick to my stomach even now, just thinking about it.

Anyway, after that, we had to run to CSI, the Wal Mart like store in the mall to get more candy for the kids. While we were checking out I told the boys to pick out candy bars. They all picked out KitKat's and it was the first time Arnel had ever had one! We also checked on Josie Dos (we have two Josie's), who is in labor. Please keep her in your prayers as she is having trouble birthing this child. Our other staff members asked if they could have their salaries early (they normally get paid on the 5th) because they are all giving 1,000 pesos a piece (appx $20, between 8%-15% of each of their respective salaries). These people have nothing but they are dividing their schedules because the hospital will not admit anyone here without full payment first. I have never felt like I am more selfish with my money. These people are truly the salt of the earth and I am a much luckier person for having them in my life.

Please continue to keep us in your prayers and, especially our sister Josie.

My day with the boys!

"The boys" from L to R, JR, Arnel, Rodell, John Ray, and Kevin goofing around at Agnow!

PaPa, Me, and Nana on the beach at Agnow!

Different boys than my boys in America, it's time you meet them! There are eight students at
PTC right now and when I refer to "the boys" I am usually referring to five of them. John Ray,
Arnel, and Kevin are three of our six that made up the first class of PT. They are all
graduating with their AA degrees on Friday. Then our two new boys are JR and Rodell. Kevin is 17 and so funny! Him and Arnel, who is 19, are the ones I know the best because
they are the ones who were my helpers and translators most of last trip. Arnel is always
smiling. Next is John Ray, who is 20 and 5'0" might be a stretch! John Ray is ALWAYS
laughing at something and speaks so fast that even when he is speaking English I can't
understand him much better than when he is speaking Tagalog! Rodell is 23 and there is no
way he weighs 100lbs soaking wet and is about the same height as John Ray. He is SO
FAST! When we are playing with the kids I can't believe how fast he can run! JR is 21 and
very quiet and very quick to smile. The other three don't travel with us much and I don't
know very well because they are older and have their own congregations already that they
are usually taking care of while we do evangelism with the boys. They are Ed, who is 36
and single and Renaldo, who is married, and Fednando who is married and has three of the
most beautiful daughters I have ever seen!
When I tell about "today" it is actually my yesterday because when we got back last night I
fell asleep on top of my bed in my clothes and my shoes! Anyway, today started as normal
except early again because we had 2 baptisms lined up for 7 am so we were picked up at
6am. Not a bad way to start the day with two baptisms at the the beach! After that it was
Renaldo's day to speak in chapel. Then me, NaNa, PaPa, the boys, and Daniel all went to
Agnow. I firmly believe that Agnow is THE most beautiful place on Earth. Don't get me
wrong we have some gorgeous places in America and it almost takes my breath away to
think about the beauty of Greece. But imagine a beach with dark grey sand on one side of
the road and literal mountains on the other side! Now imagine there are no buildings really!
A few huts but no hotels, restaurants, condos, ect. Daddy calls it the most beautiful
baptistery in the world.
We drove up the mountain on what barely could be called a dirt road and had a Bible study
on top of the mountain with two girls. What a view! I can't imagine anyone living up there
and NOT believing in God! They decided to be baptized and we had to go ALL the way back
down the mountain and then walk about a mile to the compound on the beach where our
boys regularly hold Sunday service. We baptized them and then I held a Bible class with 49
of the most well behaved, respectful kids and told them the story of Noah. They had ever
heard it before and were amazed! It was well timed because it was pouring and we were
having our class on the "porch" while PaPa led a Bible study with 17 adults right inside. It
was cramped but wonderful!

I forgot to tell you that it takes 2 1/2 hours just to get to Agnow. So, on the way home we stopped at McDonalds, which is such a treat to these boys! The ride home was so fun because me and the boys got to just talk and sing and spend time with each other! We compared American and Philippine things and sang our respective national anthems. It was so fun but I could barely keep my eyes open on the way home!

When we got back to the hotel I laid down on top of my bed while Daddy tried, unsuccessfully, to get on line. I fell asleep, I think before I even got down! I fell asleep and Daddy couldn't even get me up to take my shoes off or get a shower! The next morning I would understand why I was so tired!

The Graduation Day...take one

The morning started off as usual with us being picked up at the hotel at 7am, but it got
unusual quick! As we turned on the main room of the compound, we saw Magiboo, his
grandmother (who is a very faithful member at the Campus CoC), and Sandra, his sister,
walking towards the main road. Before I continue, it's time I tell you what I know of
Magiboo's story.
First, he is five years old and lives across the street from the campus, with his grandmother,
sister, aunt, and uncle. His father hung himself wen Magiboo was just a baby and his mother
now lives in Manila with her boyfriend. Side note: I already and wishing I didn't have to him, I
have no idea how she was able to do it voluntarily. I also found out yesterday that his name
is not really Magiboo! Magiboo is a famous cartoon character on the tv here, usually every
compound has at least one child nicknamed that! His real name is Joselito Velasco!
Back to today, there Magiboo was walking down the road at 7:45am in a little white
graduation cap and gown! Just imagine THE CUTEST thing you have EVER seen! Today he
was graduating from their equivalent of kindergarten!!! Obviously, we stopped the van, all
got out and took pictures with him! I would love to post them but stupid me left the memory
card out of my camera so they are stuck on my hard drive for now. We then left back
headed for chapel while they went in the opposite direction towards the school, which is on
the main highway.
During the PTC chapel this week they are having a end of the year competition between all
of the second year students, where each will present his favorite lesson. There are six of
the so one will go each day and two on Friday. Arnel spoke first today and as soon as the
chapel was over I found out if I was scheduled to go anywhere. Since I wasn't supposed to
be anywhere special, I asked the boys to take me on the motorcycle down to the school to
see if I could catch Magiboo receiving his diploma. They happily obliged and the 5 of us that
did not have appointments headed to the school.
Let me try my best to set the scene for you. The school (grades K-6) is u shaped around this
giant pavilion. The pavilion was PACKED with the people. If you have never experienced the
over crowding of the Philippines and their lack of need of personal space, there is no way to
describe it with well enough with words. Packed is the best I can do. Also, it is at least 100
degrees by now, AT LEAST! First, they had at least seven speakers. Keep in mind this is
just a kindergarten and 6th grade graduation! Next, they don't just have Valedictorian and
Salutatorian, they also have TEN honorable mentions and TEN runners up! Then they have
what is the equivalent to our superlatives in our year books. As in, most beautiful, most
punctual, and EIGHT other Mosts! After over an hour and a half (and keep in mind that we
are standing in the sun, because there is no room in the pavilion, and that we were late!) the
FINALLY begin giving the diplomas! Since Magiboo has no father one of our PTC boys was
asked by the family to go on stage (the parents accompany the graduating child to receive
their diploma) with him and his grandmother. These boys are the cream of the crop and
making such a difference in this community, especially with the kids. I couldn't have been
prouder if Magiboo had been my own son!
While we were standing there all of the members of the local congregation that were there
kept coming up and thanking me and the boys for coming. I knew that my presence would
cause a stir so I was trying to be as little of a distraction as I could manage. No such luck. I
noticed that almost everyone was looking at many, many were taking pictures, and some
were brave enough to come up and ask to have their picture taken with Americana.
Needless to say, in my scrub pants, old Faulkner shirt, and sweating like a mule, I probably
wasn't looking like the Americans they see on tv! If they minded, you sure couldn't tell.
One lady who is a member at the congregation came up and asked if I would walk with her as
her daughters (who was graduating from the 6th grade) family. Although I knew it would
cause a stir, I did it, because it was a great honor for them to ask me. There were probably
100 flashes in the audience. The girl and her mother were so proud and thanked me
profusely!
Next, we were off to the high school graduation, down the road because we had many
members of the congregation graduating. By now I officially feel like I am on fire, it is so
stinkin hot. They had all of these stands selling everything from homemade halo halo to pop
drinks. I gave the guys some pesos and told them to go buy us all drinks (served in
sandwich bags that you hold together around a straw). They said there was no pop so I
said to get us some of the orange drink. This is where Kevin saved my life! As the guy was
pouring them, Kevin whispered, "Not made with mineral (clean, safe) water." I was thirsty
but NOT that thirsty! They all drank it since they are obviously used to the dirty water but
sent a little neighborhood boy to get me pop from somewhere else. Thank goodness for my
brother Kevin looking out for me!
We soon left back for the campus where it was almost time for lunch. After lunch I had my
Bible class. The kids now all know the first 15 books of the Bible. After an hour and half of
class we walked to two houses of members who were having graduation "party's." One
tradition in the Philippines is to stuff any guest you have with food. These are the most
uncomfortable times while I am here. It is very rude and disrespectful to turn down food but
you also know they wash the dishes with the dirty water out of the pump and see their
cooking conditions. Then you factor in the different foods and it just makes for an
uncomfortable time, especially with as weak a stomach as mine.
We then walked back to the campus to load in the van to ride to water (about 25 minutes
away to one of my favorite compounds, where two of our faculty are from) to baptize two
that PaPa and Daniel had studied with. They were two teenage boys that live in the
compound. In the can were me, NaNa, PaPa, two faculty, two students, the two boys, and
SIX of their family members! Good thing I'm not claustrophobic!
When we got back was the best time of the day. It was about 5:oo p.m. and the sun was
setting, it was finally a bearable temperature, and there was a nice breeze. Me, the boys,
and about 25 of the local kids were outside just playing. Kevin played the guitar, one kid had
a home made kite (made of grocery bags), one kid had a bike without a seat, and we had two
jump roaps. They all ran and played and it was the most at peace I have ever felt just sitting
there and taking it all in. I am not sure who had more fun, the kids or the boys. The kids
around the campus are so lucky to have such good influences who love them and enjoy
them so much. I told Daddy tonight that, if I had children, I would feel as good leaving them
with any of those boys as I would leaving them with my own sisters.
These kids, and really these people as whole, have so little but are so happy. Right then
everything in the world was right and good even though they were playing in mismatched,
broken flip flops, torn old clothes that no American child would be seen in, and with no real
toys except two jump roaps that had to be shared. They were just happy and at that moment
didn't have a care in the world. Also, Danica's boil is almost completely healed thanks to
some good doctoring my Josie!
Finally the dinner bell rang and we went in for our meal. It is now 8:15 p.m. and I am typing
this in the van so I can post it when we get to he hotel and not waste sleeping time with
blogging! We have to be back at 7am for 4 baptisms so we will be picked up at 6am! Whew!
What a WONDERFUL, LONG day! Please continue to keep us in your prayers!