Wow! Today has been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. The day began very early this morning as we gathered together for breakfast and devotions. It was the perfect way to start the day as the Haag family challenged us to be the aroma of Christ to the children we would meet today and love them like we were loving Christ Himself.
We then made our way to the malnutrition center to begin a day of service! It was amazing how everyone was able to find a place to serve where they could use their gifts and passions. Our team was able to begin a painting project throughout the entire center to brighten up the walls in a beautiful shade of yellow. This morning, many members of our team also were able to hold, care for, sing to, change, and feed 14 infants who were in desperate need of love and affection. It was so uplifting to see how the staff at the center responded with enthusiasm when they found out that we had brought TONS of wipes and diapers!
Other members of our team were able to work with the older children in the morning and in the afternoon. The children were so excited to see our team when we arrived that they kept sneaking away from their rooms to find us. They would run up to us with their arms up in the air with huge smiles on their faces! The kids won all of our hearts instantly. It was extremely hard to see the physical and emotional needs apparent in the children. You couldn't help but care for them as best as you knew how. Even the boys decided to forget painting when they saw the little children. The kids loved all of the attention and, thanks to Holt, the whole center was "bubblified"! It was hard to leave the center tonight but we have already begun planning what we can do to be efficient and creative tomorrow with our time there!
Tonight, we were able to share with each other all that we had learned and all that had impacted our hearts. We were even able to join in a time of worship together lead by Chase. It has been amazing to see how God has united our diverse team together with His love. We are all much in need of rest after a full day, but, we are also anxious to return to the center tomorrow and hopefully continue to be an encouragement to the staff.
We are more than excited to read about how God is using you all in Guatemala! The Rock Community Church is keeping you in our prayers and thanking God for the great work that you are doing. It's awesome to get to read your updates and see your pictures. Just wish we could smell via computer. I'm pretty sure we would get a huge whiff of Jesus! Thanks for being the aroma of Christ!
ReplyDeleteKim and Monty Davis