Wednesday was yet another day of new experiences and victories for our team! We spent half the day at the malnutrition center and, thankfully, our interpreters joined us once again! We were able to have lots more interaction with the staff which was a positive experience for all of us as trust continued to be built. Christy was even able to take Benito outside to see the sun which is what he kept begging to do. We all worked as hard as we could during our short time there to accomplish a great deal of painting and love the children with all that we had in us. The Davis family had shared a great devotion with us in the morning about the favor of God going with us and it was amazing to see God's hand of blessing on everyone of our efforts and interactions.
After we returned from the center we all embarked on an incredible adventure for the afternoon! We traveled in huge safari vehicles to the top of a mountain and we all soared across the valley on a zip line! It was an incredible view from the top of the mountain and we all feel MUCH more courageous (especially Cierra!!)
Today (Thursday) we spent an incredible last day at the malnutrition center. Our team was able to finish our entire painting project across the whole facility. This was incredible because the facility had not been painted since 1977! It is now bright and beautiful! Regarding the painting and the soffiting projects, between our team and the team that visited the center right before us, we accomplished the work that they estimated it would take 5 teams to accomplish!
Once again, the children LOVED having our team there! Many of the infants have made positive advances in their abilities to track with their eyes and turn their heads as members of our team have been utilizing therapy techniques to increase their range of motion.
It is so clear that attachments were made and everyone came away changed in a positive sense. We were also able to pass out more children's supplies to the staff which they received with joy and appreciation. And, we were able to pass out more gifts to the workers to express our appreciation and admiration for them.
Today was also an extremely hard day as we found out that our dear friend, Benito, went home to Christ today. Our hearts are all heavy, but, we are actively choosing to believe God and we rejoice that he is now no longer in pain.
As we left the center tonight, for the last time, we were able to pray over the facility all together, and for the first time EVER we were joined by the entire staff at the center! It was incredible to see huge transformation in the trust and relationship that has been established between the staff and our team. Today, as our vans pulled away all the staff and the children ran to the door to wave goodbye and many of the staff were in tears.
Our team has been so blessed to be able to love Christ in such a tangible way! We are incredibly grateful for this dynamic team and for our selfless, authentic leaders who have led us through each step of this journey! Please continue to pray for our team, for the center, the children and especially for Benito's family.
What a heartbreaking way to start the day. Benito was on my mind all day yesterday after Stephen showed me the video of Christi changing his bandages. I take comfort in knowing that he is no longer in pain.
ReplyDeleteI have prayed for Benito since the day Christi told me about him in Bible study. I am not sad for Benito as there is no more pain and no better place for him to be. I am crying for Christi and the rest of the team. Christi was so emotional when she told me about him and I know her heart is breaking. I am so happy for the good you all did there and I am praying for your safe return.
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