Saturday on the Run - 3/1/08
Some days just have a fast paced halo about them. Saturday was one of those. Early or late to rise didn’t seem to matter, we were on the go. Heat pounded Lima, and our bus sped through the busy streets. In spite of the high speed, traffic detained our bus. So when we arrived at Callao, hordes of wild noisy children were awaiting us. The staff ran to the stage as the rest of us gathered supplies and scrambled to our teaching stations. Squadrons of restless children marched into the teaching rooms. Much work was invested in keeping children quiet so they would not miss major points, and the teachers did a wonderful job presenting the Message.
After the hyper children had gone through all the classes, they returned to the big group; and many of us retreated to the supply room to recuperate. When the big group was over and Elizabeth went to get us food, many masses of children marched over to the supply room window. They were shouting, asking questions, and trying to talk to us in Spanish. In order to entertain the many for a few minutes, Jacob and I went to stand by the window. After saying “hola” to the kids for a few moments, we entertained the kids with some balloon tricks. The spectating kids smiled and laughed.
Time had come for the classes to start, and Elizabeth was not back. The group rushed to their post, and taught, with much heart, the lessons. Once Elizabeth returned, she sent food to us while the children switched class rooms. Upon finishing the small classes, the masses of children returned to big group. We were hot and exhausted. Mobs of children desired our autographs. One kid gave all of the leaders a thank you note so sweet it could melt a stubborn llama. A few of the team members asked translators to read it to them. Unfortunately, most of the team knew very little or no Spanish, so they could not understand the note. When the program was done, we loaded the bus, and for now gave our last wave to Callao.
Nathaniel, for the team
Nate, Ben, and Christie acting out the musical chairs skit
Amy teaching the lesson on loyalty
The sock puppets were the favorite craft of the week. This is Lacey playing with the kids on her craft team.
Ben getting slightly overwhelmed by the love
Elizabeth with our wonderful Peruvian helpers. We could not have survived the 220 energetic kids without their help.
Saying goodbye to the kids.