Sun-Baked and Drenched... But So Worth It!
Sunday, August 9, 2009We started off our day a little after 8am. I think we all are becoming professionals at sleeping in hammocks. After breakfast we loaded up and headed to our first destination: a small village up in the mountains. When we first arrived, we sang praise songs to attract the children. They were very hesitant at first. We started out with only a 
handful of kids, but the numbers soon swelled to around 50. They really got into the crafts, and laughed at the skit about truthfulness. At this particular village it was EXTREMELY hot. We all baked in the sun, but the people were gracious enough to share their water with us (after it had been run through one of Nathan's filters). After we finished a successful children’s program, we went down to the basketball court and made animal balloons. All the kids wanted their picture with their new balloons. It was funny to watch as Elizabeth was overrun with children, all wanting their picture taken.We ate noodles, cooked on a propane stove, for lunch. After lunch we all split up into groups and went around to talk with families about Jesus. I was with Elizabeth, Laura, and Grace. We started talking to this little girl, who was about 12. We asked her if she wanted to listen to the mp3 Gospel presentation on Elizabeth’s phone. She was eager to hear the message as Grace explained to her the plan of Salvation. It was a great experience to plant a seed in this girl’s life. We spent the rest of the afternoon interacting with the villagers; I even showed a boy how to make a sling shot. Later that evening we arrived back at our village and decided to do a program for the children there in front of the house of 
one of our host families. Soon after it began to storm, and we had to stop to seek shelter from the rain. Once out of the downpour, we continued on with the kids, but had to switch to crafts instead of songs because the rain was so load no one could hear Elizabeth singing.After we finished dinner that night, we spent the rest of our time playing with the children and talking with the men and women. It was a bittersweet time, as it was our last night in their village.Tommy, for the team
The kids' program in San Pablo Tumbac (at the foot of a volcano).
Some of the parents stood in nearby doorways and watched the fun with the kids.
Daniel was his normal crazy self as Bucky.
Elizabeth getting buried by the kids - they really liked their balloons!
The team in front of a gorgeous waterfall that we passed on the way back to the village where we are staying.
Spending time with the kids in the evening. We are going to be very sad to say goodbye to all of our new friends tomorrow morning.