After devotionals we gathered in the dining area to assemble bags of donated items for the shoe shine boys camp tomorrow. The team worked so well and efficiently! We packed over 150 bags in less than 45 minutes. During this time some of the team worked on filling the cinder block wall with cement; while others helped Becky prepare medical supplies for the camp tomorrow.
Once lunch was finished majority of the team loaded into the bus and traveled to boys orphanage 30 minutes outside of town. When they arrived the children met the team at the bus with smiles on their faces. For the first 1/2 hr the puppet team performed for the kids. The children absolutely loved the puppets and didn't want them to leave. After the puppets were done the orphanage team split into two groups: One for crafts, and one for games. The games ended up turning into a mad free for all with any sort of ball or sports equipment but the team and the kids had a great time. Shortly before the team left the they spent some time reading books to the kids, making bubbles, and then prayed before leaving. Then the team walked across the street and visited a girls orphanage. Interestingly, the boys orphanage had 56 children while the girls had 7.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team that didn't go to the orphanage stayed back at the medical clinic to observe surgeries. We were able to see a total thyroidectomy and a circumcision. The surgeons where very nice and allowed us to get up pretty close and ask questions. This was a special moment for those of us who either work, are students, or have an interest in the medical field. I think each one who watched the surgeries wanted to drop whatever was going on in their life and join the clinic staff ;) It was especially inspiring to watch the compassion that Mrs. Leinbch showed to each of the patients. What an opportunity to share your Spiritual life with someone who is physically ill.
The team rejoined for diner and everyone ate out at a local restaurant in downtown San Juan. Then we piled into the trucks and headed back to the guesthouse to collect our items we would need for the evenings outreach. We held an outreach in a local neighborhood and invited people to come join us for the evenings activities. It was a huge blessing that Frank ( a Dominican missionary) arranged for us to use a generator, speakers, and lights (there was no power in that section of town). The Jugglers (Josiah and Nathan) started off the evening juggling to "the flight of the bumble bee," followed by puppets, songs, and mimes. Praise God we had over 130 plus people in attendance and many were moved by the dramas. At the end of the outreach there was an alter call and several people asked Jesus to be their Lord!
PRAISES:
- Good weather for outreach!
- Good overall health
- Discipling and fellowship amongst team members
- Generator, lighting, and sound system for outreach
- Safe travel around town
- Over 130 people at outreach
- Powerful gospel presentation at outreach
PRAY:
- Shoe shine boys camp
-Enough people and hands to help
-Good crowd control by team
-Energy to keep up with kids
-Flexibility
- Continues health
- Not to get caught up in doing "good" but to place God before "good"
- Safe travel around town
- Trucks clutch would be fixed/ wouldn't give out
Cool! I take it you got to watch some surgeries Pete? I'm really excited that you have all these experiences to take with you as you head into Moody....hold on to the passion you have now overseas! Chicago winters can be hard...in more ways than one! Know that I'm praying for you and the team!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Ben :)
This is great and I am excited for the love that you all are sharing.
ReplyDeleteJudy