Executive Director
Apr 8
It is hard to imagine how fast time is flying around here and that we have crossed over into the last half of our trip time.
We started off yesterday morning continuing our tradition of building washing and construction around the camp in the morning. A nice surprise was that 5 of our girls had an opportunity to go into San Ignacio (about 30 miles away) to help some of the kids from the orphanage to buy new shoes for the year (for school, church and out days). They spent until early into the afternoon, taking this special time, one on one, to enter into the purchase process. Now, for Canadians we think nothing of going into a store and picking our a few different pairs, trying them on and just buying them.
Not so in this case. Aside from the daily life, and going to church, buying shoes when you live as an orphan becomes a huge deal. They start off with specific ideals as to what to buy, what price to work with, and what quality is expected by Mama (who runs the orphange at Kings). They they deliberate, they search, they deliberate more, and finally ...... the selection. Which must still pass all of the requirements of purchase.
The rest of the team (from YWAM base camp) joined up after lunch (you won't believe this one) and headed off to King's in the afternoon to play and spend time with the kids.
I was lucky enough to observe the eyes of our students as we first encountered the building, the kids and the conditions. Amid a sea of bodies, babies, laundry and odors, it became clear that the living conditions are not great, but they make the best of what they have. We took off to the field soccer balls in hand and spent a few hours just being kids, all of us. Tanya Dube was the first attached to a small baby, Jason K became the climbing post for all kids, and in very short order we all became carrying creatures to allow kids to run at 7 feet tall and play without borders. It was totally awesome.
At evening devotions, we heard some amazing recants of the days adventure at King's. One of our students shared that she had never had anyone simply come up to her, grab her hand, and want simply to be held. I think the message of sharing and caring that the leaders had shared the night before became very clear in a hurry. Show simple love for one another and let the guard of your heart down to let others in. Realizing that we all need love is a huge thing. Seeing it in action truly brings it home. We are very proud of the kids and the openess that they shared, and will share again today, at the orphanage.
So, lunch.....
We promised the gang a new adventure every day, and a new life experience as well. How to deliver this becomes an increasingly difficult task, but we try. Lunch was comprised of iguana meat and iguana eggs. (we also had chicken for those not so brave). Happy to report that everyone at least tried some version of the meat and egg adventure. This is going to be hard to beat on a regular basis! The meat tasted like chicken (have you heard that before?) and the eggs, which are soft shelled, required a piercing in one end and then a sucking action to remove it from the shell. Tasted like egg yolk...but a bit grainy.
Dinner was preceded by a coconut hunt and fresh coconut juice. Very refreshing and very not store bought (right from the tree).
Have an awesome day, we miss you all, but are having a great growing experience.
Blessings
Scott