July 29th

Today was a GREAT day! I had a great time in general, and I think I just woke up in a good mood.

We got started in the morning with a team photo. Then it was off to painting a house. Of course, I was covered in paint.

During the school recess, I got to hang out with Resty, my 10 year old friend. She asked me for underwear (she called them knickers) because hers were in bad shape. I told her that I would get her some since I brought so many pairs when I came on this trip. She also took me to her classroom. They had the school creed written on a poster on the wall. It was very, VERY long. I asked Resty if she knew the school creed without reading it. She said yes, that they recite it every morning before school. It was so neat to see how we have used so little to make such a huge difference. A little later I got underwear for Resty. She tried them on to make sure they were the right size, and when she showed me the ones she was wearing, they were full of holes. I was glad that I could give her something so basic to make her life better. Thanks, Mom, for all the undies! I wish you could have seen the smile on Resty’s face.

Then it was back to painting. The interpreters/translators helped us. It was so great to get to know them. Winnie, who just got married to a Mzungu missionary from Oregon, Jessie, Allan, and Hope helped us.

When Betty and Henry finally got to the village, it was time to dedicate the Oaks Fellowship homes and the J. Houston Homes homes. They gathered many partially and unsponsored children that they are going to move into the houses all together. The children had posters of thanks, and three of them even spoke to say Thank You. I got volunteered to speak as a representative of Christian Life Ministries, which I know I am going to catch flack from Pastor Jackson about it because I was wearing work attire with paint ALL OVER me!! Considering he is so serious about dress code and representing the ministry, I can already hear it! Oh well, I am glad that I was able to express thanks for these 5 new homes. Oh, by the way, this was all video taped and will be shown to the company and the church congregation. Joy!

One of the children that spoke was Nelson. He is in some of my photos of my first day at the village. I had already created a relationship with him, so when I saw him in the group of unsponsored children, I had my “ah hah” moment. I have created relationships with many children, but they have all been sponsored, and by sponsors that write regularly and send small gifts. I was surprised that Nelson wasn’t sponsored, and I figured out that part of the reason why is that he is listed in our master list as age 6… he is 13. So I had assumed he was a different Nelson who is already sponsored. I guess I shouldn’t assume. I talked to Nelson and asked if he would mind if I became his sponsor. He said, “I would love that,” and gave me a huge hug. My heart was melted. It is official. I am bringing my entire family here to meet my new friends, one of which is my sponsored child, Nelson.

So, I think I was flying high all day because I felt like I had really made a difference in Nelson’s life.

We had to see the Oaks team off to the airport. They were such a great group of people, and I am blessed to have served with and beside them.

We went back to painting. After I got another liter of paint all over my body, we were done. For all of you keeping up, I was very careful during cleanup to not fall. I was successful in my goals of not injuring myself today. I hope I am capped at 3 falls this trip!

Resty had found me painting and waited patiently while we finished. She took me to her house and asked me to teach her how to play Skip-Bo. Of course, I was delighted because this is one of my favorite games. She is such a smart girl! She caught on very quickly, and she whooped my butt! I guess I will need to bring Morgan back, too. We could have some serious Skip-Bo rallies!

Nelson is in Primary 6 so he goes to school at a place nearby the village. They get out of school at 4:45pm so when he got home and finished with their nightly chapel, I got Nelson to show me his bedroom. I got to know him a little better. He loves to play football (soccer for us Americans), and his favorite subject is math. As stated, he is 13 years old. He is reserved and quiet, which I can definitely relate to, but it seemed like we were both able to open up to each other. When I told him about the wedding and Jason, he said that he wanted photos. I told him that I would definitely send them or bring them back in December. He seems very humble and sweet, and his smile will melt the world. I am a proud sponsor!

We headed back to the hotel for dinner as usual and a team meeting.

Today was a GREAT day!