busy days

The days are so full, it's hard to remember what we've done each day. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were spent at the carepoint doing VBS with the kids. We couldn't believe how many kids are coming to the carepoint everyday, now. There is a school that is running there which the kids can attend for free. This is a huge blessing, as many kids weren't going to school because the can't afford the school fees and uniforms. They are using every available space, and still are packed. When we were here 2 years ago, there was a 13 yr old girl named Swazi that was not in school, and came with 4 children that she cared for (the baby was strapped to her back). This year, we showed up and Swazi was in a school uniform! I am so happy, as she is the sweetest girl! At 15, she is able to be a girl again.

The guys finished the picnic tables! The kids now have 10 tables to sit at to eat and do work. However, Thursday they were all sitting UNDER the tables, trying to keep cool in the shade! On Friday, the three women on our team honored the gogos and makes (mah-gays) that care for hundreds of orphans every day. We served them HUGE plates of Kentucky Fried Chicken (their favorite!), rice, potato salad, rolls, beets, and stew. They licked their plates clean. Laura Clapp encouraged them to continue on through the struggles, and we gave them gift bags of new sewing scissors, ibuprophen, cough drops, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and other goodies. Oh, how I love hearing their joyful reactions to these gifts! And nothing compares to hearing these women break out in song together as they worship God. There is no sweeter sound.

Today, we are going to Pastor Thomas' church to meet with the women of their church. Our hope is to encourage them to share their burdens with each other. It is not in their culture to share their hearts or open up in any way, but you can tell that they long to do that. We will share our own stories, and encourage them to do the same.

Then, we're off on safari! Can't wait for that, but soooooo wish the rest of my family could be here! We'll take lots of pictures, though.

Our days here are coming to an end, and already I am sad. I pray that God allows us to come back. My heart is here in so many ways, and I can't imagine not coming back to see these amazing people, again.