So...apparently being one of the leaders does not exempt one from being the brunt of many a joke. I won't go into how many times it's happened so far. Suffice it to say both young and old have laughed at my expense (and yes, Kirsten, the falling out of bed incident STILL comes up). Thank goodness I'm on the bottom bunk this year.
This team of 16 has been so much fun, working together on the construction of the building, playing with the children, helping make empanadas, remembering at the last minute the supplies we need to divide up for VBS, moving table and chairs, then moving them again; loading supplies then unloading them, only to load them up to come back to base to unload again in the YWAM building.
Some memories? Playing "slaps" with one of the teens - Carlos laughed so hard when he faked me out EVERY TIME!! Seeing how much "our" babies grew since last year. One is now walking, blows kisses and bats her eyes at us. She loves to dance and giggled at the sock puppets. Our other baby is a "mama's girl". She still gets handed to us, though - and she wanted to stay with me rather than get passed off to someone else....yeah me! Having one of Shaneen's special girls from year's past remember her when I showed a picture on my camera then want to show all her friends. She attached herself to me after that. The ladies asking who my "esposo" (spouse) is, then when bringing Ralph over they say something to each other and start laughing uncontrollably. We still don't know what they said (maybe that Ralph is too skinny and I don't feed him enough?) :)
Coming back for a third year gives a totally new perspective as you see how much the children grow physically and love to see you again, how much the women want to bless us sacrifically (it still doesn't "feel" right), and how much our team members connect with the kids just wanting to demonstrate their value in our eyes and in God's.
Today Melanny had the children learn the verse Romans 12:5...a good reminder to us as a team and to SGAC that "we are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other".
Apparently I'm typing too much...Mike is asking me when I'm going to be done. He's really bossy! Good night!!
Thanks Carolyn for writing. So glad you're there and the team is doing well and you guys are connecting so well with the kids and moms and Norma and Melanie and Heredia teens. So great to see Tracey Flynn in so many pictures.
ReplyDeletefrom Kathleen: you said"how much the women want to bless us sacrifically" ... Ya, If I were them, I sure would too - you are part of that group that just keeps coming back year after year to love on their children... I sure get their gratitude... and the value of loving on their kids. May you all have amazing moments with Your heavenly Father every day in the times you save just for Him in your thoughts, in your schedule... and in the everyday activities. May your love for the kids flow out of His love for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing Carolyn. We only tease those we love...You are obviously very loved! Great to hear that the kids there remembered Shaneen and they will always remember how accepting of them you all are. Smaller group dynamics have good aspects too. Prayers going out for you all to stay safe and healthy.
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