Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Ruined for the Ordinary by Lindsay

7/2/08

Another long day, and another early morning. Yesterday was our busiest day. We woke up at the normal time, grabbed some breakfest and then headed out on the field. We have been doing some things here and there; Sunday School, Youth Group, and one hospital trip, but yesterday really tested us. After breakfest, we went to a township where we will be making a roof to cover between one lady's house and a metal shipping container that 50-80 kids will sleep in at night. This convering will give the kids a place to play and protection from the elements. Another project that we are doing in that area is cleaning and leveling a field for the kids to play on. Sounds simple. Not really. You have to know the contition and the need for these kids. Broken glass-everywhere, and most are barefoot. Huge rocks stuck halfway in the ground. Holes and valleys-perfect for twisting an ankle. This is all they have, and they love it. A few soccer balls, bur their favorite one is completely flat with a hole the size of a tennis ball. They stick their hand into the hole to expand the ball all the way. But does that really matter? This is all they have and they have so much joy. We spent all morning there, playing (including the girls playing with and braiding our hair), working, loving them, and then came back to the base for lunch.

Heading back to the township, everyone was looking forward to seeing their new friend again. We were going to start our VBC program today and I know that I was very excited. We were expecting maybe 40-60 kids, but here you learn not to expect anything. One girl was with me constantly, Edwenia, and she was constantly holding my hand. The kids here respond more to physical touch than anything else. They get almost nothing from their parents. We did several songs, a craft and face paint. We ran out of the craft due to the fact that we were expecting so mant kids. Instead of having 40-60 kids, we have about 100-150 kids. All on the first day, and they say it will double each day-for four days. That's a lot of kids!

We're tired. We're cold. We're sore. We're still going strong no matter how we feel.

It's not to us, but to His name. Be the glory.
He is the hope of nations, and mighy to save.

Love ya'll!
Lindsay

(P.S. Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!)

3 comments:

Rob and Terry Johnson said...

Lindsay,
You said it all "It's not to us, but to His name be the glory" I'm praying that you will continue to see God glorified. He's your power and as you guys get more and more tired you'll need that more each day. Keep trusting God and encouraging each other - you're doing a GREAT thing.
Terry

Cherene said...

It is such a blessing to read the comments each day. Reading about what you all are doing and how God is growing and blessing you(and the children and families), brings tears each day we read. We love you guys and it blesses us so much to see your servant hearts. We continue to pray for you all throughout each day.

Someone tell Garrett his momma misses him and sends XOXO!

Cherene & Gary

Rasmussen's said...

Lindsay Girl,
What a blessing this blog site is to those of us here. We have laughed and cried and been incredibly moved by the posts. God is surely in the midst of your team. What a blessing you guys have been to the people that have crossed your path. God is truly being glorified by all your efforts. Stay strong, work hard and remember to take care of each other. We are thrilled that you have the opportunity to show the love of Jesus half way around the world to people you never thought you would meet. Isn't God amazing? Thanks for remembering our anniversary. We miss you soooo much. Can't wait to see the hairdo's you girls have recieved from your new friends. The entire team is being bathed in prayer from this end. We are so excited to see you this coming Friday!! Will Edwenia fit in your duffel? Love,Hugs,Kisses,
Mom,Dad,Kelly and Kona