I believe it would be fair to say that everyone here is both exhausted and thrilled. We had a chance to debrief last night for the first time about the past few days and chat about how God has been at work in our hearts and in our trip. Never tell me that a teenager cannot see the hand of God working tightly with their lives. These youth are extremely perceptive, they understand where and how God is at work in the many situations we have already encountered.
Random encounters with strangers, various perspectives on the border troubles, interactions within the group, nature... all of these things God is using to speak to our youth in powerful ways. It's a beautiful thing to see and hear about as a youth pastor, and one of the reasons I love what I do. As we serve, God is faithful to meet us in this place.
Today brought quite a few projects! We were hard at work finishing the utility building in front of the mission's building. Rob Betts has been leading a team to get network cable pulled all throughout the site so that they can eventually have high speed internet for the kids in every building. Darrell has been working in the kitchen, figuratively and literally, doing the ground work for concrete counter-tops. Micah has been leading a team digging trenches, and cleaning up an area for the prayer garden.
These kids are hard workers. I say that every time I'm privileged to lead a team, and this is no different. They have the right attitude when approaching this work, realizing that they are building something so much greater than their own pride. They are working for the Kingdom.
Tonight will bring some much needed relaxation, a possibility of heading to the local hot springs for showers/baths. We have been unable to have showers here due to a water shortage, so hopefully it will work well -- it would definitely be well received! No one stinks... too badly.
One of the mom's from the Orphanage came and looked through the clothing that was bought and donated -- she couldn't believe how what we brought met all of their needs. We are planning on having a multi-national fashion show this evening with the kids wearing some of their new clothes, and our youth hamming it up.
God is good, as is evident in every conversation I have with these youth. Thank you for your continued prayers -- there are many more stories to tell in the days and weeks ahead. I can't wait to share them with you!
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