Day 3: First Day of VBS

There are two sessions each day, with some kids coming in the morning and then going off to school, and the rest of them coming in the afternoon after they are done with school. Today, Rob Tennant started each session with a Bible lesson. Easter is just finishing here, so he is teaching the kids about the events leading up to the crucifix of Jesus and will be leading them through the salvation. 

Tom: "Let me just say that Rob is a master with these kids. They are engaged, hanging on his every word. He does a really nice job involving them with role play. It did strike me as funny when Rob asked for a volunteer to play one of the disciples,  and one of the moslem girls volunteered."

After the story, each of the kids received a back pack and water bottle.  We passed our markers for them to write their names on their new belongings to ensure they kept them.  Their faces lit up when they got the bags...this was a bag they could carry their belonging in and with them at all times.  

Next, the kids were divided into three groups; crafts, games, and care packages, with a roughly 20 minute rotation. This is where the folks that came on this trip shined most. Some adjustments had to be made but everyone took them in stride and made sure the kids had a great time. The look on the kids' faces were pure joy. I've never seen bigger smiles in my life. There is no doubt that laughter is a universal language, as all of us had no problem understanding that we were all having a good time.


The craft for the day was cross necklaces and beaded Salvation bracelets.

Getting prepared for craft time with cross necklaces and stickers.

Deanna, Sandy, Sara P., and Abby worked with the kids during crafts...

these kids have such creativity and had so much fun with every craft.  Thank you for all the donations!!

Seada after making her cross

Salvation Bracelets 

Scarf fun after crafts

For recreation the kids got to play all sorts of games with the parechute...all you could hear was laughter from all the kids when they got to rec. that day!!

Derek, Greg and Becka were awesome with recreation.

Laughter and fun had by all no matter what the age.

Finally, the kids received bananas and were sent on their way to school. The second session started at 3:00 and good times were had by all. 

Josh (with One Child Campaign) and Fiekre (with Hope Chest)

buying bananas for the kids snack

Between  the two sessions, two of our team members had a chance to visit the homes of their sponsored children.  Derek and I went on Wednesday to Seada's house that is an 8x8 square mud hut with 2 other families on either side of them in the same type of house.  All 3 families shared porch space for cooking.  In Seada' s house there was a small raised bed and 2 mats on the ground.  They had a little hutch to keep all their belongings (not much).  She lives about 5 minutes driving distance from the care point but 30 mins walking distance with short cuts.  It saddens me that she walks twice a day by herself to this care point and is open to all the city for anyone's disposal.  I worry about her!! (Deanna)  We also met Seada's mother who is a widow and her older sister who is 15.  Her younger sisier (9) was at school when we visited.  Derek and I expressed our loving feeling for Seada that we have been praying for her and her family.  Seada's mother was very grateful for all we have done for her and told us that we have given them hope.  Derek and I were very overwhelmed at the situation Seada is in and cried the rest of the day.  Needless to say, Seada hung to us from the day on.  

Us and Seada before we leave for her home

Seada leading us into her "yard"

Deanna, Seada, Seada's Mother, Seada's Big Sisiter (15) and Derek

I'm glad we got to visit Seada's home.  It is very humbling and eye opening.  It reinforces to all of us the  importance of drop in centers such as Grace Baptist.  Seada was happy for us to be there with her but you could also see that she knew this isn't how other people live in the USA.  She almost seemed sad at the end of the visit as she held my hand and walked us to the van.  Tears filled our eyes as we drove away from her home.