What a warm welcome...
Our team was welcomed to the center in such a warm and incredibly special way - in song and dance by the precious children. Positioned right beside the American flag, they also gave all of our teen children a beautiful handprint in USA colors. It was so endearing and brought tears to many an eye...
Our day began either with a painting project or time in the classroom with the kids, depending on your group. The painting projects are truly amazing and we’re blessed to have the help of two very talented artists and local volunteers (also brothers!!). One group is painting a mural and the school’s interior and the other, a 14-ft mural surrounding the center. We will be sure to share pictures of the final projects!
The rest of the groups began their work with the children which is truly where all of our hearts have been longing to be. The centers are in different locations - one more rural and the other, more centrally located in city of San Jose. But both serving these precious children who couldn’t have been more excited to have us. We played, sang, danced and made paper airplanes with a special message: Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
We’re building strong relationships in our group, adults and teens alike, and to experience this with our children has been a truly amazing experience. We can already feel the impact God is forming and can’t wait to see what’s in store for us the rest of the week. These centers are so grateful for our love, energy and willing hearts - but they could never imagine the gifts they’re giving us!
One such precious story is that of our volunteer who was observing a small boy that was having a harder time settling down for his nap. Having not seemed very connected, up to that point, our volunteer was able to get close to a precious older girl earlier in day and she asked him to come be near her - that was his opening with the younger male child. After a short bit of time sitting next to our team member, little boy moved closer and placed his head on the volunteer’s shoulder and within a few moments, this adorable child was sound asleep! God is good, God is good, all the time God is good.
Lastly, for most of us adults, Spanish is very much a foreign language. The teens are all much better prepared and are communicating pretty well. (It should be said though, the value of our translators cannot be understated!) What we have learned and now know experientially, is that smiles, laughter, play, and God’s love truly do transcend the language barrier.
Thank you God.
Blessings all!
Our team was welcomed to the center in such a warm and incredibly special way - in song and dance by the precious children. Positioned right beside the American flag, they also gave all of our teen children a beautiful handprint in USA colors. It was so endearing and brought tears to many an eye...
Our day began either with a painting project or time in the classroom with the kids, depending on your group. The painting projects are truly amazing and we’re blessed to have the help of two very talented artists and local volunteers (also brothers!!). One group is painting a mural and the school’s interior and the other, a 14-ft mural surrounding the center. We will be sure to share pictures of the final projects!
The rest of the groups began their work with the children which is truly where all of our hearts have been longing to be. The centers are in different locations - one more rural and the other, more centrally located in city of San Jose. But both serving these precious children who couldn’t have been more excited to have us. We played, sang, danced and made paper airplanes with a special message: Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
We’re building strong relationships in our group, adults and teens alike, and to experience this with our children has been a truly amazing experience. We can already feel the impact God is forming and can’t wait to see what’s in store for us the rest of the week. These centers are so grateful for our love, energy and willing hearts - but they could never imagine the gifts they’re giving us!
One such precious story is that of our volunteer who was observing a small boy that was having a harder time settling down for his nap. Having not seemed very connected, up to that point, our volunteer was able to get close to a precious older girl earlier in day and she asked him to come be near her - that was his opening with the younger male child. After a short bit of time sitting next to our team member, little boy moved closer and placed his head on the volunteer’s shoulder and within a few moments, this adorable child was sound asleep! God is good, God is good, all the time God is good.
Lastly, for most of us adults, Spanish is very much a foreign language. The teens are all much better prepared and are communicating pretty well. (It should be said though, the value of our translators cannot be understated!) What we have learned and now know experientially, is that smiles, laughter, play, and God’s love truly do transcend the language barrier.
Thank you God.
Blessings all!
Well said!