DAY 7 & 8 - SMILES AND TEARS
Hey, it's Annika.
Yesterday we finished off our last day of teaching at Golden Rule. Before we taught in that morning, we had chapel with all of the students at the school and then played a game of volleyball with 6 of us girls against their best teachers and students. It was so much fun and we kicked their butts :) Kayli had a mishap with her pants while were playing, (she attempted to dive for the ball in dress pants on a cement court). Not a good idea it turns out. Her pants ripped. It was hard to leave the students that we had spent time with, and who had helped us to translate in the different classrooms but after an extremely long drawn out goodbye in the afternoon we left.
Yesterday we finished off our last day of teaching at Golden Rule. Before we taught in that morning, we had chapel with all of the students at the school and then played a game of volleyball with 6 of us girls against their best teachers and students. It was so much fun and we kicked their butts :) Kayli had a mishap with her pants while were playing, (she attempted to dive for the ball in dress pants on a cement court). Not a good idea it turns out. Her pants ripped. It was hard to leave the students that we had spent time with, and who had helped us to translate in the different classrooms but after an extremely long drawn out goodbye in the afternoon we left. 
Today was a lot more difficult than yesterday, both emotionally and mentally. We went to Luz y Vida, an orphanage for handicapped children of all ages. There were so many different physical and mental disabilities, and it was hard to see what God's purpose was in the lives of those in the orphanage. Despite the difficulties, joy and love was so evident in the workers there, and in the general atmosphere in the building. Like Matthew 10:42 says, God will reward and use even the smallest gesture in His name (such as rubbing lotion into clenched hands). The people who live in that place do not have the privilege of choice, and cannot do much for themselves, but realizing that God is their Father as well and loves them as his own gave me a peace despite the sadness in that place. The smiles of the kids their were a great reward in and of itself and that time will always be a great Ebenezer in my mind.
After a picnic lunch, we headed to a teen mom's home to hang out with the girls there. Some of the girls are pregnant, and others have young children living at the home with them. I taught them a simple acrylic painting project, and it was cool to see them using their creativity as they wanted. Some of them were eager to include their child's name in the painting. It was clear that they have a lot of love for their babies, even though most of them never would have chosen this life at the age they're at.
Hello, Hannah here!
Today was somewhat overwhelming, and very eye-opening. We spent the morning serving at an orphanage for handicapped children. I wasn't too sure what to expect going into it, but I soon learned that it didn't take much effort to make the kids smile. From holding someone's hand to pushing a little kid around on a toy motorcycle, the way their faces lit up in response to the love was very rewarding.
After a picnic lunch, we headed to a teen mom's home to hang out with the girls there. Some of the girls are pregnant, and others have young children living at the home with them. I taught them a simple acrylic painting project, and it was cool to see them using their creativity as they wanted. Some of them were eager to include their child's name in the painting. It was clear that they have a lot of love for their babies, even though most of them never would have chosen this life at the age they're at.
Spending time with people at both of these places, I was reminded of the value of connection. It doesn't necessarily take huge acts of service to reflect God's love; even just the smallest gestures can bring so much joy to someone's day. Although some of the things we saw today were hard to take in, it's a comfort to know that God loves each of these people so much, regardless of the tough situations they live in. I hope I can remember the things I've learned today and carry it with me through my daily life.
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