I got some good sleep last night again. However, this morning, I could NOT get out of the fog. My energy is gone. Breakfast and cabin assignments were fun. Everything was well prepared, but I could not get out of my tiredness. I guess it has caught up with me. We had an awesome prayer time before the kids got here. I gathered all the counselors together in a circle and had some of them pray out loud. What a blessing! (That is actually where my little thumbnail picture comes from - I was playing with a beetle before we started praying.. haha) Finally the kids arrived late morning. And then it got crazy.
We found out that the church that was bringing the kids really messed up the camper list. We were told that they would bring 40 children, and it was more like 55. It was crazy. There were kids who were not on the list who had showed up, and there were kids who were on the list who had not come. And, the kids ages were not recorded accurately, which is a big part of assignments, as we want kids of the same age together. We literally had to get them in cabin groups and sit in circles while we went around and asked them each their name and age and then move them around as needed. Names and ages for an hour. Haha. But oh man did Agustina do a PHENOMENAL job! And all the staff were so flexible and just went with it. So good.
Then we did snack and then games. The children loved teh water in the bucket game that I was fortunate to get to lead. It was so fun to watch them get so excited about it, and even the staff did too. Both Argentina and American.
I learned the word “negro” today. Obviously, I knew it meant black, but I learned that they use it differently here. I think it could be literally equal to what we say in the States for a negative use, but I don’t think they use it that way. I think it is more of a “hey man” kind of thing. Fairly harmless if used among friends, as most things are with language today. On another note, Andres made me a bracelet. Oh man, what a blessing to receive such a personal gift. I kept trying to explain how thankful I was and that it was better than anything I could have purchased while here. Lastly, another thought: “Oh Man” is a fun saying that Elisa I think learned from Carrie. I love to say it with her and Jose. What a blessing it is to have little fun sayings that unite us and make us laugh!
Lunch was good, and then we were going to move to our singing and drama time. It was too hot inside, so we wanted to go outside. But Hugo (the caretaker) was mowing. So I asked Laura to go sweet talk him into stopping for us. It worked!! Then we went over to a corner of the field and wall area where it was all freshly cut grass. I don’t think anybody minded much, but it was very uncomfortable. I felt bad for Megan because she was sneezing and itching her eyes, so I tried to move as much loose grass away as I could, but I don’t think it helped. And then, to make things worse, while we were singing, people kept lighting fireworks on the other side of the wall. Again, though, I don’t even think the kids noticed. I think they are so used to chaos that it didn’t matter. Its amazing how we have constant hurdles to jump over here, like this situation. It feels like constant spiritual warfare. Its almost weird, but a joy at the same time to watch God work for us. Because even still, the singing was good, and the kids were mostly involved. And then our skit about Moses was incredible! It was 10 times better than the other time we did. I think the confidence was there for my staff and even for me, I knew better how to tell the story with Hannah’s translation. The kids laughed so much at the skit, and that was a blessing!
It is hard not to compare these kids to the last session though. These kids are way rougher. They come from extremely troubled homes, or no homes at all. Its crazy. We need to look past their attitudes and desire for attention and look inside to see hearts that are gentle and need Jesus desperately. I pulled my staff quickly to remind them of this. They agreed, although it was not going to be easy. Man I love my staff!! This is such a blessing to serve with them and among them. I just don’t get to do that much at the Shores with everything going on.
I am CONSTANTLY learning the language. They always teach me patiently. I now know why my good friend Joey was so transformed by going to Africa, or I guess I have a glimpse as to why. I am transformed from being here 8 days. Neal sits close journaling his thoughts. As I sit here and reflect, I am blown away by what God is doing in my heart. I miss Brooke, but I do not long to be done here they way I thought I would. I am content. I am with my staff. We do this together. I am joined by new friends that we have made here, and still want to know them more. I am blessed to see what God is doing among us here. It is a good evening.
Last thought of they day… Bessy just came up to talk with me about Jeff arriving at 6:30am tomorrow. And she told me that we need to take many American dollars to exchange for more pesos. She also told me that I need to send about 3 staff with her at about 5 so that they can each exchange money at the airport. This is because there is a limit as to how much an individual can exchange. I understand, but I do not want to have 3 of my staff get up so early. The MAJOR surprises to do not stop. Its almost comical. However, I need to be a peach - warm and fuzzy on the outside but solid in the middle.
I decided to wait out this early airport thing and hang tight before I made a decision, and luckily, Bessy decided to go a different direction. Awesome! (Even though some of my staff are so awesome and said that they would go if needed.) The evening wrapped up with some good conversations and fun. Our last full day is tomorrow.
