I'm Sorry You Made That Choice...

Today our prayers were answered. I'll start with yesterday, though.

Yesterday was a challenging day. See, kids can be very kind, sweet, and tender. That would describe MOST of the kids. However, I believe the enemy was trying to foil the plans that God had for the day regarding the kids and our team. Also, packing over 300 kids, ages about 0-16, into a small church building is not the ideal situation when you want order. It seems they were not very familiar with the idea of discipline, and it got messy. There were also some neighborhood kids who were messing with our children and bringing darkness to our group. However frustrated we became, we knew that only God could bring light to these challenges and difficulties, so we prayed.

Today was a lot better. First of all, it seemed like there were only 2/3 of what we had yesterday. Luckily, I noticed that most of the missing children were the REALLY young ones, ages 0-2 or 3. That way, there were less distractions and the older kids could learn and it would be easier for them to pay attention. It was a lot calmer today, and we were also a lot more strict with them. If they were talking and causing problems, we either shushed them or sent them home, saying "I'm sorry you made that decision." We warned them, after all.

I got to sit among the girls, and even though they loved chatting (I had to shush some of them many times and separate some) they were well-behaved and were eager to learn about God. We did worship. learned about God though stories, recited John 3:16 in various fun ways, did an altar call, prayed with the children, made a cross necklace for the craft, and we had fun.

Later on, after being squished in the backseat of a van next to Linda, Theresa, and Bob, we finally returned to the mission we're staying at, but not for long. The four of us went to Jumbo, which is like a giant Target or Walmart. I HAD to buy a chocolate bar while we were there.

Then we came back, Susie and Don joined us, and we went out and walked a couple blocks to the market place. Again, just like a couple days ago, these sellers were relentless. Theresa and Linda impressed many of them with their bartering skills (Becky would be proud), and when they finally admitted that we are missionaries, the vendors would exclaim, "OHHH!!!" and laugh.

After the markets we walked down the street and got coffee. I got an Oreo and Nutella frappucino to satisfy my ongoing sugar/ice cream craving. Then, to my joy, we went to an ice cream/frozen yogurt joint a few doors down. It was amazing! It was the most perfect afternoon.

We walked back and tried not to get ran over by all the traffic. However, it wasn't without its challenges since the police would not let us cross.  They thought we were part of the cruise ship, and kept trying to send us back there since there were no police in the direction we were going.  We continued to explain that we were missionaries and needed to get to our compound.   After several attempts explaining, we finally got through with our broken Spanish. "¡Mi casa!" -Don (lololol) Anyway... then we basically chilled and did our usual thang. Now it's almost nigh-night time (7:30...that's what I get for hanging out with old people.)

Keep praying for our team. Tomorrow we are taking on a new group for VBS, and are looking forward to it. :)

Marissa