Tough (but great) Day

What can I say that the pictures don't already show? (and there are plenty of pictures!)

Our schedule was the same today as the day before. There were more kids that showed up at the Nicaraguan church today and the joy on their faces when we arrived was humbling. The children at the church are very attached. We are glad to be of service at the church, but I think we'll leave a large chunk of our hearts behind.

(More details below pictures)

Pepper Pilliod as 'Goliath' in David & Goliath

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Juan Pablo gave his testimony for the youth night. It was powerful and he was very transparent about what the Lord has done in his life.

Group prayer

The team was very worn out by the end of the day, but their stamina to push through to the end was outstanding! There are not enough positive affirmatives to give to our team. Their hearts are wide open and raw and their love and playfulness is exactly what is needed for these children. These people need love!

It was an extremely tough day that had physically and emotionally drained most of the team. At our closing team meeting, before bed, many people shared their heart's troubles at seeing how little we have to offer. Many of the young children and teenagers have had very hard lives; lives that our team members couldn't even imagine. Many of them are so shockingly upfront that it is easy to feel inadequate and at a loss as to how to relate in any way possible. I think, for many in the team, they are realizing just how much God's love for them is unwarranted. How amazing is it to be broken by God to then be used as disciples for Him!

Pray for the team's ability to let God break them. Pray that their stamina continues through the rest of this tough week.

Also, the water situation (showers, sinks, toilets) is off and on. By the end of the day we are sandy, stinky and just plain gross. We need some running (or, dripping) water.

We are incredibly grateful for your prayers! We know that you are a HUGE part of what the Lord is doing. Big hugs and lots of love from all of us to you! 

Quote of the Day: "I saw his under-panties!"-Trinity Louderback

Picture of the Day:

Sand, sand everywhere!

The team slept much better last night! Your prayers for mosquito intervention were upheld. Please continue them.

This is the first time a Peru team has had two Bible Fun Club sessions in a day. In the morning the team tuc-tuc-ed to the Nicaraguan church.

Tuc-Tucs

This church is located in a red zone neighborhood (don't worry, parents, we were safe). We had the privilege to interact with a group of approximately 75 children (10 & under). The coordinator, Mariana, was pleased to see our team. We were the first group to visit and serve their community. Our visit, program, and outward love was much appreciated.

Jonathan Batchelor as 'Dove' in Noah's Ark

Our afternoon Bible Fun Club was held at our host church. A total of 176 children (11 & under) attended. The time was filled with learning, fun and games, and priceless moments with the children of Peru. Many of these children have very little. For example, some of our students were painting the young girls' nails. The girls were so excited by the attention and the desire to be beautiful they would quickly bite or scrape the fresh coat of paint for the chance to be re-manicured.

In the evening we then gathered to hold a Youth Program for approximately 60 teenagers. The team was exceptional in opening themselves up. Bella Purcell gave a wonderful testimony and later the team broke off to have small groups.

Our days for the rest of the week will continue to be this packed. It was amazing to see the love shown by our team  and our energy was through the roof! Please pray that we continue to give our all and push ourselves to the limit even in the chaos of our packed days.

Quote of the Day: "I want to be kidnapped!'-Trinity Louderback (Tina ask Trinity. Know she is secured.)

Picture of the Day:

War Declared on Mosquitos!

We're being attacked at night by mosquitos! Pray that God gives us the ability to recharge and be ready for this busy week.

Thank you for keeping up with our journey and your continued prayer.

Today (as previewed in the last post) we set out to recruit kids for our Bible Fun Club. It was hot and sandy, but we were able to hand out many flyers and interact with the locals of Mancora.

Our day ended in a packed church where we praised and honored our Father with the Peruvians.

Gina's Mini-Me?

Quote of the Day: "We'll have to be in...you-nation...u-asian...? That word that's like all-together?"-Elle Gunn

Picture of the Day:

Pictures for now, Blog and more later...

 Recruiting kids for our Bible Fun Club