Beach Day Update( and Random Thoughts from Becca)

We had a super special day at the beach today with the kids!  We were all waiting at the beach when the kids arrived in a rented bus.  They were waving like crazy and all excited.  They walked off the bus in their beautiful new dresses but quickly changed into their swim gear and went to explore the water.  There was a LOT of squealing, screaming and laughing as the kids splashed at the water's edge and slowly worked their way in.  This was the first time to go to the beach for many of them, so they were so precious as they experimented with floating, splashing and getting lots of rides around the water from us!  The kids also had fun with the frisbees and balls that Drew brought.  After awhile, the kids took a swimming break to eat a special lunch of little pastries with meat, cheese puffs, "casino" cookies and a bottle of cold pop.  They were eager to get back into the water and keep playing like crazy.  Most of the time we were in the water, we had at least 3 kids riding on us through the water. The kids were so eager for hugs and to hold hands or to be twirled around in the water. There were a lot of special moments with the kids (and we also got a great work out playing with the kids)!!

Also today one of our interpreter took time to tell her story of what happened to her family during the earthquake.  Very touching!!  She was able to look back and see how God took care of her family and saved her brother from nearly dying.

For me, the most touching part of the trip has been the opportunity to do some medical care for some of the orphans.  These girls have been through so much.  It was so hard at several points to not burst into tears as they told of such things as being abandoned by parents at church service, being burned just because of being disabled, being raped, and more.  I'm so glad for the hope that we have to offer in Jesus and pray for healing and wholeness spirit, soul and body!!

I miss you all very much!  All the teens on our trip are amazing in the way they minister!  Zac is being such a champ.  He and some of the other guys have been playing basketball at the orphanage and also with the boys in the neighborhood where we are staying.  Drew has done a beautiful job of doing some lessons for the kids.  Kayleigh and Mara and other girls have endured great facial pain as the girls in the orphanage have played with their hair like they were Barbies.  The kids on the team have all done such a great job reaching out and playing with the kids in the orphanage.

Special hugs and kisses to Scott, Ethan and Ehud!!!