It has been such a busy two days, it has been tough to find time to blog! We are having an amazing time. The kids are really enjoying VBS, and welcome us with open arms each day. We had the privilege of handing out all the donations of shoes and clothing today....I wish you all could have seen the smiles on all the faces! We also decorated the kids rooms and common areas with posters and motivational quotes. They were thrilled!
At games and music we sang Noah's ark which was very appropriate given the rain. We made little paper boats and put them in a blow up pool. Using a straw we raced them across the pool. The kids loved listening to the music and dancing with Kelly V, Carol and Alexis. An extra bonus was that our group saved a kitten that fell off the steps and was injured. One of the local construction workers took the kitty home.
Construction thought the rain was going to cause a delay due to wet wood but the local contractors came to the rescue and had moved the wood so it could cut. They are working on building shelves/cubby holes for the children's rooms. They also got painting done in the bedrooms a common area and the hallway. Construction team was Paul, Chris, Charles, Dane, Alex and Colton with some help from 2 of the Dorothy Menzies boys.
Arts and crafts had the younger children make a rainbow cloud about God's promises and also made a Noah's ark with all the animals. The older kids made a boat and then drew animals on clothes pins and clipped them to the boat. Julia, Aaron, Natalie and Laura were the craft team.
A big thanks today for all the kids on our mission team who were playing soccer and basketball for hours today in the heat! Colton, Julia, Aaron, Alex, Dane, Juan.
During story time the kids listened to Noah's ark then re-told the story using felt characters. The kids responded well and enjoyed the interactive element. The kids also learned about honesty. Kelly K and Elizabeth.
The teen program was off site at the hotel. About 20 teens learned about friendship, made a list of characteristics of what makes a good friend and were taught that God is the ultimate friend. In the afternoon we went back to the child care center and decorated flip flops and painted nails. The teens who are not always kind were very polite helpful to one another and were a joy to be around. They shared personal struggles of depression and family conflict and are starting to share their hopes for the future.
Natalie, Bev, Jodie and Laura ended the afternoon by meeting first with the new on site counselor and finally a meeting with the Ministry of Human Development, the Board of Governors of the Center including Mrs Dorothy Menzies and representatives of the Rotary Club of Belize. Together we shared hopes, dreams and long range vision for the Center. It was an honor and a blessing to share that time with them.
We are so grateful for your prayers and for your generous donations that are already making a difference in the lives of these kids!
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