Today started as a tough one for me. It was the first day I really didn't want to get out of bed and 'do the stuff' but I didn't get swayed by the negative thoughts flying around my head, instead I shared them with my family before breakfast who listened and understood my feelings of inadequacy. I had this overwhelming heaviness around me and felt like I was an outsider looking in at everything going on around me but not fully engaging with it. I also had the thoughts 'how is me being here in Gitega, Burundi, making any difference whatsoever...' At the start of this journey together during one of our quiet times someone had talked about us being 'shaken about' and I certainly felt like that this morning! There was a lot of prayer and encouragement from the team and Matt reminded me of what Bosco had said when we first met the girls and boys in their houses. He said that just our coming to be with them had made a difference to their lives and given them self worth. Helen also gave me these words - 'do not despise the day of small things'. No matter how small or insignificant you think your part is, God is on the move and is a God of transformation, all we have to be is obedient.
Most of the group have at some time on this trip had similar feelings, they are natural - human nature! After a lot of prayer and further encouragement our morning started!!!!
Post breakfast warm-ups were led by Lorna and we learnt some new moves! Some Irish dancing kicks and flicks and some karate. William our host from 'Jambo Hotel' picked up the moves very quickly. Mat and Jon hilariously combined both the two - what a sight; Irish Karate Flicks!!!!
Melody, Annette, Obi and Helen went to the clinic whilst the rest of us ventured over to the playing field (?!) where all the boys and girls joined together for some wide games. Kickball went down especially well - a mixture of football and baseball!
The car journey back was I think the record so far of how many bodies we could squash into the car. we really were packed in like baked beans! 4 in the very back (kind of boot although there are two seats!!!), 4 in the back seat and 3 in the front! This was a 7 seater car - oops!
This afternoon the boys did a variety of activities including art and music while the girls did some T-shirt designing. It was lovely to see them get stuck in with a paintbrush and paint, more than likely something the majority of them had never done before. The children certainly shook me out of my earlier gloom. What an honour to see the laughter and joy on their faces throughout the day.
We have been reading and praying about holding lightly to our possessions. Melody was a real servant example today as she gave out her own clothes to the girls. She knew they needed them more and she would be fine with the little she had remaining. What a Godly girl she is and a delight to the Lord.
Love and blessings to all you readers.
Fee P
This afternoon the boys did a variety of activities including art and music while the girls did some T-shirt designing. It was lovely to see them get stuck in with a paintbrush and paint, more than likely something the majority of them had never done before. The children certainly shook me out of my earlier gloom. What an honour to see the laughter and joy on their faces throughout the day.
We have been reading and praying about holding lightly to our possessions. Melody was a real servant example today as she gave out her own clothes to the girls. She knew they needed them more and she would be fine with the little she had remaining. What a Godly girl she is and a delight to the Lord.
Love and blessings to all you readers.
Fee P
Fantastic to read what you are all getting up to every day. Great blog! Eleven in a car sounds quite a challenge! Keep going in God's strength... Phil 4v13.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog Fee, and a very honest one about your feelings at times out there. It must be emotionally draining out there and seeing the stark differences compared to our lives back home. Sounds like you guys really have fun with the kids out there though with these games and those post breakfast warm ups already sound legendary...Irish Karate Flicks...the word nutters springs to mind!! We are all praying for you, keep positive and do not be dismayed...Isiah 41:10
ReplyDeleteLove to you all Colin x
Yet another inspiring instalment - how dare we complain at home. You all sound to becoming very fulfilled in all you are involved in; how sad for you to leave (can't believe you start you return so soon now) and no doubt it will be very hard and emotional.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless in your last few days and so pleased to hear you, Annette, are recovered!
Much love
Sheila
PS Still sweltering here!