Today was packed, emotional, and wonderful all at the same time. I think the team all finally got a full night of sleep and woke up ready to have some fun. We started the morning helping with chores and then learning how to make samosas before doing our morning devotion. We have enjoyed having samosas all week and it was fun learning to make them!

After breakfast we went over to the secondary (high) school, met with all the students, and saw their facilities. Pastor John was very proud of their library. All the kids have high career goals and are studying really hard to exceed in their state exams coming up! It was really inspiring to hear their hopes and dreams and then their plans to achieve those goals. When the team was over at the secondary school we had the privilege of getting to see the boy’s bathroom that the Vineyard helped make happen. It was really awesome getting to see Pastor John and the school utilize our help to further their dreams of having a school that children want to attend and has good facilities. Finishing up the morning, the team got to read to the kindergarten classes and engage their sillies as they heard the stories.

For the afternoon, the team got to hang out with all the students at the primary school making crafts and playing games. Bracelets were made, pictures were drawn, and slap bracelets colored. One really cool thing that happened during this time was the team getting to hand out bookmarks to some students that were made by members of the Women of Worth group at the Community Center. It was touching that we got to connect the Community Center with children in a different continent who both loved the laminated bible verses and love school.

 It was the best kind of chaos when we got to go outside and play parachute, learn dances to worship songs, and play loads of soccer. The team was sweaty, a little out of shape, but filled with so much gratitude and joy. These kids have welcomed us instantly and it is really fun getting to spend time with them and share their energy.

To end the evening, we got to enjoy dinner at Pastor John and Esther’s home. The team had a lot of fun processing the week, having fellowship with each other, and doing worship with their daughter, Carrisa, leading. When Pastor John asked us what one highlight was of our week, we all struggled to come up with just one. There have been so many God moments on this trip and we are ending the night sitting outside, drinking coffee, and telling dozens of stories.