It would take more words than I have in my vocabulary to describe the 3 and a half days at the beach. The waves were stronger but not as strong as the lifelong bonds of friendship built in just these few days. The heat was at record levels, but the beautiful ocean was the backdrop for what turned out to be a great start to the trip this year.
Wednesday Night
We arrived at the camp on Wednesday night and as always spirits were high and laughter was in no short supply. Late afternoon chai with the girls is more than just a simple delight but something we have truly embraced. The night was spent is organized chaos as we all spent the evening laughing, dancing and playing any games the girls wanted. They love to sing so of course we did! We gathered in the Chapel and sang songs at the top of our lungs. It was a great night to start off VBS.
Thursday - Saturday VBS
....VBS. We start the day off with breakfast and then straight to the first chapel service. Music is always a must as these girls love to sing to Our Lord. We taught them a new song...well new for them..
I will dance I will sing to be mad for my King
Nothing Lord is hindering this passion in my soul
And I'll become even more undignified than this
Some may say its foolishness
They absolutely loved the tune and it became the anthem for the next few days. The chapel service had skits, songs and teaching....but more than anything it had the love of God and the Spirit of God flowing powerfully!
VBS also included craft time (making photo frames, music shakers, and bracelets), activities (face painting, balloon animals and shapes), snacks (delicious ones!) and of course teaching. Once again we instilled in these young girls the Love, Grace, Mercy, Compassion, Hope and Freedom found in Jesus Christ.
But let's not forget something here....we were at the BEACH!!! So swimming was the grand highlight of the day. These girls are fearless and attack the punishing waves with reckless abandon....so for them much fun, but for us much anxiety...in a good way. We as a team had to make sure that every single one of these girls was well protected. By the grace of God no one was hurt and nothing happened....God was once again covering us with His Presence. All in all VBS was an amazing time. We all got to know the girls more and more and hear about their dreams and passions.
There is something very special when you sit across the table from a child who has been abandoned by her family, oppressed by her society and deemed worthless by her culture - and yet there we sit.....worlds apart in terms geography but united by the Cross. There is something moving in the hearts of all of us...as we laughed, danced, drank lots of chai - we realized this....we came to be a blessing to them, but so far it seems that they are a blessing to us.
More to come...stay tuned...stay in prayer!
Nirup
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