Camp

Camp is over and the kids have all gone home. Bittersweet was the parting. These kids have more energy than I can even imagine exerting. They just keep going and going till midnight--like the energizer bunny.

Saturday was the end of a very full, busy week. The children all had such a wonderful time and seemed to respond spiritually to the lessons taught. Becky worked nonstop--every finding ways to serve.

Answer to prayer: Somewhere between digging out splinters, splinting "broken" arms (praise the Lord, it ended up NOT!), painting faces, and playing Connect Four, the children began (Thursday) opening up to me. Although they giggle at my Portuguese attempts, they're more than willing to help me learn new words. They're now freely coming up to exchange hugs and a few simple phrases (whether in English or Portuguese.) I've fallen in love with a few in particular.

I was delighted to find the children opening up to me by Thursday afternoon. They enjoyed giggling at my Portuguese and willingly taught me new words. Thank you for praying specifically that I could connect with these children, in spite of the language barrier.

Several of the counselors were able to speak some English. I very much enjoyed being able to get to know them. Many of the counselors go to the Abel's church, live in close proximity to where I'm staying, and/or will be at the next camp in early February. Pray the Lord continues to develop these relationships over the next 5 weeks.

The Able's home is a happening places! Rarely is there not a child on the porch, a visitor in the kitchen, or a friend on the phone. That's when we're home. . . it seems there are endless meetings, opportunities to serve, work projects or other random places to be.

Sunday morning we attended church, had lunch at the ARCA with the remaining staff from camp, cleaned up some of the ARCA, had an hour or so at the house, then evening church service (at their first church plant).

Monday I spent the most of the day sorting through boxes of remaining camp supplies. We spent the evening at the Pastor Abel's sister's home (and her husband and 10/11 kids!)

Tuesday took a hike with church youth (see next post).

Wednesday I spent the first part of the morning helping move nursery items from Joanna's (Abel's eldest daughter) school into a new building. Then, spent the remainder of the day helping around the school--which pretty much consisted of creating a Fruit of the Spirit poster. Caught the bus home with another girl from the school (who I knew from camp and lives by me) and then walked from the bus stop to home. Had about an hour before evening church service. After church, some of the boys went frog hunting. :-D

Today the Abel's daughters (Joanna and Christine) and Joanna's family (husband and 2 daughters), along with some cousins, came over for lunch. We had a huge lunch, including last night's catches. ;-) It has rained most of the day along with lots of dark clouds and thunder. I love it.

A prayer request... Pray specifically for quick/inexpensive repair of the refrigerator, dryer, and kitchen light fixture. . . all of which have decided to go out this past week! Pray that Pastor Abel can minister the Gospel to every repairman that enters this house and they would receive with an open heart.

More to follow soon. Thank you for partnering in this ministry through prayer.

His Bride,

Karyn