Victory Rwanda 2012 Day 9

Preschoolers at snack time

Walking back from school

Walking back from school

Kids on the monkey bars

Kristen with Claude

After school, waiting for crafts

Afternoon karate

Chris demonstrating how to break a hold

Walking back from school with a local young man

Walking to school with my new friends

Craft time is fun!

People always say that when you go on a mission trip to bless others, you are blessed in an incomprehensible, life-changing way. Today was an example of this. I’ll speak for everyone on the team and say that it’s an understatement, to say the least.

As we made our way yesterday to our new destination (Mike, Lauren, Alaina, and Leah went to City of Joy where Alisa, Kristen, Chris, and I were previously staying) we knew we were in for a brand new experience. Victory Home Orphanage is a beautiful place full of beautiful people serving an AMAZING God. Our team knew we were in for a new experience that would bless us, but I’m not sure we ever expected it in the ways we received.

It was an early morning with a wake-up around 6:00. It was a quick start and we walked some of the kids to school. The school is approximately two miles away, so the four-mile roundtrip walk at 6:30 in the morning woke us up very quickly. Once we returned home to the orphanage, we had a delicious breakfast (Serena knows how to cook……really well) and did our morning devotions. We discussed faith without works being dead and our ability to serve others.

The whole day was about serving the kids at the orphanage. After breakfast and devotions, we went around the vicinity and played with some of the kids whom were not at school. A little football and climbing with the preschoolers on the monkey bars was a large portion of our morning. Following that, we walked the afternoon kids to school. Another four-mile roundtrip…more time getting to know the children and spend time with them.

Returning home for the afternoon, lunch was ready, and once again…the food was delicious. We instantly got up and prepared our afternoon craft (Butterflies made out of yarn) for the kids. They loved it. Following crafts, we had activity time where Ed and Chris taught the kids karate. Pressure points, self-defense, and some more advanced moves had the kids interested and moving.

Next up: The most anticipated part of the kids schedule. Football. Ed is extremely pleased because it was the first time that his team didn’t lose…the teams tied. He was still satisfied. These kids know how to play well.

Tacos for dinner. Yummmm. Except I used way too much Akabanga (hot sauce) and burned my mouth. Fail.

Immediately following dinner we went to Family Time. This is where all the kids gather in the common room and spend time with one another. Tonight, we decided to play them some music. We played worship music with Chris on guitar, Ed on the drum, and myself on a garbage can. It was wonderful. We had the kids dancing, singing, and smiling. One of the most breathtaking parts was when we sang Jesus Paid It All, and they all started singing in their language. Our God is an Awesome God was sung too and they sang for us in Swahili. To end family time, they sang and danced to one of their songs….a fifteen minute song…of dancing and singing. Super tiring. Singing with them and praising God together, although having a language barrier, didn’t stop us. It was wonderful. It was perfect.

Overall, today was an incredible experience. The kids are beautiful, God-loving, and more than excited to spend time us. God is alive and working. These children have hope and faith. Today was indescribable.

Love and miss you all, Kevin.