Hi all! sorry for such a delay. we have been away from the internet for the past two weeks because when we changed locations it was unavailable. the past fourteen days has been absolutely incredible. brian and i joined a team of about 8 other english lads and we ran a soccer clinic all the way at the base of the valley. this is by far the most destitute of the areas i have been. we ended up having about 100 kids coming everyday from 10am-4pm. we had the privilege of playing and coaching them but more importantly getting to know their lives and their own stories. Nearly every kid we spoke to has lost someone within the past year. Most of them have lost both their parents and an older sibling. I would find myself just choking back tears when i heard each of their stories, but to see their strength in how they handle the situation is incredible. these kids know that the only way they can stay alive is by getting a good education. it explains why they work so hard at everything they put their mind to. it is their only opportunity to survive. after we spent six days with them they began to take us to their homes to show us what they were like.
one of the women who was working with us took brian and a few others to a home made of clay and mud. it was about 15ft by 15ft for 8 people. the parents had just died and the 21 year old boy was taking care of all of his younger siblings. it is so devastating. i just cant explain it with words.
we have had a blast as we begin the third part of our journey here together. (first part was preparation, second part was whole lionsraw group, third part is finishing touches on the building projects) Russell and Precious currently have a house built with a roof and the interior walls are going up today, three other buildings have been built for orphanages in the area, 6 futbol projects brought in about 800 kids to hear the Gospel message, and every life involved has surely been changed.
we love and miss everyone of you but our heart are here for these kids and this nation.
we have three weeks left to pour out everything we have to them and then we will be back in the states.
please continue to pray for us as exhaustion kicks in.
One World Watching,
T & B
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Continuing to pray and so thankful for an update.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys,
Rebecca and Jim (aka Mr./Mrs. P)
Always praying for you, Thad. Makes me ashamed of how I sometimes forget to thank God for even the simplest things. What a blessing you are being to the children there! Glad to read the update because I have been checking!!!!
ReplyDeleteEllen Forrester