At St. John's, the children had a half day, so that school's team mainly worked around the building, doing odd jobs to help it look better. During school hours, the teachers and students held a fantastic assembly to thank everyone for their hard work. They received thank-you cards, t-shirts, and magnets (and the St. Mary's team was very, very jealous).
Everyone at St. Mary's (where Courtney and I worked) started off the day with passing out t-shirts from the supply suitcases. Individual classes came in to receive the donated Upward shirts, and it felt amazing to see the thankful grins on children's faces! We then separated school supplies for all of the teachers.
The preschoolers had a field day out in the backyard. Oh my goodness, it was the cutest thing we have ever seen! Most of the parents were there to watch, and they even participated with their kids in the various races. Ms. Joy, the preschool teacher, did an incredible job organizing the event for everybody. She is a gifted woman, with a huge heart for what she does. Every child loves and adores her.
After school, we ended the day with taking lots (and lots and lots and lots) of pictures, signing shirts, and kicking around the soccer ball. It was a great way to end the week. Even though we knew we would see the children for a little while on Monday morning, today was the last time to spend quality time with them.
It's sad to think we will be leaving soon. We all have become so close with so many people here, and to leave everything behind will be incredibly heartbreaking. I have been truly touched and changed by this trip, but that is of the least importance. Seeing firsthand how God has been working here, knowing that His hand reaches far beyond our own limited perspectives, has been refreshing and eye-opening. How much that we take for granted! How selfish our culture has helped us become! We are blessed beyond our wildest imaginations, and we often fail to recognize that. Though I am ashamed that it took a 10-day trip to a third world country for me to see the other side of the coin, I am grateful that God allowed me to learn from this experience. Red and yellow, black or white, we are all God's children, wrapped in His grace. Thank you, God, for second chances and undeserved forgiveness.
Hallelujah, what a Savior!
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