Morning Recap 1:30PM

This morning we finished painting at the church and removed a ton of rock and debris from the unfinished floors so that they will be ready to have cement poured. This was accomplished by a large number of kids filling small buckets of rocks by hand, carrying them outside, and dumping them on a pile. It was somewhat reminicient of the scene in "Snow White" where the dwarfs work away while singing a happy tune. Our kids were on hands and knees shoveling rock barehanded and singing worship songs and having a great time! Pastor Dennis has already commended our kids on their great work ethic.

We had an opportunity to play soccer today with a local all-area team. It was a 13U team that represents Clarendon (the local region where Maypen is located). We played them with 8 soccer players from our group and a few others (me, P7, Scottie, Rashad, Marianne, & Catherine) filling in the gaps. After opening up a 2-0 lead, P7 subbed in as goalie and I went in as stopper and we promptly gave up two goals (the first was on purpose, the second... not so much). The game ended in a 2-2 tie. That team will be playing a big game tomorrow at 2 pm and we've promised them we will be there to cheer them on. Our girls were working on some new cheers during today's scrimmage to do for that team tomorrow. We'll post the pictures from this morning's game later this evening.

After lunch, we returned to the hotel for some rest. It is incredibly hot today and everyone worked hard this morning. The band will be heading back over at 4 pm for practice and then the other teams will follow shortly. Our concert begins at 7 pm.

We'll post an update and photos of tonight's activities when we return to the hotel (probably around midnight, our time).

I continue to be so impressed by the positive attitudes of our young people. On the van ride back to the hotel, I hear an exchange in which a girl without water pressure in her room asked another girl if she could shower in her room. The young lady explained that she and her sister were going to shower, but that they would shower together so that the other girl could come over sooner and get a shower as well. All of this was done with a spirit of cooperation, without a single complaint from either party. It's a small example of the kind of moments that have been taking place throughout our time here.

Anyone who will take time to hang out with our young people would quickly find a renewed faith in this generation. I am so privileged to be here participating in this trip with them. What a blessing it has been to me to be with them. The only negative part is the realization that I am not that young anymore. I remember when I used to have that much energy.... ahem, but I digress.

Thanks for your prayers. Everyone is healthy and doing well!