Report by Team Leader Lisa Terrell
The girls (+David) woke up early to see off Ms. Linda. She and George left the mission house at 6:00 a.m. for the 9-hour drive home to the Northwest. She has been such a blessing to us this week, and tears were shed as she left. We prayed for safe travels and that God continues to keep her safe. Last night Linda shared from Isaiah 43 why we never fear, because God says, “Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the holy one of Israel, your Savior….”. Wow! We have NOTHING to fear, no matter where we go! What a promise to these college students, some of them about to embark on new chapters of their lives. They – and we – can face every day fearlessly because of this promise.
Today was a “slow” day. After seeing Linda off, it was back to bed and everyone slept in. We then took meds inventory so that needs will be known for the next team. Ms. Betty was patient with our slow counting! Our team wants to give a big “Thank You” to Ms. Betty, because without her knowledge and experience we would not know where to begin in doing a medical clinic. What a blessing she has been to us! Thank you, Betty!
After inventory and lunch, we visited a nearby orphanage that takes care of 25 children. We sang “Wi, Jezi Renmen” (Jesus Loves Me) and “Mwen Te Decidi” (I Have Decided to Follow Jesus) in Creole with the children. Then we shared colors and coloring books with them and just hung out. Even with the language barrier, we can show our love of Jesus and feel it coming right back to us, through music and art – the simple things.
My prayer for each team member, as we return home tomorrow, is that we store these simple, sweet things close in our heart, and take them out when “American” life starts to move too fast.
Wi, Jezi Renmen nou. (Yes, Jesus Loves you). Yes, He does.