New Year New Day New Beginnings

2014 began with some tired team members, as the majority slept in until 7 am ;) After a very fulfilling breakfast of eggs and bread, cooked by Mahaleet, we were off to return to Kibebetsehay to play with wonderful children. The Lord held our hands & hearts as we were feeling the weight of our mission. He answered our prayers in the children's chants of "they're coming!" in Amharic as we climbed the hill to the classrooms. Half of the team went into the classrooms to do activities, while the other half played & prayed with the infants and toddlers. The projects were focusing on God's never ending circle of love, as demonstrated in the colorful paper chains. The children shared the supplies and helped one another create the links. Once it was strung together, the children giggled with delight to see it hanging in their classroom! The other project was a Happiness Quilt. Each child was given a piece of card stock to draw what makes them happy. Majority of the drawings were of the amazing nannies and teachers who take such loving care of them. Then the cards were tied together and hung on their wall. One nanny was so touched, she wanted to remember the experience by writing the date on each piece of the quilt. The infants and toddlers wanted any lap space available! These children just crave touch and connections. Saying goodbye was very difficult because we all knew we wouldn't be returning. Those smiling faces will forever be in our hearts.

After lunch, we returned to Kingdom Vision Orphanage (KVI) to again play and share God's love with these children. The older children would be returning from school and needed some serious soccer play time before beginning the Christmas Story crèche project. Jonathan was a great helper modeling how to construct the Nativity scene! The toddlers loved being held and watching from the balcony, as the older kids worked together. They've also been fascinated by Bill's moustache and arm hair :)

In closing, during devotional time and discussing how God speaks to us during trying times, the following poem was shared:

Heaven's Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from Earth!

It’s time again for another birth.

Said the Angels to the Lord above,

This Special Child will need much love.

Her progress may be very slow,

Accomplishment she may not show.

And she’ll require extra care

From the folks she meets down there.

She may not run or laugh or play;

Her thoughts may seem quite far away.

In many ways she won’t adapt

And she’ll be known as handicapped.

So let’s be careful where she’s sent.

We want her life to be content.

Please, Lord, find the parents who

Will do a special job for You.

They will not recognize right away

The leading role they are asked to play.

But with this child sent from above

Comes stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they’ll know the privilege given

In caring for their gift from Heaven.

Their precious charge so meek and mild

Is Heaven’s Very Special Child.