Monday, February 28, 2011
Today is a day that I think none of us will ever forget. It was a day filled with emotions, both by our team and the people we met. Today we went out into the villages to meet our World Vision sponsor children. As we drove down dirt roads people peeked out curiously from doorways or ran excitedly to the road to see the strangers, many breaking out in huge smiles, returning our waves. Along the way we saw women and young girls, bare foot, hauling huge water jugs on their backs, the first of several trips for the day. Our eyes were opened to the reality of how these people truly live. Life is very difficult for them in a way most of us can't imagine. No electricity. No running water. Homes made of mud or sticks with dirt floors. Here in Abaya, the people work hard simply to survive.
Yet there is joy in the midst of it. Kids are still kids, shy at first but soon won over through games and laughter. We watched a little girl's tentativeness melt into huge grins as she skipped rope, a little boy emerge from his shell as he learned how to play frisbee for the first time, and the whole group of kids melt into squeals of laughter as they blew bubbles and played ring-around-the-rosie.
We listened as Pam taught her children about God through the gifts she had brought them. We saw Scott literally give one father the shirt off his back because his was in tatters. We were welcomed into the home of a family whose lives had been changed by another Lakeside member through sponsorship and designated giving. The gratefulness they showed us toward their sponsor was overwhelming. If anyone has ever wondered how much their sponsorship of a child helps, I can tell you it is huge. It truly makes a difference in the lives of these children and the community overall.
I think everyone on the team would agree that this was a rare and special day. We saw poverty in a way we have never seen it before. We experienced a huge range of emotions as we interacted with these beautiful people. We came to bless them but left feeling blessed. We arrived as strangers but we left as friends. What an incredible day!
Blessings,
Tari
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4
Today is a day that I think none of us will ever forget. It was a day filled with emotions, both by our team and the people we met. Today we went out into the villages to meet our World Vision sponsor children. As we drove down dirt roads people peeked out curiously from doorways or ran excitedly to the road to see the strangers, many breaking out in huge smiles, returning our waves. Along the way we saw women and young girls, bare foot, hauling huge water jugs on their backs, the first of several trips for the day. Our eyes were opened to the reality of how these people truly live. Life is very difficult for them in a way most of us can't imagine. No electricity. No running water. Homes made of mud or sticks with dirt floors. Here in Abaya, the people work hard simply to survive.
Yet there is joy in the midst of it. Kids are still kids, shy at first but soon won over through games and laughter. We watched a little girl's tentativeness melt into huge grins as she skipped rope, a little boy emerge from his shell as he learned how to play frisbee for the first time, and the whole group of kids melt into squeals of laughter as they blew bubbles and played ring-around-the-rosie.
We listened as Pam taught her children about God through the gifts she had brought them. We saw Scott literally give one father the shirt off his back because his was in tatters. We were welcomed into the home of a family whose lives had been changed by another Lakeside member through sponsorship and designated giving. The gratefulness they showed us toward their sponsor was overwhelming. If anyone has ever wondered how much their sponsorship of a child helps, I can tell you it is huge. It truly makes a difference in the lives of these children and the community overall.
I think everyone on the team would agree that this was a rare and special day. We saw poverty in a way we have never seen it before. We experienced a huge range of emotions as we interacted with these beautiful people. We came to bless them but left feeling blessed. We arrived as strangers but we left as friends. What an incredible day!
Blessings,
Tari
"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4
Fantastic! I LOVE it and am so glad that God got you there, Tari!! Your post was like seeing the scenes with my own eyes; I appreciate all the glimpses into village life! :) Praise God for what He is doing among you and among the people there!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I find this an incredible adventure and opportunity for you all to see first hand how your contributions effect the corners of the earth. It is very encouraging to see that the efforts of so few people can impact so many people in such a positive and productive manner.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you, Tari to have been able to be involved, to have seen the opportunity to help is such a way that is so small on a scale here at home, but so huge on a scale in Abaya. You are all such an amazing group of people. Tari's card sits on my counter to remind me to think and send my blessings to you every day.
Thank you all for sharing and opening to us all your "enlightenment" throughout your trip.
Bless you all. Have a safe duration of your journey.
Cheryl