Day 7 - Final Work & Cute Chaos

Our amazing translator, Kenyo. 

Finished our jobs today! We completed the top level of the boat for our mission project, finishing up the walls and touching up some dirty spots. We didn't want to put another coat on the benches because we're planning to use it tomorrow on our Amazon excursion. We were done by lunch, so some of us finished our efforts with the construction crew on the raft. It was fun work (especially without the paint fumes), and I was able to help put up two ceilings for two different rooms. Can't wait to see how the boat will fair for tomorrow. 

VBS was chaotic. PT ended up sick after the projects, and Paul was unavailable to help us set up. Today's final service was on us. It was supposed to be perfect, with some amazing emotional experiences, everything going to plan. That's not how it happened. The stories were well told, but the kids were not steady. Noisier than usual, it was hard to tell if the experience we wanted them to have was actually happening. They were moving around throughout the stories and talking with the students. When the games hit, students tried leading out in "Simon Says" and the "Over and Under" line game. The kids were so loud and rowdy, our translator Kenyo had to consistently scream over them for their attention. (He eventually broke the speaker for a second, and we had to work to fix it while the kids continued tackling each other on the concrete flooring.) God, however, was still in our presence. As we said our goodbyes, the kids jumped all over us showing their affection. I hugged a few, and many other students hugged many more. We took videos and selfies and played games with them. Sadly, our time with them was cut too soon after only four services. We had talked to them about Jesus and heaven in VBS, and it gives me great relief knowing they know this won't be the final goodbye, no matter how our paths go on from here in this world. 

Tomorrow's the Amazon River excursion. I may not be available to post in the middle of the jungle, so I'll try to catch up as soon as I get back. Can't wait to experience this grand foreign adventure with the awesome people here!