We started off with our deworming and fluoride treatments for everyone (adults included) at the White Dove school. The children here are so well behaved and listened intently for instructions from us. After much swallowing, swooshing, and spitting, we began our Bible School rotations where the children glorified God with their voices (music), laughter (games), hands (crafts), and ears (story time). Although it was one of the hottest days since we have been here, there were only smiles to be seen! I think all of us enjoyed it just as much as the children.
After lunch, a special ceremony was held by the children and teachers of White Dove School....and Cameron and I were MARRIED! Yes Mom, if you are reading this...your biggest fear came true! It was absolutely wonderful and huge surprise to both of us. The most beautiful flowers were used, vows were recited in not only English but also Spanish, and we hoped cake would follow; however, just peanut butter crackers! The teachers informed us that these children probably have never seen a marriage ceremony before and it was something special for them to witness and be a part of!
The teenagers in Santa Clara joined us for tie dying of tshirts, which they absolutely loved, and delivering of bibles and clothes to the families of Santa Clara. Cat Buffington and I had a great experience delivering these as we came close to being trampled by a herd of cows and had to play cherades to communicate with the families due to our low spanish vocabulary level. However, we were able to share the love of Christ by giving away Bibles, hugs, and the news "Jesus te ama!" (Jesus loves you!).
The day ended with many special moments...Cameron preaching on "change" ... Christ calls us to change the way we live with our acceptance of Jesus Christ and for the change to be evident in our daily lives wherever we may be. Funny how the same message is needed in the small community of Santa Clara as well as in the lives of many of us in Starkville, MS. I believe this message touched us differently than before due to what we have seen and experienced this week. I wish you all could be here to see it for yourselves because words and pictures don't do it justice. Tears streamed down my face as a young girl played her guitar and beautifully sang with the children "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord" in Spanish...and we joined in English...two languages at the same time worshiping the same God. Pretty cool huh and definitely a Holy Spirit moment.
Sorry for the super long post, but hope this helps you get a picture of one day here in Honduras. Santa Clara and the White Dove School have become a very special place to all of us. The children are learning both English and Spanish (teachers needed!!) as well as the love of Jesus Christ. Our church has supported them over the years and we were able to see two of the buildings we helped to build with all of your support! One is the Cafeteria and the other is the Prepatory Classroom as you can see in the pictures posted below.
Hope everything is well in Mississippi and thanks for your continued prayers!
Emily
Congrats to you and Cameron!
ReplyDeleteThe transformation in Santa Clara in the last three years has been inspirational. Thank you for your role in bringing light, love, and hope to those kids.
ReplyDeleteAllen B.