On day three we picked up our missionary friend from Germany, Miriam Weisbach to head to a poor neighborhood where she and her family faciliate a number of outreach services including an after school program.
Our job was to teach English and share Christ through acts of love and kindness. Yes, the card Josiah is holding is not written in English. Turned over it read in English, "You're welcome."
The morning gave us some practice since there was a smaller group of children. Rachel didn't need practice, however! She is an excellent teacher who teaches 5th grade in Columbia, MO.
The mall, located within just ten minutes of driving, was a stark contrast to where we had just been.
We bought lunch at the food court. Nathan was worn out from his hard work playing animal charades with the kids to help them learn the animal names in English.
The team purchased school supplies for the after school program ministry and for the afternoon's lessons. We planned to set up a store for the children to "purchase" school items and practice their English.
They were each given $6.33 in fake change to use for their purchases.
The children came into the store in groups of three. It was difficult for them to decide which items they wanted to purchase. Nathan told us that night during our debrief that he was surprised at how excited they were at getting something so small as a pencil when kids in the states barely get excited over a something that might cost $50.00.
The tiny room began to fill with more than 30 kids. Even Superman showed up!
We received many happy hugs when it was time to leave.
Spaghetti dinner and then sharing time at the Douce house -- team member Chris told his story of experiencing freedom and healing through forgiving himself and others after years of painful brokeness. Then Jackson shared his story for the first time. We were spellbound and astounded at God's sovereign rescue of this young man. The evening ended with a somewhat rousing game of UNO. The boys often enjoy playing UNO after a teaching or devotional when they come on Tuesdays for dinner.
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