Have I mentioned how INCREDIBLE the weather has been here? We are so blessed and have been able to enjoy so many 'extras' because of the sunshine!
Yesterday was a full day. We headed to Christ Church cathedral for their morning worship service. It was inspiring to say the least...the acoustics of a cathedral, choir singing, pipe organ...just amazing. The students have a greater apprection for their home church in light of the service's formality, but it was a great experience. The sun was shining so we wer able to walk to a popular tourist area for lunch and some souvenir shopping. Then we walked south through Dublin castle and to St. Patricks cathedral. We ended up at the Luas to head out to Dundrum, where the Beckers live. The team was thrilled to finally meet Scott who had just returned from two weeks in the states caring for his father. We helped to transport tables and other supplies to the location of our 'american' picnic with crossroads church. The evening was so fun. Our students, without prompting, engaged with the many families who were there, especially the children. We heard testimony today that Scott and rebekah were able to have several necessary conversations because of the children being entertained by our team. I am so proud of how these students continue to be such an encouragement to all those they come in contact with.
Today began the kids club we have been preparing for! We headed out to the ministry center after a bit of shopping and team time on st. Stevens Green this morning. We ate lunch and put the finishing touches on the camp. The children arrived at 3 p.m. and we were ready. Samuel and I started with teaching them some Childrens songs (and the girls giggled at how high I can sing)! After a short lesson about the theme, several boys entertained the kids with a skit...which they wrote. Then we split the boys and girls for activities. The boys headed to a creek to learn how to skip rocks and the girls worked on crafts and painting nails!
We are amazed at the background of some of these children. It is evident that after only a few hours with our students, walls are dropping very quickly. Please continue to pray that these relationships will be effective at moving these children and their families closer to Jesus. Our theme for the week centers around Gods love, and many of these children are hearing about it, and seeing it lived out for the first time.
Tonight we headed to a dinner of authentic Irish cuisine and were entertained by some traditional Irish music and dancing.
We are seeing God work in great ways both in our group, and through our group. I have no doubt that each of these students will be positively marked by this experience form the rest of their lives. .
God continues to bless and answer prayer after prayer on our behalf. Please continue to pray for us as we serve.
