I Like to Mov it, Mov it!

This week we were Mov (purple). You could hear us throughout camp screaming "I like to Mov it, Mov it! I like to Mov it, Mov it!" It was quite entertaining, but it got the shyest of them all on my team to get involved. This week we had the "younger" kids of a few group homes from around, but of course, I was with the older ones of them :) Most of my kids were around 13-14, and it was such fun getting to know them this week!

This is Carol, the only boy on my team all week. He has such a tender heart, and was so compassionate to the younger kids around him. 

Of course camp was a blast, as always. We love dancing, winning games, and going to Vetca! It's so much fun! This week though many of the stories that we have heard since orientation back in Dallas a few weeks ago about neglected, abused, and forgotten kids, came to life this week more so than previous ones. A few of my kids shared a piece of their heart with me as they told of the troubles they faced at home, with their family, and what they have experienced growing up. It's a lot easier to simply hear their story and send up a quick prayer for that forgotten kid you haven't met yet than to actually meet the kid that that "story" is happening to and share in the pain with them. 

This week I had the privilege of becoming friends with a precious girl named Cristina. She always has a smile on her face, and is so generous with the people around her. Through small group time I found out that Cristina is indeed a Christian, which was such an encouragement for me! Cristina allowed me to catch a glimpse of what it might really be like to suffer for Christ as she talked about her persecutions from the kids since she is a Christian. Cristina lives in such a rough environment, and even though she longs to further her relationship with Christ, she doesn't have a mentor or anyone to really direct her in the right way. I am thankful for Cristina and the light that she is in her dark world at her home, and pray that she might be blessed and used to further our Father's kingdom! 

Cristina!

This weekend we also had the opportunity to go to the nursing home with the kids who live in the Livada homes and give fruits and flowers to the residents. Three years ago I went to the same home, but it did not make it any easier this time. There are 105 elderly placed here, and only 6 caretakers on staff. Locked away from society these precious people only get visits from the Livada foundation, since most of their families have abandoned them. I was so proud of the kids as they walked straight up to these elderly, ignoring their smells, and offered fruit and cards to them. The love of Christ was shown through them as they patiently waited, and often translated for us interns who had no idea what was going on! 

This week has been a crazy week, filled with emotions and tough realities. Within 30 hours this weekend we have had to call three ambulances for three different injuries/illnesses. All 3 are okay, though there will be some serious recovery time. Pray specifically for Chris who dislocated his knee Saturday night and was rushed to the emergency room. He is in extreme pain and will not be able to lead a team this week at camp. Thankfully, we have extra help this week to make up for his absence, but pray for peace and healing for Chris. 

Tomorrow starts a new week and I look forward to telling you all about it! This week starts our halfway point, so be praying for renewed energy, strength, and joy! To God be the glory!