Today we were able to do something new, something different. We went to an orphanage about an hour or so away. We weren’t too sure what to expect when we got there, but when we did we were all amazed. We pulled up to this beautiful place with so much land. We drove down a gravel/dirt driveway for a while. We got to where the orphans lived and were greeted by huge smiles and sweet hugs. There were about thirteen girls that we met. The director of the orphanage took us on a tour of everything. There were two houses finished with kids living in them, and they were finishing up on a third. They said when they finish this new house they could hold up to thirty-four kids, which is so amazing. They also showed us the garden where they grow all of their food, and they have a stove that is made by burning trash. They had all the coolest idea to help make their orphanage more self-sufficient. The director said that as Christians we are called to dream big for the cause of Christ, and that all his ideas were nothing compared to what we should all be dreaming! His words were beautiful, and really made me think more about my dreams and desires, and how I can use them for the glory of the Lord.
After the director showed us the beautiful campus, it was time to get to work. We were going to paint the outside of a warehouse yellow, which was exciting because it’s one of my favorite colors! We all had a lot of fun painting, and laughing, and goofing off. There is never a dull moment working with my team. Always laughs and smiles, which really helps make the work more enjoyable. When it was time for our lunch break, we found out that the people had made a platter of fresh vegetables to make a salad, with honey mustard dressing, something I have missed a lot. It was so thoughtful that they wanted to serve us in that way, by providing not only all organic salad, also crackers and fresca to drink. It was so nice to have such a healthy meal for a change. After lunch some people went back to paint, but four of us decided to stay and hang out with some of the girls. I am so glad that I decided to stay back because it was such a fun afternoon. We laughed, we sang, and we danced. The girls knew some of my favorite childhood songs, and in English. So we were all singing Deep and Wide, Rejoice in the Lord Always, and then even a song that I have never heard before and then they would sing in Spanish and we sang in English, if you’re happy and you know it, Jesus loves me, and Father Abraham. It was so fun to reminisce on childhood favorites! Afterwards I thought I would teach the girls some dance moves. So I taught all the steps I could remember. I taught them the grapevine, all the positions in ballet, and then we would sashay across the ground and do leaps. We were all laughing and having so much fun. It brought me so much joy just dancing around and being silly with these girls. I am so thankful that God gave me this afternoon to just do a few of my favorite things, laugh, sing, dance, and hang out with an amazing group of girls! It is so neat to see some of the talents God has given me being used to bring joy to others!
