Day 5 - work and water balloons

Dear Friends and Family,

This morning the went to the projects they were at yesterday to finish up some of the work they had started. It was nice to be a 2nd day at the same project because they were able to build more relationship with the people there.

At lunch they invited 30-40 of the older students and staff to join them. They were again able to deepen the relationships that are forming with their new friends. Somehow a water balloon fight broke out...no word of any causalities...I think it was a good time for everyone!

After lunch they went back to the projects to do the final touches needed and then headed to more home visits. At one home, that Pastor Mike's team visited, the father in the home had built and extra house on his property and was using it to give free rent to families or anyone who needed a place to stay for a bit - rent free! The students were impressed with how this godly man had used the means he had to reach out and meet the physical needs of people in his community. They were a very giving family, sharing popcorn and coffee with our missionaries.

When Pastor Mike's team arrived back at the compound Christabel's team had set up an ambush of water balloons...perhaps retribution from the lunch time events...we'll have to wait till they get home to get the full details on that one! :)

They then went to dinner and had a bonfire by the lake and had about 40 Ethiopians that joined them. They spent time under the full moon singing American and Ethiopian praise songs and sharing what they love about God and each other. They did the 'rain' which is a classic campfire event when everyone snaps their fingers...starting slowly and then getting faster...Pastor Mike said all 60 people doing this created quite the effect!

They finished up the evening with a good debrief where they shared some of the things God is showing them...Pastor Mike said, "there are cool things happening in the students hearts as they are getting a picture of God's heart for the world."

Tomorrow they will finish some projects, do VBS and have dinner with the church at their site. Continue to pray for strength as their days are busy and tiring...that God would give them all the extra strength they need to do and learn all they are supposed to.

Blessings, Heather