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Small gifts: One of our team members brought an entire suitcase full of bubbles, futbols, candy, coloring books, and school supplies to share with the village kids. We had such a good time seeing the excitement on their faces over these new and colorful things. True story: A bit of violence broke out when we were blowing bubbles and a "time out" was awarded to one particular girl who got a little over-zealous in her shoving of other kids! The children colored picture after picture and chased soccer balls long after we (all except Jeff) were ready to stop.
Tool delivery: In addition to planting the cassava, we also took new processing tools to the village. Everything in the past had been done by hand, so the diesel grinder and pressing tools will help the people process quicker and in larger quantities so that they are actually able to glean some profit at market. Getting the tools to the island was quite a task!
Little shadows: I feel like anyone who has traveled to Africa would agree that there is just something about African children that just captures your heart. The village children were no different and couldn't care less that we were unable to speak their language and understand their conversation. They latched onto our hands, climbed in our laps, followed us everywhere we went, and became our little shadows for the week. As we walked the mile from the lake shore to the school area, little faces would run out of the huts and bushes to meet us. Their clothing was dirty, mis-matched, and often non-existent. Their feet were bare. Their smiles lit up not only their faces, but ours as well. I can't help but think that these are the little ones we ought to be more like, these are the children welcomed by Jesus.
We ended the week with a time of celebration, a coming together of two very different worlds for one common goal. The biggest thing affirmed in my heart this trip was the continued knowledge that when mere ordinary individuals are willing to be His hands and feet, God shows up. And He shows up over and over and over.
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