DAY 3: VBS Begins

 After our first full night’s sleep, we started Vacation Bible School today with 27 children ranging from 2-17 years. The emphasis was on God creating us with unique traits and the power to choose as individuals. The children created bracelets with different braiding and a variety of colored yarn representing a trait they own. Though we thought WE were teaching them, a few girls taught us extravagant braids! In science, the children created a tower with materials of their choice. After learning about men transporting a paralyzed man to Jesus to be healed, they made transportation Lego creations. 

Lunchtime! After our cooks made us a delicious Ethiopian lunch😃, Pepto Bismol was distributed 🤭, and then VBS continued. The children discussed their individual interests and what careers they might choose. One girl, 16 years old, wants to be a judge, lawyer, or own a sports business. She says she can argue well. Another girl, now 17, currently helps children with autism and other special needs and loves it, so that may be her future path.  

In some areas of life, we don’t get to choose, such as where we were born or how many siblings we have, but each of them can now write their own stories with God leading. We all have hard situations that weigh us down, so to symbolize that, we filled a backpack with weights from our life, yet we now can choose what we’ll carry in the pack and what we’ll remove. Each child painted a rock representing hope and strength to carry in their backpack. I painted a heart shaped field of flowers with the words, “God’s Light.” I gave it to 3 girl roommates for their room. They showed God’s light to me with a big hug! We’re already building relationships and may need to buy extra seats on the plane home!!

Thank you all for being part of our team with your prayers and support. 

Blessings,

Denise