February 5, 2012
VBS was amazing! Kids came and learned and had fun. The lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit went so well. The songs, games, memory verses, puppets, skit, choreography, crafts, and activity sheets all helped to reinforce the theme. Mama Luz illustrated our need for the Spirit in our lives by blowing on her thumb to try to inflate the balloons on her other fingers; it didn´t work. We must be connected to the Source for Him to help us develop the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Each day the kids wrote in their Fruit of the Spirit booklets the definition for the fruit/s of the day and the memory verses, adding the representative fruit (each element of the Fruit of the Spirit was represented by a fruit: goodness—banana), and coloring.
65 kids came Monday, 80 Tuesday—the numbers increased every day to 100 kids! On Sunday, for regular Club, there were 105 children! We didn´t have enough food to go around (although we made it stretch) so we´ll be increasing the budget for Club. Wow!!!
Schedule:
- Monday-Friday, the kids received sandwiches, drinks, and snacks. Saturday we served a nice meal and fruit salad.
- On Monday, the kids made cards to give to their parents to show love.
- On Tuesday, they learned about peace through a puppet show.
- On Wednesday, in a skit about patience, Josué played Simeon, who waited many years to see Jesus. I was Mary and Joela was young toddler (you gotta check out those photos in the Blog!).
- On Thursday, the kids planted seeds in a cup of dirt to remind them that developing the Fruit of the Spirit takes time and needs nurturing, by reading Scripture and being with other believers.
- On Friday, to explain Self-Control, the dance group performed a choreography to show that we must stop at sin and go at love. They are dressed in the colors of the stop light. I taught Red Light Green Light, a game I grew up with; the kids loved it!
- On Saturday, the kids participated in a competition for memory verses, bringing friends, best activity sheet work, and arriving on time.
Cost $450:
- Lessons, materials, prizes, photocopies $122
- Food and fruit $188
- 2 wooden tables, 4 benches $140
We calculated the cost would be $250 for 80 kids, but with the increase of children, we had to buy more things (food, fruit, copies, prizes, and tables for the kids to sit at—many were standing). So at the end it cost $450. We did not receive a donation specifically for this project.
15 year old Alberto, or Meshi as we call him has been in the hospital for several days now. His leg is still infected. We appreciate prayers for him. Mama Luz and I try to visit him daily. We took him a game, Bible, and some personal items this evening. He is in good spirits but can´t wait to come home.
February 4, 2012
One of our Club kids, Walter, turned 14 today. We celebrated at youth group in the evening. We enjoyed cake and pop, sang Happy Birthday, prayed for him and gave him hugs all around. He was surprised and happy. Thanks to his sponsor, Kurt, for making this happen!
January 29, 2012
Mama Luz and I took 30 “adopted” kids shopping for Christmas and/or birthday gifts. We also bought 3 kids bikes to help them with transportation to school this year. Thanks to all our children´s sponsors—for praying for their health, safety, and walk with God, and for donating money to improve their lives! May God richly bless you!
Hover mouse over photo to find your child; click on photo to see full size.
January 12, 2012
On January 11, Joela celebrated a fun first birthday. I can´t believe just a year ago, I was so excited for her to be born and now she´s walking! She brings Josué and me joy every day!
Josué´s family threw a party for her, inviting relatives and friends. They had saved for one year and worked hard all day yesterday decorating, cooking, and preparing. Daniel took off work to lead the games with the kids. We had a poster made of Joela, marking each month of this past year. The giant heart made of balloons, the piñata, and the cakes made the party shine, as did the birthday girl in her white dress. In the piñata was flour, confetti, and candy, so it really made a mess! Joela blew out candles (but she ate Josué´s homemade banana bread), hit the piñata open, and opened presents. She loved the attention and the gifts.
January 9, 2012
Thanks to all the sponsors who mailed or sent with me gifts for your adopted kids–it made them happy!
Merry Christmas! The children in Iquitos celebrated the birth of Jesus, with a special live crèche, service, choreographies, and traditional dinner (chicken, rice, yucca, fruit cake, and hot chocolate). Thanks for being a part of their lives and investing in our ministry! God bless you and give you a wonderful 2012!
I’ve been able to pass out most of the ornaments the children made to sponsors. Thanks to all who care for our kids.
Praise Report: All the kids in the blog entry below now have sponsors! Thank God for caring for the least of these! I’ll be posting photos of more kids who still need to be adopted soon.
