As I sit here importing over 800 pictures that were taken of the two weeks of VBS, I have time to think. First was El Millon and then Riveras Del Bravo. By the time we were done with El Millon we were tired and when we started Riveras we were on Automated. We stayed at the house that someone has let us borrowed in Riveras the whole week, an extra hour of sleep was needed :) On the last day in Riveras all the kids had left and only Myself, lucio, our girls and two youth members were are church. Lucio put on the ipod and put worship music. We were feeling the music and God's presence, we began to get so much energy and refresh. Everything was worth it. The acking feet, the kid that didn't pay attention, having to go from store to store to buy food for the kids, seeing if we were going to have enough money for the food....EVERYTHING WAS WORTH IT!
This was the first year VBS was held at the church in Riveras. We didn't provide transportation to outside kids only to church members and their friends. First day we had 51 kids, after that day we didn't have less then 100! We had so much help from church members. We had youth, single moms, men and even the elderly was there(poor sisters, they said there whole body hurt). For lots of the teachers and helpers it was the first time at a VBS and as teachers and helpers. The church in Riveras raised money to help feed the children everyday. We gave: burritos, sandwiches, fruit cocktails, nachos and on Friday we went out with a bang. On Friday we bought. 3 cakes, 187 ice creams, chips and lots and lots of cold punch and lemonade.
Going back to VBS in El Millon. On the last day it was my turn to give The Word. All week we talked about 5 heroes. David, Moses, Jonah, Joseph and of course Jesus. When i was talking with them. I told them"don't raise your hand please but how many of you have ever been hurt? have been hit?" lots of kids raise there hands. while I was talking tears stared coming. This is why we do VBS! We don't know how many kids during the day are being physically abuse, mentally abuse, or even sexually abuse. At least for a week these kids are able to be kids. For a week these kids are being treated like they should be. Who cares if am tired, hurting, hungry! these kids have been treated and felt worst. At least for one week these kids were not abuse in anyway.
How cool will it be that when we get to heaven, someone could come up to me and say "thanks, being you were the reason why I came to Christ. Because of VBS 2011" ALL WORTH IT!
VBS 2011
Crazy kids, they wanted me to take a picture of there stomach after they ate. They said "look, they (stomachs) are full now"
Here they come!
ohhh- this boy! Juan Manuel, our trouble maker of the week. Thanks to him Lucio and I don't want more kids. But he was so cute, on the last day he gave me a hug and told me he was going to miss me. my responds "Me too, See you Next year. No sooner!"
Worship time!
Ruby and Genesis rocking out during worship time!
They all loved there t-shirt! THANKS NLF. some kids thought it NLF was a football team.
Love the expression of the face of the kid in blue "HUH??"
These guys were great!
even they got some too! I think the brother in the back wants some too.
our princess enjoying their food
more hot salsa!
Lucio thought he was a hotshot signing the t-shirt.