Day Two of VBS

We had a very busy day but fantastic day with the children again and the bible school activities.  The power did come on during the night but still no water this morning….Jospeh who is the Guest House manager told us the well would begin pumping now that the power was back and that we should have water later in the day – which we did except still no hot or even warm water… but at this point we are SO glad to have any water and cold does not seem bad at all!  Both families requested a bucket of boiled water for the children to warm bucket baths before going to bed.

The children are absolutely amazing here!  This has been the most enjoyable teaching experience for all of us.  Our new friends, David and Toby helped today along with Helen in the morning session and Ellie and Lauren, from England, helped in the afternoon session.  David had previously been a camp director for children with disabilities so he taught us all two new camp songs that were great ice breakers.  We practiced “Amen” and “I Have Peace Like a River” with the children.  Our plan is to continue practicing each day so that we are ready to sing for the parents on Sunday at church.  We sang several of the beautiful and fun songs they taught us again today.  The teachers of the children shared a list of who came with me and the names are also as amazing as the children, we had Precious, Remnant, Praise, Trust, Wiseman, Charity, Precious as well as Ellen, John, Matthew, Sarah, Andrew, Victoria, and Jane just to name a few.  One person working in the hospital is named, Almighty.   The friendship bracelets packs made by our “It’s Elementary!” children during the year, were a BIG hit today.  We had enough to let them each make one and take a pack to share with a friend. 

We were invited for afternoon tea at Henry and Grace Mvula’s home, the Pastor’s Manse built in 1905.  Grace is an amazing cook!  She prepared not only tea and coffee, but freshly roasted popcorn, donuts, biscuits, scones, and homemade jams – what a treat!  David, and Helen joined us as well for tea.  As we talked and shared stories the sun set and thankfully Jack had a torch for us to see the way back to the Guest House. 

Trey and Kim were called back to the hospital for two different emergencies.  Kim was in the “theatre” or OR and Trey is trying hard to help a 14 year old girl suffering from a seizure.  Kim is on call again tonight and delivered a baby after dinner.  This morning they were saddened to learn at morning report today that due to the power outage yesterday, a premature twin baby died due to the lack of oxygen.  Again, resources are scarce; they did not have petrol to run the generator….the girl having the seizure needs to be transferred to a larger hospital, but they cannot drive her tonight….we are confronted by many emotions and pray for the patients, the staff, the doctors, and the families.

On a positive note, we met a most delightful friend again today of the Kellett’s and Easley’s, Catherine Nyrinda.  Having never met her I could quickly sense the mutual love between Catherine and the Kellett’s and Easley’s.  She told me, “I pray every day for Bill, Lydia, Hots, and Elliott, and I know they pray for me every day too, and that we will meet again in heaven someday.”  She is 72 now and rode a bike to come see us at the hospital chapel.  What amazing people we are meeting here with amazing faith!  We look forward to seeing her again at church on Sunday.