They warned us that today would be a long one, and they weren't kidding! We crammed in work projects, a school term graduation ceremony, more work, sports bonanza, village Bible studies and a showing of the Jesus Film. Needless to say, we all fell into bed last night completely exhausted!
 
As I write this, I'm listening to the sound of saws, drills and hammering. On top of that are a few of the children calling out, watching the work and volunteering to help in any way they can. I love doing these updates, but seeing their precious faces makes it hard to do anything other than play!! It is pretty awesome to see the boys working right along side our men. Don't worry, we have pictures!! They're working hard to complete the girls' rooms and desks for each of the boys and girls, and the kids love having a hand in the work that they'll benefit from.
 
We were able to go and support the Passion Center's children at their school graduation this morning. We didn't understand a thing that was going on, but it was worth it all just to have the children run and hug us as soon as the ceremony was over. We snapped their pictures, just like any parent would do at their child's graduation.  It was a bittersweet moment, though, when we realized that although we were thrilled to be part of this day, these children didn't have parents who snapped their photos and hung their certificates with pride on their refrigerator. For these children, the Center's staff and our team were all they had. I've said it before, but we are so honored to be here!
 
After the graduation we split into three groups, one heading to the Sports Bonanza, one to the village Bible studies, and a skeleton crew stayed behind at the residency center to work on the construction projects (no rest for Andy and his team, but their spirits are amazing!!).
 
This is the first year of the Passion Center's Sports Bonanza, and it's awesome that our team is able to take part in it. The purpose of the event is to share the gospel with the surrounding villages and to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. In Malawi, a person who publicly announces they have the disease is considered an outcast, so these people suffer in silence, which allows the disease to spread like wildfire. Most of the children here in the center are here because their parents and older siblings have died from the disease. The Bonanza hopes to stop this.
 
The event is made up of 4 teams (one from the Center and the other three from villages) and they compete in soccer (boys only) and netball (girls only... basketball without the dribbling). The first day of the Bonanza ended in a victory for the Passion Center boys team, and the children stormed the field as the boys won their soccer game. It had the energy of any American sporting event, only these teams had boys who were playing soccer without shoes, and the Center's talented striker was fortunate to be able to play with only one shoe. But, no one complains.
 
The village Bible studies were something beyond our imagination. Joni had been last year, and she claimed it was the highlight of her trip, so a few of us tagged along. When we arrived, we were greeted by over 50 women and children singing to us. It only got better from there. It's customary to shake the hands of each person present (imagine doing that each week at Northwest!) so we did that, and then took our places. Jocelyn and I sat on the ground with the children, and it wasn't long before they lost all shyness and were climbing all over us, vying for attention. We began with singing and dancing, and yes, the ladies of the village pulled us all into their dances (including our two pastors!!), and it was an amazing time of worship. Pastor Harrell shared with them from the Bible, and then Drew, Joni, Jocelyn & I shared our testimonies and how the Lord has been working in our lives. Pastor Mark closed us out, and then the children shared a Bible verse and song for us. After we said our goodbyes, they walked with us to the edge of their village, singing as we went. Joni was right... it was a highlight, and we can't wait for the study next week!!
 
After the sun went down, it was time for the Jesus Film. Thankfully they were able to fix the generator and set up the screen in a large field. The movie started, and we waited for the people to arrive. When it began, there were roughly 75 children. About 30 minutes into the movie, we looked up and around and the field was crowded with over 550 adults and children. Erin led a group in song during intermission, and then John gave his testimony. One of the Center's staff members, Joseph, presented the gospel. It was strange sitting in the pitch black, under a starry sky, listening to the story of Jesus told in the Malawian's language, but at least we were able to follow along, since we knew the story!! We were so blessed to see all the village people showing up in the cold, dark night, most with no shoes, absolutely no light to see by, but great spirits. Have I mentioned how amazing this trip has been?!?!
 
It was a long day, but very fulfilling. A little rest, and then we're back at it tomorrow!
 
You have to come over here and see this for yourself!
Brooke