Day 3

**Sorry: no pictures today. It is nearly impossible to get them uploaded with this connection!

Today we helped the team from Indianapolis with their VBS celebration. The children got to sing/dance, get faces painted, play with water balloons, sidewalk chalk and bubbles. Our team of 4 bought the kids ice cream and handed out goodie bags. The kids LOVED the ice cream. It is not something they get often. We had several that tried (and succeeded) in taking 2 ice creams. In the goodie bags, the kids had candy, a bouncy ball and a ring. It was a big hit! At dinner tonight the kids were wearing the rings and today while we were in the houses, the kids were playing with their balls. They certainly appreciate the little things. It was a fun morning watching these sweet children jump around and sing about how special they are and about how much Jesus loves them. The joy was all over their faces!

We spent the afternoon in the houses playing with the children. I went to the last 2 houses, so I have now been in all the houses and met all the children. Today I had the honor of meeting Melanie, a young girl born without arms or legs. She is amazing and beautiful. She can move (by crawling on her arm and leg stumps) and get anywhere she needs to go. Although I enjoyed my time in the houses, my heart was pulling me back to the clinic to see Isabella and the other babies there. Isabella still had her baby from yesterday so I was excited! She is not feeling well. She has been fighting a fever all week, which is concerning since she just got finished with a major surgery. Please pray for her healing! She does not like people and has been sick most of her life, so she is not messed with often. Every time I see her, she is laying on a mat in the hallway. She started crying (in my opinion because she didn’t feel well and was dripping in sweat) and the nanny put her in bed. A few minutes later another volunteer pulled her out. Now I know the way to Isabella’s heart is to rescue her from the bed! I am so sad to see her always laying and not up and moving. I am sure she feels awful, but after seeing the joy in her face on our walk, I can’t help but to think about the missed opportunities in her life.

We had dinner with the kids tonight. A team from Ohio fired up the grill and the kids enjoyed hot dogs, potato chips and fruit for dinner. I know the kids left with very full bellies tonight! Several of the kids had multiple hot dogs! It was fun to watch.

Singing VBS songs

Sweet Phillip... he has a family coming SOON!

This is Joseph. He is 13 and will age out in 11 months. Most 13 years want video games or ipads...this kid only wants a family. 

JJ (also has a family coming!)

Some of the kids enjoying their ice cream treat

It was another great day. Everyone on our team has shed tears for the children here. So many kids who just need a chance at life.  SFCV does an amazing job caring for them and meeting their basic needs, but nothing can replace the love of a family.