A Final Goodbye

Yesterday was our final day with the children of Villa Nueva.  Our day began with the dedication service and we were honoured to represent our school.  A number of families from the neighbouring communities came to the dedication.  We received many thank yous and friendly hugs.  We sang, prayed and listened as the Impact Board shared the story of the school.  They also shared that the cell group has grown to 75 people since January and they will be looking to start a church in the community.  What an amazing testament of God's love and hand at work.

 In the afternoon we went back to have our final VBS with the kids.  Our final home visits were done as well.  Some of the children who go to school at Vida Nueva walk for miles every day through the mountains to get there.  One of our walks to get a sponsor child's homes was miles away through fields of tomatoes and over hills.  He and his family were so excited to see his sponsor.  It was definitely worth the walk over in the hot sun.  

 It was an amazingly special time during our VBS.  The team talked about the love of God and an invitation to receive Jesus was given.  The response was immense.  The team spent the afternoon playing with the kids and building remarkable bonds with them.  Time was spent blowing bubbles, making crafts, playing with the parachute, using sidewalk chalk to draw pictures and to teach one another words in our own language.  We finished off the day with a water balloon slingshot.  Water balloons were catapulted high into the air.  The kids were so excited! Some tried to get out of the way, while others would leap in to try to catch them.  Their faces were bright with smiles and laughter as each balloon went flying into the air towards them. 

 Then it was time for us to leave. We formed a hug line and each child gave each of the team a hug goodbye.  There were smiles and tears as we said our goodbyes.  It was so difficult as we walked towards our vans with some of the children holding our hands and walking us to our vehicle. Our hearts were touched in a way that will never be forgotten.  We feel like we are leaving a piece of us behind.

 Tomorrow we will be leaving for Antigua for the final part of our trip. The team will be visiting some of the ancient cities sites and will have a chance to shop in the market. We will keep you posted on when we arrive.