Team 1's Final Day with the Girls!

Friday, June 28 

Our last day at Deborah! I walked into that house Friday morning with so many different emotions. My heart was full of love for those girls, sadness that we were leaving, and already missing the girls I had yet to say goodbye to. I was also nervous about sharing our last Bible study with the girls today. Our focus was that God is in control of everything and that should bring us comfort. And to look these girls in the eyes, with all they have been through, and say that there is nothing God does not have control over was challenging to me. 

I remember as Aimee was leading the younger girls’ Bible study I was able to just sense the Holy Spirit in the room and I started praying over the girls. Then with the older girls, as I was nearing the end of the Bible study, the Holy Spirit completely took over the reins. I felt the need to share with the girls that God being in control means we don’t have to worry or be afraid. I shared with them Matthew 6:25-30 about God caring for the flowers and the birds and how much more He will take care of us. God put on my heart to say, “There is nothing you can do to stop God from loving you. God’s love is unconditional and no matter what happens His love will not change.” I reminded them that God does not contradict Himself or His Words, that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). 

After sharing this, Jenny completely laid out the Gospel for these girls and emphasized that we need to accept God’s invitation into a relationship with Him. At the end of each lesson, we give the girls a journal prompt to reflect on, with the Holy Spirit’s guidance we changed the journal prompt to writing a prayer to God, casting all our anxiety, worry, fear, and doubt upon Him (1 Peter 5:6-7). The girls took a little while to do this and I could tell this resonated with some of them. After we finished and the girls left, one stayed behind to tell us that she believes in God, that she cried out to Him for help in a time of need and since then has believed in God.

Even though the lesson didn’t go in the direction I anticipated, it turned out so much better than I could have prepared for. It felt like the Spirit completely took over and was guiding us to exactly what the girls needed to hear! Operate on prayer! And listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and let God take control! (He’s better at it than us) -Hannah M.

Today was our last day at Deborah and it was a full day. For crafts in the morning the girls finished their banners with the last two names of God, El Sadai (God Almighty) and Adonia (Lord). It was so precious to see how much we had grown closer to all of these girls this week and also how much we have grown closer as a team. One of the most beautiful things is that even though it may be a different language, you can see each individual personality and their quirks. Some of these girls are such artists and have elaborate drawings, while other girls just want to color, but both are so sweet. It’s wonderful that they are excited to put up their banners and that their room will be decorated with the names of God to comfort them in any aspect of their life. Our afternoon craft was making paper towers since God is our strong and mighty tower. It’s so funny to see how we may think the craft will take no time, but then takes the whole session because they are dedicated to their project and place so much value into it. It definitely showed me the beauty in taking your time and this week the Lord has been showing me the beauty in no schedule and embracing the silly or random conversations. At the end of the session I taught some of the girls how to make a friendship bracelet that was pretty complicated, but by the end of the day I found at least three of the bracelets almost or fully completed. This last day came very quickly and it was hard to clean up knowing it was the last day. These girls have big hearts with diverse personalities and talents. It was a privilege to join them in crafts this week and I can’t wait to hang my banner in my apartment to remind me of these girls and this beautiful time. -Kaitlyn K.

Bible Study - Younger & Older Girls

Finishing banners with the older girls

Creating Strong Towers

The girls were so excited to receive matching shirts and new bedding!

Goodbyes are the hardest part. Many tears were shed and hugs shared!

We ended our day with a walk to the Center for Gelatto and even got a surprise fireworks show on our way back to the hotel!

While we were enjoying our time in the city, Jamie & Brandy had to spring from their first flight to make it on their overseas flight, but don't worry they made it and still smiling!

Saturday team 1 will receive a tour of the revolution and in the afternoon our second team will begin to arrive. Please pray for smooth travels today for team 2 and energy and sleep whenever they can get it! Please also pray that we would be able to communicate clearly between team 1 & team 2 as the baton is passed!