More July 9th more pictures to come

Hey everyone...Karissa Vander Leek here just to update you on what our day consisted of so far...
This morning was another morning spent at the Center where the VBS is held in Guarara'. Afterward we had our lunch and went on a prayer walk through the city...not to worry we all returned home safely, but totally overwhelmed. We weren't even allowed to move through the "bad" parts of the city because of the risks involved due to desperation and drugs. Things were so filthy, garbage was everywhere, and the smell from the open gutters running along the streets was completely overwhelming, however, whenever we passed anybody on the street, they'd smile and greet us as if it were the happiest day of their lives. Yet, looking into their eyes, we could see the desperation for something more.


INDIVIDUAL STORIES:
Sharla's little friend Daril (10 year old girl) came to give her a hug when we were leaving for the walk, stopped us while we walked by her house so that she could get her pet mouse and show us. She then came back to the bus to show her love to Sharla and make sure that Sharla was coming back.

During our prayer walk, a little girl was running behind us hollering "Megan!" in a spanish accent. She explained why she missed VBS today and told Megan that she really missed her. She followed us all the way back to the community center and told Megan she loved her, she doesn't want her to leave, wishes her a safe travel, and then she ran home and just as we were preparing to leave the city, handed Megan a gift box consitsting of a bracelet and nail file.

Charis was completely overwhelmed during the prayer walk and one of her small friends expressed her love by giving a necklace to Charis right as we were leaving.

Pricillia had a fever today we made sure she had lots to drink, gave her half a tylenol, and prayed for healing. She wouldn't leave Vince's side. She was cooled off by the end of VBS and even participated in the craft and songs near the end of the day.


Overall, the time we've spent so far in the city of Guarara' has been completely life-changing for all of us. We all have a completely new awareness of poverty - we'll never be able to see another World Vision commercial again without thinking differently about all the kids shown on TV - and yet we've come to realize that those that have much less than we do, all seem to be incredibly loving and accepting. We've been completely touched by the way the kids (and their mothers at the center) have loved and accepted us, they've taught us so much about how Christ's love should be.
Ciao y Adios!
Karissa, Alesia, Vince, and Glen