We met at the church and began to clean up. Several children were playing soccer with a plastic sprite bottle. It just so happened we had several soccer balls blown up. Think Christmas X 3456545665445. That's what we were dealing with. The rush in their eyes and the joy of actually receiving something, otherwise they'd never have. And trust me, they knew it. Suddenly games throughout the village started. Rocks were used as goal posts. No field was safe from laughter and running children. The largest sport in the world had reached one of the poorest places in the world. To the church member who told me they'd cover the balls we purchased before the trip. You, my friend, were the hands and feet of Christ today. What you hoped for in your heart the day I spoke with you translated and changed the lives of an entire section of this community. Thank you.
After getting humiliated by several 12 year old boys in soccer (don't worry their is video evidence), half of our team began cleaning out our soon to be work area. Betty Anderson was as high energy as it gets. Deb Wells, Beth McKenzie and Ellen Anderson never stopped. The ladies were fantastic. Meanwhile, James Todd (also referred to as Big Daddy) was climbing on and off of every dangerous ledge he could find. The man is a human monkey and has a heart like nothing I've ever seen. Austin King was surveying the area, typical architect stuff. He drew pictures of everything we were going to build and wrote funny signs and numbers beside them. I'm pretty sure it was math but don't take my word for it. Beau Wells and Scott Anderson designed cabinets for an area for book storage. Randy Evans did anything and everything he could. While many of us were putting on gloves to help assist in moving a generator, Randy grabbed several locals and moved it himself. Randy came to work. End of story. This team is special. They are selfless and represent FBC Dalton and their family members in a mighty way.
Somewhere in the cleanup effort, Austin, Beau, Randy and myself joined the pastor for a trip to the market. We stuck out like a Rambo movie on Lifetime. Austin led the charge and led us through a covered market that was 75 yards by 75 yards (at least) !!!!! It was huge!! The pictures will tell it better than I ever could. We finally found our way to the supplies center and purchased a large amount of wood. Somehow I bought a pair of gloves in french. I just smiled and nodded a lot. Go figure.
Keep us in your prayers.
- Christian
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