no.447 140722 Thank you for the VBS in Manzanillo

Super adorable girl that I met in Manzanillo:)

Day 9

The last day of ministry took place in Manzanillo, which was 4-5 hours drive from the base. It is close to the beach and it was hot and humid (it feels like 40 + degrees). I was having a hard time breathing at first and it took us some time to get used to the weather. A couple of our students weren't feeling well so they had to rest for a bit. I found myself frowning at first because of the crazy weather, but when I saw the students also frowning, I forced myself to smile so that I could some how encourage the students. However, God reminded me of last year and He changed my heart to give thanks to Him even in the heat. I missed out last year's VBS in Manzanillo because of my stomachache. So my forced smile  turned into a genuine smile because I was filled with joy for the opportunity to help the team carry out the program we planned. I didn't get to see the children that I met last year but I was happy to be back in Manzanillo.

After taking a good nap in the air conditioned room in the Manzanillo church, I felt so refreshed but at the same time, I was so out of it. It took me a minute to realize where I was and why I was there. There was one more session of VBS waiting for us and that concluded the end of our mission trip! I missed the VBS because I had to get breakfast for tomorrow.

On our way to the mango farm where we were staying over, we listened and sang along to some Christian songs. The most memorable song of the mission trip would be David Crowder Band's How He Loves Us. In fact, singing in the van and listening to the students harmonize will probably be one of my favourite memories of this mission trip.

I was looking forward to the night at the mango farm as I had such a great time with God last year. It was slightly different from the last time I was here but I enjoyed my time making 13 ramyuns for the students as I listened to the "concert" outside, walking in the cactus field with the pastor Rolando, Perla and the mango farm owner, running away from a snake, looking at the twinkling fireflies, smelling a fresh cinnamon bark and spotting a shooting star. I also had some time to look at the night sky and spend time with God. Ahh, what an eventful night I had!