Home again, home again . . .

I am having a hard time believing that I am already home! I arrived in America at 6:50 pm Friday, but have been "on the go" since then. But let me back up a little bit. Last Wednesday evening was the big graduation at the center from our summer classes. From what I understand, this was a wonderful time, I however, had to miss the festivities. Unfortunately I was extremely sick all day Wednesday and was just not able to get there for the graduation. Needless to say, I was very upset about missing this! On Thursday, I was feeling a bit better, but had to pack to prepare for the long journey home that would begin later that night. I was not able to do too much other than pack and rest during the day. Our flight left at 3:30ish am on Friday morning, and by 6:50 pm I was back on American soil. I had (and still have) mixed feelings about being back but am starting to get back into "the swing" of things here. I hope to see or hear from many soon. I have so many stories to share!!!!! Thank you for all your love and support throughout the trip!

Picnics

Picnics are wonderful! Picnics are such a summer thing to do, especially if you can find a nice cool spot to have one. Here, it is not too easy to find such a location. But, the students at the center were determined to have a huge picnic with as many students and teachers as possible. We accomplished this task this past Saturday. The day began at 6:30 am when we headed to the center to meet everyone that was going to go. We had so many going that we rented a bus to take us, as well as filled several cars. Michele, Christine, and I were privileged enough to be riding on the (packed) bus. What an experience as music was BLARING and much singing, clapping, and laughing was happening as well. It was a pretty fun ride to our designated picnic spot. Once we arrived, we all piled out with our loads of food, drink, and other picnic supplies. After finding a satisfactory location, we began the set up then ate breakfast. All I can say is there was anything but a lack of food for the 42 people that were there! Following breakfast, a bunch of us headed up the (rocky) mountain on a little hike (this ended up being much longer than any of us bargained for, but the views were amazing!). The bad thing about this . . . very little shade, much sun. We returned from the hike to relax for a bit, but ended up going to the parking lot for some soccer and ultimate frisbee. This was interesting as cars were driving through, we were getting yelled at by taxi drivers about hitting their car, and we were on an angle too. I found out a whole new meaning of "street soccer." Then came lunchtime, as if we didn't eat enough for breakfast, I think lunch was twice as big! All in all, it was a wonderful day, relaxing with amazing friends and just having a great time!

getting the site ready

unpacking everything

two friends

resting at the top of the hike

a small part of the huge group

Ladies Day

Many of the team that came over this summer were women, plus 4 women already here makes for many more women than men! Woohoo! But that also means that we have a huge responsibility to take over, showing the women here in K'stan what it is really like to be Loved. Christine's mom is into beading and thought it would be a great idea to send beading kits over with her for us to use. There were many, which meant we were able to hold a ladies day and teach them how to make bracelets (or simply just beading techniques). It was a HUGE success with the women, they all were able to experience the Love that we all experience each day! Of course we did many other things than just beading; like yummy treats, fun games, and just talking. I do not have words to express how bl'ssed I feel to be able to be a part of this! Here are some photos of the day . . . .




getting everything set

what a beautiful model

the line up

beading

what a happy group of women!