Monday Afternoon at Kids Place

After lunch we hosted some of the kids who are too old for Kids Place (over 11), but who were in Kids Place programs before. They made their own decorated mugs and played sports -- "futbol" for the boys, and a fiercly competitive version of dodgeball for the girls. Good times.

Then we walked over to the Coque Favela a few blocks away to visit a few of the families who have had children at Kids Place since the beginning of the ministry.  We were told it is an honorable thing for them to have Americans visit them in their homes, so we we were told we were going as a gift, to honor them for their commitment to Christ and their faithfulness to Kids Place. It is probably the most humbling thing any of us have been told.

In American culture, of course, the host gives the gift -- of hospitality -- and it is received by the guest. If anything, we would've expected to feel like an imposition, shoving our large American group into their tiny living space. But we were welcomed in as if we truly were blessings to them, and they proudly shared their homes with us. On the wall of one home, we saw pictures of former VFC mission trip teams. The owner of the home, "John," told us that a women's group from CCBC came into their home and prayed that God would bless them with the ability to expand their space, since he and his wife live there with six children (in a space smaller than many bedrooms in the States). He praised God that they had been able to replace the tin roof with brick-and-mortar of sorts so that they can eventually build a second floor onto their home. It was a privilege to pray with them and continue the CCBC spirit of missions in their home! 

In another home, one group member admired the paintings on the wall, and was told they had been given to them as gifts. We played with their 9-month-old baby, talked about what their children learn at Kids Place, and prayed with them before leaving. As we walked away, they asked us to return. They wanted to give one of their paintings to the team member who had complimented them. Their generosity and happiness in the midst of extreme poverty is overwhelming. We hope to visit them again before the week is out to bring them baby clothes that were donated by you, our friends and family in Fort Worth.

The sights and sounds (VERY loud firecrackers, probably set off because they liked to see us jump!) were almost too much to take in. On the one hand, you were meeting the happiest, most gracious hosts, and passing the friendliest people on the streets. On the other hand, you were seeing extreme poverty, and trying to reconcile the children you know from Kids Place with the homes they live in. We'll all be processing that experience for a long time, I'm sure.

As we left to walk back to Kids Place near dusk, our little group had doubled in number and several members were walking hand in hand with new friends who had joined us along the way. It's easy to see how this place steals the heart of so many CCBC family members year after year!

People were eager to have their photos made

Brian and Lauren Young holding a baby while they miss their little Braden at home!

Casey, Hevila and baby in Coque favela