Good evening,
Today is one of those days that was so full of activity, it felt as if we fit two days into one. We started bright and early at 6:00 AM. Our morning devotion was led by Brielle over Matthew 5:43 and loving our neighbor. We had a great discussion about how easy it can be to love most people but there are always those in our lives who can be a challenge. After devotions we had a breakfast smorgasbord of leftovers. Once the dishes were done and food put away, it was time to head out for Emmy Berthold elementary school.
When we got to the school, it was time for their opening activities. These activities are school wide and special for this month because it is the Lenten season. The whole school sang the National Anthem of Curaçao and then they sang a song of thanks. The activities concluded with level 7 students singing a song. It was so touching to hear so many young children lifting their voices together as one! The principal gave our whole group lunch boxes and assorted small items as gifts for all of the work we did on their upper elementary playground.
Once the school day began, it was time to lead PE classes for all grade levels. Wesley, Luke F., Ashlyn, and Kelsey conducted three rotations with six different classes of students ages 4-8 while Ryne, Luke C., Ellie, and Brielle conducted four rotations with six different classes of students ages 9-13. The younger students played; Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Light, Green LIght, Freeze Tag, and Four Corners. The upper elementary kids played different relay games with soccer balls, a Rock, Paper, Scissors relay, dodge ball, kickball, and a game with tennis balls requiring great listening skills, and partner work. The students of Emmy Berthold and the Valley students all had a great time playing together and I am certain the teachers appreciated our teens wearing their students out so they would focus on their exams :). There was so much laughter and a lot of hugging all day long! Our hearts were overflowing as we packed up to leave. The music teacher, Johann brought us a special snack (homemade egg rolls with dipping sauce) as a thank you for all of our efforts. He is a wonderful man and the team really enjoyed the snack.
When we finished visiting with Johann, we came back to the Youth Centre to change and get ready to go to Wilhelmstad for lunch and shopping. We ate at Subway and then everyone went out in groups to purchase the souvenirs and gifts they needed/wanted to remind them of their time here in Curaçao. Lucas picked us up after a couple of hours and brought us back to the Youth Centre. Most of the group took an hour or so to just relax and have a bit of down time before dinner.
Dinner was an unbelievable array of appetizer type foods. Jerseley prepared spicy baked chicken wings, fried wings, riblets, frikendal, fried pork belly, French fries, salad, and two flavors of ice cream for our dinner. I think we all ate until we hurt! We are getting so spoiled!! Due to the fact there were so many delicious food items, there were also a ton of dishes so our clean up crew had their work cut out for them! When everything was cleaned up, the team showered, and they are now headed to bed early because we have to be up at 5:00 AM tomorrow.
So blessed to be here serving Him,
Lisa
Today is one of those days that was so full of activity, it felt as if we fit two days into one. We started bright and early at 6:00 AM. Our morning devotion was led by Brielle over Matthew 5:43 and loving our neighbor. We had a great discussion about how easy it can be to love most people but there are always those in our lives who can be a challenge. After devotions we had a breakfast smorgasbord of leftovers. Once the dishes were done and food put away, it was time to head out for Emmy Berthold elementary school.
When we got to the school, it was time for their opening activities. These activities are school wide and special for this month because it is the Lenten season. The whole school sang the National Anthem of Curaçao and then they sang a song of thanks. The activities concluded with level 7 students singing a song. It was so touching to hear so many young children lifting their voices together as one! The principal gave our whole group lunch boxes and assorted small items as gifts for all of the work we did on their upper elementary playground.
Once the school day began, it was time to lead PE classes for all grade levels. Wesley, Luke F., Ashlyn, and Kelsey conducted three rotations with six different classes of students ages 4-8 while Ryne, Luke C., Ellie, and Brielle conducted four rotations with six different classes of students ages 9-13. The younger students played; Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Light, Green LIght, Freeze Tag, and Four Corners. The upper elementary kids played different relay games with soccer balls, a Rock, Paper, Scissors relay, dodge ball, kickball, and a game with tennis balls requiring great listening skills, and partner work. The students of Emmy Berthold and the Valley students all had a great time playing together and I am certain the teachers appreciated our teens wearing their students out so they would focus on their exams :). There was so much laughter and a lot of hugging all day long! Our hearts were overflowing as we packed up to leave. The music teacher, Johann brought us a special snack (homemade egg rolls with dipping sauce) as a thank you for all of our efforts. He is a wonderful man and the team really enjoyed the snack.
When we finished visiting with Johann, we came back to the Youth Centre to change and get ready to go to Wilhelmstad for lunch and shopping. We ate at Subway and then everyone went out in groups to purchase the souvenirs and gifts they needed/wanted to remind them of their time here in Curaçao. Lucas picked us up after a couple of hours and brought us back to the Youth Centre. Most of the group took an hour or so to just relax and have a bit of down time before dinner.
Dinner was an unbelievable array of appetizer type foods. Jerseley prepared spicy baked chicken wings, fried wings, riblets, frikendal, fried pork belly, French fries, salad, and two flavors of ice cream for our dinner. I think we all ate until we hurt! We are getting so spoiled!! Due to the fact there were so many delicious food items, there were also a ton of dishes so our clean up crew had their work cut out for them! When everything was cleaned up, the team showered, and they are now headed to bed early because we have to be up at 5:00 AM tomorrow.
So blessed to be here serving Him,
Lisa