Simple

Today was a busy day. We split the team in the morning and afternoon for different activities that don't allow for full teams to attend all at once - 

This morning most of the team joined me at the Home for Sick & Dying Babies, where we arrived just in time to finish serving breakfast and love on some babies. We spread out, grabbed bowls of cereal, and went to work. After breakfast, we were able to just visit and love on babies. Took turns holding, hugging, and just being with these beautiful babes. No complications. No insurmountable tasks, just spending time and giving love. 

Tyler took the rest of the group to Gertrude's, where several beautiful and gifted babes of varying ages and abilities reside. Rumor has it they had a lot of fun on the swings, basketball court, and just hanging out. :) And had a similar, simple theme - just spend time, love, play, be. 

We came back together over the lunch hour to visit The ApParent Project - http://www.apparentproject.org - for a bit of souvenir shopping. This is such a great organization that is creating so many jobs and has seen amazing growth in its four years of existence. Almost everything used in the jewelry, bags, etc. is repurposed. There is now a fully functioning daycare onsite, so parents can bring their children to work and not have to worry about finding assistance. Such a great place. Check out their website :) 

This afternoon we split again for the wound clinic and Juno's orphanage. The wound clinic is operated through the Sisters at Home for Sick & Dying Babies and allows for four volunteers to attend. I went today with three of our teammates to assist in treating those who came for help. We put aprons on, took medical kits, and went to work treating wounds as best we could. Such a humbling experience. So much pain and yet gratitude in the eyes of those we worked with. Humbling and beautiful to see so much being done with so little. And a reality check for me to be thankful and not take for granted what we have access to at home. 

The rest of the group went to Juno's orphanage for fun and fellowship. They made rhythm instruments with toilet paper rolls, dry rice and beans, and duct tape. Had a few jam sessions and lots of fun. It was exciting to hear those on the team who'd been here in February talk about the changes in the kids and those they were able to reconnect with. 

Many spoke today of how simple it really is - just love the person in front of you.  Whether here or at home. That's what God asks. Just love. Don't overcomplicate it, don't overthink it. Don't get in the way of your connection with God and what He asks of you. I loved how one team member phrased it - something along the lines of "At home I feel like I have it all figured out, and then I come here and realize I don't know anything" - she further explained how, as adults, we tend to complicate so many things. Be childlike. Keep it simple. So often we judge, overthink, anticipate, make ourselves anxious, and get in the way... When all we need to do is be open to whomever God puts in front of us, and love them. 

Full, emotional, beautiful day... 

Goodnight :) 
~Jaime