Sarah's Spotlight! :)

Hey guys back in Nashville! This has been such an amazing week, and I definitely will not be able to recap all of the amazing things that have happened. However, I can explain some of the relationships I have made with such wonderful kids.

When we first pulled up to the house last Saturday, there were 3 kids in the front yard of the building we were staying at. I didn't know that there would be kids staying in the house with us, but it was a very pleasant surprise as we got to know them. Their names were Leigh Ann, Maria, and David. Their parents were the ones in charge of the camp, and they are such an amazing family to watch because of their love for each other as well as God. Maria and Leigh Ann were so gifted in their abilities, especially in piano and horse-back riding. They both told me they had never had lessons, but they had taught themselves some very impressive songs that they shared with me. I didn't have much to share in return, but it was very rewarding to spend time and build relationships with such sweet girls.

I was unfortunately not able to spend much time with the kids who participated in camp because I was a part of the group who went in town to the mission, or "club" everyday. We were able to spend time with kids from 1st and 2nd grade on Tuesday, 7th and 8th on Wednesday, and 3rd and 4th grade on Thursday. These kids were so incredible. Although they may not have been completely open when we picked them up in the morning, by lunch time most of them were open to sharing everything. Getting to know these kids was a blessing in so many ways, and I am so grateful for the oppurtunity to work with that group.

Today, however, there was no club. So we got to go on elective trips with the campers. I was in the canoe group, and we went to explore the Buffalo River. We only had 2 kids that were able to go with us, but that ended up being special because we were able to connect with them so much. Much like the other kids, they weren't very outgoing in the morning, but as they warmed up to us we were joking and playing and having a really wonderful time.

I am so thankful that everything has gone so smoothly this week and I had an amazing time. I feel like my life has definately been changed by these kids, and also by all the people who give up everything just to help them have a chance. The love in this place is so powerful it changes lives every single day, and theres really not that many positive oppurtunities to do that anymore. So just in case anyone from the camp or the mission is reading this, thank you SO much for everything you do, you're not only changing the kids lives but you're making a difference to everyone around you. To everyone else, thank you for your support and prayers throughout this mission trip, we are blessed to have such great friends and family back home. See you soon!

Sarah