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RSS FeedAn amazing week with Highlands Church
Posted by Kathi on Monday, March 26, 2012
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It has been a week since I last updated my blog – but to say I have been busy would be just a slight understatement. The 27 volunteers from Highlands Church departed yesterday (Sunday) and it was bittersweet. It was an amazing week and I was never more proud to be a member of Highlands as I was last week. Every single team member gave 100% of the heart and energy to the orphans and the community. They organized activities for the kids and bible studies for the adults. Their hearts were open and they made deep and long lasting connections with the kids at the orphanage. Every day they would walk up after school and come marching down the road with 45 children in tow. They played games, read bible stories, did crafts – it was such a great week for both Highlands and the kids. There was not a dry eye when it came time to say goodbye on Saturday. The kids also became very attached to this group and that too was amazing, these little souls who have endured so much often close their hearts to protect themselves. But with this group, every heart was touched and everyone was crying – kids and volunteers.
I guess the stress of managing a group this size (added to the container that is stuck, the van that is broken, the rain that is turning the project site into a mud bowl, the delay in construction due to our foreman being stabbed, and the endless days without power) well, stress was mounting. On Saturday, I was as sick as I have been in a long time. Spent the night hugging a trash can (kind of awkward puking and other things when you share a bathroom with 6 new friends), so the trash can outside seemed the best option, until I had to rush to the toilet….well, you get the point. Making the drive to the airport with the team the next day, was rough, but on Sunday Espie and I splurged and went to Kaliko Beach Club with Rome and her team. It was a much needed respite and the first break I have had in 4 weeks. It was absolutely, just what the doctor ordered. I feel rested and rejuvenated.
Once again, I am going to share my fixation with power. Here is an example of how it works for me. As an example, this morning when I woke up I had planned on going for a run (the 2ndin 4 weeks), but I realized that we had city power. So since that is such a luxury, I decided to run the washing machine (which only works when we have city power) and with 27 beds to change, there is a huge pile of laundry. And then since it was raining yesterday I couldn’t hang the laundry, so I thought well, might as well hang the laundry from the day before. And since we hadn’t had power in awhile, I hadn’t washed my hair, so since we had power and I could use a blow dryer (petty, I know), In the end, having city power was a mixed blessing – I could get things done, but ended up deciding to just bag the run again and wash and blow dry my hair. It really is crazy how excited we all get when we have city power. Of course we have an inverter and batteries and a generator, but not all the appliances and outlets work with them. So city power is like manna from heaven most days.
Take care, keep sending me prayers.
Comments (4)
Posted by Jill on 03/26 at 09:34 PM
Kathi - I hope that this week goes more smoothly than last, and that you feel better. As one of the 27 Highlands “houseguests” from last week I can tell you that I left my heart there with the children and you! The work you are doing is truly amazing. Sending prayers to all of you and that the container will make its way to you fast! I am ready to stay involved in this important work. 
Posted by Steven Loken on 03/28 at 10:49 AM
It looks great - you are doing great things so don’t get discouraged!
I hope i can with the electricity someday…
Posted by Bunny on 03/30 at 07:26 PM
Thinking of you Kathi and Espie - sending all good thoughts your way. Congratulations on what you have been able to accomplish so far under the not so easy conditions.
Posted by Kim on 04/02 at 01:38 AM
Hope you’re feeling better and able to spend some quality time with your daughter. Sending you and Rome our love and prayers. Miss you.
