Cementing Relationships
Orphanage
Originally uploaded by yo_paully.
We started the day at the job site. One of the different things about this job site is that everything is done by hand. Today Dale and Bob each moved 110 lb bags of cement as they "cemented their relationship" with some of the workers (sorry for the bad pun), and some of us carried 18' roofing panels to the house area African style (on our heads) - this was done by three women and one man.
From a physical morning to an emotional afternoon... We visited an orphanage. When we arrived, we handed out soccer balls and skipping ropes. It was unbelievable to see the smiles on their faces. We spent over an hour playing soccer and skipping with the kids. The girls danced and sang with us which was truly breath taking. They were so excited to have us around and spend time with them. Though all of these children have suffered in the past they have the most joy that we have ever seen in our lives.
From the orphanage we visited some remote villages. One village in particular, where one of the workers lives, had a much different feeling. Compared to the orphanage, this village had a very somber mood. The children were very malnourished and sick. It was unsettling to think how many of these children were not going to make it past their childhood. It was like a World Vision commercial. These people live this daily.
It's only day 4 in Malawi and we've all got some bumps and bruises. As a team we are really starting to connect.
posted by Paul Agius @ 6:07 p.m.
9 comments
9 Comments:
Bless you all once again for giving yourselves to bring love to these children. It is a beautiful site to see a picture like this and to know people like you all!
Bob "Bo"(cat) is doing well active now and feeling better today not to worry! All is well..God Bless...love Mum
110 lb bags of cement, gee the 70lb suitcases full of supplies don't seem so bad now do they?
I cried after I read today's entry which was within minutes of it's posting. Normally I can't wait to respond and yet today I left the computer unknowing how to respond.
I'm not sure exactly why I cried. Which part touched me more; the excitement of the kids with their soccer balls and skipping ropes (or perhaps sad that I didn't tuck just a few more ropes in for you to take) or was it hearing about the joy they have and yet so many here (North America, most of the world) have so much yet want for so much more and are never happy; or was it hearing of the remote village and yet again hearing what the hiv/aids pandemic is doing to our world.
And then a thought came to me,perhaps I am supposed to take a whole suitcase of skipping ropes to Africa one day, and some calmness settled in me.
Prayers are with you as you sleep and prepare for yet another day. I miss you dearly but know your more needed there right now then here.xo Andrea
Thursday May 5, 2005
"What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him."
~ Louis L. Mann~
Hi Dana, Paul and the Gang
What am I doing here sitting in my office in The Town of Aurora??? I wish I was standing there next to you. Beautiful pictures, please take more. What your doing is SO important! I believe you have all earned your wings! God bless, Loriann
Hey Guys:
I hope this note finds you all well; especially after yestarday's cement ordeal (ha...what doesn't break you, builds you...blah blah blah ....old Irish proverb).The thought of all those kids experiencing joy through your generousity is a "forever" moment-
Needless to say I feel so honored to be connected with you guys in thought, spirit and in prayer as God extends His gracious love to the malawians through your acts of kindness and service.
You have embarked on an opportuity of a lifetime and what you will see and experince will impact you forever, You are all so blessed!
Julia...how does it feel to be realizing this dream so quickly?
Dale: I pray that God showers his love to the kids through your tender heart.
paul: I pray that God will release your ability to dream big as a result of being there....
Dana, Tova & Anne: may these orphans "re-experience" a mothers heart through your care and compassion...dear Jesus, bring a healing touch through the hands of your servants
Bob: you man of faith you...now you have even greater works to add to that...be blessed
Pat: I bet your visionary heart and sharp mind must just be exploding with "what if's ..."I hope you have many "Caleb" moments
Rivcah: do not let a young tribal prince offer your parents anything less than 1000 goats, cows, sheep and camels for you hand!Seriously....I pray that you find refreshing joy in all deeds, big and small-done for those in need.
To all of you: Hebrews 6:10
" God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them"
Missing you all
Marc Gauvreau
Hello Team
We all love the picture and Jessica was happy to see the children holding the skipping rope that one of the girls was holding.
You are all working very hard and I hope that you are using sunblock. We look at each of the pictures and are really touched at how different it really is and we know that you have really made a difference in these childrens lives. May God bless each one of you and know you all are in our prayers.
Ed, Anne, Melissa & Jessica Short
Dale,
It is a privilege to know you. I am so lucky to be on the 'inside' of this wonderful experience. G-d be with all of you.
Love,
Aunt Peg
Hi Team,
Wow. This is so cool!! Paul, you are a great writer (in addition to all your techy gifts).
I feellike I am a real part of it since we have the internet connection. It is so amazing what you all are doing and what you get to experience -- the story about the children gathering in the church and singing gave me goosebumps.
Ann -- our MOPS moms really miss. Tova - I went to Old Navy the other day and thought of you (giggle). Dana -- I can only imagine how different Africa will be after you get done with (things happen when you are around!!).
Talk to you all later,
casey (irving)
Dana and Paul,
It looks like you're doing a fine job... keep up the good work. We're very proud of you both.
Lots of love,
Dad and Diane
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