Individual Visitors are Also a Blessing

One of the many joys that we have in this ministry is getting to know the short term volunteers that come our way – whether part of a team or just coming on their own – the joy and energy that they bring to the project here is sweet and so is their fellowship and willingness to help.
Just as the church in VA team left, we received a new type of group composed of individual friends and supporters from different walks of life.  Alyssa was especially excited about this group of visitors because the 3 that arrived were all personal friends of hers.
We first met Karen and Rachel when they came to visit and help Alyssa prep for the preschool last year before it was opened.   Back then we just knew them as friends of Alyssa but this year it was nice to have them visit as our friends as well.  While here they were able to love on the moms and kids at the children’s home (even blessing them with a donation of cuddle size stuffed animals), laugh and encourage us, and help with things that need doing but we never quite have the time to get around to.  For us the list of that is never ending and just goes on and now but thanks to these two, several things are off the list such as painting Alyssa’s window sills and window frames, painting the preschool window sills and frames, painting the poles for Jako’s work area, and cleaning up around the property (raking leaves so if snakes are around they will be visible, removing rubble etc).   They also brought some good stuff for the preschool (material items and ideas) and Alyssa was especially excited about the outdoor easel for the preschool that they raised money for.
It was also a blessing to have Georgia  visit at the same time.  As the founder of the Regio preschool that Alyssa used to work for in the States, Alyssa was excited to have her former boss see how she was implementing all that she had learned out here in the bush.  Along with her great smiles and love for children and education she brought with her lots of gifts for the school and knowledge as well.  She really enjoyed getting to meet and interact with the children at the school and was a blessing to meet.
Unfortunately the beginning of August marked the saying goodbye to Rachel V.  Even though she was only here with us for 2 1/2 months, it felt like she had been here longer (in a good way).  During her time here she helped with classes at the preschool, loved on the house mothers, sorted, organized and distributed clothes to the children at the orphanage, helped in many different ways at the house, and spent lots of time playing with the babies and children.  The toddlers loved the way that she was able to play with them at their level and the mom’s so appreciated her care and love of them.  Thank you Rachel for giving of yourself for these past two months and for the blessing that you were to so many people.  You are and will be missed.  Know that your legacy lives on here in the lives of the children and house mom's.