Running Cry

Continuing my Peru adventure....

The mornings was when we had lesson times and in the afternoons there were special activities. Monday was the Rodeo...complete with roping, killing bugs, eating smores, singing around a campfire, herding pigs and dancing. Such fun!
Tuesday we were able to hang out with the girls. Paint nails and braid headbands is what I did. Erika and I can't resist playing soccer, so we played a little and promised to go to the fields with the boys on Thursday.
Wednesday was the Scavenger Hunt....all running...but it was a blast. On Monday and Wednesday, Erika and I were in charge of a different group of girls than we have in the mornings, and loved them just as much.

One of my favorite moments was when they asked me to sing songs for them. As the "face" up on stage, I should of expected it, but I was still blown away by their overwhelming desire to sing with me. I can now thank God specifically for the gift of song in my life. I pray that he used me and the lyrics to convey a deep love that the girls can have as well!

Thursday, as promised, Erika and I went to play soccer with the boys. It was extremely hot, but worth it. We did not win, but held our own and enjoyed every minute we held the back line. :)

Friday was a difficult day. We had to say goodbye to our girls. They were like leeches the whole afternoon while we hung banners and took as many pictures as our cameras could hold. I was not expecting to fall in love as quickly as I did. We only spent a week there...not six weeks, not three months, or a year...a week and I almost couldn't hold it together. The tradition in South America is touching cheeks and giving a kiss, so that's what we did over and over until pulling away. The kids lined both sides of the path and I went down the entire girls side giving those precious kisses. It didn't help the matter that two of my girls followed me to the end, not letting go of my arms. I could not express my thoughts accurately in Spanish, so I quickly hopped on the bus as they held each other, waving to me.

I made it to the first row on the bus before I had a gut wrenching cry. What just happened, I thought? How did that happen?! Wait...I have a God who touched my heart again that week. Every time. Why am I so surprised? He is still working on me and going to Peru was just a small part. I learned a lot that I am still processing though and putting into words. All glory to God!

Stay tuned for a post about the tourist part of my trip....