I want to say a HUGE THANK YOU to a special group of children who not only donated their old recorders so we can start a music club with the kids here, but also for their FABULOUS prayers! I was blessed when I opened the box of recorders and included were many cards and notes. Well…. I’ll let you see for yourself:

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Lately at the Food Distribution more and more kids have been coming, not just to pick up food for their moms, but to stay and chat (and sometimes help out!).  Last night we were graced with the presence of our two little “translators”, a term and position they have appointed themselves.  Since most of the mothers only speak Arabic, and I only speak Hebrew, they like to be the ones to communicate all the in’s and out’s of the procedures.  It’s very cute, actually.

They sooooo need this youth center, to have a place to go.  I’m getting excited about the vision I have, and this week I will be looking at some potential buildings for the site.  In the meantime you can see my adorable, little helpers for yourselves.  These girls are two reasons why I am passionate about future plans…..

Does anyone have/know of a WII system and games that can be donated 4 a new youth ministry in Israel? This would be a HUGE blessing!!!

I hadn’t gotten any replies, and I honestly just put it out there in the social media world, “just in case”.  

And then I got the email.

It was from a friend I had graduated with, and quite honestly, had not seen since graduation day back in 1993. (Yep, a looooooooooong time ago.)  He told me he didn’t have a WII to give, but he would like to start a fundraiser in order to purchase one. Not only start a fundraiser, but spread the word, buy the complete set (with as many games as possible) AND ship it to me.  

My mind was completely blown by that email!

Here was someone who I haven’t even seen or really spoken to in 15 or so years…yet he was willing to put all this time and effort into pouring out for kids he has never even seen or met.  He was willing to go the extra mile, all for a cause I believe in.  

Like I said, sometimes I’m left speechless.

Below is the link for the fundraising site to purchase a WII console and games for the youth ministry I will be soon starting with the Sudanese Refugee Children.  Please consider donating, even if its just a small amount, for this cause.  Our target goal is $500, but I am hoping to surpass even that!  And I must end by saying, “Thanks so much Chris, for showing what God’s love looks like in a tangible way.  I am truly humbled and honored to know you!”

 http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2009-08-12.4071091833

This week during the Nazareth English Camp, one of the American games I taught the kids to play was Medic (an upscale version of dodgeball).  I wasn’t sure how it would go over in the Arab community, especially with the girls, but I soon got my answer.  

Each day when the groups would come to my station, all the kids would approach me saying, “doctor? doctor?” (Medic wasn’t exactly a word in their culture, so I used doctor instead, while explaining).  No matter what new game I attempted to teach, they always wanted to play “doctor” (dodgeball).  

The week was beyond draining for me, and I seriously haven’t run around and played in a long time.  Needless to say, I was exhausted at the end of each day and today I totally crashed!  Even though I was in the middle of the action most the time (my arms and legs can attest to that), I was able to snap a few photos…

There is a young Sudanese girl, 10/11 yrs. old who comes each week for Food Distribution for her mother.  She is the cutest thing and since she is in school here, her Hebrew is super good.  Today she brought her brother with her and I asked her (in Hebrew), “Is this your brother?” and she said, “yes“.  So, I said to him “Shalom!” And he said “Shalom” back.  Then he turns to his sister and asks her (in Hebrew), “does she know Hebrew?” (referring to me)  And the girl replied back, “Yes.  Just not good Hebrew.”  

There really isn’t a response to that, so I looked at her, smiled, and said “Toda raba!!!” (thanks so much).  She just smiled back.  Oh, the joy of honesty from a child!!!