Day 9, July 8, 2006

The Last Day

It’s late at night and we are surrounded by the huge stack of supplies that we will leave with the home tomorrow. We’re packed and ready to go, but we are all leaving a piece of our hearts here.

After an American-style cookout and relay games, we finished our last day here with a service of songs and prayers led by our new friend Doug and his wife Chris, who are here for six months from Boca Raton.

It was there that Grayce had the experience of a lifetime. Doug and Chris invited her to bless any girls who wished it. A few girls came forward, then more and more, until finally the line of girls stretched to the back of the chapel.

Hours after the service, Grayce said, "I will never be able to give a blessing again without seeing all those little faces."

There were many tears this night, as we said hasta la vista (until later). After two goodbyes with little girls in tears, his emotions overwhelmed Chet. As he says, "I went down like the Titanic." The rest of us assured him that he was not alone.

Although we are sad to leave the girls, we are happy with the work we have done here. Looking back at the week, we thank God that we kept our health for the preparation of the cancha for resurfacing, Bible school and crafts for the girls, bowling, movies, cooking, sports, and just hanging out. And we are grateful as well for the many friends who provided funds and supplies for Our Little Roses ministries and who prayed for us in our absence.

Two of our missionaries asked the head teacher here how all this coming and going affects the girls. She explained that this is part of the rhythm of life here. The girls know that we will be back again, which makes parting easier to bear. We will miss them, and they us, but St. Alban’s is a trusted part of Our Little Roses. We’ll be back.