Val's Thoughts

Hey it's Val! I just love waking up every morning looking out at the dock and the ocean that can be seen till the horizon. There's just this knowledge of the coming of a new day and the curiosity of what it will bring. I love waking up to Izzy saying my name, and going down to give her a morning hug. I feel like I've always known this place, like it's a long ago familiar home. Even though I came on this trip not knowing anyone beside the Browns and the Masts I can feel a love for every single person whose come along from just the short time we have gotten to know each others story. The kids here just warm my heart and every time I see them this intense love inside me burns. When we went to the school in the mornings of two days last week I got to see the generous hearts of the kids who have so little but still just keep giving. It's almost like they have a sense that the things on this earth are tied to this earth but giving hits the heart in more then just an earthly way. In the afternoons we started a sports camp with all the neighboring kids and it was great to see their happiness in just being able to play and spend time with us. It's like a dream being able to serve them by doing what I love: simply being and playing with them. I can feel the sense of God and his face just smiling down on each and every kid, and even though I wasn't able to communicate with them I could love on them and use my time for them. Through all of it though I know God is pursuing them. In the evenings we head over to the Orphanage where we play along with the more kids! Most of them know English so it's easier to communicate. I just pray that we can bless them and have an impact on their lives because they're so valuable! I've also been able to connect with this awesome team, and it's great to learn more about their lives. Today I also went Scuba diving! Which I have always wanted to do. It was out of this universe. Another world down under where the fish swim in all their beautiful colors and coral is their home. I thank God for all the experiences I've made, for all he has done and is doing, for his amazing plans for each and every person here; He deserves all the glory!