East Hill

The sun is out, the birds are chirping, children are groaning about being tired, do you know what time it was? That’s right, early Monday morning in good old Puebla Mexico.

Today, once we all dragged ourselves out of bed half-heartedly, we went to a beautiful and tearful devotion/message by our own Andrew Hayworth on the perfection of us and gaining a set of new eyes, where our spirits were lifted. Once the tissues were in the trash and the laughs were again flowing, we all headed to an amazing breakfast and then, we were off! Our destination you may ask? Well because of complications yesterday, downtown Puebla was all anyone could think of.

We arrived at the market place and minds went blank, while jaws dropped in a ‘woosh’ of amazement. Every person was overwhelmed with the beauty and sheer mass of the market place, how was one to know where to start in a place like this? Luckily, we all had amazing interpreters and the shopping expedition began. An hour later we all gathered, our arms aching with the weight of the bags containing purchases ranging from authentic ponchos, all the way to SpongeBob pillows. Next we journeyed to an enormous cathedral, I use the word enormous not only to describe the size, but also the amount of art embedded in the structure itself. After being thoroughly amazed for a half an hour we headed back to the bus. The most amazing part of this adventure was not the market, the shopping, the cathedral, or the crazy souvenirs bought by the team, but the almost unanimous feeling that we would trade that experience in a heart beat, for more time with the kids. Already so many have been touched by these small lives.

We ventured down one of the bumpiest roads imaginable and made it back to EV just in time for a craft with the kids. Due to an act of God, right before, it began to rain. That meant that the teens, who none believed would participate, came inside to craft with us. After an amazing object lesson from Brad, using money as a symbol of our value and how it can never be diminished, you could feel the spirit in the room, and as you looked around, you could even see some tear streaked faces from the teens at EV. Thank the Lord for rain.

After crafts, our favorite time of the day began, free time. Team members and the kids they have connected with got together and a great time commenced. String was brought out for bracelets, Frisbees flew, and kids were swung around (for that story, wait to ask a team member). A fun time all around.

During nightly devotions with Emily, a staff member at EV, even more tears were cried and worship got a little out of control, in a good way. Speaking of the kids we met that day brought out so many emotions, and we all agreed it was a good day. It was indescribable and powerful.

As we get ready for the next day, no one can wait for another day with the kids. Keep reading for more from the East Hill youth team.

Blessings to you all, and to you all, a good night.