Gambier Update Finally In!

Well families....it seems that the schedule of events and activities for our team is so full that there is barely time to call in a report. I am happy to report that the team was able to take a breather long enough to get in this latest update!

Friday was another great day filled with new adventures and great ministry opportunities. The day began with a fun tourist excursion to the Straw Market. The students were able to get a taste of the Bahamas tourist culture by visiting the shops and stalls along the famous Nassau Straw Market. The weather has been great and it was just plain fun to explore the area together, get some fresh air and shop! The team certainly needed a little down time to recharge and relax before jumping back into their team ministry action mode. That afternoon had them back on the bus and headed for a visit to the Youth Hostel. The Youth Hostel rovides temporary housing and support for children who are in need of intervention and assistance from a domestic family crisis situation. There is a wide range of ages of the children who are currently placed in the Youth Hostel. They are a group of children who welcome the opportunity of a visit from young people and a group who would greatly benefit from some special attention. They long for the chance to experience the joy of friendship and fun. This group of children in the Youth Hostel have been anticipating this visit from our team all the week and they were certainly not disappointed. Our team took them to the beach for an afternoon of fun and play in the sand and the water and treated them to as much pizza as they could eat for lunch! Many of our team members really connected with these children and were able to be the hands and heart of Jesus to these kids. Hearts were touched and special bonds were established. There were many tearful farewells when it was time to get back on the bus. Last night at the campfire our students had an opportunity to reflect on the differences of experiences of the day...the contrast from tourist to servant, the contrast from needing stuff to needing love. It all made for some impactful conversations around the campfire. The students received the challenge from the leaders to consider where they were in their own understanding of their relationship with Christ. Certainly they have the head knowledge but has that connection made a impact on their heart response. It was truly a powerful night.

Of course you can't have a campfire without s'mores and then there was a visit from the Ape Man....that will be better told to you directly from your students. :) This new Saturday morning brought with it the anticipation of their return home to their loving families! They are presently doing a final round of cleaning in preparation for the next team, scrubbing, polishing and packing and then loading on the bus just after noon for the adventure of the return trip home.

Check the previous blog posts for flight information and be sure and check all the blog comments. One of our parents has provided you with extra contact information for Bahamasair and there is also a blog comment from a teacher on some homework relief!

All for now. Bahama Mama