First Day: 266 out of 150

 

No, this has nothing to do with learning Math, but   describes the challenge for today. We rose early and enjoyed a great breakfast at the Blue Post.  The Gatunguru church and area mission had never had more than 99 for any kind of children's or teen-ager meeting, so they were concerned that not many children would come. Our team was told to prepare for 150.

At breakfast this morning, Bernard received a call...the look on his face and the sound in his voice told us there was a big problem. Bernard was told that 150 children were registered, about another 100 were in the church yard, and another 300 HAD TO BE TURNED AWAY OUTSIDE.

Our final registration was 266. Boy, were we glad we didn’t have 150! Can you say scramble and improvise for what to do. Everything prepared changed.  

Septima, Shirley and Linda had the real challenge of small rooms with groups as large as 80+ children.  We rotated the groups by age. There were four groups. Our theme verse for the week is Psalm 139:14: “I will give thanks to you O Lord, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…”   Each day we focus on one of the five senses.  Today was sight, our eyes.  

Septima taught the Academic rotation. Unfortunately, we do not have very good pictures because her room is small. The space was so tight the pictures were difficult.

Shirley and Linda had the Craft rotation. They had to go to a rented room across the road from the church (off church property). Their job was to take craft projects designed for 150 and make them work for 266 children.  

The teen-agers did a great job in Bible Study with Bonnie. They used creative expression to convey their understanding of the story of Bartimeaus. They wrote a poem, presented an original song and dance, created a wall mural, and performed a drama.

The number of children overwhelmed the church at first. In fact, they ran out of food for lunch and had to do some improvising for about 50 youth. We did not get lunch today. 

We were to start at 9:00 a.m. with big group activities and some porridge for the children. Our rotations were to begin at 9:30 a.m.  By 10:45 a.m., we were starting the rotations with no big group time. Lunch was to be served at 1 p.m. but did not start until 2 p.m. after we finished the rotations.

When we looked back on the day, we realized what a great day it was. The day began with a challenge beyond our imagination and expectation.  It was tiring and stretched the whole team.  After getting back and reorganizing, we cannot wait for the challenges of tomorrow. Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support.  

Let me be upfront on this. The cost of the Holiday Bible Camp was based on 150 children. Now with 266 children in attendance, the cost for the food has jumped significantly. Your financial support would also be appreciated and useful in meeting this need.

Hopefully, more photos will be added on Septima's Academics sessions and Shirley/Linda's Crafts sessions.  

Tomorrow, our theme focus will be on hearing.