Thinking, Hoping, Believing

We're preparing for our last full day in Tocoa. We think, hope, and believe the end of this day will see the bodega (storage room) at the orphanage impressively organized and the windows at the girls' home looking good with repaired screens and freshly varnished frames. The cocina wall will sport an improved look when (thanks to "board chairperson" Kelley) our new 2018 St. John's team plaque takes its place beside our 2016 team plaque, joining the artistic efforts from other churches that have sent teams.

The unofficial ODM baseball team may or may not show improved play on their makeshift field, but Mike and Martha shared their best coaching wisdom. Synchronized swimming, of the improvised variety, also made its appearance for the first and possibly last time by two team members as we relaxed around the pool one evening. It's good to have some laughter while on a mission trip, and certainly laughing, playing, and singing with the children is a key activity.

It helps offset the sobering parts of the week. There are both success stories and disappointments when working with children anywhere, as experienced teachers and parents know. At Open Door Ministries, the children's lives and futures--physically, educationally, and eternally--are are quite obviously on the line. We get a clue of what their lives could be like every time we go to the hospital or a feeding station or ride through the parts of Tocoa off the main drag. We're thrilled to see the growth and successful developments in the children over the years we've known them, and we grieve to learn of the disappointments, the ones for example who are taken away or enticed to run away despite the quality of care at ODM. And the people working at this ministry, like caregivers everywhere, are not immune from stresses and strains in their own lives. They give care but need care too.

We're nearing the end of this week in Tocoa. Our work, our sharing of Bible stories and hugs, our prayers, and even our playing with them will have some impact, especially eternally. We think, hope, and believe so.

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