A simple but "Abundant Life"

We've just completed our 5th full day here at Abundant Life, and are now halfway through our stay.  It's remote, dirty, our living quarters are very basic, mostly cold water for showers, no kitchen sink, birds squawk and dogs howl all night, food is simple, the children have lots of needs and the home is understaffed, the language barrier is huge obstacle. And we love it!

The kid's (there are about 120 kids that live here) day starts at 5:30 a.m. By 6:00 they are expected to be dressed, with beds made, backpacks ready for school and seated on the floor of the auditorium where they have a 1/2 hour devotion and song service. At 6:30 they line up for breakfast, and no one can start eating until everyone has been served and a blessing said. At 7:15, they line up outside, and after a song and a prayer for their day they march out of the compound and about 1/2 mile down the road to school. I think if the kids in America started their day the same way, we'd see a lot less of the destructive behaviors that are plaguing our culture.

We walk them to school, coming back to the home to help the staff with dishes, pick up trash, wash windows, or whatever we can do to contribute.
The kids start trickling back around 4pm, and the following hour is a high energy one as most of the kids have free time (others have chores like taking care of the garden or helping get dinner ready). They play with the tennis rackets, frisbees or jump rope we brought, or sit with Teresa and draw or play games.

Dinner is served at 5:00. After dinner, there are chores and some play time for most, while we do an English lesson with one of the grades, (A different grade each night).  There are designated groups that go for showers at this time.

Then it's time for homework, and for those who finish early a few more minutes of play time. Do they run to the TV, grab a Gameboy or put in earphones to listen to the latest from Justin Bieber or Lady Gaga? Nope, they come hang out with us.  They love being swung around,  playing one-potato,two-potato or getting a horsey ride. So simple, yet it brings them great pleasure, and even more to us.

They come together as a group for the final time, for a devotion and good night prayer and then off to bed.  We stick around for a little while longer to connect with the staff, and then stroll back to our modest little abode where we have time to reflect on the simplicity, yet fulness of the day, and the contentment of serving these precious little souls and those that care for them. Meanwhile back in our culture, people are looking for that contentment not by chasing children around a dirty yard, but by going after things that even if they catch them will not bring the joy we have found here in the third world.

PS:This is Gwanteena, a seven year old girl who has latched on to our hearts and want to sponsor as well as a couple of others.  There are still 30+ beautiful kids here who need sponsors, and you can get in touch with us if you'd like to help.