En-Gedi Mission Trip Update #8
We spent much of the day (Wednesday, February 14) with the En-Gedi kids. We played with large Lego blocks, sang songs (and made up some new, silly verses), and tickled some toes that peeked out of socks. Some of the older children seemed to be in a silly mood! One untied Karen's apron strings when she turned her back to him.
What a joy it was to hear their belly laughs and listen to them singing praises to our God, each in his or her own special way!
Whenever we took out our cell phones to take photos or videos of the kids, they all wanted to see the photos/videos. What they preferred was to hold our phones themselves and scroll through pictures or see what else they could make the phones do.
The girls - and some of the boys - loved wearing our rings, watches, and bracelets. Karen brought some clear (non-prescription) eyeglasses, which were a HUGE hit! They didn't want to part with them when it was time to eat.
One 15-year-old boy kept calling my name. When I answered him, he said, "No." I looked at him sternly and said, "Yes." This went on almost every time we were with the kids and continued back and forth in a "No/Yes" argument. I told him if he kept disagreeing, sit on him! Being a typical boy in many ways, he kept it up, so I SAT ON HIM!
This argument occurred again later, and we threatened Karen would sit on him, and she did!
Later in the day, we took another walk around the neighborhood, enjoying the fresh air and cool breeze and saying hello to people we met. (We stand out around here!)
Margaret pointed out a new development of eight houses being built near En-Gedi. She was amazed at how quickly the work was being done! Those of us who have been here before noticed several newer housing developments and businesses than in previous visits.
En-Gedi's next-door neighbor is a small dairy farm that donates the milk the En-Gedi kids and caregivers need. We stopped by to say hello and see the milking of the cows. They currently milk nine cows with two or three automatic milk machines. They have a pasteurizer and sell milk to several families in the area.
It was a beautiful day in so many ways! We thank God for each precious life here, made in His image, and to whom God gives each breath! Praise Him from whom ALL blessings flow!
Written by Diane Westenberg
