Last session of group 2011
I had so much planned for this last afternoon - how can you possibly do everything? What is most important when you know you won't be spending time, investing in their lives anymore after this day?
First, we had our swimming session, very important to them. These last weeks we have been battling with an algae problem that has meant that some weeks they have been unable to swim. As you can see, the pool doesn't look very nice (green once again), but they were thrilled to be able to swim. These girls are having a go at doing somersaults in the water - one more box to put a sticker on in their swimming acheivement certificates. Somersaults were quite tricky for them, and anyone who could see me at the side of the pool giving instructions would have laughed.
Then, we went to the classroom for our bible study. I wanted to briefly recap on some of the things we had been teaching. Obedience, honesty, serving, perseverance, self control, love and courage. We talked about things that are still hard for them. Then, they had to pass certain challenges to 'earn' their party. They did quite well, 1 girl nearly managed to lick her own elbow, but of course ultimately they failed. I wanted to share with them about grace - that although we try we will fail, yet God's abundant grace means that we can have a relationship with Him, not based on what we can do, but on what He has done. The girls then wrote a bible verse in their books.
After this, Kelly led a time of worship, I love to see their passionate singing and dancing. It also gave an opportunity to get the pizzas (which they had made in the previous session) cooked.
Now, time for the pinata. I had half made it and they finished it off and decorated it. This proved somewhat tricky to break and I did wonder about the safety of a blindfolded, excited girl waving a rolling pin wildly around.
Food time! Pizzas, crisps, savoury snacks, cake and fizzy drink. Some of them brought along a contribution for our party.So, we got through the year. I loved being with them, they touched my heart and my prayer is that God touched theirs. Such a precious bunch of girls, each with their struggles, yet each totally loved and treasured by God. I am grateful for this opportunity, for who God is and what He did in our lives during this year.