VBS Celebration Day

At the end of two weeks of VBS it was Celebration Day.
What a great day! Such a good follow-on from the Foot Washing and the previous two weeks together with these kids.

The day began with lots of preparation including the wrapping of gifts for the children

and then everyone gathered for the celebrations

 Petros, who had joined with me in the preparation of the VBS, spoke about REAL LOVE. It's not the kind that comes in a heart-shaped tin! Such a good illustration.

 

Alex shared some of his story as a street kid and how God's love had transformed his life and continues to do so. 

 

Caleb, one of the volunteers, told us all what an impact these two weeks had had on him. 

Elsa told us about the story of Abraham and his obedience to God.

Some of the littlies received prizes

in recognition of their contribution over the course of the program,

and my young friend, Meseret, shared some of her understanding of God's love for her, even when things are tough and she is not perfect.

Just before the food, they all lined up for a koala and a pencil with a kangaroo or a koala on it. 

Then it was pop-corn 

(VERY Ethiopian) 

for everyone

and finally home time after a wonderful two weeks.

Great job YFC Ethiopia.

Around YFC

A little at a time I plan to show you some of the things that happen around the YFC compound.

After school each day at around 3pm lots of kids arrive from the local community. This is a place where they are loved and accepted, have fun and build relationships with leaders and other kids. Now that's a better alternative than being at home alone.

These kids are from poor families and each day YFC provides a nutritious snack. This day it was a cup of  drink. Its water added to ground roasted barley with a touch of sugar. Pretty healthy, sugar excluded!

The kids play games, like soccer, out in the tiny back paved yard. Here Amen is the referee and kids are kids wherever they they are.

They REALLY enjoy themselves.

The younger children spend time in the library where they are helped with their homework and can read books from the extensive range of books, mostly in English.

 and on rainy days, Yeti brings the snack to them while they are working at the tables. This day it was a flat bread of some sort.

 Lots of afternoons I will spend some time playing games with Meseret, one of the teenagers who comes most days. Meseret is a very smart and kind girl that I am getting to know and love. Some mornings she walks to pick me and then walks me to the YFC office. She takes me on all different routes because she has a far better knowledge of Addis and likes to show me around.

 Rummikib and Dominoes are her favourites so far, and our relationship is growing as we spend quality time together.