Kids Small Groups

First, apologies as there are some internet troubles here at our guesthouse after some construction today. Thank you Rwandan SIM card, cell phone hotspot, and making it work to at least get the info out there sans pictures at this time. 

It was our first day of ministry split into 2 teams for the duration of the day.  And as expected the work was multiplied beautifully and wonderfully.

Team 1: Michael, Claudia, Bella, Chris, Kennedy, Didi, Robbie, Michelle, & Dakota
It was a treat to stay with their dearest friends at Christ Gospel Fellowship.  But a different crowd being the Global Vision Academy's preschoolers.  There were 3 adorable classrooms of 35 in total 3-5 year olds.  They showed off their incredible English through their sweet songs and learning lessons.  After snack time, Team 1 took over in teaching a lesson on what it means to be part of God's team - Team Jesus!  With a fun puppet skit, Bible verse, coloring page, and then parachute activity the preschoolers learned that God holds each of them in His hands as His children.  So creatively the team wrapped it up with a rubber glove balloon with "Jesus" written on it.  Definitely a hit to end their morning.
Then the afternoon held a training with about 20 preschool teachers and children's ministry workers.  The team did a fabulous job breaking down what SHAPE looks like and means both in general definition and practical application.  The leaders/teachers even got to be child-like putting their unique handprints on a poster and learning ways to remind children of their unique SHAPEs.  It was a great encouragement for them to know their SHAPE as well as those of the children they work with.

Team 2: Karyce, Jodi, Conor, Allan, Dylan, Jennifer, & Sarah
Despite the team's late arrival they jumped right in and were a HUGE help to a very large underserved preschool at CLA.  There were about 75 kids split into 3 classrooms with 1 teacher each...no teacher's aides and minimal to no supplies.  Broke the team's hearts but meant even more when they brought in the simplest but most fun-packed stuff to teach them about sharing God's love with others.  The highlight for Team 2 @ CLA was most definitely bubble time.  The smiles were beaming from ear-to-ear as the kids made pipecleaner hearts to then catch God's love that was being shared through the Bubbles. Of course there was some puppet show fun to supplement things as well as some good old-fashioned football (soccer) and fun.  Then the kids got back to their lessons as the team was blessed to see what a typical CLA preschool day looks like.
The afternoon was much smaller for them in their leader training with 2 of the 3 preschool teachers returning (1 felt sick so needed rest).  However, it was an intimate and encouraging conversation with the 2 teachers.  The team was able to offer practical helps, prayers, and encouragement as these teachers tireless work with no supplies and no aides to beautifully love on the littlest of kiddos.  Amazing!

The team deeply enjoyed a midday treat in Meze Fresh and then a cultural immersion opportunity at a typical Rwandan outdoor market.  Yep, slightly overwhelming with the packed stalls and multitude of vendors.  But ultimately everyone came out deeply enjoying the cultural reality, more greatly appreciating the grocery stores, Targets, Costcos and more that abound in Southern California. 

And another treat came after the separate ministry times as we all reunited at Denis' workplace.  It meant the world to us to be invited to our dear friend and ministry partner's new office.  We teased it was "Bring your Favorite Muzungus to Work Day".  Great time to meet his boss and co-worker and affirm the awesome guy Denis is.  Afterwards we visited the Lossau family home and then walked to a local coffee shop to get some coffee to bring home. 

All-in-all another FULL day of ministry leaving everyone full in love, compassion, kindness, and so much more.  Prayers for great rest as tomorrow is a particularly long ministry day to a repeat of today just starting when the preschoolers start @ 7:30 & 8:00 am respectively.  Then we'll minister through the day to dinner a smidge earlier before heading to CLA for a KSG Leader Training.  Promises to be a full but blessed day.  Pray for energy.  Pray for rest. Pray for the unity, fun, and life-change to keep on pouring in!