By Sue Jenkins, Maggie Smith, Monica Robertson, and Sarah Perrotti
We started the day by getting ready for VBS camp. We weren’t sure whether to expect 20 kids or 200. We were all a bit nervous, but we ended up having lots of fun! The kids started coming at 8:30am, even though the program wasn’t supposed to start until 9:30am. They had crafts, games, and a Bible story – Noah’s Ark. We think there were about 100 kids present, and many came with their mothers, who helped to keep order. We served a lunch of hot dogs, chips, and we made juice bags.
[Sue here – as I am typing this at 8:45pm, Maggie, Monica, Sarah, and my husband all stopped to take a picture of a big spider!)
The local children loved playing soccer (football) with our Zumbro teens. And they loved playing with the giant parachute. The little ones colored intently and then gifted us with their carefully colored pictures. The children had their own ways of entertaining themselves. We noticed the big children looking after younger siblings. There were some beloved dogs who attended VBS as well. Tie-dying was a big hit – and yes, it was messy.
In the morning we donated some funds for a rehabilitation center here in Roatan for persons in recovery. The founder, Dylon, had attended Teen Challenge and a Celebrate Recovery program in the United States during his journey to sobriety. He told us his personal testimony and how he was called by God to set up this ministry. The clients gave us necklaces they had made and shared a song.
We stopped at some local shops with jewelry made from local stones and shells. Then we returned to the Refuge and changed into swimming suits for the beach. A few of us got to go snorkeling, and the beach sand was beautiful, white and soft.
Supper was spaghetti. (The food is amazing! Our host, Nick, operates two restaurants.) Our hosts started a bonfire after dinner and treated us to s’mores and music. Arianna Jones has a lovely voice and she and Jannette lead some songs.
We’re looking forward to VBS tomorrow!