Bead-extravaganza

As we start to write the blog tonight, Autumn was closing the blinds in the room and figured out that the new rolling blinds at the hotel are magnetic at the bottom...it's the small things!

Tonight was the second night we have stayed late and we had a massive glow party complete with photo booth, glow in the dark bowling, ring toss and balls. The kids had a blast putting on wigs and using prop hats in the photo booth! Even the serious teachers got in on it! It was hilarious! Many of the kids loved bowling too!

There have been many observations of how everything the kids make and do get given straight back to their American friends and the team. We have everything, compared to what they have...yet they give it all back. For them it is so they feel remembered by those they love...

As the week has progressed we are seeing how incredibly talented our kids are in sports, singing, drawing, braiding hair...it is truly an amazing example of how gifted God makes each individual. We are working very hard at noticing those things so we can not only encouraged them, but compliment their uniqueness.

Today Stephanie worked on getting videos from the kids to their friends. It was so much fun to see how nervous and tongue tied they got in front of the camera. Not all have been comfortable getting in front of the camera, but there were several that courageously stepped up. 

Beads came out today! Actually it was a bead-extravaganza! And every age...gender and personality type loves beads! It was exciting to see how many of the kids wanted help with how to spell their friends' names in beads. Not all of those get sent on, because most get worn proudly. Each was a labor of love with extreme care put into design or sheer quantity of sports balls.  Others

Several of the older boys have been working on a skating rink in the school yard. They are taking so much pride in it, and they will be using it for hockey. Since this is their week off of school this is one of the few opportunities they have to put time into it. Yet as soon as they get released for lunch...they are right back in the rooms with us joining in any activity we have going on. 

We're sorry if it feels like we are not elaborating tonight...we are exhausted! Melanie is especially because she applied a million glitter tattoos! It is such an absolute blessing to be here with the kids and spending these moments with them. But...We. Are. Tired. :)