There's baggage then there's baggage...

This is my third trip to Macedonia. I am still amazed at what coming here shows me. I assumed that all trips like this just had awesome teammates, you strengthened your faith and relationships while learning and connecting with others. I know now that is not always true. So I feel fully blessed to be having this third experience here in Macedonia.
Jeff Cook helped us start a tradition each day on every trip and we've continued that again; your high point & low point for the day. Yes, there are low points. Yet they don't seem insurmountable, often they pass easily. For the second time in 2 years I got here well before my luggage. Unfortunately, my wife Brenda and also Kristina got to share in that experience. It pales though when you view it through the lens of the children we are hoping to help at the 25th Maj Institution.
This year, more than the previous 2 years there are more younger boys and girls than we've seen previously. It is frankly quite sad. You see immediately their hunger for attention, their desire to be cared for and loved. You see the need for discipline and guidance. Then you realize that no matter what each child's individual story is on how they got there, every one is likely in a better place than they were. That is the lowest low. In thinking about what I am seeing this year I came across this verse:

Matthew 18:10

"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

So first I have to believe that we can help a little for these are God's children and second it gives us a real chance to pray for these kids. Quite possibly a bigger opportunity to pray for their teachers and administrators that they find ways to not look down upon these kids. It's a daunting task. Beyond our prayers we are focused this week on trying to create some lasting reminders that these kids have people who care even if they are not there 100% of the time. It also opens up a ton of chances for our October team and all the teams I hope continue to come here.

Other impressions:

As I mentioned in the opening, this is another great team. I feel especially blessed that God has given us such great young people and such wonderful new teammates all around. If anybody worries about the "next generation", don't. I see a few people who are way more together in the faith and future than I was at their age. It's already been a pleasure to work alongside them.

If you want to get kids of all ages together, get a zipline!

Wow, we're able to repair the zipline we installed last year, after a couple trips to area hardware stores! The kids were waiting in line to start riding. We realized the first one was plain worn out.

As you'll see in the pictures the line was properly tested by a couple of us older kids.

Farming is hard work. We've put a good dent in our project to create greenhouse-like structures behind the Orphanage. So if the rain holds off and our backs hold up we should get all 3 done this week. Photos below.

Finally, there is no better time than dinner as a team. I wish this kind of fellowship, laughter and sharing could happen at "home" but maybe this environment just makes it so. Regardless it's the best of times.

Please pray for these kids and our team and thanks for your support-Dan