building, birthdays and blessings

This week we had another birthday! Anna turned 22 on Monday, and so we of course woke her up with the Taylor Swift song and danced round our bedroom. The work down at Blessed Word didn't need our help so we were able to spend the morning watching Frozen and The Notebook!

 In the afternoon, Susie accompanied me to the doctors once again. Turns out I have a bacterial infection in my nose which is affecting my eyes and underarms... fun! I'm all dosed up with meds now so please just pray for complete healing.
We went down to church to meet Anna and Kathryn who were at LT. We had a birthday cake - see below, and note Kathryn holding a full watering can behind her!

Then we went off to have a meal out, pizza! It was a really lovely time and we shared lots of laughs :) Happy Birthday Anna x

Over the next few days I had to return back to the doctors, but when I could I joined everyone down at Blessed Word. It's really coming along well, it's exciting to see the church building grow. 

On Friday, Kathryn, Anna and I went to FBC for children's club. I have missed them! We were singing with them and asked if any of them would like to lead a song. Two girls volunteered and stood in the centre of the circle and started singing...

'I have a maker
before my heart,
before even time began
My life was in his hands

and then all the children round them joined in for the chorus...

He knows my name
He knows my every thought,
He sees each tear that falls
and hears me when I call

I have a father,
he calls me his own
He'll never leave me,
no matter where I go.'

and oh my, I had to take a few deep breaths! Their voices were so beautiful and it was amazing to hear them singing those words. We have on average about 100 children at this club and we often struggle with remembering their names, but I felt like God saying "Yes, I know their names. Each and every one of them, I know them". It reminded me that every child needs love and a cuddle and reassurance and encouragement, and we shouldn't just look at them as a group but as lots of individuals. 

We continued on, Nic led the Hokey Kokey which turned into complete mayhem but was so much fun! The language barrier is sometimes an issue but when we're all singing the same song and doing funny actions, you can have a genuine laugh with the children around you. 

I led the Big Class with the story of the lost sheep which went well. Then we gave out their biscuits and they went off home. I have no idea how I will say goodbye to these children. 

As children club is going on, Smile also runs a women's club in the church where they make jewellery and crafts. We couldn't resist the opportunity to look through what they'd been making and I bought a few bracelets. They are very talented!

Please pray for healing as a few of us on the team are ill!

God Bless, Grace x