Robin's Nest: Take 4!

Hello everyone! This is Katie writing our lovely blog for you all tonight! Like Grace said, it is really hard to think of where to start these things...so I think it is best if I ramble for a little bit. I think it is safe to say that we have all learned a lot so far on this trip. For instance, we have learned that it is very unwise to leave the indoors without bug spray...the Jamaican mosquitos have been dominating all of us since we got here. I cannot express how thankful we all are that we have an experienced Jamaican driver like Chris to drive us around. If you think driving in LA is intense, you would be blown away be the moves they make down here. And when it rains in Jamaica, it pours! I'm not even trying to speak metaphorically right now...that statement is compleatly literal. Infact, at this very moment we can hear the rain pounding on the roof. We have had at least one surge of rain everyday since we have arrived. Oh, and this might be a little too much information, but the muggy weather is resulting in my skin constantly feeling slightly wet and sticky. Seriously, nothing ever dries here. Ok...now i'll get to the good stuff...

Our day once again started a little too early(6:45am), with breakfast, sandwitch making, and devotions (Which I led today....Romans 12:9-12...if you are interested :) ). When we got to Robins Nest the kids were once again wide awake and ready to play! The boys only got to stick around for a few minutes, and then were sent off to do more manly work. Today they had the opportunity to help out an employee of "the Nest", Sefton, who they have built a relationship with over the past couple days. They spent the whole day laying tiles on his front porch. Let me just say how proud of them I am. They have been doing hard labor practically all day for the past 3 days, and they still remain willing and excited to get out there and help however they can. Good work boys!

While they were off doing work that I certainly did not want to be doing, us girls were helping out with chores and ofcourse playing with the kids! Grace, Jen, and I took a few of the toddlers in the pool (I was shocked at how well some of them could swim!), which is always fun and a great way to cool off. Stephanie helped the cooks do dishes (imagine doing dishes for 26 kids!!), while some of us folded laundry and did our best to carry heavy babies around. I got a good laugh when one of the head workers at Robins Nest, Georgia, asked all us girls if we wanted to get our hair braided. I told you all I was going to come back with braided hair! haha! Don't worry...I didn't....today at least...

I think it is safe to say that we were all very encourged today when Georgia was telling us the children who are going to be adopted. While the process can be long and tedious, I was so excited to hear that those kids were on their way to a home with loving parents.

When the older kids got home from school we were able to play outside with them, watch "Cars", read books, and spend time following them around the orphanage. One thing that is so amazing to me about these kids is their love and openess to every member of our team. None of us are alone for long before a child will climb on to your lap or ask to be heald. The way they cuddle into your arms continues to make my days worthwile. Their attitudes are even more amazing to me when I think about their stories. So many of them have been through things that no one should ever have to experience. For example, today I played with a little girl who had been kept in a cage, fed bones for nutrition, been burned and hit with sticks by her parents. To hear her story, and then see her standing in front of me, is truly incerdible. Whenever I look at her, I can't help but think of what she has experienced. It completly breaks my heart, but at the same time gives me so much hope in the changes that God can make.

Tomorrow is our last day with the children at Robins Nest, and believe me, we are already dreading saying goodbye for good. We have all streatagized ways to sneak them back to the USA - airtanks in backpacks seems to be the best option so far. The idea of coming into their lives and then leaving them five days later is very frustrating for all of us, but it is comforting to know we are leaving them in good hands. I have come to the realization that I may not be able to completly change the course of the childrens lives at the orphanage, but if I can be a playmate to them, and show them love and comfort for just one day, then our trip has been worthwile.

Thank you all so much for the comments and wonderful words of encouragement - it is always so exciting to see who has written us, and hear all your voices (well, sort of). You are all loved and missed very much!! :)

I don't know how often my people read this thing, but I am taking advantage of writing this blog anyway.... Mom, Dad, and Kristina - I love you guys so much. I think about you everyday and hope you are not too bored at home without me :) Jenise - thanks for the comments, I love you alot. And don't worry, being tanner then you isn't much of a challange, ha! Linds and Jess - I am praying for both of you, and miss you tons. There is a store here called "Sinclair's Bargain Shop". I thought of you both, haha. I can't wait to see you guys, love love love!

Molly - Hey its Tyler, I just wanted to let you know that i found out a day early and I do have sandals. But I guess they are the kind of best sandals you can have. Hopefully you get what I'm saying, if not you should give her a call, I'm sure she'd love it. Tell your mommy happy birthday for me too! Miss you like crazy...

much love to all,

team jamaica