Robin's Nest: Take 5!

Today, we woke up extra tired due to the long previous day, and a draining night of pounding rain and non stop thumping from the club bangers next door. Yet nothing today would slow us down because we knew it was our last day with these amazing kids at the orphanage.

First though, we stopped at Redding School. We introduced ourselves to these new strangers by doing goofy songs that made everyone jump, shout and dance, which in one song included doing the robot briefly. Let me just mention that I perform a mean robot. Anyways, that got the kids awake and laughing, and we then had the opportunity this morning to do our entertaining version of the David and Goliath story. The kids and the faculty really enjoyed the skit, which was good way to start the day by lifting our spirits.

As you walk into Robin's Nest Orphanage, a leather book rests on the front desk. This book acts as a sort of yearbook for the orphanage by telling the names and birthdays of each child next to his or her picture. Underneath that, is a brief description of how that particular child has ended up at the home. Some were taken to the orphanage after serious cruel abuse, others suffering for serious diseases, and one is even the result of incest. Yet you wouldn't figure any of this because 26 of the most beautiful, welcoming, and joyful children live here under this roof. We arrived at Robin's Nest with the welcoming we have received everyday this week... attacked with love. As each child pulled a team member somewhere in opposite directions, and laughter began to echo through the halls of the the orphanage. In every corner of the house, you could find a cute Jamaican child wrapped and tangled in a member of our team. Work was of course issued and done but we all may have been working a little bit harder and faster so we had as much time with the kids as we could get. Pool time consisted of little bodies flying through the air until gravity had them smack the water, or tiny hands desperately clinging onto the neck of a team member who was making their way around the area. Once in dry clothes, we felt the end of our last day at this orphanage sneaking up on us. We all tried figuring out ways to escape to the bus without saying goodbye because it would be to hard to here them say, "But you're coming back tomorrow right?" But the goodbyes had to be done. :(

Each of us made our way around the house giving our last hugs and pulling out of last laughs from the kids. It was especially hard to say goodbye to the staff members who many of us have built strong friendships with throughout the week. Adults like Glaston, Sefton, and Georgia have made a lasting impression on us all with their work ethic, love for children, and desire and hope for one day being in America. They all smile as they do routine chores in hope for one day being able to be on United States soil. They all want to hear about America, and are not shy about telling you not "if" but when they come to America, what great things they plan to accomplish. Their view on America that we often overlook really makes you appreciate the great country we get to live in, and how we forget that we are truly blessed to be somewhere where that education is promoted and opportunities are endless.

Today might have been the hardest day yet, but it ended with all of us opening up and telling how we are truly feeling on this trip and just in our lives in general. A combination of tears and laughter really brought us together even closer, and I'm excited to see our group grow as one towards that guy in the sky (God).

In conclusion, I haven't shaved yet and luckily I'm not searching for a wifey down here because I'm getting gross. I have tried to recuit the other guys by hiding their razors but it was only matter of time before they came to me begging for their blades back. I think they are considering it though which is good. Plus I'm starting to resemble that one guy who lived thousand of years ago and performed miracles. What was his name? He died for our sins and rose from the dead.... O YEAH, JESUS! Who better to look like as I'm out trying to recuit for his team in heaven hahaha.

Well homesickness is creeping up on each team member so keep the comments and love coming ok! I would also like to mention that I am extremely more dedicated than Grace in training while we are here; she is taking second helpings of cake as I'm doing hundreds of push-ups (one handed).