At 11 o'clock, the bus pulled through the blue gates of the Girasoles home. Give or take 50 people packed into a small little bus piled out onto the green field in front of the outdoor chapel space. Field day was today. There was an abundance of games to be played and an abundance of fun to be had. The outgoing kids were having a blast instantly and within minutes those shy introverts were smiling from ear to ear as well. I was in charge of hopscotch with Kami, and let me just say I had no idea how many ways you could play a game that simply involves chalk squares. It brightened my soul to see how much fun these kids had by just jumping square to square. The groups of kids rotated through various game stations, and then they rounded up at the outside chapel. VBS consisted of skits, songs, dances, and prayers. Marcelino, a little boy from Chanchajalla, sat with Cayla and I. I have never seen someone open up and show so much love to a stranger from another country. He sat in my lap and held my hand. He even grabbed Cayla's hand so all three of us could hold hands. His tiny little fingers interlocked between ours. When Mr. Bas prayed in Spanish, I was more than lost with the words, but Marcelino prayed loud and proud for the world to hear. I have never heard anything so sweet. Multiple mom chaperones sitting to my left lifted their heads and dropped their jaws. After all of the activities with the people of Chanchajalla, the SouthLake crew played a little soccer and got ready for bible study and a surprise. We had no idea what was coming. We lined up in front of the entry way and waited in the dark. Billy, the leader of the trip, came out and told us the boys of the house would be escorting the ladies and the ladies would be escorting the boys to their seats. They were dressed in aprons and bowties which were handily made out of paper. Balloons decorated the ceiling, and a light hanging from the ceiling was exchanged for a disco ball light. I am not ashamed to say I, along with some unnamed people, cried. Tears flooded my eyes as the house father's words were translated into English. Earlier today I was talking to some people about missing American food. They made us fried chicken and French fries. I don't even need to go home. My heart is so full here. I could deal with cold showers every day. I have been so blessed to be able to get to know these wonderful boys. This week has gone by too fast, but tonight was a perfect last night with the house of Girasoles.
-Chloe
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