Day 3

Today began with high spirits after a great breakfast of fry bakes (our Trinidad favorite), as we awaited the arrival of our previously promised 100 VBS kids. And we waited....and waited....and waited...and waited some more.

Now we'd heard about Trini time (whenever they feel like showing up) before, but after almost two hours had past, it began to get ridiculous. We knew something was up when we saw Uncle John pull Scott aside to talk. In the meantime, five neighborhood kids joined the group for some games and hanging out. Well, time finally came to break the news...they weren't coming.

On to Plan B. We decided to load the buses and go to Jacob's Hill, which we had ministered to two years ago, to invite them to vacation bible school. Just as we were pulling out, oops, plan changed again! Pastor Ashoke frantically entered one of our buses to inform us of the fact that twenty kids were in route.

From there, one bus continued on to Jacob's Hill, while the rest stayed back to greet the kids. After lunch, when we had all reconvened, we began VBS at the church. The kids enjoyed our mad scientist (Tim) and our Blast Off singers. They rotated and did games, crafts and Bible time. Because of the size of the group of kids, there was plenty of one-on-one interaction, which was quite a blessing!

The kids also got to swim (a rare treat) before they headed back on their 45 minute bus ride to the most dangerous area of Trinidad, which is their home.

Through all of the chaos of the past few days, we are thankful to know that God's plans and purposes are infinitely better than anything we could ever dream up! He is clearly up to something, though we may not understand it. It has also been a refreshing reminder that He is in control, no matter how much we would like to be.

Please pray for the health of our team, as we have had some headaches and stomach issues in the past few days. Please pray that God will continue to make a way for kids to get to VBS in the morning at the compound, as well as that He will draw children to our afternoon VBS at Jacob's Hill. Pray for the hearts of these kids as we continue to minister to them, and for our strength as we have some long days ahead of us!

Michelle Chapman and Allison Hickox

for Team Trinidad 2009