Some nights here with Back2Back we ask the american groups who are with us for the week to share what their "picture of the day" was that day.  A "picture of the day" is a moment that you don't want to forget or one that you just can't get out of your mind.  My entire day today was amazing and worth a million "pictures of the day" but I'd like to describe my best from today for you all....

The STINT team went with one our directors today to several areas in town where we serve to help us learn a hands on lesson in the "bigger picture" of what our ministry does and how we decide who to help.  We stopped at one of the children's homes that we have a long standing relationship with to drop off some donations and see how they were doing and ask what their current needs are.  As we walked through the gate we learned that the children are going to be kicked out of the house that they currently rent in 2 to 3 weeks and that the directors are currently looking for a new home to rent.  Crazy... who kicks out orphans?  

This director had a list of probably 20 things that we could help them with- PJ's for 28 kids, shoes for 5 of their boys, 4 kids need glasses, they need someone to drive the older kids to dance class and soccer practice in the evenings, they want to be able to afford food that is more nutritious like cheese and beans and meat, when they get kicked out of their home they will need help moving their stuff and 28 children, 23 of the kids need new school uniforms..... so we sat there and took notes and wrote down everything she said.  This director has a masters degree and runs the most organized and clean home you could EVER imagine for a home with 1 child let alone 28.  As we sat, listening to her tell us about the children and ways in which they make ends meet each month financially... she told us about the pastor of their church who made it possible this summer for 12 of the oldest children to drive 6 hours east to go to the beach for the first time in their lives. 

Do you remember the first time you saw the beach, the ocean?

What brought tears to my eyes was when she told us how the kids kept asking, "what time does God turn on the machine that powers the waves?"

"The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love."  - Psalm 33:5