A Day Full of Smiles

Day Full of Smiles
Originally uploaded by brccarizona.

Posted by Dan B:

Hey everybody! Today was quite the day! Dr. Luis Alvarado flew out today early in the morning, and he was given sincere goodbyes from each and every member of our team.
We all wish he could have stayed! Dr. Alvarado was a HUGE help and will be dearly missed for the remainder of the trip. Since today was an almost all day event, the team was all up very early. After a quick breakfast, we loaded up the vans and yet again faced Pastor James Nolette's aggressive and sometimes dangerous driving abilities. Luckily, no injuries were sustained to any team member and we all arrived in El Nathan camp in one piece. Facing a full day, we set up as familiar kids and new faces arrived at El Nathan. We rehearsed dramas, music and any other last minute kinks in the planned itinerary. After a brief playtime, we called in our group which was very small. This was no hinderance our usual humorous atmosphere of games and music with goofy motions. We started out with an opening review, followed by an egg toss. Kelley Naus shared an early morning testimony, and then more playtime! More songs ensued, with camp favorites such as "River of Life" and "Milk." We always crank up the speed of the song each time we sing it, and the kids really get into it, jumping up and down and watching Heather and Jackie do the hilarious hand motions. I even struggled for composure playing the guitar, and then eventually burst out into laughter! The morning session was a true success, and we said a brief goodbye as we departed for lunch back at Indian Bible College. A delicious sandwich buffet was prepared for a hungry and tired team. Rejuvenated, we geared up and headed back to El Nathan where we used a 24" inflated softball, making softball history in a camp wide game. After the game, we headed back the Indian Bible College at 3:30, where we enjoyed a lasagna and Caesar salad on the side. We had some down time, and cooking teams went shopping for candy and other things needed for the evening session at El Nathan. At 6:30, we headed over, and met an excited group of Indian kids ready to have fun. Vinnie was most entertaining with his "simon says" games with the kids. Then came evening testimonies with Jacqui and Vinnie. Music followed, with songs such as "My Redeemer Lives" and "Lord I Lift Your Name On High." Daniel M. had several games including kids putting shaving cream on their faces, and kids seeing how long they could keep an alkaseltzer pill mixed with sprite in their mouths! Then a special campfire time was started, and the whole camp was singing again, with Bethany Andrews and me switching off guitars and singing. We enjoyed a hilarious game involving James and Caleb, imitating motorcycle rides. The night was closed out with some more review and a closing prayer, ending yet another successful and blessed day at El Nathan.