Africa!

In May Michelle went on her first-ever missions trip. The destination was the Central African Republic, and the purpose was to do Vacation Bible School programming for missionary children while their parents attended a conference & spiritual retreat. The team was there for 2 1/2 weeks, and most of that time was with the missionary children. We did get to go out into the capital city, Bangui, a few times and get a small sense of Africa. Just enough that a return trip is definitely a must!

Time with the missionary children was so rewarding - they were so respectful of the leaders and of each other, and were appreciative of the smallest things. It was a very refreshing experience! The children ranged in ages from 14 months to 11 years, so keeping them all occupied productively for 6 hours each day was a bit of a challenge! But they were great, and God was good, so it all worked out very well.

Here are just a few pictures of the people of Africa as well as the people who serve in Africa. These children's parents have literally devoted their lives to serving God by sharing the gospel of Christ with those who haven't heard it. And have left the comforts of their home culture to do it. Their lifestyle is very different from ours, but they have so much to teach us. They live simply and have gotten back to the basics - focusing on what really matters. Very convicting!