This morning we began our day by having breakfast with the staff of the Friends of Barnabas. We shared our gratitude for each other this week and presented our new friends with a gift from Martinsville to remind them that even though we will be leaving soon, our hearts and prayers will stay with them forever. WE are so grateful for the hospitality they have shown us and for the friends we have made this week. 

After breakfast, we visited the House of Angels and in the afternoon, the School of Angels. At the House of Angels, there were about 120 children who were very interested in learning the English language and loved showing us what they already knew. Our devotions this week were focused on making connections with the people around us and looking at life through God's eyes. In both of the schools today, we were able to make many connections and saw God's plan unfold in many ways. For example, Christopher (a member of our team who is deaf with a cochlear implant) was able to talk to students at the School of Angels who are deaf as well; some who are very hesitant about wearing their new hearing implants because they said it hurts. He told his story and encouraged them to wear their hearing implants because with time, it stops hurting and becomes a huge, important part of life. At first, Christopher was not going to come on our trip, but God had a plan for our mission and the students at the School of Angels. We saw that plan in action today.

The students who attend the House of Angels go mainly because the lunch served there is the only meal they receive as their families cannot afford the most basic necessities. Amidst what seems to be a huge struggle to them, they demonstrated to us what it is to have a love for learning. Our devotions this week also concentrated on being connected to God by learning more about his teachings and those kids reminded us that we should strive to know more about Jesus.

At dinner tonight, we made a special bananas foster a la mode followed by a very reflective time focusing on the feelings we've experienced throughout our trip. Tomorrow we enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.

Thanks for all of your love and support,

FUMC Youth