missions - part 3

Continuing...

Wed., 7:09am 8/6
The electricity went out around 6:20am…raining a lot—it was thunder and lightning all night [into] early morning—wonder how the children at the center are doing…they must be cold…
10:08pm
No water… no bath…

Wed., 9:45pm 8/13
Little Calito lies constantly about his age—last week he said he was 13—he looks about 8 or 9—though he does act older…Today, he’s 12.

Thurs., 6:21pm 8/14
A busy day…beach—funny how kids [just the boys] just swam and played totally naked…

Fri., 4:45pm 8/15
Julie (a long term missionary from Australia) just left—must be having a very hard time—she burst into tears when Elisabeth (a short term missionary) held her. A lot of struggles…especially the past few weeks—she’d been sick a lot physically—but no doubt spiritually too…

Sun., 10:56pm 8/17
Fear is attacking me—it’s overwhelming. I don’t understand what’s going on—such fear! I can’t sleep. Back aching—tired, but too tired…Being in this room all by myself (all other members that had come with me from NY had left by now) Afraid to sleep. Jesus, help me! Every little sound—it’s so sudden—this dreadful fear—my heart is overwhelmed with dread and fear. Jesus, my life is in Your hands!

Mon. 6:45am 8/18
Praise God! Fell asleep last night finally—in peace—reciting Psalm 23…
10:30pm
The itching in my legs—driving me insane, literally! Can’t even imagine in summer time!

Tues., 7:55pm 8/19
Extremely long day! Did some crafts with kinds…whew! Today was…let me see..how should I say… Well, I can’t even begin to expound on my supremely unfathomable depth of stupidity, which resulted in utter and complete chaos. Yeah. That should suffice—Disastrous!…I guess my disappointment and anguish were apparent—several kids eyed me carefully asking me if I was angry (they had all acted very unruly and out of control today during craft time)—I wasn’t—not really. But when 100 kids come to you at once calling at the top of their lungs for attention and immediate service—”Mana Song! Mana Song!” (“Mana” is a respectable term one uses toward an older woman, it means more or less “Miss”)—it could be quite annoying—I’m so dumb! I should have thought of more organized way—God, forgive me for losing it today. (note: by now I was able to communicate with very basic Portuguese).

...to be continued...