Wow, what a full two weeks this has been. It has been one of the best short term trips I've been on. It was very sad to part with all the good friends I made (both Indonesian and American team members).

We spent Sat-Weds at an orphanage in Kalimantan (Borneo) hosting an arts camp again. We had dance, music, art and creative writing classes for the kids. We also had some fun Indonesianteam building camp-type games involving cheering, blindfolds, bananas, leaking water cups and flour. (only ONE kid threw up after choking on a banana so we consider it a success). There was also a game where each team was given 5 minutes to create a costume for a jungle queen or king, using only things you can find out in the jungle. Those kids were SO creative and wrapped banana leaves, vines, flowers, together to create amazing outfits and headdresses! Then we had a fashion show with their green outfits.

Our goal was to let these kids know they were special loved and valuable. One special memory was sitting in a classroom while Olivia (a team member) read "You are Special" by Max Lucado to the kids. I think the kids understood the message of the story, that it doesn't matter what people say about you or what stars or marks they give you based on your looks or performance, all that matters is that the creator made you unique and he loves you the way you are. The kids ended up turning this into a play and performing it on the last day. They also sang, danced, and displayed their artwork. I think it was a week they will never forget, and hopefully the message sank deep into their hearts that they are loved, beautiful and precious to God.

There was also an amazing Indonesian film crew that came along and made a short film while we were there. So the children got to see themselves on the TV which was very exciting, and probably made them proud of their culture and stories portrayed in the film.

I'm about to begin the next phase of my journey and travel up to Chiang Mai and then onto Mae Sot and begin working with the Burmese and Karen people there. I'm excited not really knowing how everything's going to look yet, but knowing God has good things in store. There are more people that are going to be joining the team and coming on staff, so pray that our hearts and visions come together and we'll be a great team! :)

Thanks for all your prayers and emails, they keep me going!
Love,
Rachel