Today we continued the painting of the house in the children’s village. Before I started painting I stopped and reflected on the future of that home and the parents and the children that will call it home. A place where the darkness in the lives of young children can be replaced with love and light. It’s humbling to be able to be a part of God’s great plans in a small way.
Then we heard the bell for recess and I learned in a big way how much kid’s smiles and laughter lighten my heart. We joined in and played soccer, jump rope, wrestling, and my embarrassing version of gymnastics. Their smiles were so rich and true. It was an experience that we back home need to seek and add into our busy lives more often. To play like a child doesn’t involve a complex plan. Play, laugh, and smile. The joy and happiness within all the children was so infectious.
Then the bell rang again and kids went back to class with our promise that we will see then again tomorrow same time, same games. It was difficult to go back to work but to know that the work we were doing will give even more kids an opportunity to play, laugh, and smile made the work fly by. 
As I replay the events of today I can help but smile and smile some more. I feel very blessed to be a part of the events that happened to day and can’t wait for the privilege to do it again tomorrow.
Brad
