Day 8

Today was one of the best! We dedicated the Habitat houses in the morning, which was really amazing, and then did a blanket/sock/jersey distribution in the afternoon. For the Habitat dedication, it was at Bread of Life Church. There were so many people not everyone could fit. It started out by some praise and worship, which was in English and Bimba so we could understand some of it. The team from Texas was also there which was kinda cool. After the two songs, there was some words to be said by the pastors. Then there was a mini teaching, which was followed by the team leaders and Habitat representatives saying a few words. Then there was another mini message by Pastor Peter from Jubilee. Then there was the handing out of the awards, done by Voster and another Habitat lady. Even I got one. We then were invited up onto the stage for a prayer to be said over us. What they said was mostly in Bimba, but what I did understand was really touching and sweet. They then called to recipients of the houses up so that they could accept their new house, and then they were prayed over. There was more music and we were escorted out to witness the handing over of the key to the new home owner. The first house was finished and the second one was really close to being done. We then were brought back to Kaps after stopping along the way to drop people off for lunch. Daniel and Peter picked us up and we went to Pastor David's church after picking up Pastor Nickson, Wendy, and Belita. We got there and saw a lot of the sponsored kids. About four of them led in song, some of which was in English, and then we started handing out the blankets, socks, and in some cases, jerseys. The kids were so excited to get them they could barely sit still. I loved the look on the younger kids faces when I gave them their gifts. I was able to give Belita hers, which was really nice. After that, we took all the kids outside to get their picture for their sponsor. When all their pictures were taken, we let them go, and the ones that were still there had their picture taken as a large group. Some kids wanted a picture with me too, so we did that. When we left, we went to go see Pastor Nickson's church and plot of land. The church was made of wood, and it was really cool how it was built. They are going to build a new church to have and they have a garden. While we were there, Ray, a blind man, and his son, Ray Jr. came. Ray Jr. is sponsored and so he was at Pastor David's church as well. They got a Habitat house last year, but they are renting it out to pay off the mortgage. I used their story as part of my National History Day project last year. We then went to drop Nickson off and then went to Martha and Lawrence's house to pick up Lawrence. They took us to see where their new house was being built. It is huge and beautiful. The view is lovely, but there is a hotel being built nearby. There is also a stadium being built by all Chinese workers . At the entrance to the stadium, there is a Chinese arch with two dragons on top. On our way back, we saw where their boys go to school. When we got back, we just hung out and the Habitat team went out for dinner.