Day 2 - 2025
We had so much fun with the children of the Compassion Project today. With the preschool children, we made silly pipe cleaner glasses and played with balloons and other simple toys we brought with us. There was a lot of laughter and joy. The older kids made tissue paper landscape pictures. It was fun to watch them extend our idea by making them 3-D. They were so engaged.
After a delicious lunch served by the Compassion staff, several Hillsider's shared with Tom, Ernesto and Altagracia the latest changes at Hillside. Ernesto encouraged us in our endeavor to investigate and meet the needs of our Parkmead community.
Claudia and her grandson, Bennett, visited the home of their sponsored child. They were met at the door by Anna, Enmanuel’s mom, who was mopping the floor to prepare for our visit. They met Enmanuel’s two younger sisters. Enmanuel was shy, but we got a couple of smiles out of him. Anna was very appreciative and gracious. Enmanuel’s dad is living and working in Manhattan and is working towards bringing the family to the United States. They prayed together, asking God to bless and reunite this family.
We went to the cafeteria to meet with women from the Women of Vision. The room was crowded with many young mothers with their babies and young children, as well as some older women. Women gave testimony of how this ministry has met their needs in times of trouble. One woman shared about an injured hand. She had pursued medical care, but her insurance company put up many obstacles. Eventually, she decided to stop her pursuit and pray. Together, the women of the Women’s Ministry prayed, and God miraculously healed her hand. Several young moms shared how the Women’s Ministry had come alongside them during difficult pregnancies or family traumas. The Women’s Ministry provided tangible assistance and spiritual support.
We came home inspired by seeing how thankful people are who have so little. We want to live grateful and generous lives in relationship with Jesus.
By Claudia Young and Bennett Evans for the DR team