Pure, Undadulterated Joy

After the day I had yesterday, and the week I had last week (don't even ask....),  I need to take a moment to reflect on the reason God has us here in this community and look at some of the simple joys in life.

In August we had a team from Texas come out to do a bunch of different projects over one week. The men helped Tom with various building and construction projects. The two women who came with the team held a Vacation Bible School program for 3 days. 

Each day two groups of 50 children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old would come to hear Bible stories, sing songs, play games and do crafts. In the middle of each session we planned to have the kids play in the playground.

The first day the kids were escorted to the playground they stood in a line just staring at the playground. They were somewhat familiar with the trampoline, but had no idea what to do with the rest of it. Schools here don't usually have playgrounds for the school children. 

I had to lead the kids around to each of the playthings and show them how to play. I took two of the kids over to the see-saw and as soon as the girl lifted up into the air she flipped right off. She'd never been on one before and didn't know she was supposed to hold on.

Finally, I led a couple of the girls to the playhouse which has a simple slide, made from 3 barrels, coming off of it. I encouraged them to sit down and slide through it. The absolute surprise and delight on the first girls face made my day. 

She looked up and politely asked if she could go again. After I told her yes, she gave me a huge grin, dashed off and climbed up the ladder to get ready to slide again. 

The slide became one of the favorite parts of the playground.

How many kids do you know who can find such joy in simple, playground equipment. Sure makes one count one's blessings, doesn't it?