First Week of Summer Tour!

How do I even BEGIN to describe the past week? God has been working in HUGE ways already. The kids flew in Monday night, which was soo cool. As soon as they came up the escalators, we all started cheering and ran to the kids to give them hugs. Definitely one of the best experience. The next days were spent getting the kids back on their feet from jet lag and adjusted to the US while the interns worked to prepare the bus and inventory and everything else for tour. It was a week of firsts- first night in the US, first plan ride, first shower, first pool experience, first American meal, first host home, and so many more. The kids are adjusting so quickly! They are learning how to swim and getting used to everything. Violet was not able to travel with the choir though because they could not get her passport. Dan stayed behind, and after two years, many prayers, hard work, and God's will, WE GOT HER PASSPORT!!!!! She and Dan will be flying in at the end of this week, and we could NOT be more excited. Such a miracle, and we are so thankful. Thursday, we sung at a rest home in Alpharetta. It was SUCH a way to start off tour-we were serving, and it was one of the most rewarding things. The kids loved interacting with the people and getting to sing for them. Friday, we had a practice concert which went really well! A lot of host homes came, and the interns practiced the sound system and store while the kids sung and danced in costume. Yesterday, we had dentist appointments! Some of the kids were scared, but they got through it and had a lot of fun. In all, between the chaperones and the kids, there were 100 cavities: guess that means a lot more of the dentist is in store! So thankful for the office, though, and that they bring in all their technicians to work on our kids. After that, we headed to Peachtree City! The people here are great and we've had so much fun. This morning, the kids had their first concert at Southside Church. They did two services and sung for the kids, too. They were worshiping with everything they have, and I couldn't have been more proud of them! I have come to realize that for the next two months, i am a parent! It's awesome and I am loving every minute of it :) This afternoon, a few of the chaperones and our host families got together and the kids got to swim. Most of them learned how to swim today! Tomorrow, we leave for Panama City to sing at Big Stuf Wednesday! The kids are so excited :)
God is teaching me so much already. He's teaching me selflessness. This life is NOT about me, even though I've done a great job convincing myself it is for the last 19 years. God is SO good and I am reminded daily to get off of my throne and let him rule my life. I am also learning just HOW huge god's love is for us. I have fallen crazy in love with 23 kenyan children over the past 3 weeks and would do absolutely anything for them, but the truth is that God's love for us is sooo much bigger than that, it's unfathomable. I am also learning to fully lean on God every day. I love this internship so much, but it is exhausting. There is no way any human can do this job. I am learning every day to wake up and ask God to give me the strength and love and compassion to do what he wants me to do, and he NEVER fails. He is incredible.
I have seen so many blessings over the past few weeks it'd be impossible for me to list them all. I think one that I want to highlight is that we are blessed in America, but we should remember that true joy has nothing to do with material possessions. Most of these kids have less than we buy in one day, and they are some of the happiest children I have ever met. Also, they are so thankful, which is something I have learned from them. When they pray, they say "Thank you for letting us see this day, because we know there are people who wanted to see it and didn't get to." and they always ask god to "please provide for those who don't have." It's incredible how much joy and thankfulness God has put in their hearts.
Here's how you can pray this week:
-Pray that the kids continue to adjust well and that in their concerts this week, they never forget that it is all about worshiping God and doing everything for his glory.
-Pray that Violet and Dan have safe travels.
-Pray that God gives the interns and chaperones strength, love, compassion, and wisdom to guide these kids in the way he wants them to go.

I will update more soon! Thank you guys for all you do; you have no idea how much I love y'all!

-Ragan