Manuel

I just got done managing the zipline of the ropes course for the last group of kids and I have some time to write before lunch. This first week of camp has gone so well and I am beginning to feel the natural flow of life here. Yesterday was a beautiful day! The weather cooled down to a nice 70 degrees and there was a perfect breeze to keep all of the campers happy.
With over 150 kids in the camp, it has been a challenge to make real connections. The differences in language and culture don't make it any easier either! But, lately I have been able to find other ways to reach the hearts of children without using words. On tuesday I saw a little boy with big blue eyes sitting all by himself. I walked over to him and began to copy every move he made. Soon he began to catch on and he was laughing.
I later learned that his name is Manuel and he is from Korche (a small town about an hour away). Eric, one of the coordinators, told me that Manuel is in lots of pain because he has three rotting teeth. I was heartbroken to hear this news and I didn't know what to do. Then I realized that Manuel was always one of the happiest and strongest kids at camp. He always makes me laugh during worship because he sings so loud that he begins to turn bright red! Now I am glad that I was able to spend time with Manuel. I hope that I helped to make his time at camp special.