NAOMI House Daily Blog - Day 1

For those old enough to understand the reference, last year was like an adventure out of Gilligan’s Island; what should have been less than eight hours of drive time devolved into a sixteen hour marathon, with the WCCC team pulling into NAOMI House around midnight. This year, we departed much as we did last year, with family and friends praying for safe travels and blessings upon our interactions with the kids. The biggest difference from last year was the welcome addition of two friends from our sister church in Walnut Creek as well as one new team member from WCCC.

The memories of last year’s ordeal remained in the minds of many. When we pulled in for our customary In-N-Out lunch in Kingman, the drivers let out a collective sigh of relief. The rest of our drive proved uneventful, with the caravan pulling into NAOMI House around 5pm. As the kids and members of our group reconnected, it was magical to see the joy and excitement of both.

Serving at NAOMI House is a reminder that it is in our weaknesses that God can do miracles. We started Day 2 with a devotional from Lamentations 3:22-24:

22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”

After an afternoon of playing cards, whiffleball, and shooting hoops, the kids and team members continue gleefully laughing and carrying on as old friends into the evening. The shenanigans have not ceased. And as the volume of the raucous laughter increases, God’s love in this moment is shown perfectly in the shared fun between the kids. God’s faithfulness is great indeed!

John Okura