NAOMI House Daily Blog - Day 6

Today was Day 6, our final full day for our stay at NAOMI House. As always, we started our day with breakfast. Telly.

Our last VBS with the kids was definitely the most pleasant experience with the kids. To start off our VBS session, we first had the kids run around. Afterwards, we had song time, with the last puppet show taking place. This puppet show I would argue was the best one yet, based on the story of Jesus feeding 5,000 people. With this story, there was the most interaction we’ve had yet, with the kids shouting out answers to the questions we give. After the puppets, we had a craft of a paper plate basket with cutouts of 5 of bread and 2 fish. The coloring kept the kids busy, into the next activity of magnet fishing. We had the kids use a “fishing rod” with a magnet to catch cutout fish with paper clips on them. This activity went so well that kids were in line taking turns to catch fish. Finally we had snack time and free time. I saw God really work not only through us but also to the kids. He helped with our last day of VBS and knew that we would need the last bit of strength and mental capacity to handle these kids. Even if they didn’t get the entire lesson, it was nice to see the kids listen and have fun throughout this week.

- Noah Rivera (Children’s Ministry) 

I was also a part of VBS but today’s agenda differed. Instead of starting outside with bubbles, the kids went inside and began playing. In the end, it worked out since they got out all their restless energy and were more well behaved and calm. They were actually staying in their seat for the puppet show and crafts today, so hopefully the message was able to sink in. The day got even better when we went back to the pool and splashpad. I went with a few other girls to the splashpad with the littles. We all enjoyed getting splashed by huge buckets of water. When we came back, they were all exhausted. I can’t say if anything happened in that time since I fell asleep the moment we got back and awoke when dinner was almost over. I can say that when we did worship after dinner that all the kids and team members were jumping and actively worshipping GOD. To end off the great day we had gooey and delicious banana bread, courtesy of Emma. While the little kids left, we had other plans including pulling an all-nighter as the last event, ending the week on a dramatically sleepless night full of splendor. 

- Tina Okura (Children’s Ministry)

Our last day for facilities work involved continued removal of nails, ceiling, and insulation in the original NAOMI House building. Although there was so much dust and work to be done in the heat, our team did an amazing job doing as much as we could. A few members of facilities completed painting and staining of other areas around the campus as well. Overall, we were able to complete our main tasks that we planned at the start of the trip. As a team, we are blessed to just be able to contribute to the future of NAOMI House by improving parts of the campus and setting up the house for future construction work to be done. During free time, we went to the pool and the splashpad, as well as making a trip to the Colorado River. A few of us went inside the murky river water and it was an unexpected, yet, fun experience. We had a great curry dinner and had a very hype worship session. Dawson and Naoki led the dances for the songs and brought great energy to each song. It was really fun worshipping and capping off the trip. Thank you to the all those that have made this trip possible and for the continued support via prayers and fundraising. Without your support, we wouldn’t be able to send so many people and continue to do God’s work in Arizona. 

- Kai Ng (Facilities)

As Noah said, it was our last day of VBS and our lesson was on Jesus feeding the 5,000. We prepared a puppet show, crafts, and activities for the kids to do. During craft time, we made shrinkydinks which the kids really enjoyed making (or making us make for them). During free time, the older NAOMI kids went to the pool with a majority of our group, but a few of us went to the Splash Pad with the younger kids. The kids enjoyed it a lot, and this really grew our connection. There was a big bucket of water at the Splash Pad and the kids really liked to stand under the bucket and get soaked. Everyone was smiling and laughing and overall having fun. After we came back, some of the kids asked if we could make them shrinkydinks and then we spent the rest of free time learning each others favorite things from food to movies to colors. In our final worship tonight, I saw all the kids connecting and having fun worshipping with us. They were dancing and singing along even though it was probably past their bed time. It’s our last day and God really gave everyone here the strength and energy to end our week strong (and to make it through our all nighter tonight :) ). 

 - Jorden Okura (Children’s Ministry)

HAI HAI FAMILY >D<! I serve the Lord via facilities and it’s not my first time at NAOMI House, but it is the first time I’ve spent the whole week here. I felt as if the Spirit was pulling me to the love and compassion that God gives, from all the devos, chores, outings, fellowship, and being alongside Auntie Renae in leading worship. Today being the last full day, I really tried to engrave the memories of the trip that brought everyone closer. Although I hadn’t had conversations with many people on the team before, this trip brought us all together, knowing that we are bonded by love and fear of the Lord. Anyways, facilities continued what we were working on like taking screws out. Other people were also very productive such as Eric who took down a whole ceiling, Yuki and Dexter who were taking lot of bulky trash, Leah and Julie who finished staining a staircase, and especially Lucas and Kai who did almost everything all at once (Lucas is asleep as we speak #brocantstayawake). To celebrate our efforts, we went to the pool where we could swim and play to our heart’s content. The drive reminded me of our morning devotional about having gratitude for God’s creation and to not be so plugged in to our screens. During this trip, my phone was dead or I didn’t bring it with me. I believe it was a sign to just live in the moment and in the love of Christ via fellowship or serving. This was a way God worked as I was not only more productive but I had more optimism even when tired. I will deeply miss this week forevermore but I am beyond excited to come back. I pray that my heart would be more aligned to Christ and that we as a team can grow more into fellowship with each other because y’all the fam. Okay bye family, love you lots, ttyl. 

P.S. the river was very warm and fun to swim in.

- Brooke Pacheco (Facilities)