Hi, MPKids parents and Special Agents!
Ms. Eun-Jin and I were so uplifted by your singing, smiling faces, prayers, and fellowship with Tita (Auntie) Emelina, Hannah, Robert, Helen, and "Lolo Nicholas!" Parents, the Holy Spirit truly worked through the kids today and they were a blessing all around!
Parents, certainly, I'm sure your special kids filled you in on what we did, but here are some details:
We had a great walk to the Home in the neighborhood--perfect weather! On the way there, we learned "The Romans Road" Jody, which is Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9, and 10:13 set to a marching cadence (like in the "Lord's" Army so I could get us all there "together" in one piece)! The kids seemed to enjoy it. Over the next few weeks leading upto Easter, we are going to review each verse and what it means in detail and have a special "hands-on" lesson on the Gospel on Palm Sunday.
We started by singing our 2 songs, "Pass It On" and "The Allelujah Song (Shake a Friend's Hand)" to Lolo (Grandpa) Nicholas, who was in his bed. He was a Korean war veteran. He smiled as the kids sang and "reached out" to him (so did Tita Emelina!). Shannon Dutchie said a beautiful prayer in Lolo Nicholas' room that was heartfelt and touching--thank you, Shannon!
We then moved by the piano and sang to Hannah, Robert, and Helen, serenading them as they were finishing breakfast. The kids got to shake hands, hug necks, and pat backs, which really brought smiles to the residents' faces! They were clapping along!
We took pictures (one polaroid to give and one digital for me to print out for the kids in the coming weeks) and put them in the Valentine's picture frames that the kids made a few weeks ago.We had a wonderful Testimony from Tita Emelina on the legacy of Amos Camp, a leader in our church until he passed away 4 years ago. Her testimony basically was an example of how she and Amos were "missionaries" to the Annandale community by hosting 3,752 homeless people over 17 years in their home--Matthew 25:35b-- "I was a stranger and you took Me in." As a continuation of Amos' legacy, Emelina has converted their home into "A Mother's Touch" Assisted Living Facility and is in the final stages of expanding the Home to other residents, particularly veterans. With her nursing staff to assist her as well as her own social work background, she has been able to serve people in Annandale and the military for over 17 years. The kids were amazed at her servant's heart and seemed to appreciate the idea of being "missionaries" in our own backyard!
Tita Emelina prepared a scrumptious lunch (sphaghetti/meatballs, lumpia--egg rolls, cake), for the kids, too!
Tita Emelina graciously donated to the kids so that they can, in turn, donate to World Vision (with some other funds left over for another charity of their choosing!).
Thank you, kids, for obediently serving the Lord through sharing His love with others, symbolically on this Valentine's Day weekend! Let it shine! You, kids, "gave yourselves away," reaching out to people that were lonely, even emotionally hurting, and brought joy to them--Amen!
Thank you, also, parents, for allowing your AWESOME kids to go on this amazing, eye-opening visit!
Matthew 25:36b--"I was sick and you visited Me."
Mission status: COMPLETE!
In His Service,Liz Berbano Baroni
MPKids Director
