Thoughts on our first Monday

*Blog post from June 4th*
 
Our first Monday was loads of fun and excitement as we got to know the kids a little bit better and were able to meet some of the other nannies.
 
 
When we first get to Agape in the mornings we wake the kids up, given them baths and breakfast, wash dishes, and then usually take them on a walk or play outside. Since the rainy season is well underway now, we usually play inside, do crafts, watch a movie, or dance/sing to music before we get them ready for their devotion and worship time (8:30am-9am). After their devo, if there isn't any cleaning to do, we head back to our home for the afternoon while our kids go to their Preschool/Kindergarten and nap. In the evenings we give the kids dinner, have play time, and then its bath time before we put them to bed. I'm really looking forward to going back tomorrow! Each day just gets better and better and I fall more and more in love with our sweet kids!  
 
 
One of the most amazing things that I experienced our first Monday was the worship service. Everyday all the kids six and under (the older kids have their own at a different time) and the nannies come into our room for a devotional and time of worship in the morning from 8:30-9am. Monday was a little different because it was a Buddhist holiday (Buddha’s birthday) so all the older kids had the day off from school. They normally won’t join us for the devotional but today they did. One of the nannies played the guitar for the worship time and one of the other nannies led the devotional. It was simply amazing! It was such a sweet, beautiful time of worship I wish so badly that each of you could experience. Each and every one of the children sat so still and was so focused the entire time...even the babies remained quiet and still! It was so incredible to see the children's (and the nannies!) love for the Lord! Some of the children were blind and able to see the ones around them, or weak and had bandages all over their body. A few were struggling to sit up straight on the floor, and unable to sing. However, each of the children had their hands raised or their eyes closed; so focused on worshiping their Heavenly Father. It made me ashamed to think of the times that I have found it "hard" to worship because I was hungry, distracted, or had a headache, when here these children have struggles far greater than my own and are able to give all they have to the Lord in pure, selfless worship. They were not aware of anything else besides worshiping in the presents of their Father. It was so beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes. It was also so sweet to see how the younger ones would look at the older ones and try to mimic the way they were worshiping. It was a very sweet time that I will look forward to everyday! 
 
 
Thank you very much for your prayers! Our team is settled into our home and loving every minute God gives us here in Chiang Mai!