Chris and Danny were ambitious and took a 6 a.m. hike with Ranch host Steve Nelson up to the laguna. It's a steep climb, but they were rewarded with some beautiful views and dramatic skies.
A little bit later and after much preparation and anticipation, we performed the story of Esther for the kids' devotion time. Our stars were Chris as King Xerxes, Carla as Esther, Steve as Mordecai and Martin as the evil Haman who everybody loves to hate. Jan was the narrator and Danny was the translator. Tom began the devotion time by singing This Is The Day in Spanish and English with the kids and then introduced the cast and played a cameo role in escorting Haman out the door with a kick in the pants.
Interestingly, the kids had participated in a Vacation Bible School program at a local church last week and the theme for the week was the story of Esther. Even though they were familiar with the story, they seemed to enjoy our presentation. Jan pointed out in the presentation that God was the unspoken hero of the story and we're hoping that the kids will realize that He is working in the background of their lives to help them too.
After the devotion, we divided into two groups to accomplish two very different things. Tom and Martin continued working on the formwork for the Rancho Ebenezer sign letters. Led by Carla and Jan, the rest of the team baked cookies in Casa Bondad with some of the kids from the Ranch. In Casa Bondad the kids can do multiple different things since there is a sensory room, library and music room. But the main action was in the kitchen where they baked and decorated cutout cookies that they will be able to enjoy at a bonfire and cookout on Friday.
In the afternoon, Chris and Danny joined Martin and Tom to mix a batch of concrete, place the concrete in the letters, and tool the surface. Steve Nelson and one of the Ranch kids pitched in and helped us. It looked like it was going to rain so we did everything inside the large work shed. In fact, it did start raining about 4:30 so we were glad that we did.
After all our work was done, some of us went down to the school yard to play with the kids in the covered basketball court/soccer pitch. We got a little wet on the way back to Casa Grande.
This evening, we continued to take turns talking about some of the people who have been important spiritual influences in our lives. And then, led by our social director Jan, we played a few games of Farkle.
We have another work day tomorrow. The weather will determine if we are working outside or inside. We still have to make two more E's and another R and N so we're hoping to be able to do that sometime this week.
The Story of Esther
Esther is chosen by the king.
Mordecai tells Esther of the plot against the king
Haman comes to power.
Mordecai tells Esther about Haman's plot to kill the Jews.
Esther prays for wisdom
Esther reveals Haman's plot to the King.
The King removes Haman.
Jan explains how God was at work to save His people.
Baking cookies and having fun!
Making concrete and having fun!
Some beautiful Honduran scenery from an early morning hike to the laguna.
