All that is within me: Psalm 68:5

It took me 3 days to finish this post. Not because it's long, but because I had to process what happened the last week. So bear with me, it's a bit jumbled.. excuse any grammar mistakes heh

I can't even start to explain to you how much I've been learning here; it's overwhelming.

But one thing that has been echoing in my head from day one is this:

He is a Father to the Fatherless.

I see these children, and the more I get to know them- the more I realize,

"These kids were born to be loved."

Doesn't matter who they're loved by- as long as they are. and I say this because most of the time, they don't receive it from their parents. but they are loved by the people in this home, by me, Jimmy, and Charlie- and most importantly- God.

The past week has been filled with chaos along with blessings, rain along with more rain, and frustration along with pure joy.

It was the 6th annual soccer camp for 3rd-6th grade boys from different children homes in Seoul.

and I must say... this was a special camp... on steroids... and OTNL....

Day 1; Monday July 22

We left the home in full faith that it wasn't going to rain. However, I woke up to see rain. and not just a sprinkling or a drizzle.. but a POURING. We packed our umbrellas and started walking. Jimmy, Charlie, Esther, and I had to escort 11 MyeongJin kids to the US Army base (where the camp was going to be held); it takes about an hour and ten minutes to get there from our home- and we're taking the subway. Escorting the kids was probably the hardest thing about this camp- it was a test of my patience and strength- which was quickly wearing out. In my head, I'm just thinking-

"UGH, these kids..................Imma go cray on them if they do *fill in the blank* one more time.."

"Lord, how am I gonna do this for three days- back and forth"

but in the end, we did not lose any kids and adults/elders were surprisingly kind to them- asking questions and laughing at what they were doing on the subway (playing games, etc.)

As we were walking to the base, we got SOAKED. You could hear the sloshing of rain water in our shoes and everyone's hair was drenched as if they just took a shower.

A few asked, "How are we going to play in this rain?"

First timers seemed discouraged and worried- while veterans were just getting pumped up- for they knew that for the past 5 years, even though we have soccer camp in monsoon season, God loves these children enough to keep it from raining.

However, this year seemed a little different. THE RAIN WOULD NOT STOP. All volunteers and coaches were panicking- trying to figure out something else to do. From 9-10, we were able to get a hold of the rec center. Jee gathered the kids together- claiming in full faith that God wanted to hear the kids themselves pray. As she led them in prayer, within a matter of minutes- the rain COMPLETELY STOPPED. It wasn't gradual, it wasn't slowed down. It just stopped.

At this point, I couldn't help but to think,

God, not only do You love these children, but You long for them to talk to You directly. That intimacy and increase of faith that forms from direct prayers- from childlike faith- from orphans- from His precious children.

I was a bit teary....hehe

and for the rest of the day- it was beautiful weather- cloudy skies, sunny only for a couple minutes, and cool breezes. it was perfect!

my kids soaked from the rain

Another thing. I think one of my favorite parts of this camp (I have to agree with Sky here) was seeing them change into their soccer uniforms. They transform not only into a soccer player- but into a confident child that is not known for their "issues" or past- but simply for who they were born be- a precious son! (that looks super fly in his uniform) You can just see the joy in their faces when they get their uniforms... it's something I'll never forget. Through donations and support, we were able to provide not only a full uniform (jersey, shorts, shin guards, and socks), but SHOES FOR EVERY SINGLE CHILD! The shoes were a first for the soccer camp- the kids were AMAZED.

little SeungHyuk looking into the box of shoes

TRANS

FOR

TION

!!!!!!

Teams:

White- Real Madrid

Blue/Red- Barcelona

Royal Blue- Chelsea

Red- Manchester United

I was in Manchester United!!!!!! and I love love love my team.

Day 2 ; Tuesday July 23

We woke up to clear skies- PRAISE GOD!

until we got to the camp.... it started pouring once again. right away- we gathered the kids and told them to pray. They prayed in faith- yet the rain did not stop.

We ended up just playing in the rain because there was no way we were going to let a little rain get in the way. It was an amazing time of practice in the rain- I was actually relieved to see that it was cold ( I can't do hot weather)

One of the kids even said that maybe God gave us rain so we wouldn't be hot- but refreshed!! It was amazing to see God working and showing love in the littlest things!!

However, right before lunch- it started to POUR. We took everyone under the two small tents- and tried to keep the kids entertained. We waited for a good hour and a half to figure out what the gameplan was. It seemed as though they just had to eat and go home. We even got them to change back into their regular clothes. This was the most uncomfortable time of the camp- but I think this day was my favorite day. The kids ended up having a blast playing with and in the rain, and it was an amazing time to bond with different teams.

God is so funny. Literally after the last kid finished his lunch, the downpour stopped. We ended up finishing the day with our usual time by doing the penalty kick off!! It was full of good laughs, loud cheers, and genuine encouragement.

This is Haneul. He literally NEVER smiles. I think I've seen him smile about 10 times the whole camp. But his smile..... it makes my day every time. I grew a new love for him (he's from my home) and whenever I would see him throughout the camp- I'd try my best to get a smile out of him.

Our team came in second place!!!

LAST DAY! July 24

I woke up to hear the kids asking one another whether they prayed or not.

"Did you pray last night?"

"Yeah, I prayed!!!"

Some kids didn't even bring their umbrellas. Once again, an INCREASE in faith.

I even heard throughout the day- Hanbin said, " SEE! IT'S NOT RAINING BECAUSE I PRAYED!"

God has been faithful- and the last day's weather was exactly what we prayed for: No rain- clouds- and cool breezes. He delivered, and it was perfect. The kids had a BLAST, and I was blessed by my team. Even though we got 3rd place, there was no blame, no complaint, and no disappointment. We just had fun and loved one another- the teamwork was amazing- and the transformation you see from day 1 to now.... you can't deny that God moved.

HyoJin... the star of this camp... that every girl volunteer fell in love with... HA!!! he aiite.

MANNNUUUUU!!!

This is YoonGi. He had a shut down moment right before the last day of camp on the way to the subway station. It took him a good hour to get him to go to the camp. He tends to get filled with rage and hatred when things don't go his way. You can sense and see that there's a dark spirit in him when he has those moments. But I'm so glad he was able to go. LOOK AT THE JOY! Pray that he'll be transformed and renewed through the love he receives. especially from Charlie and Jimmy!!

They came so insecure, so dark- and they left with full confidence, and pure joy.

This camp taught me that love makes an IMMENSE difference. in all things. not just in the kids but in all else.

For those who read this far.. CONGRATULATIONS! I am honored :)

These photos are not mine- they were taken by the very talented Elysabeth Ratto!

Go read her online magazine.

IT. IS. AMAZING. I stayed up until 2AM reading them last week.

GOGOGO.

http://www.rewritemagazine.com/

Also, if you would like to see more about the ministry, like them on facebook!

like the photos and spread the word :)

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jerusalem-Ministry/219318501489334

Also! Listen to Pastor Sky's message about the soccer camp!!