Heavy smells fill your nostrils- choking exhaust, sharp curry, pungent sweat, something sour and nauseating. In the midst of the confusion of scents comes a sweet explosion of Jasmine- an other-worldly break from the harsh, burning air. Fresh beauty in the midst of stale filth.

Every harsh reality of fallen humanity hits all your senses with full force. The dirt we all come from is not wiped away or sanitized.  Every issue is rampant- poverty, disease, abuse, neglect--all the reasons people stop believing in God. But sometimes God has a kid's face. 

We met a family who showed off their grinning bright eyed baby girl Gracie. The sister asked in broken English for us to pray a blessing over Gracie and for her grandmother's diabetes. A wrinkled lady beckoned me into her hut. I had to duck inside the under-sized doorway. Inside, various pots and pans covered the dirt floor. She tried to gesture something to me, but I couldn't figure out what she wanted. 

We sat for two hours today, listening to the stories of Freddy and Daisy, the couple who runs the orphanage, the daycare, and the feeding program. Eighteen years they have been giving to the people of this city, they have offered grace time and time again when kids come into their home only to run away, so many prodigal children. They have fought for their own family as they battle sickness and lack of finances. But God always comes through.

I have felt more reserved here, like I don't want to fully open my heart to this place, because I know it's going to get ripped to shreds.    

We've been here three days. Three days it took Jesus to conquer the grave, what will we do as people who carry his spirit within us? I am realizing being overwhelmed is never an excuse. It is the greatest cop out. It can never be "Oh, that's just the way things are." Who are we if we are not carriers of the kingdom of heaven to earth?

The Photo camps are for your 7-11 year old to discover photography while exploring nature, playing with new friends and doing many fun activities. There is also the Imaginations writers' camp for kids age 9 - 12 who love penning their own short stories and creative works.

Teens will love the Web, Video and Writing weeks of Imaginations Camps. They'll get to produce their own videos, websites or writing in new and creative ways. Hands on help from professional authors, web designers and video producers will allow teens to go far fast.

Kids' Photo Camp:
June 7-11 and 21-25
Cost: $250
(Cost includes a digital camera to keep)

Kid Writers' Camp:
June 7-11  
Cost: $180

Teen Camps:
Digital Video
August 2-6
Cost: $250

Writers Camp:
Aug 2-6   
Cost: $180

Web Design
August 16-20   
Cost: $250

The Photo camps are for your 7-11 year old to discover photography while exploring nature, playing with new friends and doing many fun activities. There is also the Imaginations writers' camp for kids age 9 - 12 who love penning their own short stories and creative works.

Teens will love the Web, Video and Writing weeks of Imaginations Camps. They'll get to produce their own videos, websites or writing in new and creative ways. Hands on help from professional authors, web designers and video producers will allow teens to go far fast.

Kids' Photo Camp:
June 7-11 and 21-25
Cost: $250
(Cost includes a digital camera to keep)

Kid Writers' Camp:
June 7-11  
Cost: $180

Teen Camps:
Digital Video
August 2-6
Cost: $250

Writers Camp:
Aug 2-6   
Cost: $180

Web Design
August 16-20   
Cost: $250