Rainforest Cafe... a place full of mechanical, life likes reptiles, mammals, etc... Adventurous is the word I would use to explain the decor of the restraint. New and exciting are also adjectives one could use to describe there first time at Rainforest Cafe. Twenty-six children from Africa strolled into the Rainforest Cafe souvenir area and the place will never be the same. Picture 26 kids who have only ever heard about or seen real crocodiles stumbling onto a life like mechanical crocodile. Mr. Crocodile made a little move, opened his mouth and roared and the kids took off to the four corners of the earth. After gathering they back together again, some with tears falling down their face, that the crocodile was a giant puppet. I had to touch his nose to show he was okay. Praying that the time I am touching his nose would not be the time he would decide to make his little move and send me flying. Finally we calmed them down and here comes Mr. Sharky. Round 2 begins: some person dressed up in a friendly shark outfit strolling down the aisle (promoting underwater world) sent the kids scattering once again. Again we gathered them back together and explained how there is someone inside the shark outfit. Once they understood they loved Mr. Sharky and inundated him with hugs!!! The kids love to hug!!!
A few days later I am watching these kids who scattered from the crocodile and Mr. Sharky perform on stage and a thought occurred to me... "When did I grow up?" (Cassie I did not say "When did I get old" :)) I just thought to myself... "Was it not just a few years ago I was that age and people who were the age I am now were old and cool. The people I looked up to." Now I am that person. I am the person the kids look up to. They watch my every move and remember everything I say. For the next year the Lord has blessed me and 6 other people with the privledge of raising these children in the way they should go. What have I done to recieve such a blessing? The answer is quite simple... Nothing!!! The Lord has blessed and I am grateful!
We are just a few days shy of one month and already thejourney has been exciting and full of stories.
2 comments:
Oh I love all of your stories and pictures! It looks like you're having such an amazing time!
I am so proud of you!! You are right you are shaping the lives of all of those children, and giving them an experience they will never forget. It is true that God has you were he wants you, and you are the right woman for the job. Although you are greatly missed, it is surely a blessing to live this experience with you! Take care and remember we love you very much!!
Melisa
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