Yasin Project

The last week I was in Pakistan, my team and I went with Shining Light and another team to deliver tables, chairs, school and art supplies, and paint for a new school makeover! This trip has made a lasting impression on my life! I believe that this trip was the most memorable time in Pakistan for me!!

The Pakistan Flag flying over the school building.

Students with their school books...

...they have classes outside under one of the fruit trees in the school yard.

The Principal, staff, and students were overjoyed to have us come and help their school out! They had all the students line up outside and several sang, gave speeches, and danced. There were speeches by Shining Light and part of my team who had taught in the school for a week. The gospel was presented as well!!

Sharing

Interpreting and presenting

Singing a song she wrote for this special occasion

Dancing

Handing out cherries to everyone

The female students

Male students

The whole student body

During the speeches, songs, and dances, one of the men fainted! He was standing up on a table to boot. Luckily he didn't get hurt in his fall, and ended up being okay after a few minutes.

The teachers and one of the students.

Some of the students and staff carrying the tables and chairs that were given to the school.

And some children just watching...

These men were working on putting electricity into the very dark school building.

Inside the school. All the light they get is from the hole in the ceiling.

Uncovering the tables

Mixing up the paint

Whitewashing the walls

Changing the doors and frames from green to blue...the colors of Shining Light school.

They had so much fun painting!! Their clothes looked a sight after they were done...I sure hope it comes out!!

Craig enjoyed painting as well...as you can see!! He worked till the painting was completed!

Jenni, Korine, and I helped to teach the teachers a craft they could teach in art class...well, we started teaching the teaches, then it ended up being the entire student body!! They just loved it! All we did was have them write their name on a piece of paper, color and decorate it with glitter and sequence! You would think we just gave them a piece of heaven! It makes me think of how fortunate we are and how much more we need to be grateful and thankful for everyday things we have!!!

Helping the girls with writing their names in block letters.

Overseeing

Helping with the glitter and glue.

Standing with the girls and their finished project! Great job girls!!!

We were invited to the Principal's house for an amazing lunch and dinner!! The food was amazing and the hospitality was even better!!

Inside the room where we ate. Notice all the pictures on the wall for decoration, and the hole in the ceiling for light. They cover it with plastic when it rains.

(L-R) Me, Jenni, Korine, and Laura

Enjoying an amazing dinner spread! This is the traditional way you eat...on a small cushion with the food in the middle.

Several of the girls attached themselves to me for the entire day. They gave me some beautiful bangles, took me around their village holding my hand, gave me different fruits to eat, etc. The love and appreciation they showed me is unexplainable!! I have never felt so loved and accepted in my life like I did on that day! When we had to leave, I was so torn inside. They hugged and hugged me and held onto my hands so tight. They didn't want me to leave, and all cried...I had to fight the tears from running down my cheeks as I said goodbye. It was a sad ending to a wonderful day, but a good sad. I know they will benefit from the donated supplies, and will remember our kindness and love we showed to them...I on the other hand will never forget the love they showed toward me!

One of the girls giving me a gift of bangles.

The girls were so happy as they gave us a tour of their village. Here they are dancing while picking green apricots for us to eat!

The principal posing with the new sign we brought for their school.

The team group photo in front of the sign.

This village was definitely a place that I would love to return to. I have never felt so at home in a place before. It was as if I belonged there! I think that is what broke my heart the most...that I was leaving the place when I just discovered it! Maybe I will return? Only God knows! I am at His will. God bless the people of Yasin!!