We've had a really busy summer at the orphanages! Lots of activities with the kids!
VISION TRIP-KIM
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| Lake Chapala |
We had a girl from a partnering church in CA come down for a week to check out the work we are doing at the orphanages. We had a blast showing her the orphanages and showing her what daily life looks like living in Mexico. We even got to visit a new orphanage with her that we had never been to before. It is about an hour outside of Guadalajara and is one of the best run Chrisitian orphanages I've seen. Afterwards we were able to visit Lake Chapala (the largest lake in all of Mexico). It was gorgeous and a breath of fresh air after spending so much time in the city.
Check out what Kim said after coming down:
I really appreciate being able to come down and check out the ministry that you guys are doing in Guadalajara. As soon as I arrived in Mexico I was immediately humbled to see this life that you guys have chosen and the passion that you have to bring a hope to this country that is in such a spiritual crisis.
My first reaction going to La Casa de Victoria was disbelief in how much love and joy flowed from all the kids. It’s hard to understand how these kids, who are living in poor conditions without any biological parents caring for them, are able to pour out love and greet you guys with such big smiles on their faces. The moment we walked inside, I saw not only the joy, love, and passion you guys have for the kids, but also how crazy all the kids are about you guys. You bring them genuine love that they are so desperate for, and by your devotion to them they are able to see that they have worth. With the lack of workers/support at this orphanage, it would be impossible for these kids to receive the love, attention, and guidance they deserve if your team wasn’t there loving them. I thank God for your selfless hearts and the dedication you guys have to the kids at this orphanage.
Watching the Bible study Darren led, I saw the passion you have for the kids to understand and love Jesus. I could see that your goal is to reveal Jesus to them because you know that He is the healer and love they need in their lives. While I watched you teach I couldn’t help but think about the “average” young adult lives you and your team could be living in America, and all the great things you could be storing up for yourselves, but I saw that your true joy is giving a full life to these kids that have nothing. I’ve heard about some of the great projects you guys are doing in Guadalajara, but by coming down I was humbled to see how you guys are wholeheartedly living out the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
I don’t know how Jesus would reach these kids and the city of Guadalajara if it wasn’t for your willing hearts. The vision you have for your ministry, and all that you are doing to learn and prepare for the orphanage you are starting, shows that you guys are doing all that you can to give these kids the best life possible and greatly impact the city of Guadalajara. You guys have been given incredible talents and lots of wisdom, and I couldn’t be more thankful to see that you guys are using it all to glorify God and love His people. Having seen your passion and the work you are doing, there is no doubt that God is blessing Mexico through your ministry.
READING CLASSES
A couple months ago the director's wife asked me to work with one of the kids (Cesar-10 years old). He was in 2nd grade this past year and the school said that they would pass him on to 3rd grade, but only if he learned how to read. The majority of kids who come into orphanages do not know how to read. So the director's wife asked me to work with Cesar during the summer to teach him how to read. So I made him a book and had it bound and had him choose a picture (Buzz Lightyear) on the front with his name to color. Cesar was so excited about his new book! We have been working for the past month or so and now Cesar knows how to read! It was truly amazing to see him learn how to read after years and years in school not knowing. Every morning when I arrive at the orphanage he runs up to me and asks to read.
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| Angel studying |
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| The boys studying |
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| Braulio showing off his work! |
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| Reading with Miguel |
After the 1st week of working with Cesar all of the rest of the kids caught on too and they all wanted books. So I made them all books. Some of the kids got the basic level- ABCs and vowels. Others got the book on how to learn how to read. And others who have already mastered reading got a summer review book depending on their grade level. The kids actually want to learn. It is amazing. They want to study and do homework. They choose studying their books over playing. Awesome right?!
So I told the kids that didn't know how to read that if they learned how to read I would take them out to coffee. So the other day I got to take out Julio and Cesar to Black Coffee as a treat!
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| Julio + Cesar enjoying their frapuccinos |
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| At Sams Club |
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What kid doesn't like climbing trees
on the way to the coffee shop? |
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| On the bus to the coffee shop! |
Thank you for making it possible for me to live here to serve and love these kids.
