home, for now

I am home. The blessings I received on this trip are too numerous to mention. Every item that was collected was put to use. What the orphans themselves couldn't wear (they are pretty skinny, little people), were first shared with the Industrial Kids on campus (Adventist Academy and Adventist College), the ADRA volunteers and then finally with the people in the surrounding small, poor villages.

While we were there, one of the children (Samuel, pronounced Samwell) who had left the orphanage 3 years ago to live with his mother in Navojoa, returned to visit on Sabbath. His step-father didn't like him or want him around and as a result, Samuel was mostly living on the streets, with friends and occassionally going back home and sleeping on the roof of his house. Pastor Commacho, Director of the Academy, explained that in order for Samuel to return to school he would have to take special tests to catch up with other kids. Apparently Samuel cannot attend the 6th grade and be over the age of 15. So we sponsored him for his books and costs of his tests, Commacho gave him a place in the men's dormitory and took him home to gather his belongings. His entire life consisted of 3 sets of clothes, one of which he was wearing. A miracle happened that Sabbath afternoon. Samuel is back where he should be and will be taken care of with the other orphans. So now we have 23 and another one to feed and clothe.

Three of our kids were baptized on Sabbath. I have to admit I cried like a baby. They were so excited. Maria Clara showed so much emotion in her beautiful face when Pastor Commacho was praying over her that I just melted.

The children are poetry. Not once did I see them fight with each other. The older ones were always right there helping the younger ones. Little Anayi (ann-eye-ee), the youngest girl, is the apple of everyone's eye. They all dote on her and when you see her precious little face, you know why.

The children were all very respectful and kind to us. I let the little boys steer the van as we rode around on the campus. They thought they were very cool.

Eight of the kids volunteered to write letters back to the Tempe School kids. They also made picture frames and/or cards for them. 8 volunteered, but many, many more showed up to socialize and help the little ones. There were 2 special ones, Juan Carlos (Theology) and Dalia (Education) that are Industrial kids. That means they work one year for their tuition, then attend school the next year. I donated a small amount of money to each to put on their accounts. Both came back with huge smiles and receipts showing that they had applied all of the money. Miracles.

They have 5 ADRA volunteers. There were 7 originally, but 2 got Typhoid from the Hurricane and were sent back to Germany. We shared our sheets/blankets/pillows/towels with them as well. What a wonderful, committed group of young people. 2 of the remaining 5 are teachers at the Academy, the other 3 work exclusively with the orphans. We also gave sheets, towels, baby blankets and baby clothes to the house parents.

We can be proud of what we've done. So many people benefitted from the donations.

One more person I must mention, Myriam. This woman works tirelessly from sun up to sun down with ALL the children. Myriam is Commacho's wife. Everyone calls her Teacher. I call her Angel and am sure that the only reason her wings can't be seen is because they are moving too fast. There was never a time when her door was closed. There was never a time when we went there (which was ALL the time), that there wasn't at least one young person there talking with her, working with her, receiving her counsel. Just incredible. And her request as I was leaving. . ."Please pray for me." What an incredible woman!

I will send the link to the pictures in a little bit.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!