Today we left the orphanage after 4 days, one of the most difficult days for us. As we drove away, we could see arms and faces through the small fence holes. However even through the crying eyes and last hugs, it was so good to see God work in these children. Throughout the week we played games, taught Bible stories, and played futbol with these precious children. I have never had so many hugs before. What a blessed week! I thank the Lord for his allowance of letting us come to Zacapa, and willingly expect more in the weeks to come at different orphanages. Thank you for your prayers! If God says that even giving a cup of cold water to a child is good to do, then imagine how wonderful praying for them is.


God knows each child and loves them dearly. No matter how much we despair over the well being of these children, God cares for them so much more. Please join me in praying for them. Pray that they would know Christ crucified and raised up to sit at the right hand of God. Pray that they would know God as Father, sheppard, and friend.
Tato, stole all of our hearts this week.

Jared one of the guys on our team was never alone, and this is a common sight to see. The boys would fight over who was to play with him. When we left the orphanage after the week, we were all surprised that the 10 and 11 year old boys were the ones who were the most emotional and upset. Pray that Christ would be their father figure. They need it.

This is part of our team with some of the children from Hogar de Abrigo and Proteccion in Zacapa. This orphanage has over 60 kids mostly under the age of 12.

This is during one of our craft sessions but Tato got into the glue... The little girl on the left is one of the special needs children. Every day we came, she would race towards us and jump in our arms. I have never met a child who would be more content to hug and do nothing else.

The boy picking up the smaller boy is also one of the special needs children in the orphanage. He is picking up Francisco a boy who is very tough and sometimes fights with the other boys. However these two boys had a special bond. It is dificult in the orphanage because there are only so many care givers per child and discipline is something that is sometimes lacking. These particular orphanage workers were very very sweet and it was so evident that they were very loving of the children. It was encouraging to see the way that the orphanage workers loved these children each day. We come in for a small amount of time, yet these workers pour out their lives for the children day in and day out. Each child also knew of Jesus and could tell you the story of Jesus on the cross. Praise God!!This was so encouraging.

Two of my favorites ----Alan(left) and Tato(right)

Each of these toddlers have a story to tell if they could speak. Many of them have been through more pain than most people. Pray that as they grow they would have soft hearts open to the gospel. The were a joy to love, hold and play with.

The little girl in front is China, the one that I earlier blogged about. It was very difficult to say goodbye to her today through her tears.