Thursday, May 25
Wednesday, May 24
I have created a blog for Casa de Elizabeth. It is mostly going to be used as a fundraiser web page, but eventually, I will add links that contain the expectations we have for the people that come on the trips and other information for the Big House.
I'm in the process of validating the account at PayPal for it, but shortly, people will be able to donate online for the new playground set.
Here's the link: http://www.casadeelizabeth.blogspot.com.
I'm in the process of validating the account at PayPal for it, but shortly, people will be able to donate online for the new playground set.
Here's the link: http://www.casadeelizabeth.blogspot.com.
Tuesday, May 23
Monday, May 22
Beauty.
This weekend, I was reminded of beauty and strength.
More and more kids have come into my heart. They fill my dreams, and I can hardly think or focus on anything else. There is nothing as special as them.
For people to see our vision and want to partake is an amazing thing. For Nicole to come with 5 adults and no other youth... It seemed amazing at first. May God draw her there for His purposes. May He strengthen her and teach her obedience and humility. May He teach us all.... For Dan and Jodi to come and love on the kids, especially the "harder to handle yet still easy to love" ones. For them supporting us and sharing their wisdom when we were faced with difficult situations.
We got to experience church with them. It was amazing. To see the more rebellious ones and the really hurt ones scream their praises with everything they have... To hear their voices, as Michelle simply stated, "they're voices are so beautiful". To hear their silence as they listen to Manuel teach. Silence and attentiveness that I have never experienced in any church service before. They love their God. So many ask, "Are you a Christian".
I have begun to wonder if Ramon from March's trip was an angel. Now, I've met Macario and Angel who seem just as angelic. Is God sending His angel's and children to bless us? to bless the other children? Will we ever know if they are angels or humans?
This time I was able and blessed to hang out with the teen boys a little more. I've always embraced the 10-12 year old boys with ease, but to love the 14-16 year old ones... I thought it would be hard. It's not. They are just as amazing. Adrian, who has been to 3 orphanages and did not take any candy at first because he wanted the little ones to get more. Eduardo, who played the guitar for the worship service. Ramon, who is a humble, meek boy that has so much joy... I was blessed to play basketball with them and talk to them. We all were.
I also got to hang out with the older girls. Just me and Nicole were there, everyone else was getting things for their birthday party. I just sat there and hung out with them. Not understanding a thing they said. Just being there. It was all I could do. All I wanted to do. They all seemed to get along so well at first, until I saw Emilia's facial expression drop and show all of the feelings she was trying to hide.
Beauty.
These children.
That place.
is saturated with beauty.
This weekend, I was reminded of beauty and strength.
More and more kids have come into my heart. They fill my dreams, and I can hardly think or focus on anything else. There is nothing as special as them.
For people to see our vision and want to partake is an amazing thing. For Nicole to come with 5 adults and no other youth... It seemed amazing at first. May God draw her there for His purposes. May He strengthen her and teach her obedience and humility. May He teach us all.... For Dan and Jodi to come and love on the kids, especially the "harder to handle yet still easy to love" ones. For them supporting us and sharing their wisdom when we were faced with difficult situations.
We got to experience church with them. It was amazing. To see the more rebellious ones and the really hurt ones scream their praises with everything they have... To hear their voices, as Michelle simply stated, "they're voices are so beautiful". To hear their silence as they listen to Manuel teach. Silence and attentiveness that I have never experienced in any church service before. They love their God. So many ask, "Are you a Christian".
I have begun to wonder if Ramon from March's trip was an angel. Now, I've met Macario and Angel who seem just as angelic. Is God sending His angel's and children to bless us? to bless the other children? Will we ever know if they are angels or humans?
This time I was able and blessed to hang out with the teen boys a little more. I've always embraced the 10-12 year old boys with ease, but to love the 14-16 year old ones... I thought it would be hard. It's not. They are just as amazing. Adrian, who has been to 3 orphanages and did not take any candy at first because he wanted the little ones to get more. Eduardo, who played the guitar for the worship service. Ramon, who is a humble, meek boy that has so much joy... I was blessed to play basketball with them and talk to them. We all were.
I also got to hang out with the older girls. Just me and Nicole were there, everyone else was getting things for their birthday party. I just sat there and hung out with them. Not understanding a thing they said. Just being there. It was all I could do. All I wanted to do. They all seemed to get along so well at first, until I saw Emilia's facial expression drop and show all of the feelings she was trying to hide.
Beauty.
These children.
That place.
is saturated with beauty.
Wednesday, May 17
Casa de Elizabeth's New Playground
This is the playground set that we will be doing a lot of fundraisers for. We will also be getting them a 3 barrel swing set with 4 swings and 1 tire swing, a teater-totter, and a shade structure to cover everything. The cost of everything is going to be about $35,000, but this does include shipping and installation on Casa de Elizabeth grounds.
The guy at Playland is going to be donating to us a $2,500 playground unit to use as a raffle item for fundraisers. Currently we plan on doing that one at church. Starbucks has offered to let us put a donation box for the orphanage (thank you Susie), and the YMCA in Tucson is also going to do a fundraiser for this as well (thank you DD's friend Jenne). Amy has also decided to have this be the project that VMS is going to raise the money for (thank you Amy).
Right now, I have to say that I am completely overwhelmed. However, I am not just overwhelmed by the price, but I am overwhelmed by the amount of companies that are willing to hold fundraisers for this cause. Jen is also going to send out information to different businesses that will hopefully end up donating. Despite the large figure of money, I am stoked because I know that God can and will provide for His children down there. I can not wait to see the look on those kids faces when they are installing it. Manuel and Gaby are going to cry.
Our goal is going to be for it to be installed during the fall sometime. I am going to try to do the "Missions egg" thing that Ben does for this as well so that everyone can be updated. If we end up raising more money than we need, then we will get some sort of covering for the ground as well.
This is an exciting time....
Sunday, May 14
Lord, help us not settle with just the missional activities that we are doing right now. Increase them within our lives. Thank you for allowing us to be parts of Your ministries and Your callings. Thank You for using us and allowing us to know that there is something more.
Ben, Ian, and Robert ~ Despite previous failures, they proceeded to start a church with a theme such as this.
Kent ~ Despite "non-approved" drafts of stories and books, continues on to let his writing be a ministry to his family and friends.
Luke ~ Despite people's questioning, moved to Kansas, knowing that God had awesome plans for there that have come into fruition.
David ~ never sees failures or doubts, but continues to have a vision for the entire world and takes steps to reach it.
Micah & Chrissy ~ continue to prepare and partake in the different ministries that find them in Ecuador without ceasing in prayer and worship.
Amy ~ Despite the sorrows she will face, she continues on to know that God has bigger and better plans for her at Amadeo.
Beka ~ continues to go abroad with faith even when there appears to be financial set backs at first.
Susie ~ consistently takes risks in every part of her life, despite if her heart can handle it, because she knows that she can bless others and that she eventually will.
Michelle ~ presses on to bless and keep bonds with different children at "The Big House" in Imuris, and continues to seek more.
Help us Lord not stop here.... Help us want more, just as You want more. Give us the directions we need to follow You.
Ben, Ian, and Robert ~ Despite previous failures, they proceeded to start a church with a theme such as this.
Kent ~ Despite "non-approved" drafts of stories and books, continues on to let his writing be a ministry to his family and friends.
Luke ~ Despite people's questioning, moved to Kansas, knowing that God had awesome plans for there that have come into fruition.
David ~ never sees failures or doubts, but continues to have a vision for the entire world and takes steps to reach it.
Micah & Chrissy ~ continue to prepare and partake in the different ministries that find them in Ecuador without ceasing in prayer and worship.
Amy ~ Despite the sorrows she will face, she continues on to know that God has bigger and better plans for her at Amadeo.
Beka ~ continues to go abroad with faith even when there appears to be financial set backs at first.
Susie ~ consistently takes risks in every part of her life, despite if her heart can handle it, because she knows that she can bless others and that she eventually will.
Michelle ~ presses on to bless and keep bonds with different children at "The Big House" in Imuris, and continues to seek more.
Help us Lord not stop here.... Help us want more, just as You want more. Give us the directions we need to follow You.
Some years into our spiritual journey, after the waves of anticipation that mark the beginning of any pilgrimage have begun to ebb into life's middle years of service and busyness, a voice speaks to us in the midst of all we are doing. There is something missing in all of this, it suggests. There is something more.
The voice often comes in the middle of the night or the early hours of morning, when our hearts are most unedited and vulnerable. At first, we mistake the source of this voice and assume it is just our imagination. We fluff up our pillow, roll over, and go back to sleep. Days, weeks, even months go by and the voice speaks to us again: Aren't you thirsty? Listen to your heart. There is something missing.
We listen and we are aware of . . . a sigh. And under the sigh is something dangerous, something that feels adulterous and disloyal to the religion we are serving. We sense a passion deep within: it feels reckless, wild.
We tell ourselves that this small, passionate voice is an intruder who has gained entry because we have not been diligent enough in practicing our religion. Our pastor seems to agree with this assessment and exhorts us from the pulpit to be more faithful. We try to silence the voice with outward activity, redoubling our efforts at Christian service. We join a small group and read a book on establishing a more effective prayer life. We train to be part of a church evangelism team. We tell ourselves that the malaise of spirit we feel even as we step up our religious activity is a sign of spiritual immaturity, and we scold our heart for its lack of fervor.
Sometimes later, the voice in our heart dares to speak to us again, more insistently this time. Listen to me - there is something missing in all this. You long to be in a love affair, an adventure. You were made for something more. You know it.
(The Sacred Romance, 1-2)
The voice often comes in the middle of the night or the early hours of morning, when our hearts are most unedited and vulnerable. At first, we mistake the source of this voice and assume it is just our imagination. We fluff up our pillow, roll over, and go back to sleep. Days, weeks, even months go by and the voice speaks to us again: Aren't you thirsty? Listen to your heart. There is something missing.
We listen and we are aware of . . . a sigh. And under the sigh is something dangerous, something that feels adulterous and disloyal to the religion we are serving. We sense a passion deep within: it feels reckless, wild.
We tell ourselves that this small, passionate voice is an intruder who has gained entry because we have not been diligent enough in practicing our religion. Our pastor seems to agree with this assessment and exhorts us from the pulpit to be more faithful. We try to silence the voice with outward activity, redoubling our efforts at Christian service. We join a small group and read a book on establishing a more effective prayer life. We train to be part of a church evangelism team. We tell ourselves that the malaise of spirit we feel even as we step up our religious activity is a sign of spiritual immaturity, and we scold our heart for its lack of fervor.
Sometimes later, the voice in our heart dares to speak to us again, more insistently this time. Listen to me - there is something missing in all this. You long to be in a love affair, an adventure. You were made for something more. You know it.
(The Sacred Romance, 1-2)
Friday, May 12
God loves me....
Did you know that?... Well, He shows me all the time, I just don't tell everyone about everything. Here's two ways in which He has shown me more and more that He is God and He is love.
Last Saturday, I was driving home from the twins parents (not the Clardy's) at 2:15 a.m. I was a little nervous since the bars get out at 2, but what could I do? So, I proceded to take the 202W home. Normally, I take it to the I10 and get off at Elliot. Yet, when I was driving on the 202, (I think I was around Mesa Dr. at this point), I pictured in my head me exiting the I10 on Elliott and getting in the right lane so I could turn. Well, right when I started turning, I got hit from behind. I tried to shake it out of my head and continue on. Then, about 30 seconds later, I tried picturing me making the turn heading home again, but yet, I pictured my car getting hit again. I kept trying to tell myself that it wouldn't happen and I tried to shake it off. By this time, I'm starting to see the exit for the 101N on the freeway signs. I now have a decision to make. Do I take the 101 home? When I pictured myself turning left from the 101, everything was fine. Finally, I decided that it wasn't worth finding out if it was God or not that was giving me that vision, that I just needed to be cautious and assume it was Him. Well, I took the 101 home, and I was fine. I now say that God saved my life out of His love for me, and He prevented me from being in an accident. It's something I'll never know for sure though...
On April 1st, I got in an accident leaving the Hoover's for Jessica's bridal shower. The lady tried to get behind me, but she ended up side-swiping the entire left side of my car. My hip and butt were sore for a couple of days, but that was it. My car however, is still in the shop. I should get it out today, which will be the 25th day, but that's only if AFI brings the wiring harness to the body shop today. See, they have already put $5200 into the car, and the wiring harness would have been another $1500. Well, they wanted to find one for cheaper, so my car has been in the shop for a week just sitting there...I hope they saved over $150 because they have spent that much on a rental car in that time. Anyway, the accident ended out being a huge blessing in two different ways. 1. I had a dent on my car there before, but it's getting fixed for free because she hit the same spot and then some. (There will still be the dent on the right side.) 2. I get $500 for my aches and pains. Now, this was a trial in and of itself. See, last Friday I still didn't have it. Tomorrow is my traffic driving school for the ticket I got in Feb., and Sunday, my Camp Barnabas money is due. I called last Friday and it was in the office. She said that she would put my check in the mail on Monday. Well, it didn't come on Wed. Yesterday, when I got home, I prayed. "Lord, PLEASE let the check be in the mail today. I know that You like to wait until the last minute to provide... This is the last minute. Please Lord, let it be in there. " Well, it was. Now, I can pay for traffic driving school, Camp Barnabas, give a little to DD for Africa, and have some left over. God is so good. How does He do it? Well, He's God, so only He can.
Did you know that?... Well, He shows me all the time, I just don't tell everyone about everything. Here's two ways in which He has shown me more and more that He is God and He is love.
Last Saturday, I was driving home from the twins parents (not the Clardy's) at 2:15 a.m. I was a little nervous since the bars get out at 2, but what could I do? So, I proceded to take the 202W home. Normally, I take it to the I10 and get off at Elliot. Yet, when I was driving on the 202, (I think I was around Mesa Dr. at this point), I pictured in my head me exiting the I10 on Elliott and getting in the right lane so I could turn. Well, right when I started turning, I got hit from behind. I tried to shake it out of my head and continue on. Then, about 30 seconds later, I tried picturing me making the turn heading home again, but yet, I pictured my car getting hit again. I kept trying to tell myself that it wouldn't happen and I tried to shake it off. By this time, I'm starting to see the exit for the 101N on the freeway signs. I now have a decision to make. Do I take the 101 home? When I pictured myself turning left from the 101, everything was fine. Finally, I decided that it wasn't worth finding out if it was God or not that was giving me that vision, that I just needed to be cautious and assume it was Him. Well, I took the 101 home, and I was fine. I now say that God saved my life out of His love for me, and He prevented me from being in an accident. It's something I'll never know for sure though...
On April 1st, I got in an accident leaving the Hoover's for Jessica's bridal shower. The lady tried to get behind me, but she ended up side-swiping the entire left side of my car. My hip and butt were sore for a couple of days, but that was it. My car however, is still in the shop. I should get it out today, which will be the 25th day, but that's only if AFI brings the wiring harness to the body shop today. See, they have already put $5200 into the car, and the wiring harness would have been another $1500. Well, they wanted to find one for cheaper, so my car has been in the shop for a week just sitting there...I hope they saved over $150 because they have spent that much on a rental car in that time. Anyway, the accident ended out being a huge blessing in two different ways. 1. I had a dent on my car there before, but it's getting fixed for free because she hit the same spot and then some. (There will still be the dent on the right side.) 2. I get $500 for my aches and pains. Now, this was a trial in and of itself. See, last Friday I still didn't have it. Tomorrow is my traffic driving school for the ticket I got in Feb., and Sunday, my Camp Barnabas money is due. I called last Friday and it was in the office. She said that she would put my check in the mail on Monday. Well, it didn't come on Wed. Yesterday, when I got home, I prayed. "Lord, PLEASE let the check be in the mail today. I know that You like to wait until the last minute to provide... This is the last minute. Please Lord, let it be in there. " Well, it was. Now, I can pay for traffic driving school, Camp Barnabas, give a little to DD for Africa, and have some left over. God is so good. How does He do it? Well, He's God, so only He can.
Thursday, May 11
I never post these types of things, but this one is definitely worth the read:
Did God create everything that exists? Does evil exist? Did God create evil? A University professor challenged his students with this question:
"Did God create everything that exists?" A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!"
"God created everything?" the professor asked. "Yes sir", the student replied.
The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
The student became quiet before such an answer. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proved once more that the Christian faith was a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question, professor?"
"Of course", replied the professor.
The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"
"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"
The students snickered at the young man's question. The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-459 F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction atthat temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."
The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"
The professor responded, "Of course it does."
The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color.
You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."
Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"
Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down
*****************************************************
"Did God create everything that exists?" A student bravely replied, "Yes he did!"
"God created everything?" the professor asked. "Yes sir", the student replied.
The professor answered, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principal that our works define who we are, then God is evil."
The student became quiet before such an answer. The professor, quite pleased with himself, boasted to the students that he had proved once more that the Christian faith was a myth.
Another student raised his hand and said, "May I ask you a question, professor?"
"Of course", replied the professor.
The student stood up and asked, "Professor, does cold exist?"
"What kind of question is this? Of course it exists. Have you never been cold?"
The students snickered at the young man's question. The young man replied, "In fact sir, cold does not exist. According to the laws of physics, what we consider cold is in reality the absence of heat. Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-459 F) is the total absence of heat; all matter becomes inert and incapable of reaction atthat temperature. Cold does not exist. We have created this word to describe how we feel if we have no heat."
The student continued, "Professor, does darkness exist?"
The professor responded, "Of course it does."
The student replied, "Once again you are wrong sir, darkness does not exist either. Darkness is in reality the absence of light. Light we can study, but not darkness. In fact, we can use Newton's prism to break white light into many colors and study the various wavelengths of each color.
You cannot measure darkness. A simple ray of light can break into a world of darkness and illuminate it. How can you know how dark a certain space is? You measure the amount of light present. Isn't this correct? Darkness is a term used by man to describe what happens when there is no light present."
Finally the young man asked the professor, "Sir, does evil exist?"
Now uncertain, the professor responded, "Of course, as I have already said. We see it everyday. It is in the daily examples of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil.
To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist, sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light."
The professor sat down
Sunday, May 7
May 23rd....Everyone mark your calendars.
I am having anyone over for dinner that will come. Entire families are welcome, everyone knows I love your kids if you look at my blog. I am having everyone over for dinner, but also for a Xango informative meeting. Come, hear about it, learn about it, ask questions. If nothing else, come for fellowship, food, and fun. I have had hardly anyone over to my new apartment, and I think this is a great way for everone to see where I live.
Please let me know if you plan on attending so that I can plan accurately for food. :)
I am having anyone over for dinner that will come. Entire families are welcome, everyone knows I love your kids if you look at my blog. I am having everyone over for dinner, but also for a Xango informative meeting. Come, hear about it, learn about it, ask questions. If nothing else, come for fellowship, food, and fun. I have had hardly anyone over to my new apartment, and I think this is a great way for everone to see where I live.
Please let me know if you plan on attending so that I can plan accurately for food. :)
Friday, May 5
I have been working out a couple times a week since about October. After I moved to Tempe, I started working out with Jen and it has been awesome. I have learned so many new exercises. It's so easy for me to get stuck into doing the same exercises everytime. Even though I did probably 2-3 exercises per muscle group along with my normal ab and cardio routines, it didn't take much effort near the end.
Now, I have learned how to isolate a muscle and use solely that muscle to do the exercise. I have enough muscle on my body for my taste as it is, and the way I did my exercises before worked... but it worked multiple muscles for the exercise and not that specific target area.
I can't even tell you how much weaker I have found out that I am. For some reason, I can do less weight when I'm isolating... weird....lol
Anyway, I am so stoked that I finally know my body well enough to isolate! It hurts like crazy, but it's awesome....
Even though I have lost 15 pounds since October, I'm still only at my half way point.... If you love me, don't let me eat cheese... This is the newest thing I am giving up to meet my goal.
Now, I have learned how to isolate a muscle and use solely that muscle to do the exercise. I have enough muscle on my body for my taste as it is, and the way I did my exercises before worked... but it worked multiple muscles for the exercise and not that specific target area.
I can't even tell you how much weaker I have found out that I am. For some reason, I can do less weight when I'm isolating... weird....lol
Anyway, I am so stoked that I finally know my body well enough to isolate! It hurts like crazy, but it's awesome....
Even though I have lost 15 pounds since October, I'm still only at my half way point.... If you love me, don't let me eat cheese... This is the newest thing I am giving up to meet my goal.
So much has been happening lately..
Last weekend I went down to Mexico with Jordan, Susie, and Michelle. I am stoked because this month Jordan, Susie, Michelle, Dan, and Jodi are all going. So, it looks like we are going to have a slightly bigger group. We are going down May 19-21, if anyone would like to go, please let me know and I will give you more of the details. In June, we are going down on the 24th and it's going to only be a one day trip. Of course, everyone is invited to that at well.
I talked with Ben on Sunday and I am no longer going to be helping out with the youth at my church. I really just want to focus on the orphanage (which I will refer to as the "big house" from here on out). I will always love everyone in youth, but it's just not where I'm supposed to be right now.
When we first arrived at the big house, I saw Mario. There are no words that can express how awesome it is to see an 11 year old boy's eyes light up and the little smile that formed on his face when he saw me. I immediately went over to him, hugged him, and kissed the top of his head. He's so cute. Then, we saw Gloria, Luis, Arnulfo, and Rosalinda. Rosalinda screamed and couldn't get down to us to give us hugs because Gloria made herself stuck in the slide... Huge shocker! Yet it was awesome.
So many people donated so much. Big props and huge thanks to DD's mom for donating 900 Dixie cups and 300 plates. They are much needed and they will get overly used. Also, DD donated tons of hygene supplies. I have never seen that many bars of soap and bottles of shampoo outside of a store before. That will carry them through many months. Her friend Tyrone also gave us a basketball and volleyball. The kids don't care if they are used or not, they use them until they break somehow. It was totally awesome because they were talking about volleyball before we even got it out of the car. It was perfect because that is something they totally wanted. :) Oh, and we also got money from the church which was also a huge blessing. We were able to add some of our own and donate to their "food storage" program. We are not allowed to take the cook grocery shopping like we hoped, but we were still able to give. Susie and Jordan brought tons of school supplies, the kids are going to be blessed time and time again. I am a big believer that it's totally okay to come and not give anything at all, but it's definitely a blessing to everyone when we are able to.
Oh, and since the last time we got down there, they got all new bedding, it's so freaking cute, so that's a huge blessing. Their rooms were rearranged. Some of the kids proudly showed us their rooms. Love it!
We actually were down there on the "Day of the Children". Even though we had to share the kids part of the time with the group from Motorola, it was awesome. They brought the kids hamburgers, sodas, a pinata, and a trailor that they gave the kids train rides on. It's awesome to see how they came to bless them and celebrate them on that day.
Last weekend I went down to Mexico with Jordan, Susie, and Michelle. I am stoked because this month Jordan, Susie, Michelle, Dan, and Jodi are all going. So, it looks like we are going to have a slightly bigger group. We are going down May 19-21, if anyone would like to go, please let me know and I will give you more of the details. In June, we are going down on the 24th and it's going to only be a one day trip. Of course, everyone is invited to that at well.
I talked with Ben on Sunday and I am no longer going to be helping out with the youth at my church. I really just want to focus on the orphanage (which I will refer to as the "big house" from here on out). I will always love everyone in youth, but it's just not where I'm supposed to be right now.
When we first arrived at the big house, I saw Mario. There are no words that can express how awesome it is to see an 11 year old boy's eyes light up and the little smile that formed on his face when he saw me. I immediately went over to him, hugged him, and kissed the top of his head. He's so cute. Then, we saw Gloria, Luis, Arnulfo, and Rosalinda. Rosalinda screamed and couldn't get down to us to give us hugs because Gloria made herself stuck in the slide... Huge shocker! Yet it was awesome.
So many people donated so much. Big props and huge thanks to DD's mom for donating 900 Dixie cups and 300 plates. They are much needed and they will get overly used. Also, DD donated tons of hygene supplies. I have never seen that many bars of soap and bottles of shampoo outside of a store before. That will carry them through many months. Her friend Tyrone also gave us a basketball and volleyball. The kids don't care if they are used or not, they use them until they break somehow. It was totally awesome because they were talking about volleyball before we even got it out of the car. It was perfect because that is something they totally wanted. :) Oh, and we also got money from the church which was also a huge blessing. We were able to add some of our own and donate to their "food storage" program. We are not allowed to take the cook grocery shopping like we hoped, but we were still able to give. Susie and Jordan brought tons of school supplies, the kids are going to be blessed time and time again. I am a big believer that it's totally okay to come and not give anything at all, but it's definitely a blessing to everyone when we are able to.
Oh, and since the last time we got down there, they got all new bedding, it's so freaking cute, so that's a huge blessing. Their rooms were rearranged. Some of the kids proudly showed us their rooms. Love it!
We actually were down there on the "Day of the Children". Even though we had to share the kids part of the time with the group from Motorola, it was awesome. They brought the kids hamburgers, sodas, a pinata, and a trailor that they gave the kids train rides on. It's awesome to see how they came to bless them and celebrate them on that day.
Tuesday, May 2
Oz... You are so totally right... Ugh. This is so similar to the one that Jen did but it's a little different... So, I'll do it anyway, in it's entirity ~ just because you tagged me.
4 jobs you've had in your life
1) Hostess (at Coco's and Black-Eyed Pea)
2) Server/ Bartender at LoneStar Steakhouse
3) Instructional Assistant in Special Needs classrooms (mostly preschool)
4) Inside Sales Rep ... Wahoo.
4 movies you could watch over and over
1) Garden State
2) Wedding Planner
3) Hair Spray
4) The Jacket
4 places you have lived
1) Mesa, AZ
2) Murrietta, CA
3) Bucharest, Romania
4) Tempe, AZ
TV shows you love to watch
*These are on my DVR list, yes, they are amazing shows... and I am being honest no matter what judgments people will make of me.
1) Sopranos
2) Big Love
3) Prison Break
4) 24
4 places you've been on vacation
1) Hawaii
2) Canada (Alberta & Manitoba mostly)
3) Catalina
4) California
4 websites you visit daily
1) Intranet
2) myspace.com
3) blogger.com
4) gmail.com
4 of your favorite foods
1) Salsa & Chips
2) Guacamole
3) Hummus
4) Refried Beans...lol
*Oz, you put Pepsi on there twice... you cheated.
4 places you'd rather be right now
1) At Casa de Elizabeth
2) Sleeping
3) Laying out at the pool
4) Working out with Jen
4 bloggers you are tagging
No one... because everyone I would tag would just laugh and disregard it... So, I'm going to end this fun with me... unless of course someone wants to do this, in that case, be my guest. :)
4 jobs you've had in your life
1) Hostess (at Coco's and Black-Eyed Pea)
2) Server/ Bartender at LoneStar Steakhouse
3) Instructional Assistant in Special Needs classrooms (mostly preschool)
4) Inside Sales Rep ... Wahoo.
4 movies you could watch over and over
1) Garden State
2) Wedding Planner
3) Hair Spray
4) The Jacket
4 places you have lived
1) Mesa, AZ
2) Murrietta, CA
3) Bucharest, Romania
4) Tempe, AZ
TV shows you love to watch
*These are on my DVR list, yes, they are amazing shows... and I am being honest no matter what judgments people will make of me.
1) Sopranos
2) Big Love
3) Prison Break
4) 24
4 places you've been on vacation
1) Hawaii
2) Canada (Alberta & Manitoba mostly)
3) Catalina
4) California
4 websites you visit daily
1) Intranet
2) myspace.com
3) blogger.com
4) gmail.com
4 of your favorite foods
1) Salsa & Chips
2) Guacamole
3) Hummus
4) Refried Beans...lol
*Oz, you put Pepsi on there twice... you cheated.
4 places you'd rather be right now
1) At Casa de Elizabeth
2) Sleeping
3) Laying out at the pool
4) Working out with Jen
4 bloggers you are tagging
No one... because everyone I would tag would just laugh and disregard it... So, I'm going to end this fun with me... unless of course someone wants to do this, in that case, be my guest. :)
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