Abundantly Loved

Congrats Class of 2011!

2011-06-10T11:58:00.000-04:00

Last week, we celebrated together with Carachipampa's graduating class of 2011! Although there were only seven students in the senior class this year, we will miss them terribly! They were a great group of kids!

Chris speaking during graduation.

Chris' photo even made it on one of the graduation cakes, lol!! On the left of Chris is another teacher/mentor, on the right is the school director. I think all the students were pretty excited to get a piece of their teachers!

Happy start of summer to you all!

Surprise!

2010-06-06T17:06:00.016-04:00

I had a wonderful birthday Thursday and so Friday I was caught off guard when I walked into our dark apartment and was bombarded by "SURPRISE!!!!" followed by lots of confetti and balloons! Here are a few shots from our fun evening.

Olivia trying out the princess party hat.

Our Bolivian friends slaved away all afternoon making "Pique Macho" a favorite Bolivian dish.

"Pique Macho" consists of potato fries, beef, hard boiled eggs, tomatoes, onions, hot peppers in which you lather it all in ketchup along with mustard and mayonnaise if you're Bolivian ;)

One of my best friends Michell and I showing our big plates of Pique.

Pinata in the dark!

Olivia loved playing with the 1,000+ little confetti balls that were scattered through the entire apartment! Thankfully everyone helped clean up before they left :)

My awesome brother-in-law Spencer, blew up over 100 balloons, they literally covered the entire living room floor and then some. We decided to play pictionary on the balloons by guessing whose face was on the balloon.

Some of the drawings were pretty comical!

Olivia has loved having Uncle Spencer here for a visit. She refers to him as "Nana" :)

After the party we weren't sure what to do with all the balloons so we decided to sneak them all into our friend's apartment while they were out.

Olivia of course had to help as well!

Their kitchen was covered in balloons. Late that night when they got home we could hear them popping balloons until 11:30pm. We're pretty sure they decided to start popping them so late to get back at us ;)

And this is how Olivia fell asleep that night. She was completely exhausted... can you tell?

Not a brain tumor PTL!

2010-06-05T15:16:00.003-04:00

Praise the Lord, Chris' student, Josiah, has had a complete turnaround! The mass in his brain was not a tumor but rather an abscess.

Here's an update from our mission director on his current condition:

Josiah is out of ICU and is recovering well – the doctors are happy with his progress
An abscess on his brain containing 20ml of pus was drained on Thursday night last week.

He is talking and eating again and regaining his strength.

While there is still a road to walk – all the initial signs are good – he has feeling in his limbs, great hand to eye coordination and fortunately has not lost his dry sense of humour!

Please continue to pray for his complete recovery

Update on Chris' student.

2010-05-25T07:37:00.004-04:00

Sunday we went to visit this student of Chris' in the hospital (no name for his privacy) and it was a difficult time for all. He wasn't able to get an MRI done on Sunday because there is apparently only one doctor who could give the MRI and he was no where to be found. Chris' student ended up having to wait until last night at about 6pm to get the MRI.

The result: It's not a brain tumor, but rather a HUGE mass. The family must pack up quickly and leave for the states in order to have the mass surgically removed. Please pray for wisdom on the doctors part and a quick recovery. Also please pray for this family. They are very close to each other and this is obviously very hard for them.

Chris' student said something I thought was pretty remarkable, "If all of this draws the students in my class to God even the slightest bit it will make it all worth it". Wow what a statement! He said this because this year was pretty tough and his class has really been struggling spiritually. He's been a spiritual leader in his class despite a lot of criticism.

Please, please pray for this family and the new challenges they are about to face.

Urgent: Prayer Needed!

2010-05-23T12:43:00.002-04:00

Please pray for one of Chris' 11th grade students who has had severe migraines and has been vomiting for 3 days straight. He was taken to the ER yesterday and the doctors think he may have a brain tumor. His family has had many trials since they have been here in Bolivia (they came the same time as us last July) and it is clearly obvious that the devil is trying to get a stronghold on their family. They all love the Lord and their children have been a shining light at the school this year. Please lift this family up in prayer! Chris is about to head over to the hospital now. Pray that the prognosis won't be as serious as the doctors have presumed.

What makes the world go round?

2010-05-16T21:30:00.014-04:00

Soccer & Chicken of course!

This evening Chris took 6 of the wheelbarrow boys to a soccer game. Most of them had never been to a game before so they were more than excited! Especially since life here completely revolves around soccer.

After the game we had the guys over for dinner, and yes chicken was on the menu. Another Bolivian must!

Olivia had an absolute blast with the guys! She thought they were the most hilarious fellows she'd ever met. She also tried stealing their food on more than one occasion!

Contentedness.

2010-05-10T20:55:00.015-04:00

Being a missionary is interesting because so often it feels like you don't have a "home". Is your home the country you live in? Or is it where your family lives? Or is it where you grew up?

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." I Peter 5:8

Last week, I was desperately craving all kinds of foods from back "home"- Subway sandwiches, big luscious salads (that I can eat without getting deathly ill), Papa John's pizza, and the list goes on and on. Missing comforts from home isn't wrong, but it becomes a sin when it sidetracks you from your walk with God. When you start putting your own needs before others and before God. Lately, I haven't been alert. I haven't been putting my guard up and the devil knows my weaknesses. He knows where to strike me next.

Listening to Chris speak on Jer. 29:11 yesterday was so encouraging and comforting, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord."

God has a plan for my life, he's brought us here for a purpose and knowing that makes me so content. There's no place I'd rather be!

I am so grateful God renewed a new sense of contentedness in my life yesterday. I enjoyed every minute we were able to spend with the wheelbarrow boys. I can't even express the joy I get from having the opportunity to serve the poor here in Bolivia whether it's cleaning baby bottoms at Salomon Klein to baby washing each Saturday. It is a privilege. It's a privilege that we are able to be here because of God's grace, because of those who support us, and because of those who pray for us. So a big THANK YOU to all of you who have stood by our side, who have encouraged us, who have prayed for us!

We really couldn't do it without you guys.

When the devil shoots flaming arrows your way how do you guard yourself? How do you stay alert and self-controlled?

Mother's Day w/the Wheelbarrow Boys.

2010-05-09T21:05:00.017-04:00

This afternoon we had a feast and I mean FEAST for a group of boys who started out working as wheelbarrow pushers in the Saturday market.

This group of well-mannered boys come from the South end of town which is very, very poor. They all come from rough homes where neglect and drunkenness are all too common. However, looking at these boys you could never tell they came from such a rough part of town. They are so happy. They are so filled with joy.

Do you know why I think this is?

A few years ago a missionary couple made the effort to reach out to these boys. This couple had the boys over every Sunday for lunch, they discipled them, and they truly loved them as their own. Unfortunately this couple has had to return to the states as they have retired from the field.

How has this affected the boys?

Instead of these boys running to the streets to find "acceptance" they are thriving in school, one is in Seminary, and another works at a Compassion site! Christ's love is truly flowing in and through these boys!

Olivia thought they were pretty fun and she loved all the attention they gave her!

How the afternoon went...

Chris began by sharing a devotional in Spanish on Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Then we feasted. There was tons and tons of food- thanks to an amazing missionary named Lorna who cooked and cooked and cooked! Bless her heart!

Main course: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, carrots & broccoli, and cucumbers.

Dessert: chocolate cupcakes w/Hershey kisses (those are hard to find here!), lots and lots of jello (Bolivians LOVE jello!!), and huge servings of ice cream to top it off.

Somebody sure loves chocolate cupcakes!

In honor of Mother's Day the boys got together to Skype their missionary "mom". How sweet is that?! And the day ended with a game of soccer, who would of thought??

What a great beginning and ending to an amazing day!

Why I love this country: Reason #1

2010-05-07T11:33:00.006-04:00

Reason #1: Food is CHEAP!

Just a few minutes ago, a fruit truck pulled up to our door loaded with all kinds of fruit: apples, bananas, grapefruit, mandarin oranges, papaya... it's like having the farmer's market right at your door step! I love it!

I splurged and bought 6 bananas and 13 mandarin oranges for a whole 4 bs (.57)! The thing I don't understand is when they give you the prices the quantities are always huge. I mean who can eat 25 bananas before they go bad? They always look at me a little shocked when I just ask for half a dozen.

So they call this winter.

2010-05-05T23:37:00.006-04:00

We are going into winter (April-October) can't you tell?

Blue skies. Green grass.

Sunglasses and sunscreen a necessity!

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Olivia's 1st experience with a sprinkler.

It wasn't quite like she was hoping.

Some things are better from a distance.

Simple encouragement.

2010-04-19T22:19:00.007-04:00

We love living in Bolivia really we do. Now only if we could convince our family and friends to join us- life would be splendid!

Our hearts are here and we know this is where God has called us, but this road doesn't come without a few bumps.

When we moved to Bolivia last July, we had anticipated opening our home to foster kids. We found out soon after that this would not be an option for us our first year here. We were both completely devastated but took it as an opportunity to trust God. He knew why this door had closed and He would open it again in His timing.

Well, we are beginning to see the door cracking open ever so slightly. Now it's not hard to find kids who need a home, but we want God's wisdom in all of this,

Tomorrow, we are going to look at a house that will be available to rent in July. It is spacious, perfect for more kids, and is in a great location (wonderful since we don't have a car!). We are a little hesitant to rent a house as safety then becomes something to think about. Right now, we live in a very safe walled compound with a guard who sits on watch and a German shepherd inside in case our guard happens to fall asleep (which unfortunately happens more often than not!), but if we moved to a house this would not be the case. Many missionaries here have had their homes broken into at least once if not twice or more. It is common, but even so I'd rather not experience it! Please pray for us as we look into some different housing possibilities.

On Sunday, after church, we chatted with some friends of ours who have 8 foster children (all under the age of 7) and 4 biological children. They are in the process of adopting 3 of their foster kids, which is beyond wonderful! However, once they do so they will no longer be allowed to foster, leaving 5 children without a home. Is God opening this door for us? PLEASE pray for God's wisdom and clear direction in our lives at this time.

Is God opening the door for you to care for the orphaned? There aren't just kids in need of loving homes in 3rd world countries. You'd be surprised how many kids are in foster care in your state. Check it out. Read the facts. Choose to help.

Even if you can't become a foster parent there are countless ways you can help.

Simple ways to encourage foster families:

Offer to babysit so that the parents can get away for the evening (you may need special permission to do this so look into it first).
Buy a bag of groceries and leave them on their door with a note saying how much you appreciate them and what they do!
If you're a handyman ask if they need anything fixed. Leaky roof? Squeaky dishwasher? Car in need of an oil change?
Offer to cook dinner and drop it by.
Donate clothes and toys.
Provide a listening ear.
Pray for their family often.

Madly in love.

2010-04-16T23:08:00.004-04:00

More of the "famous" three!

Olivia wasn't too sure about the babies.

Can I take this cutie home with me?

The calmest baby I have ever met... and she's been this way since she was a newborn!

Olivia had fun playing with the other toddlers- all 20 of them!

When Olivia was younger, we could never get her chubby thighs to fit in the "bumbo" seat, but somehow today she managed to snuggle right in.

XOXO

Thank you for "bare-ing" with us!

2010-04-05T21:26:00.015-04:00

Lately, we have felt like we are barely hanging on. All of our electronics have started going haywire! Our Internet, TV, and cell phone started malfunctioning last week along with our toilet! Now, we can survive without the first three, but the last I'm not so sure about. I'd rather use our indoor plumbing than squat in the middle of the road even if it is common here!

Fun fact: Did you know that we can't put toilet paper down the toilet?? Yep, we have to put it in a little bucket next to the toilet. YUCK!

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Yesterday, was election day and on this day motorized vehicles are not allowed. Do you find that ironic that election day just happened to be on Easter?? Basically no one could go to church unless they lived close enough to walk. Fortunately for us, we usually walk to church so we were still able to go. Usually there are around 300 people at the service and yesterday there were only about 30 or so. The reason for not allowing motorized vehicles is that during elections they don't want things to get out of control. We're grateful that the elections yesterday were very peaceful.

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Last week, Olivia had a play-date with 3 of the younger kids from CDA III. They were excited to play with new toys and she was excited to have someone to play with! Although my house was a complete disaster in the short four hours they were here, I absolutely loved having them over.

This sweet little girl A. came to CDA when I was a volunteer there three years ago. Wow has she grown! Despite some serious medical issues, she is such a fighter and a real sweetie.

Picnic time on the lawn

(I thought it might be easier to have our dog clean up for us!)

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After church we enjoyed a BBQ outside (the weather was beautiful!)

with a great group of friends.

"But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

I Cor. 15:57-58

Please bare with us!

2010-04-05T21:07:00.003-04:00

Our Internet has been down for days now... sorry for the lack of posts lately! We have lots to share :) We'll post once we get the Internet up and running more steadily.

Squeaky Clean

2010-03-27T22:33:00.000-04:00

As I sit here at the table trying to relay our afternoon in my head, my thoughts are continually interrupted by the neighbor's serenading tunes. This is not unusual. We hear a lot of loud music, loud dogs, and loud people on loudspeakers selling fruit! The fruit man sounds something like this, "Mangoooooooo, Papayaaaaaaaaa, Naranjaaaaaaaa" in a scary robotic tone and he circles our block ALL day long... just ask my dad about it :)

So we live in town and although we wouldn't have it any other way (we love being able to walk most anywhere) life in the country sounds awfully tempting!

On that side note, we had a busy afternoon of baby washing. I think we may have had more kids than we've had so far. We had money donated to purchase another tent which was a huge relief. There is one tent for washing the babies, but we desperately needed another tent to put all the clothes in and to change the babies in. In the weeks past, we have been bombarded by aggressive mothers demanding that we put certain clothes on their kids. It's a bit nerve wracking to say the least. I can't express how thankful I am to finally have a tent to hide all the clothes in. Today, was a piece of cake dressing the kids and we made great time!

Some of the older kids waiting to get their hair washed.

Inside of the clothing tent.

View from clothing tent of the baby washing tent.

And yes, that's a baby in the blanket on that lady's back!

Clean and as cute as can be!

Well back to my lovely serenade! I am trying so hard not to laugh- this man is not the least bit talented in the music department but he is trying so I gotta give him a little credit ;) I love living in a foreign country... life is never dull! Did I mention a drunk man sat on me last week?

Victoria Triplet #2

2010-03-26T21:55:00.009-04:00

Please pray for Victoria (triplet #2) as she's been rushed to a pediatric hospital with an extremely high fever. She may have some kind of infection and with her premature size this is quite serious.

Baby Victoria

Far left (she's always in yellow).

Baby Victoria with her grandmother

Sending a little love your way...

2010-03-26T13:59:00.002-04:00

...from the babies at SK.

Yesterday, there was only one other *tia* working, but somehow we managed to change all 23 diapers, get bottles to the babies, and spend a little time loving on them as well.

If you're thinking of adopting don't hesitate just GO FOR IT! There are SO many orphans worldwide who need a family, who need YOU!

*tia- auntie

Answers to: Give it your best shot!

2010-03-26T13:45:00.001-04:00

Good guesses and here are the answers:

1. Choclo (Bolivian corn) & Avocados

2. Tumbo fruit (makes a delicious juice!)

3. Chocolate covered fruit kabobs

The Joys of Toddlerhood

2010-03-23T12:12:00.001-04:00

Olivia turned 14 months last week and is such a bubble of sweetness and energy. She understands both a little Spanish and English and her favorite new word to say is "hola". She's walking like crazy now and is into everything!! She loves to imitate Chris and I and we often see her walking around the house holding one of her toys up to ear saying "holaaaaaaaaaaa" and that's about all of the conversation we understand.

A fun new place to play!

So happy that daddy is home from work!

Yep, we already have her trained...

Our sweet friend Noelia

Sharing a milkshake

I've recently found my deodorant in the toilet and the tv remote in the diaper bag... oh the joys of toddlerhood!

Give it your best shot!

2010-03-19T15:11:00.000-04:00

I completely forgot to take pictures of the used clothing market yesterday and only remembered while we were on a "micro" heading back home. So I snapped a few pictures of different parts of "la cancha" instead. I promise that next time I go looking for clothes for the kids I'll take a few pictures because really it's quite an interesting place! I've NEVER seen SO many mountains of clothes before in my life!!

Just for fun let's see if you can figure out what these people are selling- leave a comment below with your answers:

*micro- city bus that looks like a vibrantly colored school bus- cost to ride it 1.5bs (equivalent to $.21)

*la cancha- HUGE open air market that's easy to get lost in and has just about everything you could ever want or need- that is if you can find it ;)

Happy St. Pat's Day from the Triplets!

2010-03-17T19:54:00.000-04:00

The 3 newest at Casa de Amor- triplet girls!

Valentina, Victoria, & Nataly

These sweet babies were abandoned at the hospital shortly after their young mother delivered them. They have become quite famous here in Bolivia and are staying at Casa de Amor until relatives are more prepared to care for them. They are tiny, weighing only about 4lbs. each and yet they are doing great! All but one is off the feeding tube now and with feedings every 2 hours they are steadily increasing in weight. Please pray for these little girls that they will continue to stay healthy!

*photos were taken and edited by our friend Elena who volunteers at CDA.

Go Carachi Go!

2010-03-10T19:50:00.000-05:00

Chris is coaching the girl's basketball team this semester and is having a blast! Their first game was last Saturday and they completely blew the opposing team out of the water! It was actually kind of a hard game to watch. I felt bad for the other team and started cheering for them half way through the game. The score in the end was 39 - 4 need I say more?

Today's game was even more difficult to watch. Our girl's won 70 - 11 and although we are happy they have been doing so well we are hoping tomorrow's game will be a little more competitive.

Olivia loves watching the games too. Or should I say she loves going to the games. She doesn't exactly watch them as she's too busy playing with her new friends (there are TONS of toddlers her age- mostly because lots of families are adopting right now), climbing the bleachers, and sharing her snacks with every person in sight- young or old!

This precious little one is the youngest of 11 kids!

Baby washing

2010-03-06T15:45:00.000-05:00

Today, Chris and I had the opportunity to help with baby washing in the main plaza in town. Every Saturday, a Christian family organizes the washing of babies and kids mostly newborns to six year olds. They set up a tent with two baby bathtubs, a bucket of water, shampoo, and a stack of towels.

My friend Kelly and I washed the babies while Chris helped the older kids wash their hair. Some of the little ones were extremely calm and tranquil making our job super easy while others we could barely hold on to their slippery bodies or get the soap rinsed out of their hair as they put on quite the show kicking and screaming.

After the little ones are bathed they get a pair of clean clothes, a piece of bread, and some milk.

Thanks to my friend Jennifer we were able to purchase three BIG bags of clothes to bring for the kids today. Most if not all of the kids came in torn, dirty clothing so it is a real treat for them to get a "new" outfit.

I wish I could have taken pictures of the kids too but I didn't feel it was right since it was our first time going. I'll ask and see if it's okay to next time.

Chris and I fell in love with one sweet family, a mom and three little kids. The daughter who is about five loved Chris and wanted him to hold her the entire time and the son (2 yrs.) fell asleep in my arms today. So precious!

We're looking forward to going next weekend- such a great ministry and neat opportunity to not help the poor and share Christ's love as well.

Let's help!

2010-03-06T13:11:00.000-05:00

I know a lot of you are probably tired of hearing about Haiti (and now with the earthquake in Chile as well) but really... imagine if that was you right now? Imagine if those were your children suffering?

Haiti is a difficult place. I've been there. I've seen the extreme poverty. I've NEVER seen poverty like that before. Bolivia doesn't even compare to the despair and poverty in Haiti. But now... the country has been completely turned upside down. Is it possible to go below rock bottom?

My heart breaks for the children, the people, the country and I pray that this might be a time of revival. A time of great awakening in the lives of these hurting people.

I will never forget the summer of 03'. I had just graduated from high school and I so desperately wanted to help in an orphanage overseas. Somehow I chose Haiti or God chose Haiti for me and wow were my eyes opened. Terrified at times? Yes. There was so much spiritual warfare I felt like I could barely gasp for air.

I stood out like a marshmallow in a cup of hot chocolate.

However, when I arrived at the orphanage I felt at home. Not because it was comfy... quite the contrary, cockroaches plagued the house and we were only fed one meal a day, but because I knew God had called me there for a reason. He wanted to work on my heart. He wanted me to love as He loves. He wanted me to trust Him fully and to be willing to risk everything for Him.

Loving on the babies was right up my alley and I didn't mind all the spit up and head lice. But the thing that tore me apart the most was knowing that each of those kids and babies went to bed every night without a kiss from their mommy or daddy, without the reassurance that someone was watching over them, and without the joy of knowing that someone would always be there to love them.

Wow, just look at those beautiful children. How can we not help? How can we act like everything is okay when really it's not. Let's open our arms, our hearts, and our homes to children in need!

Day 2 of road blockades...

2010-03-04T10:51:00.000-05:00

There are still blockades up all over the city and school has been cancelled yet again. At most of the busy intersections in town there are large groups of riot police. They usually line up making a wall and you can see truckloads of them all around town. I don't know if you've ever seen an officer outfitted in riot gear before but it's pretty intimidating not to mention when there's a group of 20 or more!

Yesterday, I said the reason for the transportation strike was because drivers were mad that the long distance drivers were allowed to drive drunk. After asking lots of people around town what the real reason behind all of this is and after receiving an email this morning from our mission, I realize that I had the facts completely backwards.

The real issue is that the bus drivers are mad because they are being punished for driving drunk. If a driver is found drunk while on the job his license is being taken away and the whole bus line is being punished as well. I'm sorry if they don't like rules but I would like to have the security of knowing I'm going to make it to my destination when traveling to other cities.

Please pray that things get resolved today. It is very difficult to get around town because there is NO public transportation and walking during this strike can be scary and dangerous!

Roads are blocked today- no school!

2010-03-03T12:01:00.000-05:00

Since we don't have "snow days" due to a lack of cold weather and snow, school is cancelled when there is a paro or a bloqueo. Today there is a paro and boy was Chris happy! A paro is a local transportation strike where all the trufi drivers (city bus drivers) refuse to drive to make a point.

Today, they are striking because many of the flota drivers (the long distance bus drivers) continue to drink and drive on the job and are rarely penalized for doing so. The windy, narrow roads are dangerous enough- add in a drunk driver and things get lethal.

One of the world's most dangerous roads- Bolivia

All across town buses are parked blocking off all of the major streets. There is no public transportation so all the schools are closed and most businesses too. It's so peaceful and quiet and has been so fun for Olivia and I to have Chris home for the day. We even walked to get some of favorite Bolivian food- salteñas :)

Diapers Galore!

2010-03-01T19:15:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, we received a large package full of these!

I am SO excited because these cloth diaper covers will go to SK when I go there Wednesday. They are excellent quality and will last many, many years. You can't find covers like these in Bolivia, but thanks to a good friend (thx Emily!) who raised the money to purchase these covers and was willing to mail them to us, SK will now have lots of happy babies with dry bottoms!

We were also given donations for more disposable diapers- thank you to those who gave! I like to bring a few packages of disposables each time I go just to give the cloth diapers and the tias (aunties) who have to clean them a break! I have a high level respect for those who work so hard to clean the hundreds of diapers that are dirtied a day!!

Saturday Market

2010-02-28T00:24:00.000-05:00

Saturday mornings we like to go the open-air market that's just three blocks from our place. The market is similar to "Farmers market" except that it's held all year round.

Pushing a stroller here is always an adventure. Is there such a thing as an off-roading stroller? This morning, we had to run down the middle of the road dodging traffic as there was no way we were going to make it up, over, or through this.

The produce at this market is amazing, cheap, and organic! Although, I'm not sure organic is always a good thing when you're in Bolivia. Unless, of course you enjoy the free "friends" that come along with your purchase ;o)

The fruit section- my favorite part!

Veggie-lovers paradise.

And my least favorite part... the raw meat in hot sun section.

And here's what we brought home- all for less than $5!

Call me crazy!

2010-02-24T16:45:00.001-05:00

Call me crazy but I don't mind changing diapers. Especially when I get to change the diapers of these sweet babies.

Today, like every other day when I go to Salomon Klein, I walk to the end of our street, wait for the J bus to come, pay 1.5 bolivianos ($.21) and take it until I see the abandoned lot with the black fence (since most of the streets aren't marked, landmarks are key).

After walking a few blocks, I reach Salomon Klein- the largest orphanage in Cochabamba, Bolivia and one of the few that takes babies- home to over 170 children ages newborn to 6 years. Heartbreaking? Yes, very. My first day there I could hardly hold back the tears.

Here's just a glimpse from the outside of the cloth diapers drying. Can you imagine how much laundry 60+ babies in cloth diapers and 110+kids go through per day?

When I arrive all the babies are just waking up from their afternoon nap. After they wake up it's diaper time! Usually there are 3 of us changing diapers... and right now there are 27 little bottoms to be cleaned, but that number fluctuates from week to week.

All the babies sleep in the same room... there are many more cribs I just couldn't get them all in the picture.

After they are changed, the older babies go outside and stay in these walkers for a couple of hours until it's dinner time. The little babies get bottles and then have playtime inside on a mat.

This tiny play area is where the older babies spend most of the day. Next door is the where the 18-24month olds stay.

Sweet baby girl... she wasn't sure what to think of my camera. She's usually pretty serious, but when she does smile it lights up the whole room!

This sweetheart loves to dance!

I love these precious little ones so, so much! I'm so grateful that I have the opportunity to spend the time with them that I do but there's just one problem... I wish I could take them all home! Do you think they'll notice if I slip a baby in my purse?

Today, I held the tiniest baby I have ever held and I fell in love all over again. I stood in awe of how God could create such a tiny, absolutely beautiful being and even though no one wanted this precious little angel He did and He chose to give her life.

and when I get home... this is what I find... priceless :)

Welcome to our blog!

2010-02-22T10:42:00.001-05:00

We have finally given in to the blogging world! Since we are so many miles away from home we decided this would be a great way to keep in touch. If you would like to join us on this adventure just click over on the right-hand side where it says "Follow". We'll try to update often so be sure to check back for new posts.