Orphanage is Coming Along

Safe, Loving Home to Open Soon

We recently returned from our 11-day trip to the Dominican Republic. We were anxious to see the orphanage, since it is built and the finishing touches are all that’s left before children can start moving in to their new, safe home. We purchased the sealer and paint and the painting was almost completed before we left to come home. The appliances had been delivered and are ready to be installed once the kitchen tile is completed. We priced bunk beds and mattresses and found they will cost about $200 per bed. The mattresses will cost about $160 per bed. Electricity must be run to the house and turned on. Lowes donated all the lights, which we took in large suitcases. Once we get final funding and the electricity is on, the home will be ready for the children. We are amazed at what God has done in less than a year. What a blessing to see Him at work. This is HIS home for His children. We glorify His name for what He is doing!

VBS in Cajuil   

 

We spent three days at Canot’s church in the area of Cajuil. We planned a mini-VBS for the children. The first day, we told the story of Jesus feeding the 5000, complete with 5 “loaves” and 2 “fish”. The children got 5 crackers (Ritz) and 2 fish (Goldfish) to help them remember the story. We taught them three songs, of which I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart was their overwhelming favorite. Each child got crayons and color pages that went along with the story and songs. The second day we played games with the kids, including balloon paddle, and we introduced them to water balloons, which were a big hit! We also brought a huge parachute which the children truly loved. Day three was a clothing and food distribution. What a blessing to see the children laughing and learning about the Lord!

Rosa: Sick for Five Years

While we were in Cajuil, we were asked to visit Rosa, an elderly lady who was very malnourished and sick. She was very, very thin and obviously very ill. Rosa has been ill for 5 years. She lives in a small shack with family. They had recently been able to get her to a doctor, but didn’t have money for the prescriptions the doctor gave her. We talked with her and prayed for her. We got her prescriptions filled, which were basically vitamins. We also purchased food for Rosa and her family. We brought her clean sheets for her bed, as the ones she was lying on were filthy.  We know God is the Great Physician and pray His will be done in Rosa’s life. We hope we were a small blessing to her and provided some hope in Christ.

 

 

Food, Clothes, and Toys

Rice and beans were distributed to families and children received clothes and toys at a Haitian Church near the orphanage. Money provided by Oak Harbor Baptist Church was used to purchase food for almost 100 families. The moms were thrilled to get the food and the children got new clothes or shoes. They also got to choose a toy, thanks to donors, PetSmart and Diane Magro. Snacks were enjoyed by all, thanks to Winn Dixie and Publix. The pastor was extremely grateful. Canot made it clear that God sent us and that He loves them dearly!

Thank you PetSmart for the toys for the children!

We want to thank all our sponsors for helping make this trip possible: Oak Harbor Baptist Church, Winn Dixie, Publix, PetSmart, Lowes, and Sherwin Williams! Also, a huge thank you and hug to everyone who supports us with donations throughout the year! We love you!