Fund Raising Dinner on Saturday

Children of Love Foundation
MUSICAL DINNER

When: April 25, 2009

Where: SOCIEDAD CUBANA
5088 Hoffner Ave. Orlando FL. 32812

Time: 6PM to 12.00 A.M.

Music by; Group IRIS

Donation: $25.00 - $30.00 at the door

Information call-407-273-0753

Click here for a Print Out.

Home Again

It is good to be back again with family and friends. Our airplane flights went smoothly. No trouble getting through customs. The Lord blessed this trip from beginning to end.

If you've read through this blog, you will also realize how difficult it was to leave our friends and new family in La Paz. The Children of Love Foundation is indeed a special place. The children are learning about the Bible and are praying together each day. In a society that doesn't have a lot, the foundation provides them with a good home, good food and good care.

"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 a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

We are so blessed that we have a tremendous opportunity to help the Lord provide a hope and a future for these children. Please consider sponsoring a child ($60/month) or just making a donation to their regular expenses. (You can see http://childrenoflove.org for more information or donation through St. Luke's Lutheran Church electronically [note Children of Love Foundation in the Miscellaneous notes section].)

If you haven't looked at the pictures and videos from our trip, please take a moment to see all that we did during the week.

Photos are on Picasaweb at http://picasaweb.google.com/childrenoflovefoundation/

and recorded videos are available at both:
http://colf.fliggo.com/ and
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/children-of-love-foundation

In miami

We have landed. Everything is on time. See you soon

Christ is Risen, Indeed. Alleluia!

You might say that Easter in Honduras started with a bang.   At 3:30 in the morning the bell beckoned, and we met for our daily routine of a devotion, prayer, singing, and hugs.   Bang! Bang! Bang! Fireworks began our celebration, and by four we were walking the dark streets of La Paz.  Carrying a lantern and a boom-box, we greeted all those we met with singing and the words "Christ is risen, Alleluia!"  What a wonderful reminder of the women running from the tomb to tell others that "He is not here!  He is risen!"  This Easter was full of favorite (and unique) memories that I know we will treasure for years to come. 

We returned from our walk at 6 am. and tuned in to St. Luke's Easter service.  It's incredible that from so far away we could feel so connected to what is going on there.  Thank you to everyone at St. Luke's, especially the technology team and all those responsible for the special music for the day.  We really appreciated a bit of home and family on such an important day.  

Having already celebrated for the past 3 hours, it was time for an Easter egg hunt for the children; you should have seen the excitement on their faces as they all ran to search for eggs.  We also had Easter baskets prepared, so the children had plenty of sugar to eat as they awaited their breakfast.  Good thing we had visited the dentist earlier in the week! 

After some delicious Easter omlettes, we had a bit of free time to read with the kids, color, nap, and have Youth Group with the older children.  Having a special time with the teenagers was something new this trip, and (in spite the frustrations of the language barrier) we had some great conversations and bonding time.   The kids agreed that they'd like to try having Youth group with future St. Luke's groups, and also that they would try to meet once a week on their own (with some guidance from us).  

In the afternoon, a few members of our group went traversing the mountains on a quest for hammocks, while the rest stayed behind for some quality time with the kids (spit ball fighting Tia Leah?)  We also did tye dye and Florida shell mobiles with the kids for special Easter crafts. 

This evening was my favorite because of our good-bye luau for the kids.  They loved the balloons, popcorn, coke with little umbrellas, leis, glow sticks, limbo, dancing, and time together.  We took a break in the middle of our fiesta to say a few words to each child, give them a friendship bracelet and St. Luke's shirt, and enjoy our Easter cards and cascarones from the students at St. Luke's.  

It was a fun-filled evening that was finished far before the kids were ready, but then again we'd been up since 3:30 so it was definitely time.  After our devotions, prayer, and singing we exchanged hugs and "Buenas Noches" one last time.  Can our time here really be over already? The adults headed to the roof to check out the moon and stars and to enjoy the last of our snacks and each other's good company.   

Tomorrow we head home, taking with us our pictures and many great memories, and leaving our love for the beautiful children here.  We are all very thankful for the amazing opportunity to share the good news of our risen Lord.  Christ is Risen, Indeed.  Alleluia!  

  

It's Easter

I'm up late and just realized it's Easter in Florida.  Had another great chat at the evening and realized how important it is for the children of this home to know the love of God the Father through the gift of His Son.  We have talked again this week at great length as to how best to help these children.  

And then I realized again, this is the issue that God had with us.  How to help His children have the best life and best future possible.  As I sit here now, I know that He has given me the best future: Heaven.  And yet, He also gives me the present.  The peace of knowing that He guides my steps even when I don't want Him to.  The peace of knowing that He prepares things for me that I don't yet understand.  That He is looking out to provide all of my daily wants and needs even though I have nothing to offer Him in return.

I am so glad to call Him my Father.   Have a Blessed Easter.

Holy Saturday

So much done in so litttle time.  We started this day with the usual beautiful cool morning with a great group for the weekly Saturday program.  We sang, talked about Jesus crucifixtino and watched a DVD on the week from Palm Sunday to Easter.  Then we took the children to the aquas calenites (hot springs) which the children absolutely loved.  There was live music and lots of people in the very very hot pools.  We  then took the kids home and headed to Cumayagua, a city of 111,000 for a little r&r. Off to bed early because we will rise and shine at 3:00 am to walk the streets of La Paz  singing praises on Easter morning. The last few days we have witnessed many processions throughout Honduras - it must be a traditon for Holy Week. Goodnight!  

Amazing. Sitting in a mall in Cumayagua Honduras with free wireless. We had a great swim with the kids today even though the place was packed. 80 kids for the morning program too. We will write more later.

Dia Siete!

Wow! The city of La Paz never ceases to surprise us! We started our morning with the usual routine: prayer, song, and hugs. We then left to the hot springs for an afternoon of "fun in the sun." The view of the mountains was breath-taking! After we returned to the foundation, Papa Patalano arrived and the children had a special presentation for him. Then, we ate and spent time with the children. Later in the evening, the children sang for us and presented us with a gift that brought us to tears (no surprise there). We have planned out tomorrow and are ready to treat the children to a day of excitement! Hasta luego!

Thursday - Washing of the Feet

There are moments that the Lord catches you completely off guard.  Today was one of those days.  

The morning was beautiful here once again.  A light breeze.  Lots of fresh air.  A little extra time as the kids breakfast came at 7 rather than 6 a.m.  There was time after chores to read books and play a little.  We taught the three oldest boys more about the computers and the wireless network that is all hooked up here now. 

The teenagers in the group than spent about a half hour conversing with a Spanish class at Orlando Lutheran Academy.  The questions were simple but it seems that both sides have an interest in continuing these conversations.  

Surprises always come down here when you go to pick up or drop off families.  Some have walked 5 miles in the dust to come to VBS or help out.  For some, it is the daily routine of work.  For almost everyone, the home is small but the people are extremely welcoming.  They are generous and happy to show you what they have (which we would consider meager).  Drying fish and tomatoes were the prizes we saw today.

By the way, for several in the group, this was the first time they ever had fish which was served with complete head and eyes and tail! (See the pictures)  We have been fed like royalty with plenty of good food.  No weight loss while we are here.  :)

But just before supper, we were asked to sit in the chapel.  The oldest three children, Maynor, Marvin, and Marvin brought in buckets of water and towels.  One by one, we heard "In humbleness, we would like to wash your feet in rememberance of what our Lord did for his disciples. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit."  Our feet were washed, dryed and shoes placed back on our feet by the young men.  (See the Ustream site for video: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/children-of-love-foundation)

It is one more example of how the message of Christ's life, death and resurrection continues to work in all of our lives.  Whether we have a lot or a little, whether we have come to serve or be served, whether we have done our best or not, the Lord and Savior of all comes to us.  He comes to remind us that by His death and resurrection, eternity is waiting for us.  And in this world, we have the opportunity to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.  

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Today was a day to remember

We laughed, we sang, we played.

We shared a lot of new experiences,

Many memories were made.

It started with prayer together,

Then coffee and conversation

Some went to the dentist,

The rest helped with the restaurant sensation.

It was opening day for the cafe

Un Minuto con Dios is the name.

The children were the first to eat there

Chili dogs were the claim to fame.

Children arrived early

For VBS, today, day three.

We learned about Good Friday,

And Jesus' death on the tree.

With the lesson, crafts and games

The children all took part.

About fifty were with us today,

Fifty children who do steal your heart!

Then, Amercan Night for the children.

We cooked hamburgers and fries.

With Coca-cola and 7-Up, 

They couldn't believe their eyes.

Later, we walked through the town

And sang a song or two.

Then a great bon fire for all,

With Smore's--which was something new!

The day ended as it began,

Prayer, devos, songs and hugs galore

God has blessed us all with being here

I can't wait to see what He has in store!

Blessing to all of you who are reading this.  May God be with you!  Buenas Noches!

Dia Cuatro - continued

We just posted some more pictures of our VBS posted at http://picasaweb.google.com/childrenoflovefoundation

One other interesting point to today was that as we attempted to plant flowers, we cut an electric line and the water pipe for the house.  After it was 'fixed', we found that no water was pumping from the well.  Thanks to Tio Mike (American Airlines) the electrical part was finally fixed and water is back in the tanks.  Our showers were a bit colder tonight but still refreshing.  The temperature dropped significantly this evening so it will be a great night to sleep.

It is hard to share how much happens here in one day.  The Lord is indeed blessing us through this experience.  We learn every day how important the message of Jesus is to the people of this community in ways we never could even imagine.  Praise the Lord.  Demos Gracias el Senor! 

Dia Cuatro...

Hola! Today was yet another beautiful day at the Children of Love Foundation here in La Paz. We started off today with getting up at 6:15AM and saying our morning prayers with the children. After getting ready, we split up to do small projects around the foundation. Some of us helped transport plants around the Chapel, while others occompanied some of the children to the dentist. For lunch we enjoyed some delicious tortillas with cheese and salsa, and also some fresh watermelon. Later this afternoon, VBS began, and how much fun it was! For our craft the children made two more resurrection eggs, and a book mark with their own special message, or drawing, on it of what they had learned today. For dinner we served the VBS children ham and cheese sandwiches, which were made by the wonderful volunteers! Once everything had calmed down, we had a little free time to shower and rest (and let me tell you, a cold shower has never felt better than after playing with these kids outside for 2 1/2 hours!!). For dinner we had ham, beans, and scrambled eggs, and to drink they served us Coca Cola. Once dinner was over Mama Doris lead us to the Chapel, where the children here at the foundation prepared a surprise for all of us. One by one, they called one of us up, and they each said something special about that person. Believe me, there were very few dry eyes in the Chapel after that! We then ended with our nightly prayers and good nights, and are now ready to rest and prepare for tomorrow! Buenas Noches mis amigos! Hasta manana!

- Tia Gail.

Video of Palm Sunday

Besides some of the videos at Ustream, we have just uploaded a video to http://colf.fliggo.com  It is a video of the Palm Sunday processional put on by the kids.  There is a smaller, quicker version and then a larger one if you want more quality (but it will be a little slower to download).  I am working on a tour of the entire property here.

NOTE:  The video must be prepared at the site and was not ready yet at 2:25p.m. Eastern.

Tuesday Morning

Another beautiful day.  The clouds have cleared a bit so we have a better view of the surrounding mountains this morning.  The kids are busy doing chores (they probably have about 2 hours on a normal school day but they worked at different projects for probably 5 or 6 hours yesterday).  We are trying to put together a bid for some of the electrical work, gather supplies for building some new tables for the restaurant and moving some flowers to the chapel area to spruce it up for Easter.  Talk to you later.

First Day of VBS

Hola from Honduras!

This morning we woke up at 6 am. We started our day with prayers with the children and a wonderful breakfast. This morning we worked in the garden with the children, chopping up the mounds of dirt. The children helped with us and we were able to plant squash and other flowers. It was the first time for some to use a pick axe and a "whacking stick." Luckily no one chopped off any toes! We finished around lunch and we helped around the foundation and got ready for VBS. The children are out of school so we had all of the children during VBS. We had a little over 60 children today. Some of the children walked approximately 5 miles today in the 101 degree temperature. It was amazing! Today we talked about Palm Sunday! We made palms and sang "Hosanna to the King." We went outside to play clothespin tag and waterballoon toss. Make sure to check out the awesome pictures. The kids had a great time! What an amazing opportunity to witness to these AMAZING children!

Palm Sunday

This Palm Sunday in Honduras was quite an experience. Our morning began early with prayer and singing. By 7:30, everyone was outside the Foundation to witness a Palm Sunday procession unlike anything any of us had ever seen. The children dressed in colorful clothes carrying their palm branches and walked us to the end of the street that leads to the Foundation. They even had a donkey on loan from a neighbor especially for the day. When we got to the end of the street, we started the procession back to the Foundation with one of the older boys riding the donkey and the other children running alongside putting their palm branches on the ground for the donkey to walk on. The procession led us all the way to the chapel where we gathered to sing and pray and thank God for sending Jesus. The children were very excited to share this day with us. Breakfast followed and we soon gathered in the chapel again for worship when we participated with the 11:00am service from St. Luke's over the internet. We also talked about how wonderful it is that Jesus has come to us and has made us one family. What an amazing gift. Later that day, a group of us took a trip to a nearby river to swim. A few rounds of "Marco Polo" and a couple of sandcastles later, we drove into the mountains to visit a coffee and banana farm. We came home to a wonderful soup for supper. Before heading to bed, our group met to make some final preparations for the first day of VBS. Tomorrow it begins. This has been a Palm Sunday we will not soon forget.

Busy Day Sunday

We're sorry for not getting a post done last night. Yesterday was worship, swimming, organizing, talking, shopping, and playing. We will write a little more later this morning but wanted to let you know that we did post pictures this morning. Visit http://picasaweb.google.com/childrenoflovefoundation for photos. We will try to upload the video of the procession also later today.

Palm Sunday!

A great start to today.  Go to the http://ustream.tv/channel/children-of-love-foundation  and look under the recorded shows section for a view of the songs and pal sunday procession!  After worshiping with the 11 am service via the web, we are off to the banana/coffee farm and then swimming at the river.  The Lord is good.  More later.

We're here

Wow! Our fliights were smooth and even the Tegucigalpa landing was fine. We had about an hour wait at customs but it was all worth it. The kids greeted us all with lots of hugs and two Spanish songs. They finished with God bless America in English.

The bus ride took about two hours so its now 3 pm Honduras time. We will spend a litle time relaxing and unpacking before dinner. Check back later.

Everyone sends a hello to family and friends.

Miami Airport

So far so good. Everything is on time. We had a lite meal and have a little chance to relax. Next stop: Tegucigalpa Honduras and then a 2 hour bus ride to La Paz. We will write when we arrive.

Check in complete

Its early but we are ready to get on our flight to miami. Everyone seems happy and ready to go. All flights are on time so we will report back soon.

Trip 2 - Final Preparations

We are almost ready! The 14 individuals on the second mission trip are in the final stages of packing. The supplies arrived today. The t-shirts are printed. The supply bags are packed. The letters from our school classrooms are being finished.

Please pray for this trip as we continue to take the Gospel to the people of La Paz. We will try to have live video as often as possible of activities around the foundation. VBS will take place from 2-4 p.m. La Paz time which is 4-6 p.m. Eastern Daylight time. Check the links on the side for both photos and live video feeds through Ustream. Check in and chat with us during the Ustream feeds. See why we are so encouraged by the children of La Paz.