We were all up early for the kids first day of school. We enjoyed walking with the morning school group into town. Then back for breakfast and setting up for our first day distributing glasses. By 8 o'clock there already people lined up outside the gate waiting for the doors to open at 9:00. It was a very organized system giving them a number, finding out their age and nature of the problem.
It was a constant crowd until lunch then back at it until 5:00. How exciting to see the smiles on their face after receiving their glasses. Over 170 came through for glasses on our first day. What a learning experience for all. One little girl, age 7, had battled brain cancer and chemo. She had a false eye but could use glasses for her good eye. Another elderly lady was carried in because she had a broken hip. She didn't want to miss her eye appointment before going to the doctor office! Amazing how nobody seemed to mind the 2-3 hour wait.
We were thankful to have Pastor Martinez and his wife, Rosita helping us. What better way for Pastor Martinez to get to know the people and tell them about their worship service here now on Sundays. It was great to share the love of Jesus.
After a busy day, we were all exhausted. It was fun celebrating Paula's birthday with cake and cards from the kids. Now it's time to unwind and recap the day and make plans for the next. Thanks for keeping us in your prayers and supporting us to be here.
Monday, February 2, 2015
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Super Sunday
It was a good but busy Sunday at Children of Love today. The evening was punctuated with the sounds of roosters, dogs barking and fireworks. But most of us were probably sleepy enough that we were not bothered much. A delicious breakfast of corn tortillas with beans, avocados, sausage, eggs, and cheese was filling.
Worship was at 9:30 in the chapel with all the children, our volunteers, Pastor Martinez and family and a few visitors. Pastor Martinez gave a very understandable message on Mark 1, with Jesus displaying His power over the demons, and Pastor Martinez noting that Jesus is also powerful enough to forgive our sins and provide the care we need in our earthly lives.
After worship, we walked into the center of town where the town market was really in full swing, even though it was a Sunday. The center of town was very full of people in that the school year begins tomorrow in La Paz, and it was clear that many parents were buying school supplies.
After a delicious lunch, it was time to set up the chapel for the distribution of eye glasses on Monday. We have some 2,000 pairs of eyeglasses with us, as well as some wonderful optometry diagnostic equipment which should allow us to see well over 100 patients per day. We will see what tomorrow brings us in regard to individuals who are in need of assistance with their eyesight. Mama Doris and her volunteers, our volunteers, as well as Pastor Martinez and his wife, all promise to help tomorrow.
Later in the afternoon, there was a meeting of several members of the Local Board of Children of Love. It was uplifting to see how this local board has gotten involved in the work and support of Children of Love, as they operate two different non-profit stores for the benefit of the foundation. Mama Doris is always known for her wonderful surprises, and once again, did the amazing, by ordering pizza and wings for us from a Pizza Hut some thirty miles away, so that we could watch the Super Bowl. We decided that it did not much matter to us that all of the announcing of the game was in Spanish. It was a great time to relax with the children, Mama Doris, as well as Pastor Martinez and family. Some were thrilled with the exciting finish, others were disappointed.
At the end of the day, it was once again time for the children and all adults to gather for singing and prayer. It's a great way to end the day, and reminds us of a Bible verse from Psalm 121 that is somewhat the theme of this place: I lift up my eyes to the hills from where comes my help. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. It's always good to remember, that the hill from whence our greatest help comes, is called Calvary. Thanks in advance for your prayers, that through helping individuals with sight problems, we may also help them to see Christ as their Savior.
Worship was at 9:30 in the chapel with all the children, our volunteers, Pastor Martinez and family and a few visitors. Pastor Martinez gave a very understandable message on Mark 1, with Jesus displaying His power over the demons, and Pastor Martinez noting that Jesus is also powerful enough to forgive our sins and provide the care we need in our earthly lives.
After worship, we walked into the center of town where the town market was really in full swing, even though it was a Sunday. The center of town was very full of people in that the school year begins tomorrow in La Paz, and it was clear that many parents were buying school supplies.
After a delicious lunch, it was time to set up the chapel for the distribution of eye glasses on Monday. We have some 2,000 pairs of eyeglasses with us, as well as some wonderful optometry diagnostic equipment which should allow us to see well over 100 patients per day. We will see what tomorrow brings us in regard to individuals who are in need of assistance with their eyesight. Mama Doris and her volunteers, our volunteers, as well as Pastor Martinez and his wife, all promise to help tomorrow.
Later in the afternoon, there was a meeting of several members of the Local Board of Children of Love. It was uplifting to see how this local board has gotten involved in the work and support of Children of Love, as they operate two different non-profit stores for the benefit of the foundation. Mama Doris is always known for her wonderful surprises, and once again, did the amazing, by ordering pizza and wings for us from a Pizza Hut some thirty miles away, so that we could watch the Super Bowl. We decided that it did not much matter to us that all of the announcing of the game was in Spanish. It was a great time to relax with the children, Mama Doris, as well as Pastor Martinez and family. Some were thrilled with the exciting finish, others were disappointed.
At the end of the day, it was once again time for the children and all adults to gather for singing and prayer. It's a great way to end the day, and reminds us of a Bible verse from Psalm 121 that is somewhat the theme of this place: I lift up my eyes to the hills from where comes my help. My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth. It's always good to remember, that the hill from whence our greatest help comes, is called Calvary. Thanks in advance for your prayers, that through helping individuals with sight problems, we may also help them to see Christ as their Savior.
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Arriving!
Taking a trip is always fun! There is so much anticipation in the preparation, the packing and the travel. And then you arrive at your destination! Arriving at the Children of Love Foundation is always an event. As the bus came down the road, there were 15 children with a U.S. flag waiting for us. They sang God Bless America. They greeted us with a warm welcome and plenty of hugs. There is anticipation for them and for us and now we are ready to go to work.
We had time to enjoy a good dinner of chicken flautas. The kids sang some more. There was jump roping, book reading and google translating. :) And in the midst of it all the Lord is working. They are singing hymns about the love of God. They are learning to pray together. And play together. And share with each other. And they are all a part of God's family. Learning and growing together with this group from the United States.
Pray for us this week as we live and work with them in this place. Pray that we can help people see with new pairs of glasses. Pray that we can help them see that God created them, loves them and wants them to be with him for eternity.
We had time to enjoy a good dinner of chicken flautas. The kids sang some more. There was jump roping, book reading and google translating. :) And in the midst of it all the Lord is working. They are singing hymns about the love of God. They are learning to pray together. And play together. And share with each other. And they are all a part of God's family. Learning and growing together with this group from the United States.
Pray for us this week as we live and work with them in this place. Pray that we can help people see with new pairs of glasses. Pray that we can help them see that God created them, loves them and wants them to be with him for eternity.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Mission Team has arrived
On time flights and a bus ride and the group is on the ground in La Paz. Say a prayer of thanks for safe travel!
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
January Work Trip
The team is assembled. Supplies have been shipped. Plans are being made. Our January 15 mission trip to La Paz will be building a wall, fixing electricity, repairing the water system, changing locks and more as they work on the grounds of the foundation. Please pray for Rick B, David B, Marc C, Bill L, Bill L(2), Al S, Mark S, and John T as they prepare.
If you would like to support our mission trips to La Paz (Travel, Supplies, Shipping), please visit the website at http://childrenoflove.org
Watch here for trip updates!
Would you like to join a future trip? Visit http://childrenoflove.org/missiontrip for upcoming trips and applications.
If you would like to support our mission trips to La Paz (Travel, Supplies, Shipping), please visit the website at http://childrenoflove.org
Watch here for trip updates!
Would you like to join a future trip? Visit http://childrenoflove.org/missiontrip for upcoming trips and applications.
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