Today we leave for home but I wish I could stay longer. Hopefully i'll have the chance to come back next year sometime.

logan

im happy about going home but at the same time i dont want to leave
josh

Baptism

Yesterday night we had church service at 5. We did some worship songs, Mark preached, and then there was baptism. there were  already about 10 people from the church that were getting baptized, and then Hilario asked if anyone from our 2 groups wanted to be baptized. I was already baptized when I was 9 years old, but I realized that I never understood what it really meant. So last night I decided to get baptized again. Everyone was supporting me including Chris who also got baptized. We got baptized in a huge water tank with the top cut off. We got Spanish Bibles along with everybody else from the church that got baptized. I felt that  God was calling me to get re-baptized so I prayed and prayed and prayed to make sure that it is what he really wants me to do and I guess it was because I did. I want  to thank everybody for your prayers  because I usually get home sick really fast but this whole week i have not gotten homesick once. I remember becoming home sick when I was only 2 hours away from my home so God has really answered my prayers and thank you once again for praying for me and the team.



~Amber

Good morning! It's raining here in Guadalajara this morning, but we are all still in good spirits. Lindsey pretty much covered all there was to share about yesterday, so I guess I will share general things about the trip so far. I personally have enjoyed my time here very much; a lot of us are saying that we never want to leave! The kids are so sweet and patient with our Spanish-speaking skills (or the lack thereof!).

We have been split into three groups to do chores everyday. The chores include bathroom, dining room, and kitchen. We do them two or three times a day, and it feels really good to help out around the orphanage.

Today is the last day of VBS. I think it's gone really well so far! Kristi and Nydia have done a great job with the lessons and teaching the kids about God. The games are really fun and Gwen has done a fantastic job with the crafts! It amazes me how much faith these kids have. I love hearing their testimonies. All of them have come from terrible home situations, but they've learned to rely on God.

I really love the worship time we have pretty much every night. We sing a few songs and then people share their testimonies. I had the opportunity to share mine last night!

That's all I can think of right now! I'm sure there is sooo much more to share, though. I hope all is going well at home. We'll see you tomorrow night!

Amie Anderson

Thursday's Festivities

Yesterday we had an action packed day.  We started off with our fourth day of VBS about Esther. I have been leading games for the week and have had a great time getting to know the kids better while bonding over various sports and games.  It has been fun getting to teach them some games us "Americanos" play and for them to teach us a few of their own.  After VBS and lunch we had some time do complete our chores and go to the corner store if we wanted to.  Megan Johnson and I go down there for Power Hour to get ourselves some diet cokes.  We then experienced one of the Youth Prison that is here in Guadalajara.  It was a completely different experience and atmosphere than any other prison I have been in while down in Guadalajara.  The boys there seemed very hardened but there were a few that payed close attention.  There were approximately 35 teens at the service and we were able to hand out toiletries and little books to them which they seemed to really appreciate. When we got back we had a delicious dinner, as usual, and turned the dining room into an area to worship.  We were able to spend a couple of hours worshiping and sharing testimonies followed by a pool party with our group. Everyone is already talking about how they want to come back here next year. Mom, if you read this, Hilario volunteered to talk to you so I can work here next summer. Hasta luego!

Lindsey Casebeer

Women's Prison

Yesterday we went to the women's prison.  I was kind of nervous/scared.  I didn't know what to expect whether the women were going to be nice or mad that we were there.  Some of the kids came with us to see their moms that were in the prison.  When we got there we sang songs and it was really cool how we could all worship together even though we didn't speak the same language.  While we were there Scott asked me and Stephen to give our testimonies.  I was so nervous!  But I just prayed that the Lord would calm me and speak through me. I started off being kind of shaky but then I just felt at peace and was able to speak without feeling nervous.  At the end, we sang Mighty to Save together and it was so powerful and you could feel the Holy Spirit moving through the room.  We all prayed together for the moms and kids afterwards and I spoke with one of the moms that has three kids at the orphanage.  Her kids definitely have a special place in my heart so it was really nice to meet her and speak with her.  She was so nice and you could tell she has a big heart for the Lord.  The women's prison is an experience I will never forget.  God works in all places everywhere around the world and it was really cool to see it happen.

Megan Johnson

Loving the kids!

Well yesterday was vary interesting the kids love V.B.S. they have soooo much fun with games, crafts and the lessons. its nice to see all the kids open up to us and accepts up so openly and are willing to share there life's with us. I love being here and some times wish i could stay here all the time. They are always saying i love you, i will never forget you, and and you will always be in my hart. i just love these kids soooooooo much i want to come back every year and work with these kids!!!!!!!!! TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!



Marissa Ahrens