Thursday Night Blog March 24, 2011

The speed walkers met for their last walk at 5:30am. John Corley shared a devotional and we ate breakfast before heading out to the center for one more day with the children. Today, the workers decorated the foyer and held a fiesta for Ron’s birthday. They made him a special flan and the kids enjoyed the candy from the piñata. The workers had the team members sit down to enjoy some chuchitos and tostadas. It was very special! Saying goodbye to the children today was very difficult. There were many tears and hugs. For many on this team, this was their first international mission. And what a group we had…Jen and Shawn Brammer had just been married a week before and thought this would be a great way to begin their life together…Rachel Dudas’ mom had won this trip and gave it to her as a gift and so she came not knowing anyone…Jennifer Silvernail’s mom was originally coming on this trip but was unable so Jennifer came in her place…Anita DeVuyst was suppose to go on a different mission trip but ended up having to change her plans and instead went with us…and six families, the Sharps, Grisbys, Morgans, Garicks, Corleys and Trombas were able to bring their teenage children. All in all, many of us were strangers at the beginning of this trip but in one short week, we have become a family. The children at the center have touched our hearts and we know we’ll never be the same again. Tomorrow we will by flying home to return to our families and homes grateful for this incredible opportunity to serve God. We came believing we would make a difference in children’s lives but we have discovered that in the end they have changed us. God is good!!