INTERNS HAVE A GREAT SUNDAY!

What a great day we've had! Today started out just the same as normal: breakfast, chaos in the bathrooms, dressing kids....but then a CLOWN walked through the door! That's right, folks, we had clowns visit the Center today! Actually, it was a group called "Shalom Kids," and the children of the Center loved them! Many in the group were dressed up as clowns or characters; some were just in every day attire, and they painted the kids' faces and made all kinds of animal balloons. We had the Ducks and Squirrels, Bunnies and Chicks, plus a few of the more adventurous Canaries. At one point we had to pause for snack, and I don't think I've seen those kids drink and eat so quickly! They were eager to get back to the fun! We sang the "Sapo, Sapo" song (about a frog) and "I'm in the Lord's Army". The group sang a few new tunes too. It was a blast!

ERASMO, CARLOS, ABELINO

FUN! FUN! FUN!

THE CHILDREN ARE ENTERTAINED!

DANILO IS HAVING FUN!

YULISSA AND SANDRA ENJOY THE DAY!

EVEN THE NANNIES GET IN ON THE FUN!

The excitement didn't stop there, though. MENDOZA (Sonia Mendoza) went home after lunch with Dr. Carlos who is in the process of adopting this sweet girl! It's a bittersweet time: we are sad to see her go, but we are more excited that she has a family and a home to go to. Praise the Lord this has come about; please continue to pray that all goes well for the actual adoption.

MENDOZA AND DR. CARLOS

As one leaves, another joins our group: Santos. He came to the Center on Friday and has been in the Canary room since he's been sick.

After the show today, however, he joined the Ducks. If he looks familiar, that's because Santos has been at the Center before. We are looking forward to getting to know Santos and seeing him grow stronger and healthier. Welcome back, Santos!

I must admit it's a little strange going to bed tonight knowing that a team won't be arriving in the morning. If you've been to the Center, you know just how much work theses ladies (and gentlemen) do each day during a 12-hour shift. Without the extra hands, the schedule still continues, just a little more drawn out as each baby in the Canary room still needs multiple diaper changes, the Ducks are still being potty trained, the Squirrels' hair needs to be done in the morning, the Chicks are becoming more independent and adventurous each day, and each little Bunny must be fed. Another set of hands makes such a difference for these children-- it means another hug, one less sick child left alone in her crib, one more hand held, one less bottle propped while feeding, and another book read in a lap--that just can't happen without YOU here.

If you haven't been with Orphan's Heart to the Center, pray about coming. Seriously, pray! If you've been here before, come back! Don't let a schedule or money or anything hold you back. These sweet, precious children of God are ready for you!