Thankful


Every day is a special day and gives us many reasons to be thankful,  but there are some days that are extra special and gives us reason to celebrate.  Jan 27th, Ira had a birthday and then on Feb 17th Elia had one.  We had a cookout and an evening of fellowship with all the volunteers to recognize Ira's and a girl's morning out breakfast for Elia.  Times like these allow us to take the time to encourage one another in ministry.  


Then we celebrated Valentine's Day.  Here in Mexico it is called the Day of Love and Friendship.  The Tia gave a special message about the Love of our Heavenly Father and His gifts that he gives us daily.  She scripture referenced how He is our light, the Prince of Peace, our strong tower etc.  She made sure special attention was given to the fact that the biggest gift of all is the one that God gave us, His one and only Son, Jesus Christ!  


After the service, we had a Pot Luck Dinner with dishes made from the individual Sunday School classes.  The kids had a great time being creative in what they were making.  It was also fun for everyone to sample each others food.  It was a very casual and fun afternoon for everyone allowing them time to just hang out and play games among themselves.  We really have so much to celebrate and be thankful for each and every day!

December


As always December is a busy month of activities for the children as they celebrate the birth of Jesus!  Many businesses and local organizations come throughout the Christmas break and Bless the children in a variety of ways.  Some bring food, others gifts of toiletries, another gifts of a new outfit or shoes and some minister through skits and song.  One school group came at lunch time and shared their personal box lunches with the children.  


The orphanage has had many piñata parties and donations of Rosca de Reyes which is Three Kings Bread.  Rosca is the name given to any ring-shaped bread or cookie. This sweet bread was once used by the friars to evangelize: a small doll, representing the Christ child, is baked right in the bread- "hidden", to symbolize the hiding of the infant from King Herod's troops on the day of Los Santos Inocentes/the Holy Innocents. This treat is traditionally served on the Three Kings Day, when the children receive their toys. Whoever gets the slice of rosca with the doll in it has to provide the tamales and atole for the next party on Feb 2nd.  


Christmas Eve is a special time for the children and volunteers of Pan de Vida.  The kids have a concert with each age group doing a special presentation through skit or song.  Then Tio, the Director,  gave the Biblical Message.  Afterward everyone sang Christmas Carols in praise to Jesus who was born to be our Saviour.  Following the service a traditional meal was shared and everyone stayed up throughout the night continuing fellowship around a bonfire or watching movies. 


We are thankful for the opportunity allowing the children to worship Jesus in such a special way and become more aware of who He IS!

Esperanza Parati


Esperanza Parati Orphanage hosted it's 1st official Children of Hope ministry team in December.  It was a blended team of 14 with 6 members from Seaforth, Ontario and the other 8 from Abbotsford, British Colombia.  It was a great opportunity not only for them to serve together but to build relationships as brothers and sisters in Christ.


It was 10 days of jam packed hard work, fellowship and fun.  At the Orphanage the work project consisted of installing gyproc, crack filling, painting, digging a 200 ft trench from the house to the barn, and lots of wiring.  Floor tiles were also purchased to be installed.  The team even found the energy to have fun activities by playing board games, busting piñatas etc. with the 18 children who are living at Esperanza Parati.   The kids special treat was a pizza party.


The team then did a Christmas outreach to The Otomi House in Amealco.  The special event drew the attendance of about 500 people from the community.  It was an amazing day of Olympics with lots of games, raffles and prizes.  They then blessed the people with food and blankets for the cold winter months they have in the mountains.


In a short time, a group of 14 servants for Jesus' kingdom left a lifetime of memories for 18 children who at one point didn't know what love was. It is another demonstration of God's Love that does not have any borders. 


               

Quinceañera


 


This year Pan de Vida had a "Quinceañera" for 5 girls, Ines, Vanesa, Maria Rosa, Ana Velia and Margarita celebrating their 15th birthday.  In Mexican tradition it is held to commemorate a girl entering womanhood and is usually as big as or bigger than a girl's wedding.  In attempts to cherish the girl's heritage, Pan de Vida always hosts an event to recognize this time in their life.  The ceremony is very spiritual and focused more toward the responsibilities of seeking God's direction in their lives.  




Since the budget Pan de Vida has is used to solely run the daily needs of the Orphanage, events like this are only possible through extra donations of others.  We are grateful for the groups and individuals who have shown a huge heart in generosity to make this possible for the girls.  This year each girl took time to express their thankfulness and reflect on God's provisions in caring for them.  Each one shared a favorite scripture as well.

 
Psalm 51:10 ~Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

 
Proverbs 4:23~Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

 
Song of Songs 8:6~Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame.

 
Ecclesiates 11:9~You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

 
Psalms 27:10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.

Of course no celebration is complete without a reception.  Everyone feasted on a special meal and were entertained by the girls doing special dances.  It really makes a person's heart swell to see the girls beam with so much joy as they feel like the princesses they are.  We are truly blessed to see the work God is doing in their lives.

I'm back!


I am sorry it has been so long since my last post.  For the most part everything is pretty routine with the kids in school.  We know this will soon change as Christmas Holidays approach. In the past it has proven to be a very busy time starting as early as November with it being the season that most companies want to do something special for children.


Sunday November 6th is Global Orphan Sunday. It is a great time for you to start sponsoring a child and investing in their future if you don't already.  You can contact www.childrenofhope.info  in Canada or www.orphanos.org  in the USA

I love the opening statement in the Orphanos brochure and I think it sums it up the best. 


I am an orphan, but I am not a ghost.  Please see my body.  Don't try to meet my spiritual needs when my stomach is empty.  I am orphan, but I am not a corpse.  Please see my spirit.  Don't bring health to my body but leave my soul undernourished.  You will only prepare me for my burial. Feed me.  Clothe me.  Teach me.  Love me.  Give me the opportunity to choose to know my Father.  Then I will no longer be an orphan.

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