It’s our last morning before arriving at the orphanage!
Today we attended the service along with the congregation at Chinese Community Church. Even though it was nothing like what we experienced at Fraserview, it was church. There was worship, the Word was preached and there was Christian love. After the service was finished, members of the church were very eager to talk to us about our upcoming journey. These people are also actively involved with the children and the ongoing work at El Rancho Milagro as well. They could not stop giving us food to eat, and take with us on our way out to the orphanage. We left happy and very full.
Finally as we got on the road, we made a quick pit stop at the outlet mall to buy some last minute work clothing. With the short five minutes at the border finished we were on our way along the curvy roads to Ensenada. Making it through all three highway tolls with only Eric getting pulled over for inspection once; we made it to Rancho el Milagro in a short hour and a half. We also have to add that Stephanie was quick to spot out some dolphins jumping in the water just off the shoreline. Very cool.
Pulling up to the orphanage was an “awe” moment seeing all the kids, and Scooby – our always present canine companion – happy to greet us at the gate. With an efficient assembly line we made record time unpacking the vans, and trailers. After mapping out the tent placement, we laid all the tarps down and started on each tent. Once all the tents were down and secure, we made an extra effort to make sure that all the tents had enough lime surrounding them. This supposedly keeps ants from invading us as we sleep.
The best part of the day thus far was being able to finally see all the kids, and seeing them even more excited than we were. With our annual Canada vs. Mexico soccer game, we were quick to gain a 1-0 lead ending with a 2-1 victory on their own gravel and dirt turf. With a few minor injuries from the intensity of the game dealt with, we all sat together to watch some short films on the side of one of the buildings (Fraserview drive-in movie style!). Ending our long day with a relaxing campfire and a few songs, we all climbed into bed to recover for what tasks lay ahead.
Love you all, thanks so much for your prayers - - Haley, Dominique, and Twila
Love the update! I so remember all those feelings as you pull into the orphanage and set up. And I’m glad to hear that Scooby is still going strong – he’s such a faithful dog to our group.
I also love the photo’s today, especially the ones from the campfire time. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such clear night photo’s in all the trips from over the years. The one of the moon over the trees tugs at my heart and makes me rather jealous of all of you.
Keep up the great work and stay open to Jesus leading!
A special hello to all of my family on the trip and the Hernandez family too!
Glad to hear that you are safely at Rancho Milagro. What great hosts the SD church seem to be. Love the pictures and eagerly look for them and your blog. It is much appreciated but really makes me wish I was there too. Have a great week. Love to Air.
looks like that you all are having a great time
good to see you are all ok
great pictures you guys please post more
Glad to see you all made it there safely!! The photos are great, so keep on posting them. A special hello to Amanda – we love and miss you, and can’t wait to see your pictures and hear all about it when you get home. Enjoy the time with the children, and bring home lots of happy memories!!!
glad to see that you all got there safely, cool pics..hope you are taking lots of pics Sean! have fun
SO sad I am not on this trip with you guys…hope you are having an amazing time. Tell Aaron that Kate has stopped sucking her thumb! See you in Disneyland
PS – I think that must be Scooby Jr…that dog has lasted forever!!