Hi Friends and Family,
It has been difficult to get to a working computer the past few days and we have been busy all hours of the days. Tuesday, we went to visit some of the families in Zone 18. It was difficult to see the degree of poverty as bad or worse than it was last year. On the bright side, we were able to visit the family of a little boy that Georgia has been sponsoring the past year. He was so excited to see her, he was beaming and didn't stop smiling the entire time. She shared gifts with him and and his cousin and left things for his mother. It was wonderful for her to be able to follow through and have that time with him.

Wednesday, we spent the morning with the kids playing, hanging more laundry on lines and helping around the orphanage. Mel, Josh and the girls worked together to make an "American" meal for lunch. It was decided it would be meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob and apples with cinnamon and sugar. They worked hard for hours and the meal was fantasic. Since this gave the cook and the kitchen help time off, Georgia set up the "Salon de Georgia" and invited the ladies to our room for manicures and pedicures. She served them coke, and gave them candy, both of which were big treats for them.


Wednesday, we boarded a school bus and took all the kids to the city to go to the movies. Their eyes were so wide when they saw the inside of a mall and when we attempted to go on an escalator, fear prevailed for most of the kids! Only two kids fell and one cried. The rest of the kids conquered the new adventure. Each child got a box of popcorn and a soda. It was so wonderful to see the joy on their faces just receiving popcorn. When returning, we found that Larry had made great progress on his tiling however, he came down with a stomach sickness and we found him in bed.

Thursday, we invited our friends to spend time at the orphanage helping with translating for our special event. We gathered all of the children and explained to them that they were princes and princesses of the most high king, Jesus Christ. After discussing that, we interviewed each child about themselves. We then had all of the girls come and have their hair done, make up done and their nails polished. We chose gowns for them and dressed them up. When finished, we gave each one a tiara. The boys all got crowns and ran inside to put their best clothes on. We set up an area for a Fundaninos pageant complete with background music. We invited local workers to come and watch while each girl was escorted by one of the boys. They had such a great time and they were all so beautiful.

Unfortunately, Larry is still sick and a nurse determined he is dehydrated so alot of poweraid was in order. He has had some antibiotics now and is starting to regain some strength.

We are planning a bonfire and marshmallows tonight however, it looks like monsoon rain is coming. The reality that we are leaving soon is setting in and the kids are starting to ask questions. I feel like I have connected with each child here in some small way and I will definitely not forget the love they give, even though that is the exact thing they crave.

We are extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know them and to furnish them with so many material and spiritual things. Thanks to all of you, many needs have been met.
The house behind the kids in the photos is the new baby house which will provide them with much better living condtions. You guys are awesome, see you soon. The best day (tomorrow) is yet to come. Wait until you hear what is going to happen! Don't forget to check the blog tomorrow night. To God be the Glory.

Love,
The Ziners
Melody
&
Georgia