For those of us who were experiencing this for the first time, we noticed how the children’s actions speak for themselves. They are kind and loving and wrapped themselves around our hearts from the moment we saw them.

In our first few days here we have seen how everyone contributes to the project. The staff, other outside influences as well as the children. All together everyone makes this work. The staff gives their hearts 100% day after day from sunrise to sunset and beyond. The dedication these God loving people put into this project is one of the biggest showings of love we’ve ever seen.

The children have responsibilities that prepare them for their futures. We have observed each child doing dishes, their own laundry as well as participating in the building projects that we are involved in. They participate willingly and ambitiously. There rewards as small as a hug, smile or a simple “gracious”. The children are so well mannered and respect their elders as well as each other. They have all been very polite to us. They are fun to be around and laugh with as we struggle through our poor Spanish daily! They warm you right to the core with a simple look.

We are learning that each child comes with a story. In all cases the story is heart breaking and emotionally intense. We can not describe this feeling. It is something each person must experience for themselves to understand the heart ache and despair these children have gone through. To look at how strong they are today it is amazing for what their young lives have been through. These children have literally risen from the ashes, even being pulled from the dumpsters… These children are great examples of what dedication, prayer, blood, sweat and tears can do.

We were able to participate in the celebration of one of the young girls birthdays. The staff put on a surprise party for her. We were able to play games with the children and pray for her in both English and Spanish. It brought tears to your eyes when the other children were each given an opportunity to share their feelings for the birthday girl. Even though we could not understand every word they said, the expressions on their faces told of their love for each other and their faith. One of the staff members prayed over her in Spanish and thanked God for the moon and the stars and for the blessing of having this child as well as all the others in their family. It was an emotional and beautiful moment for all of us. These are times you just can not find the right words to describe the feelings of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Tim Kulseth from our team states: “Today I’m trying to gain perspective on a world that makes no sense. At home there are kids who are not happy with more than they can use; and here there are kids who are content with nothing. Beyond our basic needs it is only God who can satisfy. So Lord, help me keep my eyes on you!!”

You truly feel God at work here! Coming to Honduras will challenge your faith, your values and your motives – but will capture your heart. We know we will never be the same. We can not imagine any team coming here and not feeling that the children give us as much {if not more} than what we give them.