From Niki

Hola, where do I start?  This place and this experience has been absolutely amazing.  There is no shortage of experiences, blessings, smiles, and love here.  It is day 3 of our work schedule and we are all a little weary tonight and looking forward to touring the William Cornelius School and delivering the layettes to the hospital tomorrow.  

Our "work", however, has been intermingled with play and observing these beautiful children here.  They seem amazingly happy and well-adjusted.  The children all live in casitas, by age groups and have house parents and live there, 24/7.  We have had the privilege of painting a few rooms in the toddler house and being able to get to know some those children.  As you can imagine, what an operation to shower and dress those children in the morning!!  Some of these house parents are here for 6 mos to a year at a time, others for longer.  What a commitment of the heart and to these children.  

Today we, (Kathy, Lindsay, Meredith, Natalie, Katie, Sharon) finished our painting, so far we have gone thru almost 11 gallons of paint.  We are definitely leaving our mark one way or another!!  

Everyone here is so gracious and grateful for everything we do, from helping in the kitchen, washing dishes, cleaning, painting, digging, etc.  I really feel like I an the one who is one the receiving end here.  There is so much more I wish we could do for everyone here.  My prayer is that other teams, like ours and the one that is here with us, continue to visit and support Casa Bernabe, its children and staff.  And that God continues to make his love known to these children and continues to encourage the staff and house parents daily.

Happy Thanksgiving family and friends, we miss and love you all!!