Time at the Ranch....

Our trip to Honduras was simply amazing.  Our trip was in August, and I don't think a day has passed that I haven't thought about something or someone tied to the trip or the mission team. The faces of the beautiful children that live at the ranch, the missionaries that love on them, and the people we met in the community float through my mind.  For all of them I pray.  I pray that they know God loves them. That he sees their pain, struggles and need.  That He will provide for them.  The whole trip touched me in ways that I'm still processing.

We were a small team, and apparently uniquely qualified for something they'd never done before our team came.  We were given all the kids for a full day, so the missionaries could have missionary care for a full day.

I can't post a lot of pictures, because they asked us not to post pictures of the kids faces at the ranch. We spent the day with them and had a lot of fun.  It was nice to get to know them one on one, and as a group a little bit.  These sweet kids are amazing. They have been through a lot, and you can see it in their eyes.  But God loves them SO much.  I wished I was better at explaining that - they are so loved, even when I'm sure it doesn't feel like it.

We painted nails, painted suncatchers, made bows and arrows, played on the playground, played cards and talked. I made a few balloon animals that I knew how to make, and a couple of the kids taught me a few more they knew. They taught us a bottle top game. we had one little one hide, but one of the older ones was able to talk him out of his hiding spot.

One of the older girls taught me a new balloon animal.  I've added it to my list of ones I can do now!

The children taught us this game with bottle tops.  I am still not certain of all the rules, but they indicated I was getting the hang of it. :)

We also had some time doing nails and hair extensions.  Don't worry friends, this was not my group - I know better.  ha.

The men made bows for I believe everyone that wanted one, and they had a great time shooting the arrows that were brought by a team member, as well as making more from sticks. 

It was a great day, the kids really are great.  I was able to talk to a few of the older girls, about hopes and dreams.

These sweet kids need your prayers.  Their mentor families, counselors, teachers and other missionary support staff do too.  They also need support.  If you are so led, you can buy cloud forest coffee in support of the ministry, directly support a mission family or even sponsor a child.  You will be blessed.  You can find more information at World Gospel Outreach. The coffee is awesome, if you are a coffee drinker.  A small thing, but it really helps!

I'd go back tomorrow if given the chance!