Work on the buildings continues to make steady progress.
Bricks continue to be put on the medical building, as well as parging on the inside walls.
We also were able to pour concrete for the floors and porch of the other building. It does not appear that we will get the buildings completed. But they are well on there way and will be completed by the local trades people.
Our time with the girls has been such a joy. Each day a member of the team has told a bible story followed by a craft or game. A few of us have taken a time out to participate in this each day. We have also had a few soccer games. Team Canada is no match for the mighty Colombians.
Today we celebrated Ben’s 50th birthday. It was the highlight of the day. The girls were so excited. After the bible story and some games out came the birthday cake. And the girls burst into a load chorus of Happy Birthday. It was a great surprise for Ben. I’m sure he won’t forget it.
We had brought some gift bags with us from home. So we handed them out. What a treat for the girls as they each walked up to receive their gift bag. It’s amazing what can fit in those bags. The girls were so happy.
After this we had two piñatas to break followed by a game of soccer in the dark and then supper. It sure was some party.
There is another girl at the home we had hoped to highlight. But I’ll make brief mention here. Lorainna was rescued from the most horrendous of conditions. She was found tied up on a rope or chain, I’m not exactly sure, in a cage, in the corner of a shack of a home. This has left her terribly scarred on the inside and mentally instable. Imagine. When we first arrived at the home she was kept hidden in a room because she could not handle our presence.
Slowly as the days went by we have tried to make small steps in gaining her trust. Today there was a noticeable improvement with that. She came out of the kitchen and sat with me, held my hand when I put it out and was able to go up and get her gift bag. Later she gave everybody on the team kisses and a candy. When we had to go she became terribly upset and would not let go of my hand. We can be thankful she receives so much love and care here from the staff. And all the girls seem too want to help her and give her hugs. It’s so great to see. Hopefully we’ll be able to post her story.
The time is drawing nearer to when we go home. We are all beginning to look forward to that. Please continue to pray for our continued safety and our work here and the work of the CDA staff at the home.
