We were blessed to receive a few groups of visitors this summer. We have been so busy that today is the first day I've found time to add a new post! The first group came from my home church, Peace Christian Reformed Church, in Iowa. My parents were able to travel with them as well. Even though their time was short, they accomplished so much.
They brought new toys for the kids to play with. Michelle even sat with the children to show them how to play with all of their new toys. They have had so much fun getting out their new toys each day.
Most of the group worked on constructing the playground we have been slowly putting in. They were able to get the flooring cut, painted and installed as well as the new bridge. They also put in a tractor for the kids to drive.
A few of the women came to teach the family caregivers how to make a quilted pot holder and to make pot holders and rugs from old shirts. The girls and staff had so much fun getting to learn to make everything. They were especially blessed as most volunteers focus on projects that directly benefit the babies and don't usually spend very much time with them.
After the group from Peace left we received a visit from Ute, the previous director, and her children. Ute is now the liaison between the funds received from VDM to keep the orphanage going and the orphanage. It was wonderful to see them again. Her children worked with our children to keep painting the new train playground. We are blessed to have someone who knows and loves the orphanage partnering with us again to keep it running.
Our last visitors are long time friends who came to see how work at the orphanage is progressing. Cindy's church, Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Oklahoma took an offering before their trip. We received enough funds to be able to complete the playground and install the electrical wiring in the new classroom/office that VDM is helping to build.
Our new classroom/office Nancy & Cindy Ute, Stella & Ida