http://www.orphanos.org/blogOrphanos Blog Updatesen-us “Call unto me, and answer thee and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not firm." Jeremiah 33:3 Praise to the Lord that hears us, answers us, and helps us. We are thankful because we have received from the Lord new friends and...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118778Thu, 03 May 2012 17:31:00 Z In ministry we are dealing with people’s lives and often subtle changes in the heart are hard to track. Sometimes “impact” is clear and immediate, sometimes not so. This past week I was blessed with one of those moments when impact was clear and...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118777Thu, 03 May 2012 17:22:00 Z “How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights” Psalms 36:7-8 One of our children,...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118769Thu, 03 May 2012 14:00:00 Z I must say that this month has been a little bit difficult as we were very disappointed after being deceived by someone here. Since we have had our current camera for about 4 years, we were looking at buying a new camera for our ministry. We put our...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118747Wed, 02 May 2012 01:13:00 Z Last month we shared a lot of problems we were having. Thankfully, this month we get to share God’s solutions to many of those problems! Worker Solution: We currently have 2 men helping with building, clearing land, making rock pathways, etc....http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118744Wed, 02 May 2012 00:08:00 Z My grandmother passed away this month. She is far and away the closest person to me who has ever died. At 93 years of age it wasn’t a shock, but I honestly kind of thought she might live forever. When I was little, my family would go to Grammy’s...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118743Tue, 01 May 2012 23:22:00 Z The verses we shared last month from Ecclesiastes have continued to ring true this month as we’ve lived out so many of the verses A time to be born and a time to die… After 93 years of life on this earth, my mom, known as “Grammy” passed away...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118742Tue, 01 May 2012 22:12:00 Z This April, the weather has been so nice and all kinds of flowers are in bloom. We took the children to the zoo. The little ones were so proud of themselves because they saw the 'Lion King'! Looking at the picture above, aren't they cute?! At...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118484Tue, 01 May 2012 14:48:00 Z This blog is a tribute to my mother.  In light of Mother’s Day which is rapidly approaching, I wanted to tell everyone how awesome she is!  Surprise Mom, this one’s for you! It’s hard to condense all our years together into one blog...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118603Tue, 01 May 2012 14:25:00 Z "Many are the plans in the heart of man, but what prevails is the purpose of the Lord." Proverbs 19:21 . Glory to the Lord because His desires, not ours, always prevail. We are glad to have everyone in school and making good grades! Of...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118154Wed, 04 Apr 2012 19:27:00 Z OK for the last two blog entries we’ve sort of gotten away from journaling our travel sagas. That was probably a little bit of a mistake because as we look at the list of “trips” we’ve completed since our last report we’re getting worried about...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118087Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:30:00 Z We have been purposing to dig deeper with a few families that God has placed in our path this past month, and we have seen great results so far. We are really excited to see what God will continue to do in the following families. ...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118116Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:13:00 Z Do you ever have days, months or even longer periods in your life where you’ve wondered why you are in a particular situation? Have you pondered the lesson or God’s purpose for placing you exactly where you’re at exactly at this time?  I...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118093Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:11:00 Z We had very special visitors this last month. Several children from the States came all the way to the Amazon to visit our children here in Colombia. We all greatly appreciated their effort! The children arrived without any barrier, and...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118092Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:48:00 Z On Jan. 1st of this year I asked God what book of the Bible He wanted me to read first. The answer came very clearly: Joshua. The lessons from that book have been exactly what I needed to learn to face the past 2 months. 1. Be strong and...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118075Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:43:00 Z The last couple months I have gotten to spend quite a bit more time with Seth’s family as they have been in town for the birth of their third grandchild. Not only have I enjoyed going to dinner and spending time with them, I have also gotten to...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118063Fri, 30 Mar 2012 21:24:00 Z  Each time I sit to write an update, I am thankful for the opportunity to reflect and share with you what God is doing in and through our lives. Then I think of how I will begin and how I can summarize it all. It seems I always end up with...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118058Fri, 30 Mar 2012 15:37:00 Z There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build,...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118054Thu, 29 Mar 2012 21:34:00 Z After God showered blessings and opened up every door for us to be here on the mountain, we've had 2 months of intense spiritual warfare and trials. Please continue to pray for us as we encounter all these various problems. Internet Problems: ...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=118052Thu, 29 Mar 2012 20:42:00 Z   After all our wonderful graduations last month, we began a new school year this month. There were eight nursery admissions. Also, one elementary school, thirteen junior high school, and four high school children were enrolled in new...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117971Thu, 29 Mar 2012 13:26:00 Z It’s Friday morning and we can hardly believe our time in the jungle has come to an end. Where did the days go? We need to apologize to everyone for not doing better at blogging for you each day. We did run into a bit of a challenge as a sickness...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117651Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:21:00 Z It’s Wednesday morning, and we wanted to let you know about our lives since the last blog entry. Sunday night it rained hard all night, so we all slept very deeply. The Amazon rain acted as a sleep aid! In the morning our b&b provided us a...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117593Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:04:00 Z March 11, 2012 Hello everyone.  First let me say WE MADE IT to Colombia!  Mike, Riley, Chad, Caleb, James, Ethan, Greg, Madeline, Cameron, Audrey and Wayne; are all safe, well fed, extremely happy, and exhausted! Greg said it...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117540Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:17:00 Z Many people comment that March is the month that comes in like a lion.  For us, February seemed to be that month for us. It started out with Ira and I joining Wayne and Wil, another Orphanos Board member, on a trip to Leticia Colombia. ...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117367Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:05:00 Z February has seemed like a very short month and I guess I can blame it on the lack of a few days at the end. But it has been a month of new steps for our family. First, Leilani turned 1 year old! It’s hard to believe that time has gone...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117323Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:22:00 Z February is the month of graduation. There was 13 elementary kids, 4 middle school kids, 5 high school kids who graduated this year. Congratulations! We are so proud of them. Pray for those kids who graduated high school as they just...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117297Wed, 29 Feb 2012 20:14:00 Z A new year started and the children came back with many new blessings with them. They were all very happy to be back as you can see on their faces. We have about 15 new children, all of them from much needed families and we hope that all of them...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117295Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:54:00 Z Where do you want us to go??? “God’s ways are far above our ways”…this verse is so overused in Christian circles yet so applicable for most situations. When God undeniably led us to Belize, He also led us to Placencia, a coastal community,...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117293Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:52:00 Z Recently a few friends have referred to me as being on the mission field. Every time I hear that it kind of surprises me. When I was in high school and college I knew that God was calling me to devote my life to something specific; I just didn’t...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117291Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:43:00 Z For those of you wondering what in the world is going on in the Gehrett household, this post is for you.  I’ve often said that I wake up with a clean slate each day, and if one has a secret to tell me then it’s surely going to be safe because I...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117280Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:21:00 Z Big “Praise the Lord”!! We received 10% of the purchase price for down payment on the property by Valentine’s Day…one day before the deadline! Thanks so much to all those who gave and prayed. Work began on the property. We were joined by 4...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=117192Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:49:00 Z The Lord is compassionate and gracious; slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8   How wonderful it is to see the Lord taking care of our home. He shows us His love in so many different ways: as a comprehensive...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116964Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:37:00 Z Although old news now that is February, I’ll quickly to catch you up to speed…our first married holidays were wonderful! It was exciting to experience some completely new traditions of Seth’s family as well as introduce him to a few of mine. We were...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116869Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:58:00 Z I had the pleasure of sharing my testimony and talking about my ministry at a dear friend’s hometown church this Sunday night.  I was nervous because I do not do a lot of speaking, and I wasn’t sure how the message the Lord laid on my heart would be...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116867Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:32:00 Z Lunar New Year is Here!     Our real new year is a lunar new year here in Korea. One tradition we have is kids bow down out of respect and receive a gift from the dorm mothers and Mrs. Noh! This is a very exciting tradition for...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116851Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:03:00 ZThis month we wrapped up our Christmas break with a celebration of Three Kings Day.  Here at Pan de Vida, Christmas Eve is a spiritual time that everyone gathers to praise and worship the birth of our Saviour , Jesus Christ.  January 6th is...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116843Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:21:00 Z Well, this has been a very Happy New Year so far. We have started out on a few new adventures and it has truly been enjoyable. First, Gustavo got his first report card of his senior year! We were all nervous (I think he was the one who was...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116825Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:14:00 Z After being in and around the missions industry for over 30 years now, I’ve heard dozens of sermons on Rev. 5:9 and how we need to do more to reach every tribe, language, people, and nation with the Gospel story. I’ve even preached that message a...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116632Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:05:00 Z 1. Dino had the opportunity to preach at the Dellinger's church on several occasions, and also at a children's retreat on the property where 3 children prayed to receive Christ.            ...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116572Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:07:00 Z After college, I had all kinds of dreams of what my life would be like, but in my early 20’s I began to have debilitating symptoms: extreme weakness, paralysis, severe pain, insomnia, etc. My mom had struggled with the same symptoms for the last 20...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116568Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:16:00 Z Twenty years ago on a family camping trip to Arkansas, God convicted us to step out in faith and go to Mexico to start a training center for missionaries. That dream was put on hold when Melissa nearly died in Mexico on one of our many trips to show...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116565Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:47:00 Z Thank You! To all those who were with us in this purpose of reaching the children in need for the Lord, to those who give, pray, visit us, or have worked in different ways, to those who love us and show us the love of Jesus, may the Lord bless...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116365Wed, 04 Jan 2012 19:09:00 Z In December, we had the US Military visit our home. Some of the little ones were scared of Santa, but most of them had a wonderful time with the visitors. They got their picture taken and received fun snacks.     This month we...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116364Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:56:00 Z As I type this letter to you, right outside my coach class window I’m watching the beauty of God’s creation pass below me. The view from 35,000 feet above the Andean Mountains of Colombia is just stunning. But my mind is racing with the events from...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116362Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:46:00 Z Over the holidays I had the privilege of going hunting with my dad, brother, nephew and sons, a tradition that has been passed down in my family for generations.  However, this was the first time my boys got to experience it, and as I walked...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116361Wed, 04 Jan 2012 17:12:00 ZThe month has been a month of reflection in which we have been able to look back on this past year in Ecuador. First, we have seen such growth in Gustavo since he arrived. He not only has improved academically, but he has grown spiritually and...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116356Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:00:00 Z Once again as I reflect on the events that have filled December, I am reminded of the true gift we have through Jesus Christ in our lives. In addition to the Kards for Kids received by Orphanos,  there were a few local businesses and...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116344Tue, 03 Jan 2012 03:47:00 Z What happens when youth come together for a weekend at a camp, where there is fun, great music and inspiring messages? What happens is the Lord begins to move on the hearts of young people and lives are surrendered, challenged and changed. Now you...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=116146Tue, 20 Dec 2011 16:37:00 Z In January of this year, I left a great job in corporate America following a passion, directed by God. This change of direction may sound strange, not logical, odd, but, at times in your Christian walk, you will face the same thing. The decision...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115830Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:07:00 Z Great is the Lord! During this time, so many things have been giving us peace and hope! We have been praying more than usual, especially together with the children and it brings us all so much joy! I am sure the Lord is very happy because we...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115829Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:36:00 Z "'Because I know the plans I have for you', said the Lord. 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'". Jeremiah 29:11 Glory to the Lord who dominates over all things and has everything planned for each...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115826Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:06:00 Z This month has been a busy month for the kids at Isaac Children's Home. We have captured a few photos below to share with you from the month of November. The photos above were taken at Seoul University Hospital. This month, they gave each...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115823Tue, 06 Dec 2011 15:44:00 Z I literally laughed out loud as I was driving to work the other day thinking about how differently God's plan for my life has been from that of my own.  If you were to look at my college resume from 15 years ago you'd see that I was certain I would...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115819Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:33:00 Z This past month has been a relaxing month, where we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving and even start getting ready for Christmas. First, we got a little antsy this year and decided to decorate for Christmas this year before Thanksgiving....http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115815Tue, 06 Dec 2011 04:50:00 Z Just getting back from Chicago (where we spent Thanksgiving this year), I can’t help feeling in the holiday spirit. I don’t know whether the colder weather, being with family, or loads of food caused the change. Yet, I am so thankful for this time...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115803Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:19:00 Z November started off with a 3 day holiday called Día de los Muertes/Day of the Dead. Of course at Pan de Vida we do not recognize this as a holiday but it is widely acknowledged here in Mexico.  History has it that Halloween is a time...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115794Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:14:00 Z This month I am excited to share with you about our recent camp. “Identity in Jesus” was our main subject for the camp. Our objective was to let all the attendants know that their true identity is in Jesus. All the activities and teachings were...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115478Fri, 04 Nov 2011 20:20:00 Z "And those who know Your name put their trust in You, for You, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You " Psalm 9:10 How wonderful to know that the Lord does not abandon us and has sustained us with His grace. Although we are still...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115476Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:02:00 Z For those of you who read our update this past month, you know that September was a very difficult month for us. We felt like we were being pushed to our limits: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Well, praise be to God for difficult...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115468Thu, 03 Nov 2011 20:36:00 Z On October 1st, we celebrated our 23rd Isaac Home Activity Night. We invited our supporters, teachers, and relatives to this fun event. The night was filled with many dances and songs from our kids. The kids put a lot of effort into this performance...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115462Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:41:00 Z Where do I begin?! It is sometimes overwhelming to know where to start, but I am so excited to be a part of the team at Orphanos. As I begin my blog, I want to first tell you a little bit about who I am and how I got here. My beginning at...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115459Thu, 03 Nov 2011 15:16:00 Z Does anyone feel like the hands of the clock are spinning out of control or is it just me? November is here and I find myself wondering where the year has gone!  Wow, I have managed to squeeze a lot into this little space we call a “year”!  I ask...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115449Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:30:00 Z Hi Everyone~  I wanted to start out and introduce ourselves to those who don't know us.  We are Ira and Bobbi  Maxwell and are in ministry at one of Orphanos'  partner Orphanages, Pan de Vida/Bread of Life, in Mexico.  We...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115440Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:23:00 Z Recently we contracted with Dr. David Befus, former president of Latin American Mission, author of an excellent book called: Where There Are No Jobs, and a very sought after consultant.  (We had to arm wrestle him away from...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115033Thu, 13 Oct 2011 20:58:00 Z If you remember or read my update about my travels to the United States I received a lot of pirate gear from a restaurant in Georgia. If you don’t know this story while I was in Savannah, GA I ate dinner at a local restaurant called Pirate’s Key...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115165Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:05:00 Z "The fear of man lays a snare, but who trusts in the Lord are safe." Proverbs 29: 25 The healthy fear is a respect of our limits, and is the awareness that we need others to learn how to grow, and the biggest comfort that God gives us is to know...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115158Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:42:00 Z Last month we celebrated Chuseok holiday, it is like your American Thanksgiving. We celebrate this on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar so this year it fell on September 12. We had 4 holidays in a row and some of the schools had...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115157Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:06:00 Z Fall is my favorite season. There is something so peaceful and calming about this time of year. I love to snuggle up outside on the deck or on the porch swing with a hot cup of coffee and just watch the leaves fall, follow the squirrels as they...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115156Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:43:00 Z Everyone, Let me start of by apologizing (again). My last update was 3 months ago. At this point, I will not promise to update regularly? Quite a bit has evolved since my last update. I continue to work on a mission with Orphanos to...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=115137Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:47:00 Z Dear Friends and Family, We would really like to ask for your prayers right now as our family has been going through a difficult month and we would like to share some prayer requests with you. We don't know if this is a time of testing or just...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114996Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:15:00 Z THE CHILDREN GROW I am very proud to share with you about one of our girls, Aline Stephania. She came to us 5 years ago, and now she will be graduating high school next December. Aline came with one brother and one sister, her mother was...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114786Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:12:00 Z I knew I had something pending to share with all my friends and supporters, and that is my visit to the United States. How I have BEEN UNDER HIS LOVE. I was safe, welcomed, fed, recognized, strengthen, happy but specially loved. I praise the Lord...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114774Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:27:00 Z This past month was a fun time for our kids. The kids were able to go to a Summer Camp at Yangjoo Youth Center. During the camp we were able to have a festival where the kids sang songs, danced, and played a lot of fun games. They also spent some...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114767Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:55:00 Z "And this is the confidence we have in Him: that if we ask anything, according to His will, He hears. And since we know He hears us when we make our requests, we also know that He will give us what we ask for. 1 John 5, 14 and 15” God...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114738Tue, 13 Sep 2011 20:44:00 Z I normally don’t make resolutions for New Year’s nor do I post on my Facebook page very often, but I do remember simply saying on January 1st that I believed 2011 was going to be a good year. Some would say I’ve made sweeping changes in my life...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114719Mon, 12 Sep 2011 16:28:00 Z This update is going to be mainly focused on one of our kids, Gustavo. I know that you are dying to know about everything else that is going on…like that Leilani is crawling, but you’ll just have to wait until our next update. But a lot of things...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114718Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:14:00 Z I’ve always fancied myself pretty good at picking up accents from various countries in the world.  In fact, it’s not uncommon for me that by the end of a restaurant meal to pick out the country of origin of our waitress (British, South...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114696Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:52:00 Z "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience experience; and experience, hope". Romans 5: 3-4. As it says in the text above in the midst of an uncomfortable and sore process we...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114739Fri, 05 Aug 2011 20:46:00 Z As I write this I’m listening to the sound of waves crashing on the rugged Oregon coastline and watching the vegetation being pushed sideways by the gusting northwestern winds. My girls and I find ourselves enjoying luxury that we’re not...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114296Fri, 05 Aug 2011 03:23:00 Z This month has been visitors month again…as most summers have been. It is an exciting time to be able to see people and a great time of fellowship. First, we a team through our organization from Briarcrest Christian School came...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114444Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:25:00 Z This month has been a month of finishing things we had begun almost a year ago. And we give thanks to God that we were able to finish well. First, Gustavo finished his first year at Montebello Academy! It was a difficult change...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114445Tue, 05 Jul 2011 01:43:00 Z Posted: 12:00noon Sunday July 10th After a challenging trip home (12 hours in a bus and several flight delays) everyone arrived safely in Memphis today around 11:00am. Thanks family and friends for your excellent support and prayers. ...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=113880Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:22:00 Z I would like to start off by saying how honored I feel to be a sixteen-year-old American kid writing this newsletter about our trip to La Aljaba. As you know, a team of fifteen members from Crossroads Church in Concord, North Carolina traveled down...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114450Fri, 01 Jul 2011 02:41:00 Z May and June have been very busy months for us. I went to Kentucky to speak at the Christian Alliance for Orphans conference. It was such an honor to be asked to do a workshop during the conference. I got up at 3:am to drive there, and do the...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114297Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:35:00 Z This past month has been a "regular" month, so I am going to take this time to brag a little bit about my kids. First, this past month, we had "Montebello Week" at school, where we were able to hold some fun activities for my kids...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114446Mon, 06 Jun 2011 01:57:00 Z Sorry it has been so long since my last update. Remember from my last note, I mentioned that our organizational vision is to "connect kids, feed poor children, and assist in lifting communities out of poverty." For this blog, I will give a little...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114451Sat, 14 May 2011 02:55:00 Z Starting out a May blog with pictures of our girls playing in the snow doesn’t quite seem right. But we wanted to remind you that a few short weeks ago Memphis was blanketed in snow for the 5th time this year. For our friends up north that may...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114305Tue, 10 May 2011 03:28:00 Z   This past month, we were able to go back to Texas for two weeks to visit and finish some things that needed to be done. Since Richard's parents are moving out of the country, we had to go back to the States for them to meet...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114447Tue, 03 May 2011 02:08:00 Z I praise the Lord!! This time has been a time of great challenges, for me personally, for the ministry. The good thing is that the Lord demands from us to assume great things when His plans are also great, to make decisions according to His great...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114449Sat, 09 Apr 2011 02:31:00 Z This past week we flew to North Carolina and visited Angela's home church in Morehead City. She has friends there that are like family to her, so we stayed there and had two days days of R&R. We'll all of us but Wayne. He was asked to speak...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114306Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:36:00 Z   This past month has been really fun and a time of growth as well.   In Latin America, there is a huge celebration here called Carnaval, which is a Latin version of Mardi gras. Since we had two days off from school, we...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114448Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:17:00 Z Someone asked me recently, "So what is this thing you have for playing with wild creatures?" Huh? I guess I never really thought about it, but apparently I do have an affinity for messing with wild creatures. In the last 12 months I've found...http://www.orphanos.org/default.aspx?p=78904&beid=114307Mon, 28 Feb 2011 04:43:00 Z