The real joy comes when the children spot our bus and run along side to see if their friends from America, who have been coming for several years, have returned. The children are just looking for a willing hand to grab onto, someone to play with, or just walk around and talk. As the bus and all of us inside come to a complete stop, we are surrounded by so many children we have wanted to see. As we step out of the bus, we are greeted by the hugs and strong embrace of the children. Tears of joy as old friends are reconnected and new ones are made, one by one the team is whisked away by a child to see that place they find so special to them.

This year, as in the past, we spend the time playing games doing crafts or seeing an occasional skit by the children, or by the American team. So much hurt and emotional need is even more visible then in the past years. It might be the children are getting older or trust us more as our friendship grows, allowing them to be more expressive and open.

As the hours and days go by, these little children who are so loved by God, are beginning to show some major changes. With all the affection and love we’re able to pour out on them, and each time we place a hand on a child, we would also find ourselves praying to God to bless these little lives.

I want to thank all of you that were not able to come, but who prayed for the children, as well as what God could do through the team. I knew five years ago that when God gave us the strong impression to take on these several orphanages, it would take our entire CBC community. And that is what has taken place over the last five years.

We have so many stories to go along with the many pictures, that by the time this last comment is posted we will be back with our family and looking forward to the first opportunity we can share with all of you the special lives of all these wonderful children.

May god bless your families,
Craig