A team of twenty-two folks with big hearts
arrived from Christ Church in Plano,Texas
to spend the week of February 21st - 26th
with the children from the two Casas Hogares.
Current SAMS missionaries,Sandy and Gloria
Johnson, are thrilled to reunite with former
SAMS missonary, Vicki Robertson.
The man of the hour is Ricardo Vergara,
who is overseeing the construction project
for the new dormitory for the teens.
Members of the team were delighted to view the progress.
The team split into three groups: one to each of
the children's homes, and one to the construction
site. Here, Tia Millie teaches the younger
children at San Jose how to make a banner.
site. Here, Tia Millie teaches the younger
children at San Jose how to make a banner.
Rosa Maria and Tamara were very focused on their projects!
The finished products were beautiful!
What an artistic bunch!
What an artistic bunch!
Other activities included making hand painted
crosses for their sponsors back in the U.S.
And a reminder of God's unfailing love
in the promise of the rainbow.
Plus, it was fun just to have time to play with the Tios and Tias!
Here the kids learn "Rock, paper, scissors"
from Tia Cinde and Tio David.
Three new Roof Dogs, Tia Teri, Tia Lynn, and
Tia Pam bond with Pamela and Rosa Isela.
Tia Toni and Tia Ginny play jacks with the
older girls, (Ruddy) Estrella and Yasmin.
And Tia Rachael has fun with the littlest girl, Gimena.
Meanwhile, at Sagrada Familia, the teens
and the Tios have fun together...
All the children and the Tios and Tias
go on a bus tour of Arequipa.
Ronald and Juan Diego like to spend time with Tio Merritt.
First stop is at an Alpaca factory...
This fellow's wool will become a beautiful sweater.
A native artisan works in front of the onlookers...
with many hues to choose from in his weaving.
Next stop is the awesome Carmen Alto overlook!
On the way we are treated to
an unexpected performance
by the side of the road.
Hermelinda, Susana, and Giovanna
pose in front of the overlook, as
do Tio Alejandro and Tia Gloria.
Final day's activities....
Volleyball is very popular here in Arequipa,
especially among the teenage girls.
Padre Juan Carlos, Tio Larry, and
Tia Michelle join in the fun!
Padre Juan Carlos, Tio Larry, and
Tia Michelle join in the fun!
Good friends Estrella and Rosa Maria
Back row: Tia Karen, Hermelinda, Margot
Front row: Tia Toni, Giovanna, and Martha
Tia Teri helps Rosa Isela and Pamela
make an insect box....and Tio Andy
shows Manuel and Wilber how to
construct a wooden race car below.
Diego Armando gets help from Tia Cinde.
Tia Lynn, who did much of the
translating during the week, found
a special friend in (Ruddy) Estrella.
Tia Toni and Yasmin
The Tios and Tias teach the kids
different dances....leading the way
are Tio Nozar and Tia Kelly
as well as Tia Michelle, Tia Rachael, and
SAMS intern Chris Easley (in back).
All that activity makes for hungry kids!
days was Anthony, the son of one of the
workers at San Jose. As Tia Cinde said,
"Anthony taught me a lot about Jesus today.
Although he cannot speak words, he speaks volumes
about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness,
and self-control. His joy was contagious...
his life - a gift to this world."
Following lunch, the children gave a wonderful
program of dances and song for their beloved
Tios and Tias. Here Estrella and Diego Armando
perform the Arequipenan dance called the "Marinera."
Even the tutors get into the act!
A dance from San Jose
Special gifts were presented from the children....
here Tio Ron models his new chullo!
THANK YOU, ROOF DOGS, FOR ALL
YOUR LOVE, PRAYERS, AND PRACTICAL
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THESE
CHILDREN FROM OUR CASAS HOGARES!
