Our final full day in Venadillo.....this was our Waterpark Day (10a-6p) for all the kids who came to at least 4 days of the VBS as well as attended the worship service & VBS program on Sunday. We had a total of 105 people including our youth group. Candi brought 3 loads in her van of children from Felicidades and nearby villages and I brought 3 loads in my truck of kids from Hogar de Niños, Venadillo and the food to the park. Waterparks in Mexico do not have lifeguards so our US Team split up into 3 groups to be able to watch all the children (most who didn't know how to swim.) This activity was for many of the children, the only time this summer they would get to go to a pool or see any water other than mud puddles near their homes. Thanks to those of you who donated swim suits for the children as well as other clothes / underwear for them!!! We had fun playing in the pools with the children. It was a blast playing water games with them - I even did some throwing of "nerf" balls to boys ages 10-13 as they dove into the pool. (it brought back memories of doing this with AJ when he was younger.) As they dove toward the pool, I would toss the nerf ball high in the air with the boys tried to catch the ball mid-air. We played keep-away with nerf balls (someone had donated a couple dozen of these water nerf balls and they were a big hit!!) We had bonded with the 80+ children during the VBS so much that it was natural to be hanging out with them in the pools. You could hear any one of our names being called by various children wanting our attention. It was very sad saying "adios" to them at the end of the day knowing that when we leave, many of the children from the Home would go back to their families where they had no running water, electricity and pretty much the homes aren't much more than a couple of sticks, cardboard boxes and plastic. One of the families we have learned will probably make their children beg on the streets for money and food after we leave. It's very sad....
Hogar de Niños offer these children a place where they can sleep with a roof over their heads, be given 3 meals a day, clean clothes and be able to go to school. They are given a chance in life because of Hogar de Niños...they are given hope for a better life through education and learning about how families can take care of each other. They are also taken on various field trips throughout the year to learn about job opportunities - what skills they need to have to work. They are taught about trust, honesty and service to others. We all gave so many hugs good-bye as we left the pool. The biggest question which was asked was, "When are you coming back??" Our youth and chaperones have bonded greatly with the children from this area and have shared our hearts and love with this community. We will miss everyone tremendously.....
Your servants of Christ,
Barb and our Utah United Methodist Team
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