Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays

On Thursday, Tania, Sarah Eaton, the kids and I rode a "combi" to the little town of Ceineguilla. Doris, the woman who runs the orphanage that the kids help out at, invited us to visit her and the kids at their retreat property in Ceineguilla, an hour and a half from the college.

The quadruplets (as pictured to the left) were celebrating their 2nd birthday. It is truly incredible that they are alive and doing so well. They were born prematurely and their mother died in childbirth. Doris took the children in when they were very small and sickly. The three girls and one boy have done very well under her care. Currently Doris is concerned as the father is showing interest in taking the children back to live with him in a shanty town. It is his right to do this, however one bout of diarrhea could prove to be deadly. Doris asks that we pray for this situation. She has worked hard to create a positive relationship with the father.

Most of the children in her care have parents who are unable to care for them. In the case of the quads, it is mostly financial and living conditions. With the other children it is common for the parents to have mental illness. Doris has a heart to keep the children and the parents in close contact. Her goal is to provide both a loving, stable Christian home and a way for the children to keep in contact with family members whenever possible.

Here is a photo of the place in Cieneguilla. It was truly a paradise. The children from the orphanage absolutely LOVE spending time here. They run free and swim like fish. It is a joy to watch their beautiful smiles as they enjoy the property. The future plan is to create a retreat centre for abused women, but right now Doris takes the children there about once a week for an overnight holiday.

Pictured below is Doris and one of the boys from the orphanage. Below that is a photo of Rachel, Nathan, Noah and some of their friends. It is a blessing to watch the kids interact. Their lack of a common language doesn't seem to affect their friendship.