Cocos Orphanage

On Monday we went to the Cocos Orphanage in Limon.  The children at this oprhanage are older than the children at Villas....most of the children are 8-13 years old.  They probably welcomed a new child to the home yesterday.....a 13 year old girl named Kimberly gave birth to a girl Sunday morning at 5:30 am.  It has been a little difficult to explain to Meredith how/why a 13 year old girl is having a baby but I have tried to answer her question the best I know how.

When we arrived at the orphanage with played a couple of get to know you type games and then did a craft with the children.  On Sunday night I talked to Chino (our guide...best in all of Costa Rica) about specific needs that the children may have that our group might be take care of.  After finishing the craft Chino told me that all of the children needs new clothes and shoes.  So we loaded them all on the bus and headed to the store.  Each person from our group was paired up with a child and help them pick out one outfit and pair of shoes.  Meredith and I picked out clothes for the new baby.  It was an awesome moment for our group to be able to purchase each child a new outfit....they were so proud of their new clothes.  Then we headed back to the home (they call it a home...not orphanage).

Once we arrived back at the home we ate lunch and then a moment that made me proud....Meredith read part of book to the children that told the creation story.  I know I've said this before but she is doing an awesome job with the children.  Next we headed to a local soccer field to play some kickball, jump rope & simply talking with the children.  Alex (a blind boy in the home) was so excited when one of our group picked up a cat so he could play with him.  He shared with Darla how he used to have a cat and I believe that was a highlight for Alex.  There was a group of us playing kickball with some of the children and it was so much fun to see them running and laughing...just being kids.  It was then time to leave.....we will be going back on Wednesday and I know when we leave it will be difficult.  We just pray that we are showing them that they are NOT fogotten and that not only to we love and care for them but God does as well and that He will NEVER leave nor forsake then when they expect Him as their Savior.

Please continue to pray for our group and the children. 

Matthew