Change.

It's hard to believe that our group has been coming to Lom for the past 6 years.  It has been quite an amazing experience. These are "our" kids.  Not only have we seen them grow physically, we have also seen the emotional and social changes.  They laugh, listen, care, love, and trust.  We have built relationships with them that have grown and strengthened over the years.  For some, we have been one of the only constants in life.  This trip isn't just about bringing games and crafts to play with; it's about the relationship--providing them with love, trust, confidence, and care.  

And you know that you have made an impact when the foster parents hear you are in town and ask if their kids (former orphans) can spend the day at the orphanage with us.   

Today, I was struck with how many of our "original" kids are still living in the orphanage.  Below are a few pictures from 2007 to give you an idea of who is still here and how they have changed over the past six years.  

Please continue to keep our group in your thoughts and prayers.  We had a full day today with water games, decorating fans, the wobble, handbells, soccer, hula hoop, tattoos, jump rope, pillow making, and relay races.  Tomorrow, some of us are going to the new kindergarten center to see the younger children in the morning so keep Jennifer, Nicky, Susan, Bree, and Katherine in mind as they entertain the others without us!