Claire & Samantha Updegraff Honduras 7/6/05 - 7/15/05

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In July we headed toward the destination that both of us had anticipated since early in the year, an orphanage in Honduras by the name of Hogar Renacer.  The ride was long and boring, the airplane flight was exciting, but the reunion with the children at the orphanage was simple joy. This was Claire's first visit and Samantha's third.  It is children bonding with children, adults bonding with adults, and children and adults finding comfort in each other.

It had been noticed that the children of the orphanage did not have doll babies or even stuffed animals on their beds.  As soon as the yard sales began in the spring, we were on our way to finding dolls.  We accumulated 16 cabbage patch dolls.  Each doll was dressed in two outfits, had a baby bottle with disappearing milk or orange juice, a bib, and was wrapped up in a baby blanket.  At Hogar, the 16 youngest children were given the dolls.  The joy of the little girls receiving the gifts, were surpassed by the emotions of the mission team members as each little girl "opened their package."  This small token of love was so well received that we now have 17 more cabbage patch dolls ready to be stowed away in a duffle bag and delivered to more children at Hogar Renacer.

The painting of a gate house is a project we worked on.  This house was painted inside and out. Using four colors of paint, this house was transformed into an upbeat living environment.

Vacation Bible School was held in a local church where orphanage children and village children were welcome.  Attendance started at about 50 and by the end of the week approxomately 90 came to enjoy the fellowship.  Although Bible study was the main focus, making crafts was a hit because most children could not afford to make such things to take home.  Making new friendships played a key roll at VBS.

This trip to Hogar Renacer has strengthed our faith and opened our eyes. Thank you for supporting us on our mission trip.

Submitted by Claire & Samantha Updegraff, Contacts

Claire & Samantha are members of Lycoming Presbyterian of Northumberland Presbytery.

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