Made it to Mexico about a month ago to serve in the orphanage Dulce 
Refugio.  It is a blessing to be sharing a house with Jeremy and Ana, 
a couple who also volunteer in the orphanage.  Being able to come 
home to a quiet room after a crazy day with the kids is crucial 
for my sanity!	
	I really enjoy my days with the children.  I am greeted 
by many of my students with ‘Good morning,’ no matter what time of 
day it is, because of the ‘Good morning’ song we learned in English.
 Also they love the word ‘Monkey’ after learning the ‘Monkey’ song, 
actually the ‘Teddy bear’ song, but I did not have a teddy bear so 
we sing it with a stuffed monkey.  The younger children in my 
morning class are finally learning how to sit down, listen to 
stories, line up and take turns.  This class I teach mostly in 
Spanish and try to integrate a little English.  With my 
kindergarten group in the afternoon, I teach more English, 
because they enjoy learning it and trying to say new words.  
With my first grade group we work on homework and then have 
English 
class.  They love it so much that if I need to I can threaten them,
 no English class if they don’t do their homework, and they get it 
done right away. We usually start off each class with a prayer and
 a praise song, then move on to our lesson.  Sometimes I end up 
teaching in Spanglish as I try to integrate the English words they
 already know. 	As get to know the kids more, my heart breaks to 
learn their stories.  One of the elementary school girls was 
helping me with my kindergarten group as we took a special trip 
to the park.  She was carrying one of the smaller boys because 
she says she feels like his older sister, "but not like his real 
siblings…because they hit him, and I love him," she told me. In 
all of my classes there are several children with learning 
disabilities or speech impediments.  One girl can’t even pronounce 
words, she just screams when she wants something.  I’m not sure why
 this is, it could be due to the backgrounds the kids come from, 
not having enough love & attention to develop properly, or possibly 
it could be due to drug or alcohol abuse by the parents.  Here at 
Dulce Refugio, we are very happy to receive these children at risk: 
feed them, clothe them, educate them and above all else love them 
with the unconditional love of Christ.  It isso meaningful to be a 
part of what God is doing here, I pray that He continues to give 
the children a new hope and future in Him.  Thank you so much for 
also being a part of this through your prayers and support!!!    
Please continue to pray for the children. Also pray for all of the 
volunteers who help run Dulce Refugio, that we would be given wisdom
 as we try to raise these children with love and discipline, each 
one created so unique and special.  And pray that I can keep up 
with these energetic little ones!