Painting, Repairing and Playing

Sorry it has been awhile since I've written.  Our life has been blessed with visits from friends and playing!  Oh yes, we did manage to get some work done, too.  Jim and Sharon, from Minnesota, arrived one morning and within an hour, we were in Mexico at The House.   Sharon stopped to get a painting lesson from a talented young man.

 Later that day, we were at Home Depot checking out with three gallons of paint and everything we needed to transform the main floor of the house.

BEFORE.....

DURING....

AFTER...

While painting took place, Terry, with advice from Marge, changed the door handle on the refrigerator.

Lots of people around and that means Glee and Marylou are hard at work in the kitchen.

Eating simple meals with the kids outside is a part of many weekly trips to the house in Algodones.

Seeing big smiles is one of the best parts of these visits.

Lunch break is over and it is time to get back to work - goal is to get living room and dining room finished.

You can tell by the patches on the wall in the kitchen, that room is for another day.

 

But, before this day of work ended, Sharon added a bit of stenciling to the dining room wall.

And, of course, as often happens when moving furniture, repairs were needed.  The table is now in good shape thanks to John and Jim, with Mike's advice...

A week later, we were at it again...  taking time for some frivolity,

while Jack relaxed in the "new" livingroom.

This house has some of the neatest little features.

And the most fun little creatures... do these two not look like they just got caught with fingers in the cookie jar?  Thanks, Barbie, your cookies were much appreciated by young and old.

When we had a bit of paint left, it was decided to give the outside entry area a quick coat

and before we left, Corky was hanging the clock.

No one can resist play... not even Jim!

Or airplanes - when one goes over, all the children look up - happens everytime we are there.

Another lunch, just for kids this time.

 We sure didn't make it easy for Delia to prepare a meal when we were painting in the kitchen, but she did it and the children loved the soup.  Corky helped to serve crackers.

 

Oh, but wait, this is only the end of the painting story, Jim and John fixed the water heater and Jim replaced a couple of faucets, also - no pics of those guys hard at work.  A large group gathered on Tuesday and sorted ... lots of stuff - toys, clothes and who knows what all - organization is an ongoing challenge.  Many good people bringing many good things and so it gets stored at the house and distributed to those who need it - sometimes shoes, sometimes clothes...

And sometimes, someone brings a wonderful drum - it was a highlight of the day.

ML danced when it was played for her in the house and the kids loved it and clapped!

There was a parade or two

and when Moses came, he grabbed a hat and entertained us all!

As I write this I marvel, once again, at the wonderful opportunity God has given us.  Whether you contribute money to help pay the rent or donate a toy or toilet paper or rice and beans, or if you are lucky enough to come and visit, and sort, or paint or fix something,  you all share the joy and the smiles.  It takes many to make this House of Dreams a place where children are well cared for and safe.

Which reminds me, a few days ago Marylou was told of a family which is in need of assistance due to the illnesses of both parents.  Hopefully, with God's help and your prayers and support, we will be able to meet the needs of the child(ren) from this family.  What a blessing it is to help others.

Please remember to listen when God whispers and respond when he nudges.