Round and Round and Round We Go

New Bikes, all things with wheels, big wheels, little wheels, carts, and everything round seemed to the be the order of the day yesterday.

As soon as David and Karen delivered the two new bikes, they were in use... and the adults were busy - Peggy with the boys bike and

Diane with the girls.

It takes time and patience,

but the rewards are beautiful!

 



Meanwhile, around the picnic table, little cars were in use.

Maybe a little more practice...

and help keeping the feet on the pedals...

 

 Oops, these feet don't even touch the pedals

 

"Hey, I think I got this...

  

 

but this is still fun!"

 



And, in the house, the ladies were gathered round the kitchen for a try at tortilla making.  Marylou was consulting Delia to be sure the ingredients were in the right proportion.  Delia shared that as a young girl of 10 or 12, she would make all the tortillas for her family - I think she had 9 brothers! 

She checked the consistency and declared it felt about right.

Many took a turn at rolling the dough into balls that would then be placed in the new tortilla maker.

Oops, must be too hot or ...

It wasn't long before Marta was recruited to roll out the dough the old fashioned way and cook the tortillas on a griddle on the stove.

 



Isn't that always the way - when company is coming or people are watching, it just doesn't seem to go right.  The good news is that none of the dough was wasted and that while the gals tried to decide what might have gone wrong, the kids were rolling around and around and around the courtyard... and totally enjoying themselves!

 

 

I won't even begin to count the number of laps Diane made around the yard - her daycare background definitely kicked in!

Look at these faces so mesmerized by the wheel of sounds - since it was in English, they recognized the sounds the animals made but not the names that were given to each animal - it was fun to watch as they discussed this toy.  I should have been videoing then,

but I did video the bike riding.

The next time you find yourself going round and round and round and not having any fun, take a moment to pause and listen... listen, you  may hear God's whisper or feel His nudge... what will be your response?

Feeling Blessed...

A couple of days ago, I read an article entitled "The One Thing Christians Should Stop Saying" published at huffingtonpost.com. Marylou had posted it on her facebook page.  It made some excellent points and I challenge each of you to look it up and give it a read.  That having been said, on this Ash Wednesday, I am Feeling Blessed.  Let me share a brief quote from the article,

"My blessing is this.  I know a God who gives hope to the hopeless.  I know a God who loves the unlovable.  I know a God who comforts the sorrowful.  And I know a God who has planted this same power within me.  Within all of us."

Yes, I am definitely Feeling Blessed!  And I am grateful - very grateful to have the privilege to reach out to some of the people in Algodones and share my time with some of the children.

Again, I'll let pictures tell you about our visit this week to The House in Mexico. 

Joanne and Gary make Toys For God's Kids - the little wooden cars and trucks you see in the box of the big truck.  This is a great way for woodworkers to reach children all over the world - check out their website if you have an interest. We handed out many of them at Outreach this year.

A familiar face

A new face.  This little one must have recently visited a doctor's office or a dentist - he checked my teeth and had me say "ahhh" and then he felt behind my ears... I feel bad that I didn't understand his (Spanish) diagnosis.

His little sister was held by one and all.

Little Miss Runny Nose was in the mood to be held, too.

Terry put a door knob on the bathroom - always working this guy.

The littlest one

  just plain wore herself out!

It was fun to have the two older gals visit - no school so they spent part of the day with us.  The foosball table was brought outside and was a big hit!

 

 

 

 

 Love this little lady's look...

Pilot Knob RV Park donated an old white board that wasn't serving its purpose any longer - took four adults to get it up on the wall ... and they had much fun doing it!

Delia used some of the blackboard paint that Glee and John donated...

 

And the kids quickly put it to good use for artwork - later they played school and the older ones were the teachers... I even learned a couple of Spanish words by being one of the students.

 

 

This little beauty brings joy to all of our hearts.  Last year she was seriously ill and today, she still has some problems but she is a fun loving little girl who is learning to play with other children.

Her mom, Marta,  will be helping Delia when there are lots of kids at The House

Love the love this picture shows!

 

 

These two were probably discussing whether or not the car needed new tires...

Thanks Marylou for the delicious treat made with your homemade applesauce!

A family picture... never can get all the kids (and adults) to look good at the same time...

A quiet moment to think things over.

A quiet moment to just chat.

 

And Chocolate Cookies for a treat!

Life is Good!  I am grateful for what I have and I am feeling blessed. 

Don't forget in this special season of Lent to listen when God whispers and respond when He nudges.