This is a personal account by one of the trip members, Marg Dejong about the Faithworks trip to Dulce Refugio Casa Hogar (Home of Sweet Refuge) in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The time away was a blessing for all of us who went and of course we also hope it was for those at the orphanage.  In terms of the work we accomplished, we were able to pour 7 ton of concrete, build two indestructible soccer nets, finish off some cabinetry, do some painting,  tie rebar for some of the concrete and do some necessary gardening.  In addition, but not least, we spent a lot of enjoyable time with the children.  

Brian and Tom spent a few hours welding these fencing materials to make these nets. Most of the children presently attend a public school, but some who do not have birth registration are at the orphanage all day.  When this school is finished they will be able to give all the children a Christian education. The orphanage does not receive any funding from the Mexican government.  Everything is through donations and sponsors.  One of the sponsors is the Canadian government.

The home had about 45 children from the ages of about 3 to 17.  Many of these children were not true orphans but did have a parent(s) who was unable or unwilling to parent.  Their stories, if they wished to share them, were difficult but it was a blessing to see the LORD’s hand in their lives at the orphanage. 

The boys and girls are very disciplined!!  They get up at very early and are ready for breakfast and devotions at 6AM.  Their rooms are always very neat and the kids all have jobs in keeping the grounds tidy.  Their school day ends at around 2 and they have a warm meal back at the orphanage at about 3 PM.  Then they do their homework and play and have a lighter supper and are all in bed on time.

If you would like to read more about this orphanage and the story of Marce(the director) who started it all you can check the following blogs:

http://childrenofhope.info

https://thebecxicanwire.wordpress.com/

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