This is Sheila posting for the team today....We had the opportunity to take the kids from the orphanage to the Guatemala City zoo today. We took approximately 12 kids with us and it was certainly a very enjoyable day! It was interesting to sit with the children in the van ride as they looked out the window and were smiling the entire way there. At the zoo everyone was excited to see the animals. It was fun for me to learn the Spanish version of the animal names and try my best to pronounce them! We were told most of the children had already been to the zoo, but it was still wonderful to see their excitement and joy as we walked around the zoo. The treat for lunch was chicken and soda....which was probably a wonderful change for them since they don't get fast food often. One of the big hits of the day for me was a few of the girls taking photos with my camera. They could not wait to get their hands on my camera and take photos. In fact, I think I have about 50 pictures of monkeys on my camera. It warmed my heart to see them having so much fun....and they love to see the pictures of themselves after the photo was taken!

And speaking of monkeys...Barry had a wonderful experience with the monkeys at the end of the day! We all learned you should not stand too close to the monkey cage because you never know what is going to get thrown out!!

God certainly made his presence known today in so many ways! It rained hard last night and then it was a perfect day for the zoo. Just as it was time to leave we could see the clouds getting thicker and the rain setting in. It was like God was saying to us, "It is time to go now." We gave lots of hugs, blew kisses, and said our goodbyes as this was the last day at this orphanage. We got in the van, and the rain began.

Leaving the children today was hard. Even though you tell yourself not to get attached, it just happens. So many of them warmed my heart and the hearts of our team. We know God will take care of his children, but we ask that you pray for them. We heard so many of their stories yesterday and today and they are very difficult to hear. They are in a better place now which is just a true blessing.....but not where they need to be....which is in a home with parents to care for them and love them. God be with them all!

We continue to grow close to Pastor Julio and the boys. Each day when they leave we share hugs and goodbyes. This has become our mission has well...something we did not even plan for, but that God certainly had in his plan!

We posted some pictures and will hopefully get some more on tonight, but please let us know if you can see them. We are unable to see them on our side because of the flash player that is not downloaded on our computer.