The Moment We've All Been Waiting For!!!

We woke up to a beautiful sunrise over San Salvador this morning. It was the start of an awesome day. We visited Union Church, where Gary is the pastor. It was an English-speaking church, so it brings together a very diverse group of people. I really enjoyed worshipping with everyone. I felt a different spirit there. Many of those people have sacrificed a lot after following a call to go to El Salvador. You could tell by watching them sing to God "I Surrender All". It was a sweet time of worship. After the service, I met a few of the band members and made a few exchanges with them. It was interesting getting to hear a little of their stories. 

After lunch, we gathered back at Gary's house where we were to meet all the kids for the first time and have a playday with them. Before they arrived, we were able to present the large assortment of horse gear and supplies to Whitney, who seems to be the main caregiver for the horses. (read about the dontated horses here - http://lcdmp.wordpress.com/category/la-finca/) These supplies were donated from a farm in Dickson outside Nashville, and we packed them up and travelled down with them. She was filled with excitement as she opened up each large bag filled with saddles, stirups, bridles, bits, saddle pads, etc. I didn't know half of what she pulled out, but she was certain it could all be put to good use. 

Finally, the kids arrived! They were a little shy at first, but that didn't last long. We had a blast whacking wiffle balls filled with shaving cream, swinging the kids on the tire swing attached to this giant 200 year-old tree, and playing a never-ending game of volleyball. We ended our time with a pizza party provided by Pizza Hut, ha! You wouldn't have known these kids came from broken homes and dark backgrounds. They just seemed like normal kids. They played and laughed like any other boy or girl. But the fact is they have been deeply impacted by their pasts. While it seems like we can't have an influence in the lives of these kids with our short time with them, I think we each play a part in their story. We are open to however God wants to use us this week, and I believe that is all He asks of us. 

~Chris and Stephanie Huovinen

Sunday Morning Worship

Whitney opening her new horse gear!

Sweet baby girl!

Precious little man!

Volleyball! 

Lots of shaving cream!