We had a wonderful trip to Mexico this August. Our volunteers finished plastering and painting a building at Buena Vida orphanage, as well as landscaping and painting a beautiful mural at Door of Faith. They had a great time taking the Buena Vida kids swimming, and body-boarding at the beach. Here is what Brody and Jenessa Horton said about their experience:

Soon after we were married in August 2009, we decided we wanted to celebrate our one year anniversary in Mexico with A Child's Hope Foundation. Looking back, we realized that it was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Our time at Door of Faith and Buena Vida orphanages was unforgettable. We were overwhelmed by the love the children shared with us. The kids at Buena Vida worked right alongside us every day. They never tired of plastering, painting, or carrying wood. They were always happy and quick to give hugs and smiles. A pinnacle moment was when one of the little girls gave Jenessa a teddy bear. When Jenessa tried to tell her "thank you, but you keep it," the girl became sad. It meant more for her to give to us than to receive. We went to Mexico to give, and yet we received more than we would have imagined. The bear sits in our front room as a reminder of the joy of giving and receiving.

Last month, A Child's Hope Foundation held our 4th annual Haiti Days Celebration for families who adopted children from our orphanage in Haiti. It was fun for all, with a barbecue, badminton, playground, canoes, and many friends. It was wonderful to see how the children have grown, and to watch the adopted children interacting with their parents, siblings, and each other.

Two years ago, Seth and Melissa Holdaway adopted Lucio and Alyvia from the orphanage ACHF built in Haiti. They said this about Haiti Days:

Lucio and Alyvia spent over two years in the orphanage that ACHF helped build.  During that time all of the children became one big family, looking after one another and playing together.  After coming home, many of the memories of their "family" were lost.  Haiti Days has been a priceless event that has helped them retain these memories and friendships.  We are forever grateful to ACHF for putting this on every year and we look forward to the next one!

Vicki Stone came with us on the August trip and here she shares her experience with us:

My name is Grandma Vicki Stone. I am the mother of seven and grandmother of twenty-two. I finally fulfilled a dream of participating in a true humanitarian effort to help make the world a little bit better than it was before. The great part is I took my daughter and two of her children with me. How was I to know that this would become one of our most cherished memories?

So many children and new friends to fall in love with. What struck me most was that my work group was just ordinary people doing extraordinary things - young kids, wonderful families, mothers, lots of great teens, and single adults. Everyday people with a desire to lift and help others.

We mixed concrete, poured sidewalks, enlarged a kitchen, plastered walls, primed and painted a new dormitory, landscaped, and the most fun - playing with the children.

Lucky me, I got to teach four young people how to paint a mural in the newly finished nursery. It was scary and exciting all at the same time. Interestingly, we had never met and knew nothing of each other's abilities, yet each person brought a different artistic talent that (when put together) made a sweet, peaceful mural which we hope will lift the spirits of both the children and their wonderful caregivers.

We never worked so hard, learned so much, played with so many, or fell into bed so exhausted, but we went to sleep with a sweet peace that we were making a difference. This experience has broadened my view of the world and its people. Truly, these children are children of a loving and mindful Heavenly Father; we are just his helpers.

I count my blessing more, try to be a little kinder, and look for the light that shines not only in the eyes of the children, but in the eyes and faces of those who give of their time, talents, and energy to make this world a better place.

Lovingly, Grandma Stone