Katie and I have spent the last few days compiling the little bit of information we know about each of the children we will visit. Basically we have some of their pictures, and know their names, ages, and school grade. There is a little bit of information about how some of them were orphaned. It has been very impacting to me as I've written each of their names on the form and noted their ages. These kids are my kids ages - some 4 years old, some 7, some 9. others 10. I can't even imagine the depth of loss each of these precious children have experienced in their short years. Yet here they are, smiling and hopeful. We got word that they were ecstatic about moving into the children's home. Some of them had never slept in a bed!

We also heard back that the children who will move into the second phase of the children's home have been identified. We now have 65 children to meet! And the Chapel family has come through with the funds to begin the second phase. We are bringing the architect who designed the orphanage with us, Nate Kaiser, he is Jill Hayward's cousin. He will take a look at Phase 1 while we are there to make sure the plans for Phase 2 will work!

We have also been so thankful for the generous outpouring of gifts to bring to the kids. Only 6 days until we leave!!! We can't wait!!!

Please pray for our health. We are battling fevers and colds here and would really like to be healthy before take off!