Most people don’t look very forward to their 50^th birthday. I was certainly one of those people. However, my 50^th birthday turned out to be a red letter day for me. Co-Founder of Hope for Tomorrow, Brenda Riddle worked with my family and friends to throw me a surprise party that I will long remember. Around 50 of my family, friends, and co-workers surprised me at the Alumni House at the University of Kentucky on April 28^th. We had wonderful hors devours, birthday cake, and a special slide show developed by my “longest” friend, Rita Rector. The biggest surprise of the evening was a special performance by my second family; the children of Hope for Tomorrow. They sang “Happy Birthday” to me in both Spanish and English. The children prepared a choreographed dance for me and each child introduced him or herself to my friends in Lexington. I felt so blessed to share this important day with my entire family. In honor of the occasion, Brenda asked that attendees make a donation to Hope for Tomorrow in lieu of birthday gifts. I am excited to report that my HOPE Birthday party raised nearly $2,000 for the children’s home.

This was not the first HOPE Birthday party in my family. When our son Kendall turned 11, he decided to forego gifts and asks friends to make a donation in his honor to Hope for Tomorrow. With the help of party-planner and steering committee member Diane Haynes, we had a carnival at my sister’s farm and invited his entire 5^th grade class. The children played “roulette”, corn hole, and other carnival games. In return for their success at the games, children earned tickets that they could “cash in” at the store we set up. There they could “buy” candy, toys, and trinkets with their tickets. At Kendall’s party, $400 was raised.

If you are looking for a creative way to celebrate someone’s special birthday, consider a Hope Birthday Party. It is a wonderful way to honor someone’s commitment to children in a way they will never forget. Please contact any of us on the steering committee if you need ideas!

Jennifer's 50th Birthday Invitation

Kendall's HOPE Birthday Party

As I sit down to write my reflection on my trip, I find myself at a loss for words.  It is impossible for me to describe just how this experience has been.  I have been gone for two days, but it seems like a lot longer than that.  I really miss the kids.  I think it is obvious, but I did not want to leave.  I missed my family but the 12 children and the 6 workers had become a part of my life. A very important part in my life as my world revolved around them and their schedules for a month.  Before I even left, I began to plan in my mind when it would be possible for me to return, which I hope is sooner rather than later.

Some of the most profound moments include the times I realized just how much the timing of my trip and my trip in general was the will of God.  The number of children grew in a very short amount of time from seven to twelve.  Also, while I was at the children’s home, one of the employees resigned.  She left during my second week, which had given me enough time to get used to the schedule and the children before I had to fill her spot.   I was nervous about filling her position but the other employees made the transition easy for me.

Some of my favorite experiences and memories include baking cookies with the girls, taking the older kids to the movies, and the going to the play center with the younger children.  I also enjoyed the crafts we made together.

I have such great memories getting the kids up, eating meals with them, brushing their teeth, helping them with their homework, and telling them goodnight.  I could not have asked for a better experience.  It was a true blessing, and I saw God working in so many ways.  I am sure I will continue to see Him work through this experience as I share my photos and stories of the children.

I wanted to say a special thank you to all the people who made this trip possible.  God will bless you through your support and prayers.  Thanks also to the workers at the Children’s Home who have dedicated their time and love to the children.  They are more than child care providers, they fill a parental role for the children.  I am honored to have served next to them, and to have been a part of this ministry.  I hope this will not be my last trip, but until then I will pray for the children and share this experience and the blessings God has given to me with everyone.

Hasta Pronto,

Kristina

Today was a very special day for all of us- it was Edwins 10th Birthday!  We celebrated with a clown that came to the Children’s Home and entertained all the children and adults.  We all laughed and enjoyed it very much.  We also celebrated with cake of course, which was something Edwin was really looking forward to.

It was so nice to be able to celebrate the life of someone so special.  Edwin is such a blessing to be around.  He is very loving and compassionate and it was great for all of us to have the opportunity to share such an important day for him.  He is growing into a wonderful young man.

Here are some photos from the day.

Remember, once you click on an image and it enlarges, you can navigate to the next image by clicking on the right side of the image (a “NEXT” button appears) or return to the previous picture by clicking the left side of the image (a “PREV” button appears). When you are done, click the “CLOSE” button or click outside of the picture. 

Today we went took the younger children to a play center.  It was so nice and all the kids had a really great time!  It was a perfect place to take the children because it had something for everyone.  There was a place for Angel and Daniel to play, and it also gave Carlos full access to everything because it was easy for him to climb around and be a kid.  The workers and I had a great time as well because we were able to be more care free and play with the children.  We enjoyed it just as much as the children.  This was more than just an outing for us and the kids, though.  It was a wonderful learning experience.  The kids were able to explore and learn!  They loved having the freedom to roam around.  This outing also gave us the ability to spend more time with the kids individually.  There were 9 children, and 6 adults so if the child wanted attention, we were able to grant it more easily.

By the end of the outing all the children were exhausted which is a good sign that they had a great time!  Here are some pictures from the day.

Remember, once you click on an image and it enlarges, you can navigate to the next image by clicking on the right side of the image (a “NEXT” button appears) or return to the previous picture by clicking the left side of the image (a “PREV” button appears). When you are done, click the “CLOSE” button or click outside of the picture. Finally don’t forget to view the next page of photos by clicking the “NEXT PAGE” link below the pictures.

A few videos from Edwin’s 10th birthday (read more and see pictures here)

One weekend the children and I made picture frames.  This was a fun activity for the children to be involved in.  It allowed them to be very creative.  After the picture frames were completed a Bible verse was added to them.  The verse selected was “Te alabo porque soy una creación admirable!  Tus abras son maravillosas, y esto lo sé muy bien!  -Salmo 139:14, or in English “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”.  It is very important for all of us to keep this verse in mind, but I think it is even more important for the children.  I think it holds and even more special meaning to know that regardless of any imperfections they think they had they were made in the image of God.

One of the children here, Carlos, comes to mind when I think of this verse.  He has Cerebral Palsy, but he definitely does not let that slow him down.  He has an incredible spirit.  His mobility has improved dramatically since my first trip here.  He is seven years old and can now walk on his own, feed himself, and use the restroom on his own.  He is a very intelligent boy, whose favorite past times include riding a tricycle and working puzzles.   He is unable to form complete words, however he is able to express himself through signs.  This has allowed him to be more independent as he gets older.  Beyond the education and therapy he receives here at the home, he also attends physical therapy two days a week a block away from the children’s home.  This exercises his joints and I think he really enjoys the extra attention from the workers there.  I have had the honor of taking him during my stay here and I particularly enjoy my walk with him to and from the children’s home.  I think we get along pretty well, not just because he is so lovable, but because we are able to carry on a conversation despite his speech impairment, and despite my limited Spanish.

God truly has created each one of us wonderfully and perfectly.  We all have a purpose here on Earth, and we all have gifts we can use to share the love of God with others.  I am sure that all of the children here will discover their own spiritual gifts, if they have not already.  I have no doubt in my mind that they will find a way to bless many people’s lives while serving God, I know they have already blessed mine.  Even the things the world considers imperfections, for example Carlos’s handicap, can be used to further the kingdom of God and I can’t wait to see how God uses him and the rest of the kids here!

-Kristina