By Sydney Shannon
Today began by talking to Brian and Diva (the American directors) about the Transition house being built on campus. This house is for the angels age 18+ who can choose to leave Ciudad after they graduate from high school or stay on campus. It is structured as a dorm style house with a "Transition House Head Resident". 10 angels are able to stay in the house with stipulations that the angel has to be enrolled in college classes or a career development program. The idea of a transition house is one of the first among the community of orphanages around the world. It was amazing to see the future of the angels and how Ciudad is truly striving to abide by their mission "To raise children to become Christian adults who are responsible citizens in their local community".
Then we made our way to a local park to bless the community with a carnival. I really enjoyed this aspect more than last year because of the structure of the day, but also because I was able to observe more of the children in Ciudad interact with the children of the local neighborhoods. It is wonderful to see that these children show Jesus' love and care to the kids living down the street. Afterwards, we had a craft time at the Ciudad campus where the angels all signed coffee mugs that will be given to the house parents. I have been in charge of this group the past two years and I love being able to come up with a craft that is meaningful for the children and shows their love for someone else. I believe the house parents will appreciate a token of appreciation from the angels for all the work they do.
Tonight we had our night of fellowship within the houses of the angels on campus. This is one of my favorite activities. It seems the Lord is continuing to remind me of the humanness of these children. At dinner the teenage girls were all laughing, some talking about going to the movies with their friends and others fighting over which teachers have children. It was another glimpse of their everyday norm and I am so glad to have encountered it. I can see the excitement and joy of being young teenage girls, but I can also see the frustration that they have as well. I hope that i continue to experience this revelation, please bring it Lord.
Today began by talking to Brian and Diva (the American directors) about the Transition house being built on campus. This house is for the angels age 18+ who can choose to leave Ciudad after they graduate from high school or stay on campus. It is structured as a dorm style house with a "Transition House Head Resident". 10 angels are able to stay in the house with stipulations that the angel has to be enrolled in college classes or a career development program. The idea of a transition house is one of the first among the community of orphanages around the world. It was amazing to see the future of the angels and how Ciudad is truly striving to abide by their mission "To raise children to become Christian adults who are responsible citizens in their local community".
Then we made our way to a local park to bless the community with a carnival. I really enjoyed this aspect more than last year because of the structure of the day, but also because I was able to observe more of the children in Ciudad interact with the children of the local neighborhoods. It is wonderful to see that these children show Jesus' love and care to the kids living down the street. Afterwards, we had a craft time at the Ciudad campus where the angels all signed coffee mugs that will be given to the house parents. I have been in charge of this group the past two years and I love being able to come up with a craft that is meaningful for the children and shows their love for someone else. I believe the house parents will appreciate a token of appreciation from the angels for all the work they do.
Tonight we had our night of fellowship within the houses of the angels on campus. This is one of my favorite activities. It seems the Lord is continuing to remind me of the humanness of these children. At dinner the teenage girls were all laughing, some talking about going to the movies with their friends and others fighting over which teachers have children. It was another glimpse of their everyday norm and I am so glad to have encountered it. I can see the excitement and joy of being young teenage girls, but I can also see the frustration that they have as well. I hope that i continue to experience this revelation, please bring it Lord.