ENCOURAGING WORDS

I received this letter from a Marine in Okinawa, Japan.  He was in the orphanage years ago. 

I am happy to see that the orphanage is doing great and has improve on a lot of things through the years. Looking at this photos takes me back when me, my two brothers and sister were there. We were there in 1988-1992, we were known as the perez' family. Back then it wasn't run by good people, but the best memories I have is when missionaries came to see us and spend time with all the kids in general.. But if it wasn't for the orphanage I wouldn't be the person that I am today. I've learned not to take anything for granted and it made me a stronger person. Now I'm giving back by serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for people like the missionaries can travel anywhere to help people in need. I visited the orphanage back in 2008 for the first time since I was there. I bought a big bag of candy and gave it out to the kids and that made them happy. I'm planning of visiting the orphanage as many times that I can, but right now I'm stationed in Okinawa, Japan and I don't go back to the states till 2013. All I wanted to say is thank you for making the place a relaxed and a great environment for the kids. I can see that they're really happy and having a lot of fun.

R/S
Sgt Perez Zaragoza, Nebiz A.

A VISIT FROM HANDS EXTENDED

The last Sunday of February our friends from Hands Extended visited us for a time of fun and ice cream with the children of Bethel.  They are a group of snow birds from Yuma led by Sherry Whitworth who help us and needy folks from our church and other churches as well.  Here are some pictures.