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First Baptist Church - Ashland, OR 2004
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First Baptist Church of Ashland began it's ministry at our Orphanage in 1986. Over the years they have helped us in so many ways too numerous to list. Their principle project for the last two years, coming twice a year, was to complete the work on the Director's Apartment in the Spring of 2004 permitting our Orphanage's Director Josue Espinoza and his family to move in shortly thereafter. Part of the Ashland Construction Team is shown in the photo on the left. The Orphanage is a "Nursery" for the strengthening of one's faith for new believers, for future church officers, and for seasoned Christians. It is a place for someone to come to know Jesus for the very first time in their life.
Every time that I come down here I am amazed by these kids. They have so little yet they are so happy. I look forward to this trip every year as a shower for my soul. It cleans off the dirt that I accumulate during the year and helps me to see what I believe in, an amazing God who sacrificed his Son and a Son who came to earth and died for our sins.
This is my third trip to the El Sauzal Orphanage. Most definitely each year the experience get better. The love that I receive from not only the kids but the staff astounds me. God's presence surrounds this Orphanage. Anyone who comes here can not help but not want to leave. I am the last of four in my family to enjoy this life changing experience each year. I speak for us all when I say we will never be the same because of this Orphanage. The people that you meet here keep on blessing you throughout the year even though you are a world away.
Coming to El Sauzal has truly changed my life, and the life that I am returning to. There are no words to express the awe that I leave this amazing place in. Where to start? From every second of songs sung by the kids to the continuous love they never stop showing each other. Perhaps my favorite part of this place is its continuous un-materialistic love, the love that they are willing to show you no matter what the circumstance. There is not a time when I ever felt a hesitant hug or a forced smile. These people are the perfect example of unconditional love and they teach the needed concept to all of the kids who are continually found either hugging each other, swinging with each other or kicking around the ball together (which they all are amazing at). All of these characteristics make this place unbelievable, yes, but by far the most amazing and moving characteristics of the El Sauzal Orphanage is that in every corner, every crevice, every smile, every giggle, every hug, every prayer is overflowing with God.
My experience at El Sauzal Orphanage will forever be a part of my life. This is my fifth year down and every year has been so unique. This year I came down as part of the cooking staff which has been a different perspective. But I still learned so much this year, was blessed and of course had so much fun. My first time down to Mexico, I was only 14. Now I am 19. Those have been the key years in my life. I can definitely say that this Orphanage has been a huge impact on my life and helped shape me.
Dear El Sauzal Orphanage,
This is my first time coming to El Sauzal. I am so glad that I came. It is such an amazing experience. The kids' attitudes are awesome. Even though we couldn't sometimes communicate they were still great. They didn't get frustrated and they weren't impatient. The kids here have so much love. When I came here none of them knew me, but by the end of the week they acted as if they had known me for years. About the time that we get to know everyone we have to leave. I wish we could come here and stay for at least 2 weeks. It was so much fun working for you and hanging around with the kids at the Orphanage. It helps us to realize how much more there is to life. Down here you can concentrate on God. There aren't all the distractions like there are at home. I loved everything about coming here. I enjoyed the kids, being able to show God's love to them. I will never forget this amazing experience.
My experience here at El Sauzal has been the most amazing thing that I have ever done in my life. I have always wanted to come her and now that I have I will definately come back next year. This trip has helped me in so many ways. My relationship with God has grown so much in one week. Another reason the this experience was so great is because I love kids and I want to be a teacher. This trip has given me the opportunity to show my love for the kids and also all of the people at El Sauzal with many projects that they needed. I don't know if any other trip could be as great and wonderful as this one. After this great experience my life will never be the same. All of you guys are such a blessing to all of the children here. You are all such amazing people. This trip has given me a chance to bond with friends, leaders and all of the kids that are so precious to my heart. I will never forget this trip for as long as I live.
To say EL Sauzal is an Orphanage is a misconception. To those of us who come year after year, this is a school of learning about God in our lives. The quietness, slow pace, and time away from American life styles greatly enhances anyone's relationship to God. The last seven years coming with Ashland First Baptist's Youth Group has grown me personally. I have learned about God's greatness by worshiping Him far from home with others of another culture. During that time understanding clearly that God is everywhere. Not just in America, or Oregon, or Ashland, but worldwide in all languages in all countries. God may teach us through His Word, but there is much to be learned by watching these children at this Orphanage. God uses them to teach me about Him. No greater teachers than God's little children. Talking with Josue this week, he could not even remember the number of children who have lived here over the 36 years. But I know each one has left with knowing that Jesus loves them. God Bless Josue, Ramon, Erika, and their families.
Spring 1988 was the first year that I came to El Sauzal Orphanage. I have returned every year since except in 1993 when my son Andrew was born. There have been so many experiences over the years too numerous to remember although some sights and sounds come to mind; rosters crowing in the wee hours of the morning, children screaming playfully as teens whirl them around or chase them in a spontaneous game of tag; teen coming off the big yellow bus greeting friend for the previous year and soon an explosion of laughter, and chatter and energy, not to be extinguished until Friday morning when it is time to leave; Friday morning tired teens in the prayer circle, Ramon and Josue praying in Spanish; Ashland teens and Orphanage children embracing tearfully reluctant to part company for another year or forever. Josue told us that this ministry was relocated to this site in 1971 32 years of ministry to children desperately in need of love, grace, discipline, boundaries, parents and most of all Jesus in their lives. Some questions come to mind: How many children have passed through here? Did they make it? How many will know Jesus because of this ministry? How many more will come? How do you deal with the pressures of feeding, clothing, caring, for bruised kids (physically as well as emotionally)? How do you keep on going when you are not sure where the money will come from to pay the employees' salaries, electric bills, etc.? Over the years my admiration for Josue, Lilia, Ramon, Magdalena, Ruffo and Erika has grown. It is a privilege to be a small part of this Orphanage's ministry. Of all of the experiences here the friendship and partnership with the Espinoza family has been the greatest joy. They are like family that you get to be with once a year. They open up their home and facilities to 30--45 people for one week of bustling activity and never complain. They are gracious hosts and we feel blessed to minister with them.
I'm sitting here on a tall rock next to the Nursery looking over the Orphanage. I love this atmosphere, the buildings, the people are spread out open, casual, and very accepting. It is an amazing place. A lot of people here I know and love and still can't remember their names. Leticia taught me a song and the kids in the Nursery all have fun calling Ken, niña. Church was one of my favorite times. There was no overhead or translator, but when Letti brought me to the front and held my hand, I began to cry. It was so beautiful. Steph told me that they wanted us to be blessed with gifts and that we'd use them. I didn't hear anyone "bless" me in any language but I could feel their loving energy.
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