Our trip to Queretaro

This fall Clarissa and I had the opportunity to join the Children of Hope team for a conference that was being held in San Luis. At the same time we took the time to visit 3 of the orphanages that Children of Hope are working with. We had a great time meeting the Team from Children of Hope but also connecting deeper with Agustin and Lupita. Agustin has been essential in helping me get this project up and running and is also a director of Ministerio Ancla de Amor. For those of you that come down to visit in the future I know that you will absolute adore this young family. 

 Agustin and Lupita are our first staff here are Ancla de Amor. I have had the opportunity to work with Agustin in the past and can tell you that he is an awesome man of God. He loves his family and he loves to serve the Lord. It was great to bring Agustin and Lupita along on the trip to Queretaro so that they could see visually what we want to accomplish back home in Guaymas.

 Clarissa and I are standing outside on the road leading to Pan de Vida. It was great to travel with Clarissa and spend some time alone planning the future but also just chill in together without the kids.:)

 Brian and Betty Heppner along with the missionaries and staff of Children of hope. (Brian is back row center and Betty is the 2nd lady from the right) This photo was taken in the plaza in the city of San Luis.

 Here is just one of many of the Catholic Churches in the city. We loved walking the streets and seeing the history in San Luis. We walked these streets every day for three days and there never seemed to be a shortage of things to see. 

 We, along with Agustin and Lupita decided to go gallivanting in the city of Queretaro so we hired numerous taxis to drive us around and show us some of the many sights. Behind us is the water aqueduct that runs through part of Queretaro.

 This is a shot of the grounds at Pan de Vida. 

 This is the private school and Pan de Vida.

 This is a picture of the kitchen at Dulce Refugio. This is the second orphanage that we had the opportunity to visit. 

 Her is a picture of on of the 2 dorms standing at Dulce Refugio. They can accommodate 50 children each. The have 2 of these buildings, one for the boys and one for the girls.

 Here we are visiting the third orphanage, Esperanza para Te. This is a family run facility that keeps things on a bit of a smaller scale but provides great love and care for the kids in a family environment. They offer many different things for the kids to be a part of. As you can see the fish pond, the barn in the background and the many fruit trees and gardens that need to be cared for. 

Here is a picture of two boys that faithfully care for their cow Macarena. Each morning at 5:30 these boys are out milking her so that they have milk for breakfast. Pepe, the boy in red loves his cow. As he milks the other boy holds her tail. It was touching to see the small note Pepe wrote on the wall inside Macarena's stall. " Macarena, see you tomorrow, I love you! Pepe"

Over all this trip was a great success in our minds. The four of us were exposed to 3 different orphanages with similar visions. We were exposed to great people and resources that are backing us and willing to offer advice as we continue in this process. We are so grateful for Children of Hope and that they are willing to work with us in building Ministerio Ancla de Amor. We are so excited to purchase our property and hit the ground running.

Thanks to all of you that continue to love and support us faithfully. We think of you all often and are so grateful that you are all a part of our journey. It is an absolute privilege to be here serving the children of Guaymas. 

Merry Christmas to all!!!

Love Brian and Clarissa