Wednesday, July 30, 2008

: : : Happy Birthday Christiana! : : :

A long awaited day ... The one she's been waiting for all summer ... It always starts with breakfast in bed at our house ...

And ... it's the big one oh yeah, double digits, the big ":: 1-0 ::"

... and next, it's the party.

An American Girl Tea Party to be exact ...

The guests and their girls arrived ... ... and we started the tea ...
... but here's a little background ... the ultimate Kit Mystery game and party favors and gifts had not arrived. Yes, they were ordered in plenty of time, but the Lord and the UPS man thought their timing was the best timing ... so after the girls sat down for tea, the doorbell rang (thank the Lord!!!)
... and it all arrived in time ....
Kit's Mystery Game ...
With characters, a script, Hobo signs and a real mystery to solve ... The mystery solved! A fun time with fun friends ... ... and a yummy ice cream cake ...
And later that evening, we had to have cake again with Daddy and tell him all about the wonderful day! Oh Happy Day! What it feels like to be :: 10! ::

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Sunday - Back in the USA

They're back in the U.S.A. .... This afternoon was a tearful good-bye as the crew left Rancho 3M. Hugs and tears and prayers after their morning church service.

We received a text from Don around 12:50pm that they were on their way to Cattlemen's... They were back in the States around 1:10pm and getting ready for lunch! After a relaxing and very enjoyable "amazing" lunch, they headed for a "cowboy market" and then to the hotel in El Paso.

We are so glad you are safely back across the border. We can't wait to see everyone at the airport tomorrow! We'll follow-up with more candid photos and a post from Don when they get home! Stay tuned for more pictures. Thank you to everyone who has been checking the blog and praying for the team.

"Well done good and faithful servant(s) ..." Matthew 25:21

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Saturday ~ At the Finish Line!

This morning ... at the foot of the cross ... The crews spent their last work day giving it their all ... The playground crew finished their job! It's awesome!!! It's unconfirmed ... but the amazing fence crew has broken Mr. Layman's record and they put in over 40 poles yesterday!!! To break records you need energy!!! ...
~ Some candid photos ~
Last night ... Breakfast for dinner!
Thursday night they watched Hoodwink and had ice cream ... tonight it may be another movie night!
The Internet in Mexico went down when Don was sending more pictures ... we'll have a ton of candid photo's to upload ... but for now, here's what is in store for ...

Tomorrow ... their schedule includes a church service in the morning with Dean's church... off to Cattlemen's for a late lunch - can you imagine how many "Cowboy" 2lb steaks will be ordered?

Did you know that Cattleman's was on the Food Network as the top steak house in the USA!!! We saw a great episode a few weeks ago - how cool is that!? You can see where they'll be at http://www.cattlemanssteakhouse.com/ After Cattlemen's, they have to return the vans and check into their hotel in El Paso!

Prayer requests ... safe travels over the boarder back into the U.S.A. ... the van's returned without any additional costs ... great fellowship and a fun time at Cattlemen's ... safety in El Paso.
"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12

Friday, July 11, 2008

Rancho 3M ~ Friday

It's 9:15 pm/EST ... no pictures from today -- it's been a very busy work day and not a lot of time to download pictures to send for the blog update. . .
Instead of pictures ... first here's an update from Matt ...

Hello Everyone,
Yesterday (Thursday) was another great day. The teens worked hard and with great attitudes. They have done so well we decided to make last night movie and ice cream night as a way of honoring them and saying "well done."

We also took time last night to honor 8 youth for the way they have been serving above and beyond what is expected. Along with honoring them (with words and candy) we honored Jann Allen. She is our official Silent Super Mom! She is quietly at work cleaning bathrooms, painting, preparing food, cleaning the kitchen and doing so many other small things that we cannot keep track.

Emily told me that this morning Corinne, Janelle and Brielle went into the girls dorm and made up everyone's bed, straightened up all of the suitcases and organized all of the clothes and shoes. This was a big surprise blessing for the girls. (I doubt this will happen in the guys dorm!) Another example of serving beyond the call the duty.

In VBS yesterday Ally had the children do a relay race obstacle course that was so much fun to watch. The children were so excited as they took their turn running through the maze. The children walk around each morning asking if it is time to start yet. That’s it for now. Thanks for your continued prayers. Matt
And some General FAQ's from Rancho 3M's website ...
What is the Rancho 3M Orphanage?
Rancho 3M (Mexico Multiple Missions, Inc.) is a Christian Orphanage and School dedicated to and existing for the glory of God. Our vision is to see the children obedient to the calling of Jesus Christ in their lives. We work towards seeing our children go out with sound doctrine to advance the Kingdom of God in Mexico through the local church. You can read more on the

What does the “3M”stand for?
Mexico Multiple Missions. When the founders began the orphanage, they had other ministries (such as soup kitchens, church plants, etc). As the orphanage grew, they put more finances into it and less into the others.

Are the kids really orphans?
Our Biblical understanding of an orphan is a fatherless child. In that sense, most all of our children are orphans. Their parents may be alive, but have abandoned their child (are in jail, are on drugs, are a prostitute, etc).

Where is Rancho 3M located?
Rancho 3M is located in Guadalupe, Bravo District, MX, just over the border near El Paso, TX.

When was Rancho 3M established?
Rancho 3M was established in 1969 by Irene Lodgson and Marietta Wilhelm and was then passed on to Dean & Denise Adamek in September 2001.

Who leads Rancho 3M?
Dean Adamek is the current Director of the Rancho 3M Orphanage & School. He became the Director in 2001 and lives on the Ranch along with his wife Denise and their three boys.

You are in our prayers ... continually we think of you, pray for you, and we are so proud of the work you are doing for your Savior!

"But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance."
Psalm 33:11-12