Family Day at House

This many kids were
jumping at once!

On Saturday (May 19th), our students hosted a party at House of Resurrection AIDS Haven.  As the school age kids were home, all the House kids were there.

Our students had arranged for a jumping castle!  And Reney's husband came to play music for dancing.  Andrew brought his ultimate frisbees, and Ryan and others played soccer with the boys.

Michelle and Denver

Ryan, and one of her painted butterflies!

Special attraction was the face painting tables!  Ryan Longley, in particular, was quite the artiste!

Within their fundraised monies, the students paid for a picnic lunch for all:  They bought bunny chow from the Mama's backpackers, salad, and brownies.  Muffy contributed oranges from their citrus farm.

The day before had been rainy and cold.  But, the Mothers at House were praying all day Friday for good weather, and on Saturday - the sun shone.   It was a festive day!  The only sadness came around whenever anyone thought about leaving these kids at House in less than a week's time.  At the close of our time on Saturday, Melissa and Isaac gave thanks for all that they had experienced over the last four months at House.

Margaret let the kids paint her face

Most people took a turn

The Mothers sang back their thanks in three languages, as well as in the song:  "Be bright on the corner where you are."  One mother was in the kitchen preparing supper for all the kids.  She wasn't outside for that last part of the day.  "Just tell all of the volunteers, 'I love you',"  she kept saying.

All the Mothers had a good time!

Ryan (and someone)
were tackled a lot

Everyone's smiling!  Next time, open the eyes.

All the volunteers at House, with Connie the play school teacher and of course, the kids!