“It was such a joy to see this little kid every day who would flash a huge bright smile to me,” Bluhm said.  “Franxis is 10 years old and doesn’t have support at home except for a grandma.  While I was there, I learned that his grandma is not well.  I was so glad to be there to give him some extra love.”

No two mission trips are quite the same. Each year the work projects vary, the chemistry is different amongst the team members and the El Hogar staff has changed.  Nevertheless, the underlying themes and emotions remain the same.  We still spend our week eating, playing and building relationships with the boys. Although these boys have little personal belongings, they are very appreciative for what they do have. 

“It was a trip filled with joy and laughter and sweat and tears and all under the umbrella of love,” said Richard Easley.  “The boys are unforgettable and simply ripped my heart out, kissed it, and gently placed it back in better working order than when they found it.” 

Easley, who has made five trips to El Hogar, states, “Don’t kid yourself into thinking you are going to go and help these poor people in the name of God.  You will quickly find that the God is helping you thorough the people you thought you were serving.”  

Plans are already in the works for our 2009 trip.  We are going to try and fill up two full weeks with 15 people each week.  The dates are 21-28 Feb and 28 Feb-7 March 2009.  Mark your calendars now and watch for recruiting news to come out shortly.