The Orphanage.

You can tell these kids are so loved! They seem happy and are surrounded by such great people – Bill & Tammy – and so many others from the community and local church. You can tell they really respect and love their ‘parents’. It all seems so natural and normal – like one big family. It’s incredible to think of this occurring on a larger scale - exposing more and more kids to the love and care they deserve and were created for. I didn’t know what to expect, but it’s so encouraging to see God’s blessing on these people and this place.

It’s history and story are filled with so many miracles. God’s hand is all over it – from Bill and Tammy coming to Arriaga – to finding the only house for sale that was ‘way too big for two people.’ They set a 2 week closing date despite not having any money, and God provided the funds to by it in cash in that short time! Leaving the home one night, Randy so accurately observed that Bill and Tammy absolutely live by faith! It’s so inspiring to see and be reminded of God’s works in those who are faithful servants, placing their trust, reliance and entire lives into His hands.

Yesterday at lunch Tammy told a few of us about the story of a set of 3 brothers who live at the home. They have quite a few kids who have been taken into government custody, including these 3. They were taken from their alcoholic, abusive father, but after a few months of pressure and threats were unfortunately returned to him. Bill and Tammy were obviously heartbroken, but had a strong sensing from the Lord that they would return. They knew that the father would simply sell most of their possessions, so they choose to send the boys off with very little, saving the rest in storage for their return.
Sure enough, as the months went by, they were hearing horrible stories of the father’s behavior. They asked those telling them to report it to the government to build the case for the boys to be returned to the home. Finally, after the dad threatened a police officer with a machete, the government told them they could take the boys back. The problem now was finding them because the dad was on the run and hiding.

Bill caught word that the boys were in a particular town, so he headed there with two kids to try and find them. As they were driving Bill felt they should stop and pray for God’s guidance. After praying he asked the boys what they heard. One of the boys, named Jordan (who is 10) said “God told me to go to the pavement and turn left.” So, Bill did just that and began following the paved road out of town. After driving for a few minutes, Jordan spoke up again and said “God says we’ve gone too far. We need to turn around, they are behind us at the white house.” So they turned around, went to the white house, and sure enough found the boys unattended in the back yard! Uh yeah….Incredible! They are still at the home, recovering from years of malnourishment and abuse, but are apparently doing well! Praise God!