Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Wow! Christmas still holds it's true meaning in Mexico. We celebrated at the Children's Center, and what a joy it was! No gifts for anyone, and it didn't matter. The main part of the celebration was lots of pinatas and smiles. We will post pictures next time. We love all the kids and of course want to bring them all home! We have really had a true journey of love! We are working very hard on the new center that the kids will be moving into. Evan and Wen have both learned the new meaning of "hard work"! I am very proud of them! Both are ready to move here, and keep wanting to look for a house! I think the kids love the fact that hoildays are celebrated throughout the night and the New Year is celebrated into the morning! Wishing you a blessed New Year!

We are here and loving it!

We finally arrived in Chapala at 11pm on Saturday night. This has been a wonderful experience so far. We are staying in what will be the "new orphanage" or Children's Center, as they call it. The buildings are over 100 years old, need alot of love and are beautiful. We finally got hot water last night, boy those showers felt good. The streets are cobble stone, the people are very kind and everyone rides a horse around town. We have already fallen in love with the kids and want to take them all home. This will be an experience that will never be forgotten. We are so blessed to be here. We will post pictures soon. We have very limited phone and online access. Love all of you guys!

Notes from Wen: Hi every body, I love it here! we are working hard and I am learning how to garden.

Off to Mexico....

We are ready for our big trip! Off to the airport we go. I'll update you guys when we have internet access.

Bags are packed, and ready to travel...

Today we heard from the staff at Love in Action. We will be met at the airport, and we have a confirmed place to stay. Two more huge things accomplished! The reality of the trip is setting in with the kids. They are excited, but apprehensive, as they are aware of the numerous kidnappings in Mexico. We have strong rules of safety established and they are ready to follow them. No one is allowed to go outside without me, except on the property of the Center.
Our bags are almost packed, and the dog knows we are leaving. He doesn't like suitcases because he knows exactly what that means. Max will have a lot of fun playing at Margot's house with her 3 pups while we are away. The Huffmans will be taking us to the airport with our 5206 bags of supplies and clothing (just kidding). We may have to ride on the roof! Only 3 days to go!

One week from tomorrow!

Wow! In eight days we will be on new soil; what an amazing feeling it is! Today I spent the day going to the post office to put our mail on hold, then off to the bank for our money management, and finally there was Christmas shopping for our new friends in Chapala. We will be bringing mostly school supplies and sport related items, along with lots of new socks and stocking stuffers. Our plan is to buys all the kids new shoes when we get there. Evan and Wen have decided to share their TY Beenie Babies Collection, so now we are adding in 40+ little stuffed animals. Words can not describe our excitement for the trip. Although our scheduled is packed until we leave, I think everything is falling into place. Thank you to everyone that gave us supplies for the orphanage. We are now up to five bags with 1 adult and 2 kids (that should be an amusing sight). We will keep you posted on our preparation for the big trip!

Frequently asked questions and our answers...

Why are you going to Mexico?
-Why not? There is a huge need and we are going help in a region that has one of largest populations of children living in poverty. I also believe Evan and Wen will have an experience of a lifetime.

How do the kids feel about going?
-Both are nervous, but excited. Wen is learning a little bit of Spanish and Evan is trying to cram in every electronic game on the X-Box and Play Station before we go.

What about school for Evan and Wen?
-The kids will attend school in the orphanage for socialization and learning Spanish. I am also planning on working online with their teachers in Arizona.

How are you getting to Chapala?
-We are flying, as Chapala is a 3 day drive from Phoenix. We will leave from Phoenix and fly to Hermosilla, and then onto Guatalajara. A driver will then complete the trip from Guatalajara to Chapala. Flying is also a safer way for us to travel.

Where are you going?
-Chapala is in the state of Jalisco, and is northwest of Mexico City. The orphanage itself, is located on Mount Tepehua in the town of Chapala.

Are you getting paid?
-We are volunteering our time. Our rewards will be far beyond the value of money. We recently became an official 501c3 non-profit organization. Thanks to many of you, we have raised funds to assist the orphanage during our stay. Donations will continue to be accepted to support our work in Chapala.

How long are you staying and where are you staying?
-Our first trip is scheduled for 6 weeks. We will spend this time working with the staff in developing training programs and set the footwork for adoptions. This trip will allow us to visit prior to making a final commitment to our relocation.
-The orphanage is overcrowded, but they are still welcoming us to stay there. We have no idea of the living conditions, or where we will sleep. We will just "go with the flow"!

A Journey of the Heart...

The Wendt family is heading to Chapala, Mexico. Our first trip is scheduled for December 20, 2008. Most of our time will be spent volunteering at the "Love in Action Children's Center". Evan, Wen and I will live in the orphanage with 47 children, ages 3 months to seventeen years old. I will provide the staff with training in attachment, and work with them to better understand the behavioral health needs of the children. The staff has also asked for my help in guiding them through the International Adoption Process. Mexico is a Haugue country, so I will be working with the Director to establish a program with the local Mexican Government that is in compliance with all of the new Hague Regulations. I have been fortune to begin working with several accredited International Adoption Agencies in the U.S. that are interested in expanding their programs to Chapala.
We are so excited to begin this journey. Thank you so much for all of the support we have received from friends, family and the community. Please follow along our "Journey of the Heart", as we prepare for our first trip to Chapala. The work of Compassion por los Ninos has just begun.