Having Fun at Kiddy's ArtsTown

Here are a few pictures of the kids and their artwork from Kiddy's ArtsTown. Kiddy's ArtsTown is a kids art center located in a nearby mall where the kids sit and choose their own picture to paint. Once done, the artwork is baked and then peeled off the paper to become a window decal. The kids had a BLAST doing this and they also really enjoyed the McDonald's lunch that came before Kiddy's ArtsTown. We think we have a couple Picasso's in our midst!!

Dancing Time!

(your love has captured me...)

(Sing it!!)

These are the kids, performing their "trademark" dance to the song 'Every Move I Make' (great song!) for some visitors in February. Whenever we have groups come in, the kids will sing and dance to this song, showing off their dancing moves and their big smiles. Oftentimes you can walk around SP and here SOMEONE, either a staff member or one of the kids, singing the song and doing the motions. Pretty cute...

Kids before Wednesday night devotion

These are some of the kids that are in Unit 1. Every Wednesday night the kids and staff get together for a short devotion where we sing a few songs and then someone will teach a lesson for the kids about the Lord. The kids and staff really enjoy getting together for this time, as you can tell from their smiles.

Marc and Marilen

And this lovely couple is Marc and Marilen. They are the founders of Samaritan's Place and reside in Unit 4 with thier daughter, Michelle. They also have a son named Chris who is attending Faith Academy here in the Philippines. Marc and Marilen just celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary - congrats! Marilen is the head of all operations here at Samaritan's Place (a job that never stops) and is the skilled creator of SP's website. Marc is in charge of all finances and contributions and oversees the current building project of SP. They have big hearts and have cultivated a loving, Christ-like environment here at SP. They are great!

Unit 3 housemates

These beautiful ladies are our "house mates" in our unit, Unit 3. Going from left to right is Richelle, Ruth, Criselle (but we call her Bhe) and Dori. Richelle is the incredibly skilled social worker at SP and knows anything and everything about SP. She has been with the orphanage for over 5 years and has been a great help to us here. Ruth and Bhe are the infant caregivers and work tirelessly to provide for the four babies in SP's care. Ruth is full of energy and we can often hear her singing to the babies while she works and Bhe, full of laughter and smiles, is eager to learn English (she already speaks really well!!) and how to play the guitar. Last is Dori, the glue of SP and the one who makes things run smoothly. She handles some of the finances with SP and is the overseer of our unit.

James and Ghie

This is James and Ghie (pronounced "G") and they are the new house parents of Unit 2, as they just joined SP staff this past November. They have a little boy and parent a total of 9 children, ranging in age from 12 - 2 in their unit. James plays the guitar and drum and has a great sense of humor. Ghie is very warm, giving and always quick to smile and make anyone feel welcome.