We're officially halfway through an amazing week at Casa Bernabé, and God has already given us more stories than we could possibly fit into one email! From meaningful conversations and lots of laughter to unforgettable moments with the kids, our team has experienced so much already. We asked each team member to share a favorite highlight from the week so far, and we hope these snapshots encourage you as much as they've encouraged us. Thank you for praying for our team and for the children we're privileged to serve. We covet your prayers for the final few days of our trip.
“This has been a great experience. One thing that truly has blessed my heart is the moment I realized I was communicating with the children without using words! The universal language is Jesus, love, compassion, patience, and care!” -Crystal Cooper
“For me, working in the preschool the last couple days has been super fun. I’ve loved trying to speak Spanish with the kids and laughing with them and playing with them!” - Abigail Amos
“Being able to spend time with kids has been awesome and a blessing, either if it’s being in the houses doing activities or in the preschool doing schoolwork, it has been great getting to know them and their personalities.” -Samantha Huerta
“In this trip God has given us the opportunity to, in small ways, fulfill His word in ‘bringing good news to the poor, comforting the broken-hearted, proclaiming captives will be set free.’ Not in an obvious way, but with the small things, like a smile, a hug, an art project reflecting on hope, building things together, playing games together, being present.” -Keren Salguero
“I enjoy being part of the Saving Susan team and being the loving hand of God to the people of Casa Bernabé. My best moment was to share a cup of coffee with the parents in charge of the houses and to hear their stories, encourage them, and pray for them for new grace and strength to continue taking care of many kids.” -Wesslye Salguero
“My highlight was soccer practice. The way we both barely spoke each other’s languages but tried to communicate with what we knew in each other’s language was something that was really special. Even the kids during soccer and art who tried to help me speak better Spanish - even the smaller kids tried to use smaller words to help me understand. Overall, I enjoyed the wholesome experiences.” -Marlon May
“I've really enjoyed getting to meet all the kids and the house staff at Casa Bernabe. I have only gotten to see photos of them and texted with some of the house staff these past few months, so seeing them this week has made it feel very real.” -Katie Andrews
“I have really enjoyed spending time with the little kids and playing soccer with the older kids and helping out in different projects.” -John Salguero
“I enjoyed working with the girls on projects. They were excited to assemble bracelets, heart boxes, and the soccer goal game. They were confident and had a feeling of accomplishment. It was an opportunity for them to use their creative skills. I thank all the donors who made it possible for me to experience this special journey at Casa Bernabe.” -Frances Broughton
“One of the highlights of my trip was spending time at a children’s home. I love sharing moments with the kids and, at some point, I realized I could understand them, not just their words but their joy, kindness, and resilience. Their smiles made this experience truly unforgettable.” -Jelbin Garcia
“As I was fixing one of the new classrooms, it showed me how each of us has unique creativity. And made me think how each one of us, even the orphaned have been created in a unique and special way. So I would encourage you to find that special creativity and use it for the glory of God.” -Millie Salguero
“One of my favorite moments this week was our art therapy project centered on the theme of hope. As we talked with the kids, something really stood out to me: several of them described hope as "opportunity." I love that perspective. Hope isn't just wishful thinking—it opens doors, creates possibilities, and gives these children a reason to believe that their future can be different. It was a beautiful reminder of the life-changing impact that hope can have.” - Adam Reiley
