El Sauzal News

Erika talking about the Orphanage at V.B.S.

We started our Vacation Bible School on Sunday night.  It is a great opportunity to reach out to local children and families, inviting them into a fun, safe environment.  A popular Vacation Bible School (V.B.S.) curriculum this year is Fiesta, by Group.  When my church, SeaTac Bible Church, saw it’s Mexican flair, we were excited to incorporate the El Sauzal Orphanage.  Airplane tickets were donated for Ruffo, Erika and Adanesne, and everything was planned.

The church was decorated with the Orphanage in mind.  The logo was enlarged and painted, and placed on the front stage.  Red and white rock walls were created, as well.  Posters of the children’s faces, a few palm trees, and we were ready.  (We also have many bright, cheeful Mexican decorations, just not Orphanage-related.)

Besides decorating, we incorporated the Orphanage in other fun ways.  The children are making crafts for the Orphanage kids.  We are collecting school supplies for El Sauzal throughout the week.   And each night, Erika is telling the kids about the Orphanage, and giving the kids a chance to ask questions.  The kids are asking things like, “How do you take care of the kids?”

I was moved when two neighbor boys took their own money and gave it to me to buy school supplies.  The V.B.S. kids are excited to help and learn more.  Adding El Sauzal into our V.B.S. has been a real blessing.

Erika is gifted at communicating with children.

Jim Cherry, Ruffo, Erika and Patty Meadows at the reception

The Dessert Reception honoring Ruffo and Erika took place tonight.  SeaTac Bible Church, decorated for a week of Fiesta Vacation Bible School, held the happy gathering.  About fifty people were in attendance, representing at least five different churches.

After a relaxed time of greeting, desserts were served.  There were several delicious postres (desserts) to choose from - layered chocolate cake, a berry cheesecake, fruit tarts, macadamia nut tarts, and rich Hawaiian kiwi orange pie.  The desserts were provided by Costco, Metropolitan Market, and Rona Kahue.  Refreshments included punch, water and coffee from Tully’s.

Clay Warren speaking; Erika with Rebecca Adams & Ada

Clay Warren, El Sauzal Foundation board member and youth pastor of Tacoma Christian Reformed Church, began the program by sharing some of his reflections of the Orphanage.  He told a funny story of how his driver’s license was taken away on his first trip to the Orphanage.  Then a humble Ruffo and Erika spoke about their work, and their gratitude for the help of those in attendance.  The new Orphanage DVD was also shown.

Longtime Orphanage friends, Reverend Craig and Rebecca Adams, drove with their four little children a few hours to visit with Ruffo and Erika.  They shared great stories of adventures crossing the border with large truckloads of food.  They also got a hotel room, and attended church with Ruffo and Erika, on Sunday.

At the end of the reception, friends of the Orphanage donated a generous $1655.  It was an enjoyable time.

Ruffo and Erika on a hot, fun evening

Ruffo and Erika enjoying a little free time.

Today, around 5:45, Orphanage assistant directors Erika, Ruffo and their daughter Adanesne landed at the SeaTac Airport, in Seattle, Washington.  They have come for a two week stay.  This makes several firsts for them.  The first time on a vacation longer than a few days. The first time flying in an airplane.  The first time to Seattle.

I’m almost giddy having them here.  There are some important firsts for me. The first time they’ve been at my house.  The first time I got to cook dinner for them.  And very special to me, the first time Erika met my Mom in person. 

While they are here, they will be busy, and I’ll be writing about some of what happens.  There is the Orphanage Dessert Reception. (Please come if you can!)  There are three supporting churches to visit and thank, Tacoma Christian Reformed Church, Skyway Church of God, and Creator Lutheran Church.  There is a Fiesta Vacation Bible School at my church, SeaTac Bible Church, where Erika will be sharing the work of the Orphanage with the children.

But there are also many friends of the Orphanage who are looking forward to spending time with Ruffo and Erika.  Dinners out.  Boat trips.  Day excursions.  Baseball games, barbecues and Fourth of July fireworks. Like me, these amigos of El Sauzal are excited to share a bit of their lives with these two, who have shared so much with us. 

If you want to spend some time with Erika and Ruffo, just email me.  They are here from June 21st - July 6th.  They would love to be with you!

Arturo with his family, daughters Miriam, Monica and wife Carmen.

After the recent food distribution, a community member, Arturo Gil wrote a letter to thank the members of Placentia Presbyterian Church for their generousity of time and money.

For many years when I visited the Orphanage, I would see Arturo in church, playing the bongo drums.  He has always greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm.  His letter reflects his open attitude.

San Antonio de las Minas, Mexico
10 June 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters, to those who can not be here today. 

We know that your hearts are very close to the families in this place because of your tremendous love.  It is our desire that the grace and peace of the Lord will be increased in each of your lives.

Through the years I have come to know the precious people that visit here and enjoy their work with the Food Distribution. 

For me it is gratifying to see the desire of my USA brothers to work on this day that started out cloudy and became sunny and warm.  You visited some casas [houses] over some pretty bad roads.  I could not get tired in admiring your ministry. Please accept my gratitude for your wonderful job, for everything that you do, for using your personal vehicles, for the Lord’s power that is in you, for your time, money, prayers and much more.  Mil gracias one more time.

You may be asking yourself, “Who is writing this letter?”  Please allow me to present myself.  My name is Arturo Gil.   And my name like yours is written in God’s Book of Life in Heaven.  But I also live with my wife Carmen and two daughters in this beautiful town.

The Food Distribution date happens to also be the date that my youngest daughter, Miriam turned 15 years old.  Turning 15 is a very important date in the life of a Mexican family and we, me and my family celebrate this date working side by with you in this river of blessings.  Thanks be to God!  You make us feel extremely blessed.

A woman who I love, Carmen my wife, Monica and Miriam my daughters and me Arturo Gil send our affectionate greetings and our desire is for you to take courage in the overflowing love of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Him is the Glory, the Honor and Praise.

Arturo’s letter shows his heart.  When you help the Orphanage, that help often extends to the surrounding community, and blesses others.  Many, like Arturo, are grateful.

Orphanage kid Ricardo with Ruffo

You are cordially invited to

A Dessert Reception

in honor of

Erika Espinoza and her husband Ruffo

Assistant Directors of the El Sauzal Orphanage

Saturday, June 24th, 6 p.m.

At SeaTac Bible Church, Auburn, Washington (click for directions)

Have a chance to talk with Erika and Ruffo and celebrate their work!

For more information, call Kim McManus at (253) 351-0971.