We're heading back!

May 9, 2017

Summer is approaching so quickly, it's crazy! In the next few weeks, summer will begin for our ministry in Colorado Springs. This means all of the kids will be out of school and the center will have kids from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. (Except weekends of course!) It also means that one of our biggest ministries will begin. Every year, the staff at the center take kids up to the ranch for a overnight summer camp. It's kind of a divide and conquer concept. Some of the staff take the kids up and some of the staff remain in the Springs keeping the children's center running with the remaining kids that chose not to go. Despite the fact that it's summer camp, all state regulations still have to be followed from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. So a certain amount of kids must remain with one group leader from the center at all times, etc.
Michael, Eden and I have had the pleasure of taking part of these outreach camps for the past two years by bringing a team from Idaho to participate. It's exciting being able to be on this side of the ministry this time! In June, a team from Idaho will be driving out to assist us with one of the several camps that will be run this year. It's exciting to think about! Our main goal with these camps is to share Christ with the kiddos. Many of these kids come from hard situations. Broken homes, physical abuse, substance abuse, and neglect. To share Christ with them is not only a privilege, but it gives them a hope for the future. Throughout the year, the children's center continues to water the seed that was planted at camp with daily encouragement and AWANA every Wednesday night, for several months out of the year. It is quite a ministry, so please keep everyone in your prayers!

Pictures from the past two years of camp.

Once camps are over (they will at least go through August), we will begin preparing for another big trip. Zi (Eliam) is heading to the Philippines for the first time! We are super excited for the specific reason that we are going. I'm sure lately you all have noticed me speaking of a "transition" time for the F4P program, and also a lack of updates. (The baby has a little bit to do with that too.) But, we have been in a time of prayer, rather than action. Asking God to lead us with these next steps - whatever they might be. We definitely feel God has placed a passion on our hearts to open an orphanage at some point and we are wondering if the program will transition into that. We are super excited! This trip will be about reconnecting with our program families, finding a potential location for this orphanage, and beginning to take steps to file paperwork to open the orphanage! It's going to be a lot of leg work and sitting in government offices, which I will admit I am not excited about at all. But anything for the furthering of Gods kingdom, right?! It's a super important trip and we're praying that God really works during the planning leading up to it and that he is completely present during the trip itself.

Now, for the slightly discouraging part that I am trying to not let keep me awake at night. Especially with a newborn, when sleep is precious! Ha!

Fundraising. Fundraising is never fun, but it is definitely a growing experience. Please prayerfully consider supporting this trip. We are thinking we will have to raise roughly $6,000 for our family and potential team members, depending on how plane tickets fluctuate. Every dollar counts and it is completely tax deductible. We would love to answer any questions you have about the trip and what your donation would be going to. You all have been such a blessing to our families in the Philippines, and to my own family. Many times my family has been greatly encouraged by you, from being 18 year old newlyweds moving to a foreign country, to moving our ministry and kids to Colorado Springs. Many of you have eased the burden by donating, or by reaching out to us and letting us know that you were praying or encouraged us with an uplifting note or verse. Thank you!!   
I have also started an email prayer group for specific private prayer requests, regarding our families in the Philippines. Requests that I don't necessarily share on facebook. If you would like to be part of this prayer team, feel free to email me at sehodgie@gmail.com so that I can add you to the list. The emails will only be sent out about once or twice a month.    

We are so excited to take the kiddos back to the Philippines and continue the call of World FAMILY Missions! Please be praying for our team! For the funding to come in and for God to work His will throughout the planning and the trip itself.

You can donate at www.worldfamilymissions.com, just make sure you don't specify for us, but for the "Philippines team", you can also send a check to World Family Missions, Inc. P.O. Box 171292 Boise, ID 83717.