W.O.W.

Yea, WOW!! What an amazing day!!! We're already dreading Friday when we have to say goodbye.

Today was truly a God day. He had it all planned out for us and as the minutes passed, we went along with His plans. We knew today was going to be a major painting day...except that there were SO many issues with getting the paint for the plans that we didn't really start the major project until 5 pm. The areas we thought we would never have time for actual got done, PLUS MORE!!! After those were finished we had SO much time to spend with the boys. They were able to make bracelets and necklaces with beads, brownies, danced to music and played games for hours. Those of us that need to work, do physical labor, at first found the situation frustrating but then realized that we were really doing what God had planned. Once the paint came, we worked so fast and got A LOT done in merely an hour and half. But the best part of the day was when we finished and took all the boys out to the mall.

There are times on the Hope Unlimited campuses that the kids get to do a birthday outing during their birthday month. This means they go to a Walmart-like store, pick out a few things, eat at a fast food restaurant, get some sweet treats and see a movie. Tonight was supposed to be one of nights. But instead, we took all of the boys to the mall for McDonalds. The boys loved it. They even got some free ice cream out of the deal. But what surprised us all was how well-behaved they were (and always are) and how they looked out for one another constantly. They generally made sure everyone else was taken care of first. Numerous times the boys offered their own food to us and others instead of taking it first. Many times, they asked to clean our tables and throw away the trash. Many times, they took the littler ones or those that needed more help and sat with them to make sure someone was always watching. The brotherhood the boys demonstrate is just incredibly amazing. We've grown quite attached to them and they to us.

We spent so much valuable time with them today and we will never forget it. In the words of Bon Jovi, we feel like we can "Never Say Goodbye".