Hello, my name is Jeff Jones. I have the privilege of working for Buckner and traveling around the world to love on kids. Amazing job huh? It is such a joy to be on a "mission" from God. It sounds familiar, but we all know that the real mission has very little do to with us and everything to do with how God wants to work through His people.I am here in Guatemala serving alongside a group of my close friends, most from my church Valley Ranch Baptist. Yes, this trip is unique because the team members are all "gringos", American men. This is the fifth year this group has gathered together to serve the children of Guatemala. For several, this has become an annual occasion. For a few, it is a first time experience.
Today we visited the Buckner Babies home in Guatemala City. It 
was amazing for me to witness once again the tenderness of these men as they held these precious ones in their arms or blew bubbles that were met with smiles and giggles. The babies seemed to enjoy the time together as we all laughed and played. Our prayer is that God would prepare loving Christian families here in Guatemala to care for them in a special way, giving them a forever family.
After the babies home, we visited the Single Moms' home. During the day, Buckner runs a daycare here where children are shown affection and love. Joy filled the air as several of the men loved on kids they were seeing for the second, third, or fourth time. I am so encouraged at the abundant happiness shown through the eyes of these little ones.
After lunch, we headed to San Gabriel. This is a historically "rough" place where boys grow up.
We have witnessed many changes in this orphanage over the years, but none as dramatic as we saw today. Gone is the trash cluttering the grounds, replaced by a garden. No longer is there a thick stench in the air as you walk through the rooms where the boys shower and sleep. Outside of the 25 foot walls is an entire 
village of new buildings, ready to house more children. While my emotions are mixed about the plan to care for hundreds of kids here, I am so thankful that the buildings are new, clean and comfortable. If these kids are going to be in an orphanage setting, at least the care will be better now. The boys had so much fun playing kickball, 
soccer, and even some basketball. What really amazed me though was their attentive spirits and their thirst to hear more about Jesus.
Please pray for us this week as we seek to be vessels for His service. I know the real impact will be on us because these children are so valuable to our Savior.
was amazing for me to witness once again the tenderness of these men as they held these precious ones in their arms or blew bubbles that were met with smiles and giggles. The babies seemed to enjoy the time together as we all laughed and played. Our prayer is that God would prepare loving Christian families here in Guatemala to care for them in a special way, giving them a forever family.
After the babies home, we visited the Single Moms' home. During the day, Buckner runs a daycare here where children are shown affection and love. Joy filled the air as several of the men loved on kids they were seeing for the second, third, or fourth time. I am so encouraged at the abundant happiness shown through the eyes of these little ones.After lunch, we headed to San Gabriel. This is a historically "rough" place where boys grow up.
We have witnessed many changes in this orphanage over the years, but none as dramatic as we saw today. Gone is the trash cluttering the grounds, replaced by a garden. No longer is there a thick stench in the air as you walk through the rooms where the boys shower and sleep. Outside of the 25 foot walls is an entire 
village of new buildings, ready to house more children. While my emotions are mixed about the plan to care for hundreds of kids here, I am so thankful that the buildings are new, clean and comfortable. If these kids are going to be in an orphanage setting, at least the care will be better now. The boys had so much fun playing kickball, 
soccer, and even some basketball. What really amazed me though was their attentive spirits and their thirst to hear more about Jesus.
Please pray for us this week as we seek to be vessels for His service. I know the real impact will be on us because these children are so valuable to our Savior.
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