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We are pleased to inform you that Summer Program Dream Vacation has been launched and the first group of orphans has safely landed here in the United States. We would like to thank our sponsors, volunteers, and organizers.

Good things happen to good people, in this case it’s children. Flying high on Delta Flight were ten orphaned children, and two caretakers. Their destination: Los Angeles, California. Their mission, to find loving host families to get them comfortable in family surroundings, to get in better shape and health, to have fun in California and find new friends. After forty hours worth of flight and layovers the worn out children finally arrived at LAX at 12:30 a.m. Weary and tired, the ten adorable children, ages varying from 6-9 took their slow journey down the escalators and into the arms of our many volunteers. Exhausted as they were, excitement began to build once they saw the super stretch limo parked out in front of the airport donated by Golden Touch Limo Services. The children were seated comfortably in the roomy limo and the limo descended back to Porterville California, a 3 hour ride. The children played and colored with coloring books donated by the wonderful people at United Methodist Church, with the sound of Stuart Little playing on VHS. The children were tired, but the anticipation was too great. When we finally arrived in Porterville, a multi purpose room was transformed into a giant bedroom with blow up mattresses on the ground, waiting for the small children to come. All the kids were thrilled when they saw stacks of new clothing, and large beds made especially for them. Volunteers helped the little rascals get changed into pajamas, but the children did not have any intentions of sleeping. Adrenaline pumping the orphans jumped on beds and wrestled playfully. Finally, one of the caretakers got them all to sleep. They were finally went to sleep around 6:00 in the morning. Our volunteers pulled an all nighter, and stayed up all day, but with a grin on their face, and a sense of peace in their heart.

The children had many things to look forward to during their three week stay in Porterville. They met their host families the very next day. As the week came to a close the children grew happier and happier everyday; swimming during the day, and sleeping in comfortable beds. Many evens have been planned for the kids’ enjoyment such as music classes, art classes, trips to beaches, a super fun day at Disneyland, pool parties, and barbeques.

All of the photographs shown are pictures taken from the Summer Program. The Adoption Ark Summer Program made front page of Fresno Bee, June 27 and July 17th and The Porterville Recorder July 1st and July 17th of 2004. We will be posting weekly updates on our website.

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