What's in a name?

June 2^nd, 2012. From what it seemed it was an ordinary Saturday. Yet, as this day progressed, it should become one that was both much needed and one that will not be forgotten easily.

At Hogar de Gina, the orphanage located in Chosica some 40 km outside Lima, the girls have gone through a time of changes. Changes that are not over yet, but which are supposed to make the home a better one for them. But few of us like changes because they bring about uncertainty of what is going to come. This is true also for the girls at the orphanage.

On this day, June 2^nd, team Elevate from Potential Church in Lima paid a visit to Hogar de Gina. They helped out with some cleaning tasks, just like other teams of volunteers that have visited the orphanage in recent weeks. It all seemed very ordinary.

Expecting something, but not quite knowing what to expect.

But then the girls were invited to a show and fun time by the members of team Elevate. The stage area was decorated, pop and sweets were prepared, costumes put on and from here on Hogar de Gina was transformed into a place of laughter, fun, sketches, joggling, games, and dance. In the midst of it all was a fine presentation of the Gospel which took center stage and communicated that God loves these girls no matter what circumstances they are going through. Team Elevate made the ordinary become extraordinary and the girls loved it. Somebody loved them. Somebody showed them that they are valuable, that they matter. Somebody showed them that they, too, are worthy of a dignified life!

Team Elevate shariung the Gospel through drama.

We sometimes ask ourselves what is in a name. In the case of team Elevate they definitely leveraged what is in their name. They did so by elevating both God and the girls at Hogar de Gina. By elevating servanthood, elevating fellowship and love, elevating an attitude of giving and sharing. They made June 2^nd an exceptional day that the girls at Hogar de Gina will not forget for a long time to come.

Come on girls, you can do it, too.

The laughter and the smiles on the faces of these girls said more than a thousand words could ever do. On behalf of Hogar de Gina we at Por una vida digna para los niños del Perú extend our heartfelt thanks to Potential Church and Team Elevate.

Having the time of their life.