A Trip to the Zoo: More Than Just a Fun Day

Thanks to the generosity of Matt & Deanna Prince and the youth from Neighbors & Nations Church, we had the joy of taking the children from Casa de Mi Familia—one of our partner orphanages—to the zoo for an unforgettable day! All the kids at Casa de Mi Familia are currently teenagers, which created a unique opportunity for meaningful relationship-building between them and the youth group that came to serve with us. We spent the day swimming, exploring the zoo, eating delicious tamales, and simply enjoying time together. We love when teams come down and take the time to truly get to know the incredible kids we care so deeply about in each of the orphanages we partner with.

To the outside eye, this might look like just another field trip. But for children growing up in orphanages, outings like this one are far more than entertainment—they are essential to healing, development, and a sense of belonging.

Children in institutional care often miss out on the “normal” parts of childhood that most of us take for granted: birthday parties, going out to eat, extracurricular activities, sleepovers, and yes—trips to the zoo. These experiences help kids form memories, explore the world around them, and grow in confidence. They also nurture essential social and emotional development—teaching them how to connect with others, express curiosity, and rediscover the joy of simply being a kid.

Outings like this aren't just extras—they're part of holistic care. While food, shelter, and safety are vital, it takes far more than that to bring a child from simply surviving to truly thriving.

Social experiences help children:

• Feel seen and valued

• Practice communication and social skills

• Create lasting memories

• Discover new interests and dreams

• Develop confidence and resilience

These moments are especially important for kids who have experienced trauma, loss, or neglect. Joy-filled, shared experiences help rewire the brain, nurture attachment, and remind children that they are worth investing in.

This day wouldn’t have been possible without the wonderful team who came alongside us—planning, funding, showing up with open hearts, and building real connections with the kids along the way.