(John Valenzuela/Staff Photographer) Gloria Bahena, 8, of Redlands goes to grab an egg during the Easter Egg Hunt, hosted by Micah House at Burrage Manison in Redlands, Thursday, April 5, 2012.
4/5/2012 REDLANDS – Sara Soto and John McKray strolled through the grounds at the Burrage Mansion as if they were walking in the front yard of their own home.
For Sara, a freshman at Redlands High School, and McKray, a 20-year old, taking part in Micah House events such as Thursday’s Easter egg hunt at the mansion is a lot like spending time with family.
Sara and McKray volunteered their time to hide eggs, including the much sought after golden egg, throughout the scenic lawns, and the 70 or so Micah House children who joined them were beaming with smiles.
“Being here is like giving back,” said McKray, who took part in his first Micah House Easter egg hunt when he was in the fifth grade. “When I first came to the Micah House there were older kids helping me. When I got older I wanted to help the younger kids.”
(John Valenzuela/Staff Photographer) Adrian Buenrosho, 9, of Redlands puts the finishing touches on his bunny bag, during his visit with Micah House, Thursday, April 5, 2012.
It was the fourth straight year Micah House held the Easter egg hunt.
“The kids just love it,” said Dianna Lawson, program coordinator for the Micah House Chapel. “These visits become memories for the kids.”
Each child took home a bag of Easter eggs and roamed the grounds with friends and family.
“They are able to do this through Micah House,” Lawson said. “It’s a real family feel. It’s like a huge family here.”
Sara attended the first four Easter egg hunts.
“The kids are so excited, they are estatic,” she said. “It’s like they get overwhelmed.”
Sara and McKray examined the grounds carefully to find the right nesting spot for the golden egg.
That didn’t stop 11-year-old Armani Rueda. The Franklin Elementary School fifth-grader found the golden egg and let everyone know about it.
“I feel like the golden egg is going to be good luck for me,” Rueda said. “I’m can’t wait to tell my mom. She is going to be so proud of me.”
Micah House tutor Kelly Odar was there when Rueda, who had already found 17 Easter eggs, found the golden egg.
“She held the egg in her hand, raised it in the air and yelled `I found it,”‘ Odar said.
Rueda is a regular at Micah House.
“I think Micah House is awesome,” Rueda said. “I get to play and I get to finish my homework.”
Source: John Valenzuela
Redlands Daily Facts 2/6/2012
