Praise the Lord! July 31, 2008

Some of Meme and Rich’s friends blessed them with a new van! When Havilah and I learn to drive a stick (which isn’t hard but driving a stick IN MEXICO is,) we will be able to drive their old car! It will give us more freedom to be able to go without the inconvenience. Also, Havilah and I do not have a refrigerator in our casita. We talked about splitting the cost to get a mini one so we would not have to go back and forth from the boys home but never got around to it. Another friend of ours had a mini fridge she was going to sell but when she heard about our need, she decided to let us use it for as long as we need it! We are so excited we already have a list of things we want to buy! =)

+

It’s 3 days until the team comes! We have been running around, buying groceries, making schedules, figuring out who will go where and figuring out transportation for this coming week. Please pray that everything will work out smoothly but most importantly that we encounter God this week in a way that others may see His glory and come to know Him. I know that with everyone being here I may get homesick when it comes time for their departure. Please pray for me emotionally. It’s going to be hard saying bye again.

+

I will not be able to get online while everyone is here, we will be SUPER busy. I can say that I will have tons of pictures and stories for you when the week is over. =)

 

 

Heart broken once again… July 28, 2008

We were told that today was Jose Ramon’s last day, that he could be taken at any time. Not long after I was trying to fight the tears as he picked up all his belongings and headed for the van. I feel as though my own child was taken from me. He and his brothers have been a part of Love in Action and the boys home for 4 years. He’s going to be put in a Catholic orphanage in Guadalajara. He was the baby. It’s not going to be the same without him and I don’t know if I will see him again. It’s hard, but I know he’s in God’s hands now. 

This video of him is sideways because I couldn’t rotate it but it’s still hilarious. You can see why he was such a joy.

 

more about “ZZZZVIDEO2.flv – Video – Photobucket …“, posted with vodpod

 

!!AHH!! July 28, 2008

Today after church Havilah and I walked to Los 5 Patrillos for lunch (where we now have become regulars). They have the best food. Every Sunday here in our town they have the tiangies where they sell all kinds of cool things. We were passing through when we saw the most unusual thing…

COLORFUL BABY CHICKENS.

Havilah and I debated about getting one to keep in our casita. We decided it would be smart to prepare for it before buying one right away. We didn’t have food or a place for it. I think they make them colorful so that people like us who are so amazed by how unusual they are want to buy them. One little girl bought one and we were able to play with it and let it run around the house with the boys. They are soo cute!

This is Jorge, the man who stays with the boys every night. He LOVES to talk. If we don’t always understand what he’s trying to say, that doesn’t stop him. He does hand motions and says other words we might know or gets someone to traslate. He has helped me so much with my Spanish and we are trying to help him with his English. He is the most humble and giving man.

 

This is Holly! She helped us at Love in Action last year. Her family arrived here Wednesday with their four kids and four of their friends. They used to live here and come back every once in a while. They are renting a house right behind our house and are going to help us out for a few weeks. It’s a three bedroom house with 10 people! I was so happy to see her again! I’m a social person so It’s good having a lot of teenagers around. I’m exciting about being able to hang out with them more.

:) July 26, 2008

 After being on 2 different medications, I’m finally starting to feel better. My stomach has settled down a bit but I still don’t have all my energy back. I need it so I can be with the boys and serve. Today everyone went swimming but I stayed back for some more rest.

~

It’s been so exciting to be a part of the planning for the team coming. I can’t wait!! I’m dying to see my friends and I know that I most likely won’t get any sleep at all that week. I can’t wait to show them around and for them to meet everyone. I’m counting down the days! 

~

Some pants were donated to the boys. We tried them on different boys and cut them so they were the right length. I was so glad because the boys were constantly pulling up their pants beacause they were WAY too big. One boy, Jose Ramon finally got some new shoes!

His poor toes were hanging off the end of his spiderman sandals and he was always hurting his toes. I wish I could call What Not To Wear just so we could go shopping and buy them all new clothes that fit them right.

Sick July 24, 2008

Please pray for my health.. I’ve been trying to fight off some stomach bug for the past 2 weeks. I woke up this morning feeling worse and may go to the doctor if it continues.

Wednesday, July 23 July 23, 2008

It’s so hard to believe it is almost August!! This week Havilah and I have been house sitting this amazingly beautiful house for an Amerian couple while they are on vacation. It has a pool and an amazing view of the mountains. It has been so refreshing. We have been able to sleep in and enjoy the peace and quiet as well as real American food that we can cook because they have an oven!! =) Sitting on their roof looking out onto the mountains and the crisp, white clouds that fall behind them, I am in awe of our creater and the beauty of His creation. The Lord has renewed my body, spirit and mind. I want to do nothing more than to worship Him for His beauty, love, kindness, mercy and forgiveness. I am so in love with my Abba Father. This song has been a constant reminder to me this week that God is my healer and that with Him, nothing is impossible. 

As far as the boys… July 18, 2008

We have hired some staff to help us out at the boys home. We have a cook now who helps with lunch and dinner. Also, a guy Nahum has been helping us during the day doing physical fitness activities with the boys while he is on summer break from college. His dad is Jorge, the man who stays with the boys at night. They have been a great help and have allowed other staff to have a break every once in a while. Also, the boys were offered free classes at what is called DIF. So every day they have an English and crafts class. It allows them to get out of the house so they aren’t so bored which has been great. Two new boys who are brothers came yesterday! At most orphanages here in Mexico, the kids are let go at the age of 10. We are one of the few orphanages that will keep them until the age of 18. So they were taken from their other home and put with us. Luis is 13 and Sergio is 9. When they first arrived, they looked terrified. They are now getting along great with the boys and fitting in.

 

 

Update! July 17, 2008

Well so much has been going on I don’t know how I could possibly tell you everything. God is so good. My eyes have been opened to a whole new world. I have been stretched and tested in so many ways. It’s like I thought I knew so much when really, I didn‘t know much at all. (What a surprise) I have been hearing story after story about how God is moving and what amazing things He is doing in our city. I would get upset because I wanted so bad to be there encountering Him in the same way with the people I love. Then the obvious hit me. That is my God. And He can do the same things here in Mexico, in Romania and in Poland. So I have been praying for revival. For the greatest awakening. It’s not like He isn’t here, we are always walking on holy ground. It’s that we are too busy that we miss it. I just finished reading a book called Velvet Elvis, by Rob Bell. This book has changed me. If you can, read it! Here is one part that is made so clear..

 

 

“When we choose God’s vision of who we are, we are living as God made us to live. We are living in the flow of how we are going to live forever. This is the life of heaven, here and now. And as we live this life, in harmony with God’s intentions for us, the life of heaven becomes more and more present in our lives. Heaven comes to earth. This is why Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” There is this place, this realm, heaven, where things are as God desires them to be. As we live this way, heaven comes here. To this place, this world, the one we’re living in.”

 

Some things you can be praying for: July 14, 2008

-We are getting 4 more boys to stay with us in our boys home! Two will be coming this week and two more will come next week. Pray that the boys here now will accept them and make them feel welcome. It’s a HUGE adjustment for them.

.

.

-Jose Ramon (Isaias‘ little brother) is going to be taken away from us in a few days. His dad wants him to be closer to where he lives. He will be going to a Catholic children’s home in Guadalajara. He does not know yet, they are going to tell him right before they take him. It’s going to be so hard letting him go. He is such a joy and one of my favorites. Keep him in your prayers that he would stay strong in the Lord and that being in the new home wouldn’t keep him from knowing the truth.

.

.

-That I would not get caught up in what I feel I’m missing out on at home but that I would keep my eyes on the Lord and continue to seek Him with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength.  Also, I’m starting to feel burned out. Things are always going on and it’s hard to find time to relax.

 

 

 

 

 

Gloria a Dios July 12, 2008

Today Havilah and I spent the day with Jorge in Guadalarajah. He is the man who stays with the boys every night. He was dying to get out and was so excited about going. One thing.. he only speaks spanish, No English at all.. and he likes to talk. I know some spansish and can understand for the most part, but I am shy when I am asked questions that don’t understand, I feel rude having to ask them repeat what they said. I was praying the whole time that God would supernaturally allow me to understand and speak to him so that it wouldn’t be so awkward. My brain hurts but I was able to understand and he has helped me learn more spanish!! It was great!! I thought it would be so awkard but I got to know him more and I’m picking up on more spanish. =)

Finally sleeping in a bed :) July 10, 2008

Our Casita is finished! We were able to move in yesterday. Havilah and I were so excited to unpack and sleep in our beds! We are loving it. It feels like a home.  Here are some before and after pics.

Before

After!

Before

After!

Before

After!

Isaias July 10, 2008

Isaias

Isaias, the boy who ran away not too long ago showed up last night. We were told that he is in trouble with the law and will be with us at the boys home until Friday. All his privileges have been taken away to the extent that while he is here he is not allowed to have any contact with the boys at all. His little brother, Jose Ramon, is sees and hears everything and I don’t even think he is allowed to talk to his older brother. I can’t imagine everything that is going on through Jose Ramon’s mind. In my mind I wonder why we aren’t accepting the fact that he is back.. Like the story of the prodigal son. I understand there needs to be discipline but I guess my heart just hurts for him and his 8 year old brother. Please keep him in your prayers. It’s so good to have him back but there is no telling what he is going to be faced with in the future.

Meet the boys! July 10, 2008

Alejandro

Chava

Hugo

Iseael

Jorge

Jose Ramon

Leo

Mario

Miguel

The sun will come out tomorrow.. July 10, 2008

Today we took the kids for a walk to the square. It has been raining a lot so they have been stuck in the house. We thought it would be a good idea to get out for a little while so they could let some energy out. As we were goofing off and playing around, it started to rain. Soon after it started to pour. Nahum (Jorge’s son who is helping out while he is on summer break) and one of the boys went off to find a place to use the restroom. We waited and waited for them to come back but they never did. We debated on whether or not we should just head back. Although it was a long walk, we decided to head back in the pouring rain with 2 little freezing dogs who are terrified of being wet. The streets were completely flooded and everyone stared at us as we went thinking we were crazy. We had the best time getting soaked and jumping into the rushing, muddy water. I am getting sick now because of it but it was worth it. To see those boys as happy as they were and having so much fun, I would do it a million times.

Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down July 8, 2008

YWAM (Youth With a Mission) is starting a 2 week camp called “King’s Kid” where kids from all over learn dances, dramas and have times of fellowship and growth. We were invited on Sunday to go to the base to watch the grand opening. When it got close to the time it started, everyone was worn out and wanted to stay home. I really wanted to go and felt like I should be there. So I was able to get a ride and got dropped off in time to make it. Walking up the stairs, I looked for anyone I knew. I found Jenna, a really cool girl from YWAM who I met at church. It turned out to be one of the best nights yet. The worship was AMAZING and their performance was great. The girls from Love in Action were there (which I was totally suprised). I was so glad to see them again and love on them. Today as I was busy at the boys home cleaning, cooking, doing dishes, sanitizing fruit… I was introduced to 3 students, Brittany, Ashley and Jordin who are here until August for language school. They were looking for something to do so they will be helping us 2 days a week with the boys. We were able to take a walk to the square not far from where we live. I took them to a little coffee shop and we got some cheesecake while we talked and got to know each other. I have enjoyed so much getting to know some other people my age who share the same desires as me. I am finally plugging in and finding my place here. I thank God that I am beginning to meet more people and developing friendships. It has lifted my spirit.

 

 

 

These videos encourage me and I really enjoy them, hope they do the same for you.