We have had a very full schedule the last while. Last Monday the children didn’t have school so we all went to Ensenada for the day. It’s a town southwest of us by the ocean. We took the whole group out on a boat ride then went further south to Bufadora to a really neat place where the ocean sprays up over the cliffs. We all enjoyed the day away! Of course, going with all the children we also took our work along but it was fun to see the children enjoying the outing!

On Tuesday evening Marlene (a Mom here) left for Costa Rica for some time with her family. We get to care for her little Joel while she is gone. Regina is doing most of his care and is doing a great job with him. That same evening we found out that Milena would possibly not be returning as soon as we thought due to her mother’s health not being well. So, we are down to 2 Mom’s, 1 Dad, 3 helpers, 1 maintenance man, and the houseparents' family, which means we must all pull together. God has been so good to us, giving us the strength for the work needed!


Wed. we had a bimonthly DIF mtg. in Tijuana that we needed to attend. And yes, it was all in Spanish! Heidy did a wonderful job filling us in on the details we were missing! Then Fri. Lorne & I, Heidy and the 4 teen girls went to Tijuana for a Dr appointment for 2 of the babies, then on to another yearly DIF meeting. This left us with Sat. to get our groceries and thus ended another week.



The new week beginning we had a time of worship and fellowship then after lunch we decided to take the children on a tractor/ wagon ride through the mountains here. The boys took bikes and the rest of us piled onto the wagon. It was a beautiful day and when we got back we had a fire outside and roasted hot dogs for supper.

Yesterday was Nevin’s birthday so at his and Lorne’s request we made peanut butter pie for

their birthday supper. And what a puzzle to the children… why would they want pie instead of a cake! Nevin was pleased to try out his lassoing abilities with the rope Lorne got for him. Um-hmm… hapless victims that came by or willing brothers.

This morning Darin needed to get to the San Diego airport so we offered to take him and our family went for a day in town. We had a wonderful day together! We went to a woodworker’s store for the guys to dream awhile then over to the ocean to enjoy the beauty and relax there for a time. The boys enjoyed getting wet, while the rest of us enjoyed sitting and resting! Temperatures we guessed to be around 75! Then, on to Wal-Mart because, of course, we need to go to Wal-Mart.

In Mexico, they don’t even know what Thanksgiving Day is so there are school and dentist appointments. We invited Gordon’s to join us for the evening meal and plan to have a special supper and hope to convey to the children our thanks to God for providing for our needs. We wish you all a blessed Thanksgiving as you reflect on God’s goodness in your lives.

Psalm 121:1-3 I will lift up my eyes to the hills-- From whence comes my help? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber.

As we drove through the country the other day this verse came to my mind. Up ahead were the mountains... Why would David say he lifts his eyes to the hills? As we talked about this, it became so clear to me... God created these awesome, majestic mountains and as we look at them we are reminded of the power that is available to us for our help... our security is in Christ! Such power cannot be fathomed, yet is available to us!

God has given us the gift of breathtaking sunsets, beautiful full moon, flowers in the desert... His love for mankind surrounds us when we take the time to see it!

Last Friday evening we went to Gordon's for supper. We SO enjoyed an evening of English fellowship and refreshment for our spirits! We were able to go with him to see "sad town' where he spends a lot of time ministering to the poorest of the poor people in Tecate. Such a sad, sad sight... sticks and tarps for houses, or maybe just some things propped together and they call it home. No electricity or running water and Gordon said often no food at all. And yes, there were children there! We are so blessed!

Sunday there was a visiting family with us for church. They have 9 children and live in Tecate. We enjoyed having them join our time of worship. There was also a mother and 4 boys that came to church. Our school bus often picks up these boys to take them to school and they chose to come for church and lunch. May God's word reach their hearts!

As the girls were washing dishes Sunday, Rocio was washing a jar and it broke onto her hand. She had 3 really bad gashes on her hand, so Lorne took her and her 'Mom' to the ER and she needed quite a few stitches. Lorne has offered to take out the stitches tomorrow for her so he may get to practice some Dr. skills!

We've had a number of sick ones this week. Some with the stomach flu and some with sore throat issues. It's given me lots of nursing practice. It's what Mom's are for, right?

On Wed. Darin, Lorne & the boys blew in insulation in the newest wing attic. It took all day but the job was finished with great rejoicing. Such a dirty, dusty job! Of course, as with any extra job comes some challenges... the generator kept shutting off that evening, the gas tanks ran dry (yup, no heat or stoves, or hot water in the one wing) but we still thanked God for what was accomplished!

Thursday we went to San Diego to do our shopping. Sam's Club was a trip! 2 flatbed carts piled high and a regular cart rounded full! It took some real packing to get it into the van. Then it was time to go to Wal Mart yet. But the pantry shelves looked so much better when we got it home and away that it makes the work worth it's time. And the highlight of the day for Regina & I was the new washer we brought home! The one we've had here in our house was on it's last leg and limping! And what a joy today to do our laundry in much less time and have it clean when it was finished!

We rejoiced when we got the news yesterday that there is enough money in the school building fund to begin construction on our school building! Our greatest need is for our own school! The children are faced with evolution teaching, bad language, and many other negative influences in the public school but because of local laws we can't have our own school until we have a building. Please, continue to pray with us that God would provide the funds and the workers that the building could be completed and our children brought home to teach them here.

Next Tuesday another one of the Mom's plans to leave for a furlough so the workload will increase for those of us still here. When Marlene bought her tickets to fly home, Milena was planning to be back from her time at home. Well, Milena faced health problems and is recovering yet at home. So, we choose to recognize that God had all the details in His hand and will work everything out for us. We just don't always see the whole picture! :)

We continually need your prayers that as we face situations that arise, we would have wisdom from God and be able to respond in a redemptive way! With 38 children, 4 caregivers, and some single workers we have plenty of opportunity for God to show Himself strong!

Well, the wind howls on... the house is quiet and I shall join those who are finding their rest.

As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is (dear family) from a far country!

Oh my! Where do I start? Last Thursday we projected our plans for Friday, and Lorne had in mind we really should get an early start to our grocery day. He informed me that Darin & Regina will be running some errands for him so we need to try to be back in time to pick up the children from school. I did mention the fact that getting up so early on my birthday seemed a little unbalanced but plans must go on! I did conclude that the errand running was going to be in San Diego and I tried to come up with what they could be getting there. The thought did enter my mind that they could be going to the airport, but then that thought wasn't fitting the puzzle very well, so I kept listening. While we were in town, Nevin called and said that Gideon Eichorn is at the airport and needs a ride. Lorne told him to call Darin and have them go on up there and get him while they are in town. OK, so there, that took care of that airport thought! We had a real nice time, just Lorne & I, getting groceries and doing our other shopping. We got done in good time and headed on home, finished in good time to be back before lunch! When we got close to home I mentioned to Lorne that I'd like to stop over at our door before unloading the stuff at the pantry door. How handy of me to be so helpful! We were just getting out of the van, greeting the children as they came to see us, when our house door opened and out walked Dad, Mom & Sarah!! For once I was speechless! It was definitely the best birthday gift they could've given me! It was very special to have them here and be a part of our lives here for a few days!

In the afternoon, Darin told us he needs to run to town for some things. Later I found out that the Mom's here had sent him in for things to complete their party plans for the evening. Darin & Gid grilled steak for us all, the girls & Regina decorated cakes, and everyone seemed to pitch in to create a very special supper and celebration! We ate outside and even had ice cream to go with our cake! By the time the evening was over I felt very humbled to have so many people caring and making it such a special day for me! Plus, all the messages and calls from friends & family letting me know they remembered made it complete! Thanks to all of you!!

We did have company come from Lebec, CA on Saturday afternoon, bringing a pizza supper and planning to stay for the night. Well, that's the time when the well again decided to take a break and we were out of water for awhile! There was concern about showers and the extra load with more people so most of the visitors went to a motel for the night and returned Sunday morning for church. We enjoyed the fellowship with brethren sharing with us.

We did receive some rain Tuesday and are hoping it brought the water level up some more to help with our supply. The men here are working on the water system and hoping to improve the situation soon! And the women are hoping with them!!

Last Thursday we picked up a baby from the hospital who was only 16 days old and weighed only 4 lbs 12 oz. He also had no name, but Noemy has named him Derrick.

Tania is doing better! She had bronchitis and was on antibiotic which really has made a difference. And, along with being sick, she pushed her first tooth through this week so it's no wonder she was fussy!