More of December...

It hardly seems possible that we are almost at the end of 2010. Have I completed the assignments God had for me this year? So many needs, so many souls needing God, and what have I done? We can never meet all the needs around us but we can meet the ones that God assigns to us! I'm so grateful that with those assignments He gives grace and strength to complete each day!

Wednesday, the 15th, Lorne flew to Ohio for his uncle John's funeral. He really enjoyed being with the family and sharing with them during that difficult time. He came home again on Fri. Sadly, on Sun. he started running a fever and was sick with the flu until Tuesday.

We've had lots of rain the last week. There is a general mud condition all around and a road that's very washed out. We need the rain but when it comes it all comes at once.

Myron and Mary Bontrager and family of 4 children arrived today. They are from MS and plan to live here and be involved in helping with extra projects. They are living in a house out in front of the home.

This week has been busy getting ready for Christmas and it's activities. We as a staff plan to have a small 'holy walk' for the children Fri. eve and also invited some local people to come. Our desire is to bless those that see the story of Jesus birth with something much greater than what they've seen in their world of Santa and it's lies! Afterwards there are tamales planned for supper so do come join us!

God's bless all of you with His peace and joy this weekend!

Is your God trustworthy enough to trust with the details of your life? We had a very soul filling message this morning that so met the needs we are dealing with right now! The awesome thing to me is how God brings us what we need even when the message bearer doesn't know what our needs are at the time. My God Is so great!

We had a very interesting time in Costa Rica. It rained a lot and we saw a lot of mud. It was so special to be at Norman n Marlene's wedding since a lot of their dating time was here in MX and Marlene was just one of our 'girls'. It was very good to visit the country of a lot of our former and present workers. It helps to understand their culture better and be able to relate to them in the context of their customs. 

As for staff news, Sara Derstine from Oregon and Katie Hulse from Indiana were here for most of the month of Nov to help out while some staff was gone. We really appreciated their help! It's also very good to have Abigail Martin back from her vacation! Margaret Schmitt has joined us as a childcare worker. She is from Durango, MX.

Our children news includes coming and goings, which is fairly normal. America and Gabriela went to live with their grandma. They were a handful of energy and sure are missed. Friday night we got a newborn baby girl! She was only 3 days old and not quite 5 lbs.

James and Deb Brubaker and Jeron Imhoff from OH have been here for a little more than a week helping with various projects. It's always so good to have them come. They've become like part of our SLCH family here!

Corey Yoders are still here but plan to leave on Thurs. After that we are kind of on our own for a time since Greivin's don't plan to return until in Jan. We are all very excited about having Virgil’s come for Christmas!! God is so good and these plans feel like a very special gift from God Himself! God’s blessings on all of you as we remember His birth and commemorate His love for us!

Good evening to all! Lorne & I are on the way to Los Angeles to fly to Costa Rica in the morning. Bethany And Christina Klassen are going with us. This Sat. is Marlene’s wedding so we are privileged to be able to go. It was not easy driving away and leaving our children behind but we only plan to be gone for 6 days and I’m sure they’ll be fine. Greivin’s also left on Mon., so Corey Yoder and his family are at the home to take care of things while we are gone. We’re riding along and it feels like such a waste of time to sit still and do nothing so I decided to try to write for a bit. Last Thurs. we took the whole family to do the grocery shopping and first spent some time at a park. It felt good to relax for a little. Of course, we don’t all have the same ways of ‘relaxing’.

Last Sun was a milestone day for the home. Merary, Marisol and Bianca were baptized. Their lives are such beautiful examples of the beauty that God can make out of a life of ashes. They are so sincere in their commitment to serving their Savior. This day was a reminder to us as a staff that the work is worth every minute of our time. Every late night spent trying to help a struggling teen, every interruption to my schedule is for a purpose and only God knows how far it will reach. Praise Him for His grace and mercy!!

Remember Lucia, the 14 yr. old from last week? Well, that story took another road as it unfolded this week. Marilu, her caregiver, through working with her, sensed that her story had some inconsistencies. Ana also befriended her and spent quite a bit of time with her. As they shared with her she began to give bits of the true story of her life. She is Catholic and is living in darkness. We spent several late nights trying to help her to understand that there is freedom in truth and that our desire is that she could find that freedom. I believe she was here in God’s timing because this weekend was extra special and there were more activities than normal that allowed her to see Jesus. Friday night was our monthly program night where all the different rooms give a program. Late that night she was crying and told me that she just wants to return to DIF. She was feeling uncomfortable here and we know that it was the exposure to truth that was creating her discomfort. On Sat. night, Marilu and I were working with her and she was very distraught. After a long while, Ana helped her to expose to us the truth.  She has been living a lie these 2 months with DIF, with her story of being kidnapped. The truth is that she ran away from home with this man and was living with him until he became abusive and then she went to DIF with the other story in hopes of finding a way home to Mexico City. We informed her that we would need to inform DIF of the truth as well but she seemed relieved to have the truth exposed. She still wanted to return to DIF and on Tues. we called them and gave her true story. They came out within an hour to take her in to work with her and the truth. Lucia expressed an interest in reading a Bible to find out if the things she heard are really true, so Ana gave her own Bible to Lucia. Our prayer is that she could come to know the lifesaving truth of Jesus!

Pray for us and the children as we are travelling this week and the children are at home.

Casa Hogar Una Luz Encendida

We recently took group pictures so I’ll give you a peek at who we are.

Our wonderful staff! Roland, Marilu, Tony, Heidi, Sara, Darlene, Gloria, Abigail, Cristina, Regina, Bethany, Ana

 

 

Heidi Perez from Costa Rica with  Kiara, Alana, Migel, Fernando, Merary, Alondra, Jacqueline,  Evelin, Alejandra,  Pancho, Angel & Alfredo  

 

Marilu Rojas from Costa Rica with Bianca, Susana, Alejandro, Marisol, Maribel & Eduardo

 

Darlene Wagler from Iowa with Jenny, Jacky, Erika, Micaela, Lesly, Ana, Gabriela, America, Sara & Reina

 

Bethany & Cristina Klassen from Canada with Ivan, Jesus, Fernanda & Cesar

 

Tony Nisly from Arkansas & Roland Rojas from Costa Rica with Daniel, Ismael & Jose

 

 

Our 2 yr. olds!

A blessed week to you all from the Hershbergers!

As for God, His way is perfect...

I am full of mixed emotions tonight. Happy to have the privilege to share God's love with a needy child, sad that a child has had such horrible experiences in her life. Today, 14 yr old Lucia came for a time. In May she was kidnapped from her home in Mexico City and brought to Tijuana by her kidnapper. He was a man that she knew but he told her he would kill her sisters if she did not cooperate. She was treated horribly by this man. They lived with the man's mother until in Sept. one day the man was gone to work and the mother left and didn't lock the doors so Lucia escaped and ran to a nearby store to ask for help. They helped her call her mother and the police and she was taken to DIF. She's been waiting while DIF investigated her case and worked to see if she can return to her family. She has been cleared to return to her family but the family is poor and does not have the money for a ticket so she needs to wait until something can be done. It's been 6 mo. since she saw her family, although she does talk to them by phone. The family has had a difficult time as well with sick children. She has a 3 yr old sister who needs heart surgery and also a sister who needs eye surgery. And so we offer her love, security and a chance to hear about God. Pray for Lucia and her family that they could be reunited soon!

Tidbits…

It’s a good day! The sky is dreary. The wind is cold. But, the house is cleaned and I have a few hours to catch up some bits and pieces that need to be done. Schedules need to be made, as we anticipate some staff vacations and some temporaries. Also, there are upcoming visitors so the ‘motel’ needs to be scheduled as well. Yes, life is good and we are blessed!

Last Sunday, 16 of us went to Tijuana and sang at the Contreras clinic and at the Oasis hospital. Phil Edith’s cousin had surgery the week before and was at the hospital and some others that they knew were at the clinic. Phil’s and all of our English staff were able to go and we enjoyed sharing together in that way.

On Monday, 4 yr old Enrique left to go to an adoptive family. He went once before but was returned in just several days because the family didn’t want him after all. We so hope that this time he has been placed in a home where he’s loved and can be secure.

 Also, 3 weeks ago, little Melani left to live with her aunt. She came when she was just a few days old and was such a snuggly, cutie!

On Tuesday, Tony returned from his trip home for his brother’s wedding. It’s very good to have him back again!

Another benefit we see from having more staff is that we are able to have a few people at a time get away more easily and do things for others, which is refreshing. Yesterday, a number of us were able to go help Phil and Edith clean the house that they plan to move into next week. It’s much bigger and a nicer setup than where they are now. It’s also in a much nicer area. For those of you that know the area here, the new house is in Loma Tova.

 

The boys’ favorite pastime right now!

God’s blessings to all of you this week!

A day in a Mexican court…

We feel very blessed with the way God is working out the details in bringing us closer to the finalization of Tania’s adoption! Our lawyers have been working for months to complete the termination of the birth mother’s rights. They finally had everything ready and were granted a hearing today to complete that part of the process. Yesterday they received a call saying that one of the witnesses would not be able to be there and we would need to cancel the hearing. The lawyers told them they would not accept that and that they want another witness assigned to go ahead with today. Thank God, they sent another person and we were able to continue, because if it were cancelled it would have been another 3 months before it could be scheduled again, plus requiring more money.

The hearing went very well and the judge ruled in our favor to terminate the birth mother’s rights. It also included DIF signing papers that released them as well, so she is now not a DIF child at all, just a child in between processes. Now after today the lawyers are free to begin the actual processing of our papers to finalize everything. But, this was a big step and it went well! It was definitely an interesting day, observing life in a Mexican court.

This month it is 2 years that Tania came into our home as a 4 month old, sickly little baby. Today when we came home and were rejoicing over our day, she was just happily playing and we talked about the fact that to her nothing is changing. She is surrounded by the only family that she has known and secure in the love that she feels here. All glory and praise to God for His goodness to us! He does things so much better and beyond what we are even able to imagine! Thank you God!

Two years...

When we first agreed to come to Mexico we committed to be here for 2 years and then see what God has for us. Septemer 30th was 2 years since we arrived. We are amazed at the way God has brought us through this wilderness journey. There have been many happy times along with many times of pain. But all times of walking closer to the Lord and seeing Him work His plan in our lives. Truly, life is like the sand, soon trickled through the glass. It all passes so quickly and is so fleeting. God has not yet released us from the work here so we continue on, in faith and in His strength! All glory and honor to God for His goodness and faithfulness in our lives!

Grace…

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think… unto him be glory!

As I reflect over the last 6 weeks I am overwhelmed at the goodness of God and His love for us! We truly walked one day at a time and at times it seemed there were no answers for the day, but God was always on time. Our time in Indiana was very refreshing for our spirits even though it was mixed with so much sadness in dealing with the uncertainty of Liz’s life. I am so thankful for the time that God gave me to be there with them and the work that He did in my heart through all of this. He wanted me to come to the place of full trust in His plan. Full trust in the fact that He does have a plan and that it is perfect. All along we had prayed for healing according to God’s will. We believed that He was going to heal her and allow her to live. But, God wanted me to come to the place of giving it to Him and accepting what He had planned, whether it be life or death. Physically it appeared that it would be death and I was not ok with that for a time. But God worked in my heart and He’s still healing Liz! She is doing much better and even though we don’t know the details of why she feels better we do know that it’s ALL about God and the work that He is doing! He does still perform miracles today! GLORY! GLORY!

After being in Indiana 2 weeks we received word that back in MX our people were facing serious dangers there. Three of our staff had been shot at on the road to the home one night. Our daughters were here and we felt responsible for our staff as well, so our hearts were torn between two places and we weren’t sure what to do. Regina’s testimony was that God has called us to MX and so He will be with us there as well even though the devil wants us to run. It helped to hear that Herbert and his wife went to give support and so we stayed in Indiana another week. Lorne, Nevin and I then flew back to the girls and Brent and Dustin stayed with Dad & Mom Miller as it seemed uncertain yet whether we would need to return shortly or not, depending on Liz’s situation. Regina was planning to go to Indiana for a time of rest as well and so we felt it best to leave the boys at least for a time. Regina flew north on Sept. 22nd and plans to return on Oct 6th. The boys stayed for two weeks, then last week Darin drove our car down and brought the boys with him, arriving here on Thurs. We will be very thankful to have our family all together again after six weeks of being scattered!

It was great to have Gideon and Darin here again this weekend. Gideon also had his girlfriend, his three sisters with their husbands & boyfriend with him. Yesterday Gideon’s group left for Ensenada and Darin left today.

Be still and know that I am God…

So many questions… so many whys… facing the reality of seemingly unanswered prayers. But wait, Ps. 32 tells me that, “As for God, His way is perfect.” Perfect? But OH! how can it be perfect not to heal our precious sister? How can it be perfect to take this beloved wife and mother away from her family? God, we still need her here! What are you doing with us? And He speaks to me and says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Is. 41:10

So, right now we can’t see His plan, we still have more questions than answers, but we have a God who is carrying us through each hour and we choose to lean on Him. Oh, how precious our Savior becomes in the midst of such dark times!

Lorne, our boys and I came to Indiana last Saturday to spend some time with Virgil’s family during this valley they are journeying through right now. Liz is becoming weaker and I’m so thankful for every day that we are still able to share a few minutes with her. Each visit feels to me like a gift from God.

Regina stayed in MX to take care of Tania. We miss our girls so much! Regina plans to come later to also spend some time here.

I’ll try to update a little also on the happenings at the home in the last weeks. God has been very good to us in providing the needed staff to fill the needs there. Anthony Nisly from Arkansas, Darlene Wagler from Iowa and Sara Enns from Canada all joined us in August.

August 17th we received a 5 day old boy who was born with club feet and needs to have casts on both legs. He came without a name and so Christina, his caregiver, has named him Cody until we hear something different.

August 19 was a difficult day as we said goodbye to Marlene. She returned to her home in Costa Rica and has plans to get married sometime this fall. We wish her God’s blessings as she adjusts to her new life but we really miss her at the home!

August 23rd was an exciting day as we had the first day of school for this year as a registered school and without needing to send our children to public school. We praise God for answered prayers on behalf of the school.

Our family also started with school work again. It’s always refreshing to start in new books and start a new year.

August 27th was a painful day for the home. Rocio and Alex have been at the home for 6 years. Many of you learned to know these girls when you came to visit and know that especially Alex loved to be with people. They went through lots of struggles over the years and there was a tremendous amount of energy poured into their lives by a lot of people. The last number of weeks they again were struggling with rebelling against the program we have at the home and really wanted to go somewhere else to live. We assured them of our love for them and our desire to help them but we also realized that there comes a time when you have to allow them to make their choices and release them to find the answers for which they are searching. It was so painful to see them walk into the world, away from the teachings of God, away from those of us who understood them, and only because they want their own way. We bring them to God and trust that in some way He will draw them to Himself so that in their search they would come to truly find the freedom that only He can give.

Thank you all for your prayers on behalf of the home and also for our family during this ‘valley time.’

Rest…

And He said unto them, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile”.. Jesus knew when it was time for a rest. If only He would tell us just as plainly when it’s time for us to get away! We knew that our family has been running dry for a while and sensed that we all very much needed some time together away from the demands of everyday life at the home. So, last weekend we talked with Greivin and decided that this week we would take some time away in spite of the fact that there were still plenty of reasons to be there.

We came to San Felipe, MX on Tuesday and plan to be here until Saturday. We rented a house in a very private community that is close to the Sea of Cortez. This is truly in the desert and it’s a very hot place to be! We have seen very few people since we are here and have had a wonderful time being together! Looking for seashells, swimming in the ocean or pool, playing games, just talking and laughing and enjoying each other! We chose to stay in MX so that Tania could come with us and that has been very special!

         Our house this week

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

…Looking for shells at low tide

       Here is a small portion……same beach at high tide

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And now looking back over the last month, I’ll try to catch the highlights to tell you about our activities. On July 21 the home faced a first when Ana turned 18. When a DIF child turns 18 they are no longer under DIF but considered an adult. We want to provide  a place for the children to stay after they are 18 if they so choose. Ana has her daughter Reina here, and has no interest in leaving without her, so Ana is staying at the home as a worker now. She has been able to have contact with her extended family and is excited about that.

Congratulations to Regina! We reached a milestone in July when Regina graduated from high school. Her schoolwork definitely took more effort the last year but she did an excellent job and completed her studies! We celebrated with a family party at home one evening. 

 

 

 

 

 

On July 28 Lorne, his Mom and I took his Dad to the airport as we had gotten word from home of Viola Wickey’s death, and he was returning for the funeral. We then went to Tijuana to be with Virgil & Liz for a few hours. On Friday then Virgil’s came over to the home for the weekend. Liz was very weak and not doing well but it was a privilege to have a few days together. We then took them to San Diego on Sunday evening so that they could catch an early flight on Monday. Lorne’s Mom also went with them, after having been here helping us for 4 weeks. We really enjoyed and appreciated the time her and Dad spent with us! 

We’ve been blessed with more short term voluntary help help in the last month. That has helped a lot to catch up odd and end jobs that get neglected when we’re short staffed. They’ve also been doing cooking for Regina to help lighten her load.

Last Friday the board of directors came and were here for the weekend. It’s always an encouragement to have them come and bless us with their time and insight on the work here. Myron & Mary Bontrager from MS were also here for the week and helped with some extra projects.

Yesterday, Miguel, the 2 yr old that’s been waiting on eye surgery finally had his surgery.  I heard from Heidy last night that the surgery went well and that Miguel was also doing well. We thank God for providing for him and are looking forward to seeing him progress with better vision.

The next week is again full of changes and we continue to look to God for His grace for each day. He has promised us, “My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” and so we go forth in confidence that His strength will be perfect! Pray for us that we will be able to return to the home with renewed courage and continue in the work that God has called us to do.

Blessings…

This afternoon I was trying to deal with the high heat here and I thought of the fact that I need to count my blessings instead of complaining. So I started thinking of the last weeks and there have been a lot of blessings!

It was so wonderful to have Gideon and Darin back to visit! It seemed like they just went on vacation and now were back. Gideon took care of the boys while he was here which was very great! Darin kept busy catching up on odd jobs around here that just don’t get done. We so miss you boys!

 

July 5th was Regina’s 19th birthday.  She was able to spend most of the day in our house because the other girls covered her jobs, which was very nice! Then in the evening Darin, Grandma & our family all went to Tecate for supper. We thank God for the amazing woman that He gave us when He gave us our daughter!

 

Then on the 6th everybody from the home here went on a picnic for the day to a church camp close by here. They had swimming pools too so the children really enjoyed the day!

 

 

 

 

 

Master chef hard at work!

On the 7th then, Candace Yoder from OH came to spend 6 weeks helping us here. It’s been great to have another set of hands to help pick up loose ends.

Then on the 9th, a not so blessed thing, Darin left for home. The blessing side of that day was that Lorne’s Dad arrived. They’ve been very busy helping keep our house afloat with doing laundry, dishes and floor mopping while I get called out and about and Regina is busy. We so appreciate their help!! And even if they wouldn’t be working we are enjoying the time with them!

Last Saturday Lorne and his Dad went to San Diego and returned with a long needed refrigerator. That day alone I dumped 10 gallons of spoiled milk because of the old fridge not working, and that was happening too often. The new fridge is a huge blessing! I didn’t know one could get so happy over a refrigerator but it was such a joy to fill! Isn’t that a beauty! The 3 left doors are refrigerator, the 2 right are freezer.

Last December when Lorne’s Dad & Mom came down they brought a large ice maker along. Lorne’s had it ready for a long while to be connected but we had to wait on the repair man to come add Freon and connect it. Well, we live in Mexico and he always said he’d be here “tomorrow”, but tomorrow just didn’t come. Finally, yesterday he arrived and a shout of joy erupted from the kitchen. We now have ice and lots of it! Cold drinks at meal times are so refreshing! And tonight we made 4 freezers full of homemade ice cream with plenty of ice to do it!

Also, this Monday Heidy returned from her Costa Rican trip. It’s wonderful to have her back!

Another big blessing this week was the provision for 2 yr old Miguel's eye surgery need. We’ve been waiting to do it because of the need for funding, then the Lord opened the door for us to take him to the Contreras Clinic in Tijuana. They will make the necessary appointments and cover all costs of the surgery as well. Through this Dr. visit it was also discovered that he has a hernia so they will also take care of that surgery. Praise God for meeting the needs of the children!

So, as you see, we’ve been greatly blessed beyond measure! And we thank and praise God for His goodness! By the way, it’s still very warm!

June…

Time moves on so rapidly and what have I done? We have been so busy since having such a short staff situation that it seems only the urgent needs get attention. So I chose to leave some needful things and sit to write for a few minutes to try and catch up a bit with you all.

Starting back at June 12, Gloria Enns from Chihuahua, MX arrived to work here. She is taking care of Heidi’s children while Heidi is in Costa Rica for her sister’s wedding. Gloria then plans to teach school for us this next school term. We are very thankful that God has provided teachers committed to teach for this year!

June 15th was Tania’s 2nd birthday. It’s so much fun to see her growing! She was so excited every time we sang Happy Birthday and was thrilled with the gifts she received! She is a very lively, happy little girl who loves life!

  June 16th Lorne & Nevin flew to Indiana to take care of various business needs. One big item was that Nevin took his driving test and got his license while they were there. It helps that he is able to drive and run errands when needed. They returned again on the 19th. It seemed like a very long 4 days and we were very glad to have them return!

The last several weeks we put in some long school days and were very happy when on Tuesday we finished this year’s work. I still have the grading and report cards to finish but it’s great to be finished with classes and have a break from that schedule!

We are excited to have Lorne’s Mom, Darin and Gideon coming to visit! Regina and Nevin plan to go pick them up in San Diego this evening. Lorne’s Dad plans to come next week then as well.

We are still praying that God would send workers to fill the needs here. There are some that are planning to come in August but we are still waiting to have everything covered. Some days we feel so weary we wonder how to go on another day, but God is faithful and He provides strength for every day. And so we continue on one day, or rather one hour, at a time and trust that God will provide all that we need.

Earthquake, again!

It’s 9:30 at night. The house has quieted down, the children are mostly in bed, and I’m busily mopping my floors to finish up for the day when boom, shudder, shake! The house is loudly protesting the quaking of the earth! The front door was open so that’s where we all fled quite rapidly! Lorne grabbed Tania and joined us. Poor Dustin rounded the corner from his room and hit the freshly mopped floor a bit too hard, but not for long. Once we were out front I told Lorne that we need to see if everyone else got out, but by that time it was pretty much over. We went out back and compared stories, and saw that everyone had done a great job with their rooms of people! America, Regina’s little 4 yr old, asked one of the other Mom’s, “Did your house shake too?” Quite the excitement for the little ones! Once my shaky limbs were able I came back in to consider whether maybe I should just relax and clean tomorrow but concluded it best to just finish my jobs and rest more easily. It continues to quiver every so often but that’s to be expected, so we just pray for safety and head to bed.

Saturday Crist Jr and Edna came to visit us for the weekend. They were in Tijuana for medical treatments and decided to come see us. We really enjoyed their visit! This morning Nevin had a dentist appointment in Tijuana so it worked well for Lorne to take them over at the same time.

Have a blessed week in the Lord!

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Truly there is no greater joy than to see our children make the choice to give their life to Christ and serve Him! Brent has been sensing the call of God on His life and was ready to have freedom from his guilt and sin, so last evening we were able to help him come to know the Lord as his personal Savior! What joy to see God change a life and transform it into His likeness! We praise Him for His goodness!

The God of the good times is still the God in the bad times!

What a wonderful consolation! I am so glad we have such a secure anchor and don’t need to be tossed about with the ups and downs of life!

God came through again and another victory was won yesterday afternoon. 13 yr old Bianca is the girl whose baby died in Jan and she has had a deep faith in God, but had not yet accepted His gift of salvation for her life until yesterday. She glows with joy and peace now as she tells of her experience! What joy to see God’s changing power in the lives of these dear souls!

And the devil knew all of this and wanted to try to get us down and distracted by creating trouble. The boys went with Phil swimming yesterday afternoon and Nevin’s wallet was stolen while they were there. It didn’t contain much money but it had his driver’s permit in it. So now he can’t drive until he returns to IN to replace the permit with license. It was time to transfer the permit to license but we were just waiting until we go north sometime to do it. It was definitely a disappointing day for him!

And more rejoicing!

These last two weeks have been full of lots of up and downs. God has been very good to us, supplying grace for every moment of drama and exhaustion! His power was shown to us in a very real way on different occasions and I praise Him for that! One night especially, we were pleading for deliverance from the attacks of Satan, and God so clearly just took away the darkness and replaced it with peace. Our God is so much bigger than any problem we might face, and sometimes they seem so mountain sized!

On Monday Bethany returned from her vacation and her sister Christina came along. Christina plans to be here for 8 months and is the caregiver for 2 of the toddlers that were Milena’s. It’s so good to have them back to help!

On Thursday then Frieda Keupfer and Heidi Mast returned to Kansas. We so appreciated the 2 weeks of time that they gave us here! It was a tremendous blessing to have them here and help with the children along with being an encouragement to staff and teen girls as well! Thanks again girls for blessing us! And thanks to your families for the sacrifice that they made to allow you to come! God bless all of you very richly!

Our family took the girls to the airport on Thurs then spent the day shopping in San Diego. In the evening we went to Tijuana and spent a few hours with Liz and Andrea at the hospital. That was a wonderful treat! To be able to sit and hear about things from home, visit with our loved ones, even if only for a little while, was certainly refreshing for us!

On Friday we again rejoiced to see God’s work bringing forth fruit. On Thursday evening Marisol, 14 yr old, gave her life to God and became a Christian. She came to me on Friday and wanted to tell me about her experience and I was so blessed to see the joy in her life as a result of the peace that she found! Marlene had worked with her until late into the night and Praise God she found Him as the answer to her questions and the pain in her past. She expressed her desire to wear a veil and this morning she started walking in obedience to this doctrine as well. All Glory and Praise to our Great and Holy God for His faithfulness!

We are still Very short on staff and so please pray with us that the Lord would send us workers! And pray strength for all of us as we continue on!

And the angels rejoice…

Jesus said that there is joy in heaven when a sinner repents and truly there is joy for us as believers as well, for another lamb has come into the fold! We’ve seen that the Spirit has been working in the heart of Alex and yesterday she wanted to talk again. In the end she truly wanted to accept the salvation that Jesus offered her and be free from her miserable sinful state. What joy to hear her repentance and her desire to fully follow God! She immediately began going to different people and asking forgiveness for wrongs she had done. And then she asked if I could make her a veil for today as she desired to live in obedience to God’s word. My spirits were so lifted to see God’s work in the life of this previously volatile, pain filled girl. Her battles are certainly not all over but the victory is the Lord’s! The devil is not winning!! Amen!! Jacqueline also had asked Regina for a veil earlier this week so they both started wearing them this morning.

Since Friday evening I now have 9 children that I am responsible to mother. And the extras that I have are all boys! Talk about energy flowing here in our house. If only the energy was mine! Nevin is helping a lot to occupy and watch them all. Jacob and Noemi left for Costa Rica on Friday evening and the boys’ next caregiver hasn’t come yet and won’t come for another month at least. So if you don’t hear from me again this month you’ll understand why! Regina received 2 little girls from the same pod so she now has 4 teenagers and 3 little girls, ages 4, 3, and 2 yrs old. I’m trying to help her as well with decisions that need to be made so I feel as if I have 16 children. Or rather, 14 children and my 2 teenagers that are being a tremendous help right now. Needless to say we are operating in a state of perpetual exhaustion but we trust that this too shall pass.

God sent us several angels in shoes this last week! Heidi Mast and Frieda Kuepfer from Kansas came on Tues. and plan to be here for 16 days. They are caring for 4 children as well as helping in the kitchen and wherever needed. It has been a tremendous blessing just to have the Lord send someone and to know that He hasn’t forgotten about us! And of course, they are blessing us so much with their heart to serve and their interest in the work here!

On Friday afternoon we got a text saying that we would have company for the night. We really enjoyed having Abe Heinrichs here until this afternoon. They were on their way home to Canada from her mother’s funeral in Chihuahua, MX. They were former house parents for the home and were here the first time our youth came to work in MX. It was interesting to compare experiences and to fellowship with them, even tho it was just a little.

Continue to pray for us here as Satan does not like when we gain ground for the Lord and he will be busy here! But “Greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world.” Hallelujah!!

Newsletter

Well, it’s been so long since I was able to write that I’m afraid it’ll turn into a newsletter. There’s been many a day that in my mind I formed a post but didn’t have time to actually get it onto the page. So bear with me as I catch up the news from us here.

On April 23, when Darin left here he took Nevin with him. Nevin had a wonderful time surprising family and friends in IN as only a few people knew that he was coming. He had a great week with the people there and then flew back on Sat. May 1. We all went to pick him up from the airport then spent the day in San Diego, shopping and relaxing at the ocean for a while.

On April 24, Lorne & our 2 youngest boys went deep sea fishing with Greivin, Phil & Phil’s dad. They only caught a few fish but enjoyed the outing. While they were gone I was invited to join the ladies for a tea time and have Phil’s mother share with us. I was so excited about going, but God had other plans for me. It was about 1:00 when in drove a police car. This is not highly unusual and I went out to see what they might need. Wow! Was I ever in for a change of direction!

The police had with them 4 children that they had taken from their drug addicted parents because of neglect and the horrible conditions in which the children were living. The police brought them here because the DIF office was closed and they needed someone to care for these children until something could be done. I quickly called Lorne but I knew we could not turn away these children. I had never seen such a pathetic set of children. The horrible filth & smell, the lice infested hair, the indescribable sadness of these little people was heartrending! The first thing to do was to attempt to clean them up and get them fit to have in the house. They were obviously living a life no better than animals. It was almost suppertime when we finally had them cleaned and settled. Once again I was overwhelmed at God’s mercy on my life. He saved me from a life of filth and wretchedness and gave me His grace, His love, His forgiveness and a new life in Him. Oh, that I could glorify Him in every breath that I take!

  Before…

The same children several days later…

 

The first weekend in May we also were blessed to have Jerry & Velma Ulrich here to visit.

May 5th was a double or triple blessed day!! Sarah flew in to San Diego in the morning so Regina & Nevin went to the airport to get her. The rest of us then met them in Tijuana at the hospital to spend some time with Liz & Andrea as this was her week to come again for treatment. We had a wonderful time with them all! We went shopping downtown then when we were back at the hospital we walked to the beach for a while. Times with family are very precious indeed! Sarah was here until the 11th and it was wonderful, wonderful! We didn’t do anything grand and big but just being together was very special!

 

Memories…

 

 

May 8th was a day with sadness again. Marcela left to go home and help her parents. She was our main cook and the caregiver of the teen girls. We haven’t been able to find anyone to come take her place so Regina is filling that spot until we do find someone. This has been a big adjustment for both of us, as I really depended on Regina to help me keep things caught up in our house and she now needs to be out most of the day and sleeps with the girls as well. We continue to pray and trust that God will send someone for the needs that we have.

The day that Sarah left, Bethany also left for a 2 week vacation at home. We really miss her help here and do look forward to her return as she plans to bring her sister along back to help here for a number of months as well! That same day we were also very  happy to welcome Marlene back from her Costa Rica vacation! Staff returning is such a good thing!

This is little Eduardo that Regina took care of for Marlene the month that she was gone.

 

A week ago tonight, the home boys went out to let the cows over into another pasture. Jose wanted to try to lasso the one and in the process somehow missed the fact that the lasso was around his feet. He did catch the cow but, alas his feet were jerked out from under him and a wild trip followed! He caught his foot in a fence which stopped him and then Ismael was able to help him get free from the cow and the fence. He was in a lot of pain and his foot swelled quite rapidly. On Saturday then he was taken in to have the foot x-rayed but they couldn’t find any broken bones. They were quite concerned about the swelling and so they sent him to Tijuana. Jacob’s and Milena stayed with him there and ended up spending the night at the hospital. The one Dr talked of doing surgery but then another Dr said it wasn’t necessary and just gave an anti-inflammatory and he finally came home Sunday afternoon. He is on crutches and for 3 weeks will have his partial cast to keep the foot rigid. We are so thankful that he wasn’t injured worse as it could have been a lot more serious.

Yesterday Lorne, Tania & I had another DIF meeting. It was a regular visit just to see how Tania is doing and how we are doing with the adoption adjustments. We received a very positive report as they are pleased with her progress and growth. We continue to wait on the lawyer and the process as it right now. Key word continues to be wait. 

This morning again, we had another goodbye to process as Milena left for Texas. She has terminated her time here and we also continue to search for someone to come care for the children that she had.

Our God is a God who specializes in impossible situations and in last minute deliverances and so we wait for His time.