Time moves on… Day into day… And what have I done for my Lord? Did I follow through on all the plans He had for those days or am I too busy with the things that I think are pressing? Our hearts have so wished to be with our dear friends at home as they faced the tragic death of their mother. With the church as they deal with death and life and what it means. But we have a God greater than the miles between us and I’m so thankful that I can bring these people to our Father who loves us all so much and He will minister to them.

Last weekend little Emma was sick with pneumonia and needed to go to the hospital. She had an aunt who was in the process of getting the baby and when she was in the hospital DIF sped up the process and she was released to the aunt sooner than expected so she won’t be returning to us. But, yesterday we got another call asking if we’d take another little girl that had been abandoned by her mother. We got her in the afternoon then and she’s such a doll! Her mother went to a second-hand store and left her baby there with the man. She told him that she needs to go buy milk for the baby and then left. He had no idea who she was and waited until 11:00 at night til he gave up and called the police. She seems to be around 5 months old and looks like someone took good care of her. Of course, no one here knows her name or when she was born. But, we don’t need a name to love her and enjoy the fun of seeing her smile!

Monday 6 girls from Wakarusa area came to help here for 2 weeks. I wasn’t sure just what I was going to have them do for 2 weeks but God had that all in His plan even if He didn’t let me know all the details. We’ve been waiting for permission to use a house that’s out front here and on Tuesday the owner came and we had the ok to use it. No one has lived in the house for years so it was filthy! That meant that there was a Very dirty house that needed cleaning and we had more company coming by Wed. evening that I didn’t really know where they would stay. Well, I had 6 willing ladies here and they tackled the filth and had it cleaned by Wed eve in time for Regina and Bethany to fix up some beds and everyone that was here had a bed in which to sleep. Isn’t God good!!

This weekend is the beginning of another Orphans for Jesus week so there will be more visitors coming and going throughout the next week so we move ahead one day at a time and see what it is that God has for us!

Friends…

We had a tremendously blessed weekend with our friends here sharing their time and hearts with us! Wilbur & Marilyn, Quinn & Katrina, Larry & Lucretia, all from IN, came on Thursday evening and left again Sunday evening. Lorne & I picked them up from the airport and we went to a motel for the night in San Diego. Friday morning we then went to Tijuana and spent the day shopping and just being together. Saturday was busy with some sewing, cookie baking, and again just being blessed. Of course, tacos in Tecate were important too so we did that on Saturday evening. Sharing in worship together Sunday was a special time for us as we focused on the God that we serve and His work in our lives. And then so quickly came the time to take them back to San Diego and to say good-bye. Thanks again to each of you for coming and blessing us so richly, your encouragement, and the many wonderful memories to keep with us!!

 

Our newest additions here…

 

4 week old Emma Samantha. She has an aunt that is working on having the baby. The mother is a drug user and cannot have her.

 

 

 

3 week old little boy with no name, abandoned at the hospital by his mother.

Life...

I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Ps 34:1 Recently, I was challenged to reflect on my responses to what seem like stressful situations in our lives. What do I allow to steal my joy? Do I continually show praise to God, regardless of my surroundings? And I found that too many times I’ve failed. God is always faithful and has never left me to deal with anything on my own. So I choose to trust Him, praise Him, and glorify Him in the joys and in the difficulties in my days.

Virgil & Liz were in Tijuana again last week and we were able to go over on Wednesday to visit with them. We praise God with them for better reports on her condition.

In Dec. we signed papers to receive Tania into our family as her caregivers in preparation for her adoption. On Friday we had another family DIF meeting. It was a follow-up meeting to see how we are doing since we ‘have’ Tania. And also to move ahead with hiring a lawyer to do the Mexican legal process needed to adopt Tania. On Tuesday, Lorne & I went to meet with our lawyer to sign authorization papers and have the whole process explained to us of the work that they do for us. We feel God has again led us in His way to find a lawyer that is just what we need for this time.

Jacob & Noemi arrived last week to begin working here as a couple. They were both former workers here as singles and got married last Nov. For now they are teaching school and helping where needed and then plan to replace Gideon & Darin when they leave. It’s good to have them back with us, although bittersweet to know that it means our boys will be leaving before long.

We had a good weekend with the board of directors here. We always feel encouraged when they come and we can feel their support for the work here.

Our men here are excited with the new work project they have started. They are starting a pottery making business and have the first order for a semi load of pottery. Greivin is making the contacts and doing a lot of work to get the details together to get the business up and running. There is a local man that is teaching them how to make the pieces and helping with getting it setup here. He’s been working on making the kiln and they’ve made the first dozen or so pieces of pottery. Nevin is working full time out there and Lorne helps in his spare time. It’s such a blessing for Nevin to have regular work here.

Lorne left this morning for Indiana. His parents 50th anniversary celebration is on Sunday and he is joining his family for that special time. He plans to return to us on Monday evening. I’m hoping the time will pass quickly, since I’m not so good with being on my own!

I wish for you all a blessed week in Jesus!