A Dios Sea La Gloria!

2012-01-29T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hope. What is hope? Hope gives a person life. Hope is what keeps a person going in the midst of difficulty. Why do we hope? We long for some dream to be fulfilled. We look forward to better things. To have no hope is to give up. But what happens when you hope and then your hopes are crashed? Proverbs gives me the answer, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick." That's what our family has been dealing with this week. We've had such a roller coaster of emotions as Lorne, Regina, & Nevin returned to Indiana and the youngest 3 children and I have stayed behind in MX waiting for Tania's visa. The separation is very difficult for all of us, but we felt like it was the plan that God was showing us that He had for us at this time. Thank God, He gives us a greater hope over and above our circumstances. He gives us the hope that only Jesus gives us and that gives us a reason to go on. We could dwell on the why's but that gives us nothing. So we choose to look to Him for strength for each minute and continue to pray that He would provide an open door so that our family can together return home to Indiana.

We are waiting right now for the MX passport, which we were scheduled to pick up last Wed. but then, like normal in MX, there were delays and so hopefully in a week or so we will have the passport and then can move ahead with the visa appt. God has been doing amazing things with the green card process and so we continue to place it in His hands and trust that all in His time will be completed.

January was quite full with preparations for the move to Indiana. Dentist, eye dr., & orthodontist final visits and bringing closure to all the things that were our life here for more than three years. The pottery load was completed and shipped. Farewells for our family, but of course only some are going.
So, we continue on... We know not what the future holds, but we trust the God who does and we wait for Him. We thank you for your continued prayers on our behalf!

Waiting on God

2012-01-01T16:55:00.001-08:00

God is in time, on time, every time. But we sure don’t always understand His time. Our life in Mexico has changed a lot, but we continue to wait on God to know what His plans are for us. As most of you know, we have not been able to get permission to enter the US with Tania at this time yet. We are applying for a green card which will give her permission to enter but do not know at this time what the time frame will be for that process. It is not a quick process, but we do have the option to appeal for an expedite and we plan to do that. Until then, we carry on and live one day at a time knowing that God will provide and trusting all things to be perfect in His time.

Lorne and the children have started working full time in the pottery business. They have a semi load of pottery that needs to be ready as soon as possible so they are putting in long days of painting, varnishing, & packaging. I’m kept busy keeping up the house, keeping break ready for them and meals ready on time so they can head out again. It’s a wonderful blessing for all of us as busyness helps in so many ways. Makes time pass more rapidly, makes an income, and it’s fun to work together. There’ve been a lot of fun times out there! Here you don’t see a lot of pots because they were packaging about as fast as they were ready, and have 10 pallets loaded off to the side that are finished.

We enjoyed having Lorne’s parents here for a week. It was special to have them here over Christmas. They came with their truck and returned home with it loaded with things of ours that we were ready to send home.

Today was a special day for the church here. We had a baptismal service for 17 yr old Loyda. She was a child of the home a number of years ago, and had returned to live here a number of months ago because of difficulty at home. She has a beautiful testimony and truly is serving the Lord with her whole heart.

Then, there was great rejoicing when we witnessed God working through His Spirit in the lives of a set of parents that have been attending church here for quite some time now and have been hungry to learn about God. They have 3 children here at the home, and are in the process of reintegration but it’s been taking a long time, which appears to be God at work, giving them more opportunity to hear His word. And today when there was an invitation given at the end of the message, they both responded with the desire to experience salvation. They originally had their children removed from them because they were drug users and now God has used that experience to bring them into contact with His word and to be able to be saved. What a difference that will make in their home when the children return to live with them!

We thank all of you very much for your prayers on our behalf! We desire to continue to glorify God in spite of the difficulties we are facing and need your prayers to lift us to the Father on those days when it seems the devil is doing all he can to pull us down. It does make a difference and we also really enjoy hearing from you.

Tania Aracely Hershberger

2011-12-09T17:21:00.001-08:00

We had a very exciting day yesterday when we received Tania’s final adoption paper and her name was officially changed to Hershberger! We have worked on this process for 2 1/2 years and it’s finally a reality! We thank God for blessing our family with Tania! Continue to pray for us that all would go well and we could complete the US paperwork in a timely manner.

As I was looking at Tania’s new birth certificate which has our names as her parents, has her full name that we’ve given her, I was very deeply impressed at what it is that God has done for us when He adopted us as His own children! My name is changed, I have a Father who loves me so much that He gave His own biological child so that I could be His child. Romans 8 talks about that adoption and it became so real to me as I saw it in the natural form here. Praise God for His greatness!!

Life goes on… God is good…

2011-12-04T19:13:00.001-08:00

Another month has passed and what have we been doing?

Nov. 1st we were no longer house parents at SLCH. How did that feel, you may wonder? Well, even we didn’t always know what we were feeling. It was definitely a bittersweet change as that’s been our life for 3 years and the staff and children were like family to us. We made the change over a period of time, so we were able to transition out rather than an abrupt change. At the same time, it’s been wonderful to be free of those responsibilities and focus on our own family. We had been behind in our schoolwork because of the extra time involved in the changes at the home so after the changeover we did a months worth of schoolwork in 2 weeks time. That was intense, but a good feeling to catch up the work and be on schedule again. We also went grocery shopping for just our family for the first time in 3 years. It felt very strange to buy only 5 lbs of potatoes instead of 50, and so on for the whole list. But, it felt very good. We now only join the home for a few meals a week, so we are relearning to cook for just 7 people.

We’ve also been busy sorting through closets and drawers so that everything will be in order once we can pack and move. Regina and I did a bunch of sewing as well so that our closets are in better condition for traveling. And we’ve repainted our whole house here, since it had originally been painted with some very poor quality paint and was quite needy.

The first week in Nov. our men were working on digging another well so Kenlin came for a week to help with the project. We sure enjoyed his time here even if he had to work a lot. The same day that Kenlin went home, Lorne also left for IN because his CDL drivers’ license were expiring and it wasn’t an option to let that happen, if at all possible. He was gone for 4 days and did have a successful trip.

The definite highlight of the month was last week when Walt & Virginia and their boys came! We had a wonderful time and made many great memories! On Wed. Regina and I helped Virginia make Pupusas for the whole home. We made around 180 and they were all eaten. We spent Thurs. in Tijuana, shopping and seeing the ocean. Of course, when there are visitors we need to make sure they get enough tacos so we did that several times too through the week. The boys also went mountain climbing on Sat. and border walking here several times. The days we were here the men were busy putting up the frame for our new garage that will house the solar panels that are being installed. The building was ready for rafters on Fri. but then there was too much wind and they had to wait until Mon. to finish. Our evenings were filled with games and lots of laughter. On Monday we went to San Diego for the day with Walt’s. We went to an aircraft carrier museum and then drove around some to see the sights, had a relaxing supper, did just a little shopping, then took them to their hotel as they had an early morning flight to catch.

There are also 2 fellows here now from Ohio helping on the building projects that are being done. Lorne is still very busy with some projects that need finishing before we leave. They are installing a solar electrical system and a wind turbine in hopes of saving quite a lot of diesel costs.

Continue praying on behalf of our adoption papers. We’ve finished everything at the courts, but continue to wait to have the final documents released so we can get Tania’s Mexican birth certificate and get the US papers needed for her to be able to cross the border. They are saying that this week those papers will be released but we continue to wait to see if it actually happens. We had planned to travel to Sinaloa on Wed. for Nelson & Marcela’s wedding but now we’ll have to see what happens with the paperwork, whether or not we’ll be able to go. We’ve all been struggling to understand God’s timetable with our time here and it seems He continues to say, “I’m not done yet.” So we continue to seek His will and to carry on in what He would have us to do until He says it’s time to go.

God bless each of you as you serve Him this week!

Peace in the midst of change…

2011-10-30T17:52:00.001-07:00

Several weeks ago I was feeling quite overwhelmed with everything we were dealing with and was talking to the Lord about it as I was working and very clearly He told me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” I have claimed it repeatedly through this time and truly God has been faithful. With so many details to be documented and passed on to Walter’s, visitors to host, adoption details to keep going, the normal work of running the children’s home, plus trying to meet the needs of my own family, there were plenty of times to fall back on that assurance, knowing that where I don’t reach around, God will provide and He does.

On Dec. 9 Regina and Nevin left with our car to go to Indiana. As they drove out the lane I wondered for a bit what in the world we were thinking, sending them off alone. But they did quite well and had a great time. They went to attend Gideon’s wedding and to take the car back to Indiana. They then flew back to Mexico on the 18th.

We had our main adoption hearing on Oct. 10th and it went very well. Now, this Thurs. we have our final hearing where we have to take some witnesses in to testify for us and then the adoption will be FINAL. We will need to wait a few days for the paperwork to process from that hearing and get the final birth certificate. It’s so amazing to see how God’s timing is coming together in revealing His plan for our family. We thought the adoption would be finalized last spring and we were waiting for other house parents to come take our place but no one could be found. God in His time brought house parents and the adoption is now finalizing. Isn’t it wonderful to place our plans into His hands and let Him lead us, because His plan is perfect and He organizes things so much better than we ever could!

Walter and Sandra have been here for two weeks and have been working with us to learn to know the people and the program here. We are right in the middle of the transition time, as Nov. 1st we will transfer the responsibilities of being house parents to them and we will walk along with them yet for the next several weeks. It’s been a real blessing to work together and share the vision of furthering God’s kingdom through the work here.

Last weekend the board was here again, only this time the weekend was a bit different as the focus was more on working on a video presentation that is being made of the work here. Darvin Diller from PA is making the video and has been here since the 18th. So there’ve been lots more pictures being taken, testimonies being recorded and just a lot of history gone over. On Saturday then the board also had a big farewell party for our family. The whole home went to a lake park for a picnic and had an enjoyable day of fellowship.

Our SLCH family!

September…

2011-10-04T18:03:00.001-07:00

The month of September was busy and flew by, it seemed. Sept. 1st the men were working on the electrical system here and we experienced an unexpected power surge that wreaked havoc on our electronics here. That evening was a sad time as we continued to discover more and more damage. Refrigerators, microwaves, stereos, computers, printers, fans, an oven, washers, and the list grew longer. What a disappointment! A lot of it has been fixed or replaced and we hope to recover it all with time. “In everything give thanks” sure became a challenge!

We enjoyed having Darin here for a weekend too. He didn’t have a lot of time to be here but it was special that he took the time to come anyway. Then on the 12th we had the highlight of the month when Nevin came home! He was gone to Canada for a week over 2 months and it seemed like a long time! We’ve had wonderful times being a whole family again!

The home had quite a bit of change in September as well. Marcela Weibe, from Chihuahua, MX, came as a childcare worker. That brought our staff to full house which is such a blessing! We also received 11 new children this month, bringing our number of children to 41. One of those is a former child that just plans to be here til in Dec. There is a group of 5 siblings, ages 1 – 10. Then there are 2 other sibling groups as well. We again have a full house of children and lots of action but that’s why we’re here!

On Sunday, the 18th, we had a very special day for the church here! Arturo, our potter, responded to the invitation to accept Christ that was given after the message at church. Then, in the afternoon, his ‘wife’ Rosario said that she also wanted to find the freedom that could only come from Christ and they both became saved! They have 5 children and have lived together for all these years but had never been married. So on Monday they went to Tecate and made appointments necessary for a civil marriage, which took place on Wed., and then the following Sunday we had a wedding here at church and a reception afterwards. Some of both of their families came for the wedding and we had 100 people here for that day. They have been attending church here for several years and learning a lot about Christianity and what a joy it is to see them choose to serve God!

Friday, the 30th, also marked 3 yr.s since we arrived in Mexico. As for every year since we came, we reflect and see how God has been so faithful again this year, and ponder on the future wondering what His plan is for us in the next year. What a blessing to be able to stand on the foundation of God’s ever-present goodness and faithfulness as we look into the uncertainty of our future and know that whatever we face it will be in God’s hands as we go forward. Our replacement house parents plan to arrive next Wed. and so we are looking at spending time with them these next several weeks as they learn to know the people and the program here. Along with that we face the reality of our responsibilities here coming to an end and we face that with bittersweet feelings. These people and this place have become a part of us and we a part of them and so how do we bring closure to our time here and pass the torch to those coming, in a way that will bring honor and glory to God as His work continues here? Again, we look to God to lead us.

A month ago it appeared that Tania’s adoption would possibly be completed in Oct. sometime but once again we are waiting and still do not know when to expect the final papers. Now that Walters are coming and our time here at the home is coming to an end we are really wondering what God has in mind for us these next several months as we wait to be able to return to IN. This family does still need food to eat and clothes to wear but God tells us not to fret about what we will eat or what we will wear so we are together focusing on worshipping Him more and trusting Him to provide for every need we will face.

Last Friday, Regina had 2 wisdom teeth cut out so the next several days were not very pleasant for her. The worst thing is she needs to go back and do the other 2 and now dreads it even more.

Yesterday was Brent’s 14th birthday so we went to Tecate for a taco supper and then home for a rare treat of ice cream with his cake. We took a break from school too as I had some extras to catch up and the boys were quite pleased to spend the day out with Lorne and Nevin.

Please, pray for us these next several weeks that we could keep our focus on God as we face the changes ahead and that the devil would in no way be able to pull us down as he fights the work of the Lord in our lives.

2011-08-27T16:58:00.001-07:00

If God sends you on stony paths, He will provide you with strong shoes.
Wow! Am I ever glad He doesn't just send us barefooted down those stony paths He allows us to encounter! He equips us for each specific difficulty we will face. This quote was shared with two of us the same day this week from two completely different sources. God is good like that.
The last ten days have been a valley for my family and our church as Dad was in the hospital, had surgery, and failed to recover as quickly as normally expected but God has been very near and provided for our needs, and then in His time brought healing. I am so thankful that I was able to go to IN to be with them during this time. Dad is still in the hospital but is doing much better and should be able to return home in the next few days and I am on my way back to my dear ones at home!
Nevin is still in Canada helping Galen's with the store remodel project and whatever jobs Galen has for him. He's been gone for almost 2 months now and we've sure missed him but are also glad he can help with the work there.
Our family has had exciting news the last week as well! We are finally moving ahead again with Tania's adoption and are moving towards the final steps in that process. After 2 1/2 years of working on legalities it hardly seems real that we are coming to the end!
Backing up a little in time, the last week of July we had a wonderful time when Sarah came to Mexico for six days! The boys treated her to new experiences, one of which was eating rattlesnake. Great memory making times!
Tony Nisly finished his term of service and left on July 31. Winston Martin took his place doing maintenance. We also welcomed Iginio and Consuelo Perez, Heidi's parents, when they arrived Aug 11. They are the new caregivers for the boys. It's been very positive to have them at the home filling a grandparent role for the children.
Our garden continues to produce far beyond what we ever imagined and we are being blessed bountifully! It serves a number of purposes for the home in that the children learn the art of planting and being involved in all the stages and hard work, up to and including the harvest. Our grocery buying has really decreased which is an other benefit and blessing of the harvest. We had the second large corn day and froze a total of 90 gallons of corn this year. We also used a lot of corn for fresh eating so that gives you a little picture of the amount of harvest we had. Mary Esh has returned and is taking the position of head cook for us.
August 12, Lorne and I celebrated 22 years of marriage! We went to San Diego to do some shopping, tried a new restaurant for supper, and stayed for the night too! Being married to your best friend is awesome!
On Aug 4, we received an 8 yr old girl, Kenia, at the home. Then on the 19th baby Jasmine left to live with her grandma. The children coming is so much easier than the goodbyes!
Myron and Mary were also gone this week for hernia surgery for Myron. They actually came to IN and his surgery was at the same hospital where I was with Dad. It was pretty special to have someone there from home.
Thanks to all of you who prayed for our family these weeks and for all the support you've shown! What a wonderful blessing to be a part of Gods family and have many brothers and sisters to help us when we face hard times!!

Busy, Busy, Blessed!

2011-07-24T17:57:00.001-07:00

Our trials are not so much for our good, as they are that we would bring glory to God as a result of that trial. This was a challenging thought brought to us in Leonard’s message this morning. Too often I look for ways to avoid trials when instead I should be thankful that I can glorify God through my life! Of course, we also benefit from difficulties by personal growth, but that’s not the reason for the trials. Leonard and Caroline Mast and family were here for the weekend to visit Tony and he shared the message with us today. We really enjoyed their visit!

Looking over the last month again, time is passing very rapidly and much has happened! Regina went to Indiana for a week towards the end of June, which also included going to Ohio for Ethyl Eichorn’s wedding. She really enjoyed her time there with friends and family! Brittany and Deborah were also gone for a wedding at the same time so we had staff juggling for a few weeks. It’s very good to have them back, as well as Heidy, to settle things again into a more normal routine. Mary Esh, who was here to cook as a temporary, has committed to come full time as a cook. It’s such a blessing when our worker needs get filled, although we are still short one childcare worker.

The 24th of June Lorne and our boys, Tony, Myron and Neil all went deep sea fishing south of Ensenada. They traveled down the evening before to go out early on the boat. They caught over 200 fish so it seemed to be worth the trip. They all really enjoyed the experience! Then on July 4th we took the whole home down to a wooded area on our road here and had a fish fry which was a real treat for everyone!

On the 5th of July, Regina left her teen years and is now 20 years old. Our family went to Tecate for supper but then it was so warm and the pizza place doesn’t have a/c so we all voted to bring the pizza and ice cream home to celebrate. We had a great evening anyway.

July 6th, Nevin left for Canada to spend some time helping Galen with the bookstore remodeling project and to spend some time with Galen’s family. He’s been having a wonderful time there but we sure do miss him a lot here!! He had the misfortune of losing his luggage through the flight up there and still doesn’t have it. That included his unicycle which definitely brings a sadness to the loss for him.

July 9th was the school program here and the final day of school for this term. Leland Ulrich’s family, Dan, Rhoda and Daniel Miller and Herbert Miller all came for that special event and the weekend. There were a number of local people that attended as well. Gloria Enns’ family came for the program too and to take Gloria home with them. Gloria does not plan to return to teach but Delores Kornelson has committed to teach and is here already learning to know all of us and studying for her teachers’ certificate.

Abigail’s brother, Winston Martin, arrived last Mon. and plans to work here for a year. Tony’s term is almost finished and with Roland also gone we were in need of another guy to help us with maintenance and some childcare.

On Wed. we had a big corn day here! We had close to 40 bushels of corn from our garden. It was a good day of working together and accomplishing a huge job. They started picking at 6:00 in the morning and we finished the last cleanup around 3:00 in the afternoon. We froze the corn that was left after we had fresh eating for lunch. The children SO enjoy corn on the cob! And here it’s eaten with quite the array of toppings. Start with your corn. Then, add butter, mayo, chamoy, chili powder and top it all with lime. We all enjoyed the corn, just in different ways!

That was on Wed., then Thurs was grocery day and Fri. we butchered an old cow we had here. We’re very glad for the meat and corn but it sure made for a full week. The garden is producing greatly and we have more potatoes and squash than we can use right now. We did cook and shred some potatoes for the freezer but there are bushels of them sitting in the pantry. Myron received a call from home this week and needed to return to MS for 3 weeks to help out there so Mary and the girls are left to carry on with the garden jobs.

Yesterday was a sad day for the home. Jose, Jacky, Jenny & Cesar have lived with the home for 5 years as voluntary children (not through DIF). Their uncle was unable to care for them and so we called them our children. On Thurs. eve their uncle came to visit and said he wants to take them home with him on Sat.. He felt like the children are getting older and it’s time for them to be with their family. The children were excited to be with family and yet seemed to have mixed feelings about the change. Cesar doesn’t remember any other home as he came here as a baby. And the older ones are old enough to understand the differences that they would be facing, going to a nonchristian home. We pray that the seeds that were sown in their lives would take root and continue to grow. We do know where they are living and can go visit them, so we hope to still have contact with them.

We also praise God for answering our prayers and supplying for the need of house parents! We shed tears of joy the day we received the news that Walter and Sandra Valles from Costa Rica have committed to come and serve as house parents here. Sandra is a sister to Greivin. They were not sure then if he would be able to get a visa to enter MX because he is from El Salvador and there is conflict between those two countries, but Greivin is working on the paperwork with the officials here who know Greivin and the work here and it looks like they will give him a visa. Once he has the visa, Greivin plans to drive to El Salvador to fix the paper work on the small van we have here from there and then bring Walter’s and also Heidy’s parents from Costa Rica along back. Heidy’s parents also plan to help here with caring for the little boys.

God’s blessings to all of you!

For I know the plans I have for you…

2011-06-17T21:45:00.001-07:00

Once again, too much time has passed since I wrote and lots has happened. My Dad and Mom were here for a week and we had a wonderful time together! Memorial Day evening us and Myron’s family went way back in the boonies to a lake where the men fished, the boys caught huge frogs and the women talked. It was a relaxing evening. The rest of the time Dad was busy being a fix-it man while Mom helped us get caught up on some cleaning jobs and things that just weren’t getting done. Mom also helped can 64 qt. of tomato juice from some donated tomatoes that needed to be used. Then there were games to be played and food to be made and it all made wonderful memories!

On Thurs. June 2 a youth group of 22 people from South Carolina came to help us for a few days. The men did some exterior painting, some cement work, enclosed the generator room and did some odd and end projects outside. The ladies did sewing and some extra cleaning for us. We were very blessed with the help and the fellowship that they gave us!

Friday morning, June 3, we received the tragic news that Roland and Marilu’s brother Natan was killed in an accident in Costa Rica. They began preparing to leave right away as their tickets were being found for them to go home. Greivin got them across the border and then they just waited at his house until evening when they could finally go. Heidy is also from Costa Rica and these are dear friends of hers so she also wanted to go to the funeral. The necessary arrangements were made and she also left that same afternoon. We all knew that these were God directed plans but in one day we had 19 children who’s caregivers had left unexpectedly. For a few hours I struggled not to panic but moved ahead with one detail at a time and God provided for every one! Regina and Brittany, who’s regular jobs were cooking, took over 2 of the rooms while Tony took the boys. Regina moved into Marilu’s room and Brittany into Heidy’s. The remaining staff did a wonderful job pulling together and covering the needs!

Sara Enns returned on June 4th as a fulltime childcare worker. Sherri Shirk was here to take her place for the months that she was gone so Sherri was then able to help in the kitchen this last week that she was here. Two of Sherri’s siblings came last weekend to travel home with her when she left on Mon.

Regina, Brittany & Deborah had planned to be gone in June for weddings and so there were 2 girls, Natalie Martin & Mary Esh from PA, arriving on June 7th to cook for them. God obviously had this all in His plans and Natalie became the caregiver for Heidy’s room of children and then on the 11th Sharon Kisling arrived to cook. We still don’t know what the plan is for the room of children that Regina has while she travels but will trust that it’ll be clear when the time comes, which is next week. Talk about faith testing!

Nevin went with Phil’s to Lebec, CA on Sunday and helped Phil with a double-wide trailer moving job on Mon. and Tues. They came home again on Wed. afternoon.

Wednesday we had a fun day celebrating Tania’s third birthday. She loves to sing happy birthday so that was repeated a number of times. She’s really growing up and is such a joy to our family. Regina had a babysitter and came home for the afternoon and evening so it was fun to all be together again.

The garden continues to do very well. Right now we don’t need to buy any cilantro, lettuce, or potatoes because of harvesting it fresh here and soon there will be onions and green beans as well. It’s such a blessing and so good!

Continue to pray for the needs here, which includes the need for house parents, and also for Tania’s adoption process. The judge is being difficult and the lawyers are a bit frustrated so just pray with us that it could be completed in God’s time.

May’s story

2011-05-23T22:23:00.001-07:00

May 21, 2011. What did it do for you? We’ve had quite a few discussions about the claims of the deceived ones about a definite date for the rapture and I’ve really been thinking how disillusioned these people must be now that it’s past. How must it be to have believed something and then find that you were wrong and to wonder what is truth? I believe the devil uses deception like this to even make people believe less in God. I am so thankful to have a secure faith and to be able to read the Bible and find Truth! Praise God for His Word and His faithfulness!

We’ve had quite a bit of traveling activity the last 2 weeks among the staff. Gloria Enns went home for two weeks vacation. Sheri traveled to MI for a cousin’s funeral. Tony was gone for a week for a wedding and a few days at home. Then, last Fri., we said goodbye to Margaret as she left for home and terminated her time of service here. Her brother came the week before to travel with her when she leaves. We will really miss her quiet, faithful service here. We also have enjoyed more visitors recently. Myron’s Mom is here to be with them for a few weeks and Abigail also is enjoying having four of her siblings here. Nelson and Marcela were here to visit this last weekend.

We’ve faced a few changes with the children in the last weeks. Any of you who have visited here remember Daniel. He’s been a boy with many issues and struggles connected with his troubled past and in the recent months it continued to get worse until we saw that he seriously needed more help than we are equipped to give him here. On May 9th he left the home here after years with us. He was one of the original children of SLCH and it doesn’t seem the same without him here.

May 9th we also received another girl to live here. Loyda is a 16 yr old who had lived at the home years ago and has kept contact with us over the years. She lived with Phil’s last summer and came to the home regularly. She has a very sad home situation and desired to live in a Christian home and serve the Lord. She accepted Christ and is so grateful and happy living here.

We have a new sibling set that came a week ago. Five yr. old Emanuel, almost 3 yr. old Oscar and 11 mo. old Sofia. Abigail is their caregiver. Our family thought it was pretty neat to have a Sofia here but it made me miss our Sophia even more!

Another big change last week was that Greivin’s family moved to CA. They can’t all return to Mexico until the two oldest children have their resident cards again so only Greivin has been coming during the day to work and for church on Sun. It’s pretty lonely for the rest of the family to be away from everyone and be unable to come back right now. Pray that the paperwork could be processed quickly for them that they could again be with the rest of us to fellowship together.

We are so excited to be eating fresh garden produce! We’ve been eating lettuce and radishes from the garden here. It is looking very nice and growing so well. The garden project is so good for the children to be able to see and experience the process of growing food. They’ve been involved in planting and weeding and now a little harvesting but there is lots more coming.

Our family is very excitedly waiting for Wed. of this week! My Mom and Dad plan to come for a visit and it seems so long since they’ve been here. God is so good and is blessing us so richly!

Blessings on Mother’s Day

2011-05-08T12:48:00.001-07:00

Blessings to each of you today! Thinking of how this special day affects people in different ways. I am honored and blessed to be a mother and have my family blessing me in special ways. I really miss not living near my own mother and mother-in-law and yet am so blessed to be able to still call them and know that they love us and are praying for us! I love you, Moms! But, then my heart hurts for my dear nieces and nephews who today is nothing more than another burst of fresh pain because we miss Mom so much! And, here at the home there is a group of children who just wish they’d have a real Mom or there are some who really are missing their Moms and can’t go see or call them. So, I thank God that He created mothers and that He knows exactly what each one needs today and loves us all so much!

The last several weeks have been normal with the fact that one week is seldom the same as another. Lorne and Nevin made a two day trip to Sacramento, CA to do some pottery repair on a shipment that went there. On Apr. 30 was children’s day here in MX so we took 72 people and went two hours east to a zoo. Indeed, we took the zoo to the zoo! We took a hot lunch along and ate in the yard there in the shade. The children really enjoyed the outing and the staff did a great job giving of themselves to make it enjoyable for the children.

Last Wed. Lorne and I both got sick and have been very ill with a vicious stomach flu with high fever. I was still not feeling strong enough today to go for church services. On Thurs. evening the boys were having a cookout and on the way back up Nevin was thrown off the truck and really hurt his foot. On Fri he went to the Dr. because he couldn’t put any weight on his heel and it was hurting so badly but the Dr. said it’s just deeply bruised and needs time to heal. So he’s been hobbling around too.

On Friday Ismael left to go live with his grandma. He’s been here since the day before we came so he seemed like part of us and we will really miss him! Nevin and Tony went to visit him a bit yesterday and take his dog to him. Hopefully we can stay in contact with him since he lives here in Tecate.

Another unsettling situation we’ve had to face is that again Greivin’s need to move to CA. It looks as though they will be moving this week. Two weeks ago her aunt was here to visit and they went for an outing with her and a friend. They stopped for a little to see the ocean and were within sight of their locked vehicle at all times but someone punched the lock on the vehicle and stole their purses which contained all their passports and resident cards except for Greivin’s. The two oldest children were not born in the US so they only had resident cards which means they can’t enter the US until they plan to live there to replace the cards, then once they enter they can’t leave again until they have the new cards. So pray that they would be able to get the proper paperwork and all would go well.

We continue to wait on God and His answers for our future. We know He has a plan for our family and a plan for SLCH but so far He’s not making clear to us just what those plans are. And it’s the waiting that sometimes is the hardest. So continue to pray that He would provide for the needs here and for the needs of our family.

We moved…

2011-04-24T17:39:00.001-07:00

The two weeks have brought some big changes to our family and to the home. God has blessed us in such a wonderful way in providing strength and direction in the midst of restructuring here. We had been making plans for us and Greivin’s to change houses but didn’t have a definite date for the transition until Tuesday the 12th. After looking at the upcoming schedule we decided it would be best to move that Thurs. So we mobilized the troops and in one day we packed our house and were ready to move. God’s timing was so perfect in that He had Mom and Dad Hershberger come on Tuesday and they were here to help with the big job! Then, on Thursday all able-bodied men and boys were employed and by noon we two families had traded houses. And by bedtime that evening we had most of the boxes emptied and a resemblance of order in our new home. Dad and Mom Hershberger left a little before lunch to travel home. The men had loaded their van on Wed. evening so that it would be ready whenever they got ready to go. I was glad they could be here long enough to see where we will be living and see the move happen.

Our new abode…

It also has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths

As far as the transition and changes that affected the staff and the function of the home, we’ve been blessed how those details are working out and so far things are going well. It will take some time to see how it all works out but God is in control and most of all we want to honor Him with the program here.

We really enjoyed having Ken and Gloria Nisly and family here for the week! We were glad for Tony that his family could be here and see what his life is like here. They were a real blessing and encouragement to all of us. On Tuesday evening we were given the privilege of having them as the first ever supper guests that we’ve had in our own home since we live in Mexico. Yes, we are enjoying having a home of our own and having a little more life as a family again.

Tidbits and news

2011-04-10T17:05:00.001-07:00

Greetings to our family and friends. Once again, it’s been a month since I’ve written and so much has happened. We really enjoyed having family here for a week in March. Lorne’s parents came the 16th and Darin & Kenlin with Tony Burkholder came the 17th. Dad’s came by land and brought a van load of things. They brought cabinet parts for the kitchen in Greivin’s house and that week Darin and the men here made and installed those cabinets. That was a long awaited project! Dad and the boys sure took a lot of items off the ever present to-do list we have here. Lots of little odd jobs that get pushed off but are so nice to have done! Dad’s had planned to leave for home on Wed. to make it back for Sun. but the pottery they planned to take along wasn’t quite ready and their van also had some bodywork it needed, which is quite a bit cheaper here, so they decided to fly home and return later for their load. So, we get to have them come twice in a month.

Another thing Dad’s brought was irrigation supplies for the garden. Myron’s have been busy starting plants and preparing the ground for the garden. They’ve planted potatoes and corn and an assortment of early plants. The trees that were planted are doing quite well and look so nice along the garden.

On March 29th we were blessed to have Herbert and Edith Miller and two of their daughters come. They drove from Alabama, bringing a van that was donated to SLCH. They also were busy throughout the week helping with various projects here. On Friday then the rest of the board of directors came for the weekend and board meetings. That’s always an encouraging weekend and we enjoy having them here.

On the 31st of March two little brothers we had here, Antonio & Oscar, went to live with their aunt. On the same day we received a one month old little girl and a two year old boy.

On Monday, April 4th, Miguel had hernia surgery in Tijuana and is doing very well. He’s the same boy who had surgery on his eye last year and has been doing much better vision wise. He has just recently been diagnosed as autistic as well. We need to take him for further testing to find out the level of autism that he has. Sure have to wonder what kind of future the little guy might have.

Our family has been looking forward to taking a vacation and last Thurs. we came to Rosarito for the weekend. It’s an hour and a half from the home and just south of Tijuana along the ocean. God helped us find a house that is wonderful for our stay and is cheaper than it would have been to get a hotel. We brought food along to fix our meals here and are really enjoying time together as a family. We have a beautiful view across the ocean outside our living room windows. We’ve seen dolphins jumping and could spend hours just watching the waves crashing up against the rocks and marveling at the greatness of our God who created and keeps the ocean by His word. The boys found and caught a crab along with exploring lots of sea life on the rocks along the shore. There’s also a game house that’s been fun to use!

Sunset view from our living room

The next several weeks we again expect a number of visitors at the home, so it looks like the busyness will continue. One of the decisions that was made while the board was here is that it would be best for the houseparents’ family if they could live in a home separate from the main house. For that to happen means changes to the structure and details of the everyday working of the home. We are working on the details of that change to try to have the system changed and settled for new houseparents when they come. We are not certain where we will live but there will be a need for another house here. We continue to pray that God would supply the need for houseparents and that His will would be made clear.

God’s blessings to you all this week!

Of accidents and stuff…

2011-03-13T21:35:00.001-07:00

What a beautiful day to praise the Lord! We’ve been blessed with warmer days and green hillsides this week. I’m enjoying the green because most of the rest of the year it will be brown and green is so much nicer.

We are all happy about some changes we’ve made to our schedule, trying to provide more family time to be able to better meet some of our needs as a family. Included in the changes is two evenings a week we now have supper and the evening together in our house. That is such a wonderful treat for us! We all crave to be a family again and not just part of the herd.

We’ve had a few staff changes in the last few weeks. Sara Enns left for home for an extended vacation of close to 3 mo. Sherri Shirk from MS came to take her place while she’s gone.

I think the devil was out to try to get us this week for sure. On Tues. we were working on more adoption paperwork and I had my FM3 out to fill out some forms. The time came to go to the dining room for supper so I left the computer with my FM3 on the table with plans to resume the job after supper. When I finally returned, after getting all questions answered outside, there was no FM3. Well, we needed it for Fri. morning and there was no way to continue the process until I found the item. We searched, we prayed, we searched more until we had the whole family searching and still no FM3. Tania was sleeping so I couldn’t ask her about it but we felt like she probably moved it. So I tried to think like she does and thought about the computer as that was where it was last seen. Hmmm…. There in the cd slot was my FM3! I guess she thought she’d see if it played anything. Thanks to God was offered very sincerely for showing us where to find it!

On Thursday the men decided to take a trip about an hour and a half southwest to a nursery to buy some trees for around here. Delores called me in the morning and wondered if I’d want to go along as the wives had decided to join the men. Well, of course, I want to go relax a bit! So Lorne and Nevin went to get groceries in the morning so that I could help the boys finish schoolwork and be ready in time. We left around noon with Phil and Edith and had a beautiful drive down there! While we were walking around looking at plants and trees, Lorne handed me the phone and it was Nevin. The first thing he said was, “Mom, what do we do for a concussion?” What?! Who has a concussion? Well, Brent had a bike accident and it’s pretty bad. The boys were riding down the road and a big dog ran out in front of them. Brent saw the dog but didn’t see in time that Tony was stopping in front of him and his bike caught Tony’s bike. He was thrown over the handle bars, flipped in the air and landed about 20’ away on his head and shoulder and was unconscious when Tony came to him. He was out for several minutes and then when he did respond he was very confused and didn’t know what had happened. They got him some water from the neighbors there and got him into the truck which Nevin had brought from nearby. He remembers nothing of the accident or of getting into the truck. He had severe head pain and they could hardly keep him awake. They got him home and let him sleep, but kept waking him regularly. We talked with them several times and decided to just watch him until we get home unless he would show more danger signs of being critical. We got home around 7 then and he was more awake but still a bit confused. I was up several times in the night to check on him then but he rested well through the night. The next few days he needed constant pain meds but each day seems to get better. We are so thankful for God’s grace in protecting him from further harm and for healing him thus far!

By the way, we did bring home 32 trees then and they are planted as a windbreak for the massive garden that Myron’s plan to put in. It will be so nice when they are bigger to actually have some trees on the property!

Then, on Friday, Lorne, Nevin and I needed to go to Tijuana for more paperwork and Nevin’s dentist appt. I was just going out the door to leave and Dustin and Tania were coming in the lane on the bike when I saw Tania’s foot swing forward into the spokes of the wheel and jam between the wheel brace and the wheel. She screamed in pain as I tried to loosen her foot. Lorne and Nevin then both pulled on the wheel and released her foot. So here we go again! Ice, a sucker and a recliner and soon she was quieted. Amazingly, she had only scraped open a small spot and bruised her foot. We waited then until she walked on it and after giving instructions for everyone to sit calmly while we are gone, we headed out again. We spent the day running from office to office and collected the papers we need and tomorrow we need to go back to the immigration office in Tijuana and hopefully then meet with the lawyer again. It seems like things are moving forward again with the adoption, for which we are very thankful.

So, we face the new week armed with God’s grace and strength and wonder what He has for us next!

Over and Over… He is Faithful!

2011-02-27T22:41:00.001-08:00

God is too wise to be mistaken;

God is too good to be unkind;

So when you don’t understand,

When you don’t see His plan,

When you can’t trace His hand,

Trust His heart!

These words are from a song on a cd that was here for us when we returned home. Myra had sent it even before Liz died but it was so perfect for our raw emotional state when we returned. There is so much I still do not understand. At this time I can’t see God’s plan, so all I can do is trust His heart. It was extremely difficult to leave our dear family in Indiana and go so far away at a time when it seemed we needed our loved ones the most! I felt so bad to leave Virgil and the children and not be able to be there for and with them. One thing that Galen shared with us the day they left helped me come to grips a little with leaving and that was the verse that talks about all things working for my good according to God’s purpose for me. And right now God’s purpose for me is to be here. Even if that makes the pain even harder to work through, it does bring us to God and makes us cling to Him for strength.

God was so good to us and everything worked out so well for our trip to Indiana and for the care of our children. Sarah flew down here on the 25th and we left the 26th. She came to stay with Dustin and Tania so that we could more comfortably leave them here. It was so wonderful to be able to leave and know that she was here with them. They loved having her here and spending that time together. It seemed so wrong to leave while Sarah was here but then when we returned God sent a snowstorm to IN so that she got to stay a day longer than planned. That gave us a little more time together, which was great! Thank you so much, Sarah, for sacrificing your time and money to help us!

The weekend of Feb. 13, Christina and Bethany Klassen’s parents and grandparents came down and brought a new generator for the home here. It was so exciting to see the old one being removed and some steady power taking it’s place. But the other side of their visit was not so exciting, as the girls then traveled home with their parents and terminated their term of service here. We wish them God’s blessings as they continue in His service at home.

Dustin’s 11th birthday was the 18th of Feb. so our family went to Tecate for supper. The boys hoped for some unicycle, park fun but then it rained. We found a new pizza place and actually had a sit down, delicious pizza supper! Then back home for cake and ice cream which is definitely a real treat here!

This last week was Orphan’s For Jesus week again so there were a few extra activities because of that. Then today the home went to join them at the campground for church services and lunch. Lorne was sick this morning and Gina and I also stayed home to take care of 3 babies since it was extra cold outside. The great excitement this morning was that when we got up, the ground was covered with snow! The boys even quickly made a snowman before it all melted.

I know it’s been too long since I wrote but it seemed there has been too much pain to sort through and no words to be able to share how we are doing. Continue to pray for us that our hearts would be renewed and that we’d have the emotional healing needed to carry on with our responsibilities here.

Tears, so many tears... Such sorrow...

2011-01-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

Tuesday morning at 4:30 our phone rang and I knew. Our precious, suffering sister had gone Home! No more pain. No more cancer, blood tests, treatments, or uncertainties! She loved her Savior and her life was a testimony to that love. But she has a very dear family and she loved them so deeply. She still wanted to be their mother. She wanted to be the wife that walked beside her dear husband. She cared very much for each of them. She was such an amazing wife, mother, sister-in-law, friend! She touched so many lives! We all still needed her. And my heart cries and bleeds with tears but there are no answers yet. My soul waits for the Lord. His Word tells me He will not leave us comfortless. I choose to trust Him. Only because of the Hope we have in Christ can we even face the future. To Virgil and the family, there are no words to express our sorrow with you and for you! We love you and continue to pray that you'll be able to feel God's arms of love surrounding you now and in the difficult days and months ahead.

January

2011-01-23T07:28:00.001-08:00

We've had a busy Jan. so far. The week of the 11th thru the 18th Rachel was here to visit. We really enjoyed her time with us just being together. She hadn't been here for 2 yrs so it was fun for Tania to get to know her better too. Dad and Mom had planned to come as well but God had other plans and when they were at the gate to fly out they received word that Liz was very low and that it would be best for them to return. We missed having them come but totally wanted them to be there with Virgil's during that time.

Gideon came on the 17th for two weeks to help out while Roland took a week vacation to Alabama. It's been great to have Gid back again even if it's just for a little bit!

We received 4 new children in Jan. , all 2 yrs old and younger. There were 2 little brothers, a 1 yr old and a newborn. Another newborn that came is a brother to Alejandra and Alondra, 5 and 3 yr olds that were here. And also, Maria, a fiesty little 2 yr old, was the last one to arrive. That brings the total of little ones 1 yr old and younger to 7. Lots of bottles and diapers, but lots of fun to hold and snuggle too.

This week is Orphan's for Jesus week so we've had extra helpers for a few days.They are a group of around 50 people that come to MX to do work projects in the area where needed. It always helps to get caught up on extra projects. And we share together for Sunday services the 2 Sundays that they are here which brings fellowship for all of us.

The church here has decided to make some changes and last Wed evening we had our first Wed evening service. We also plan to do some reorganizing for Sundays and have more of a Sunday School time for staff and children. We are looking forward to what God has for us through these changes.

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

Praise God we do not walk in our own strength!

Complete…

2011-01-01T17:45:00.005-08:00

Dec. 31, 2010 11:59 pm. The end of the year. You can never again do anything in 2010. Missed opportunities are gone. The door is closed. But, wait. A new door is before us. Jan. 1, 2011 12:00 am. The beginning of a brand new year with a full 365 days, Lord willing. Many opportunities are before us. God in His mercy gives us another chance be all He calls us to be. I’m excited about the road before us and seeing what God has for us in 2011. We know that it will be a year of change but we don’t know just what the details are that He has for us in all of that. I’m so glad we can trust God to direct our plans according to His plans, so that it will be the best for us!

Our last week was a spirit-lifting week full of so many blessings! I think the greatest need we as a family experience here is the need for fellowship. And God sent us the gift of a week of wonderful, awesome fellowship! I can’t even begin to describe what this week with Virgil’s did to our hearts. Even more so because of the precious gift of life that God has given us in restoring health to Liz! When the Dr.s gave up, man had done all they could and it seemed life was at the end, God in His perfect time chose to show Himself strong and gave life again! Praise His wonderful name! We are so unworthy of His grace and goodness! And so I felt like this Christmas we received the best gift that we’ve ever received when she and all of the family was able to come and celebrate life! The first evening we drafted a number of them to help us with the little holy walk that we did. Then Christmas day we enjoyed a special dinner with the home, the youth climbed a mountain, then we had an evening of lively catch phrase games to finish day. Thru the week then the men did outside odd jobs to help Lorne while the ladies kept the laundry clean, held babies, made pizza for a lunch, cheeseburgers and fries for a supper, doughnuts one day, and whoopie pies another. On Wed. we all went to Tijuana to the hospital for Virgil and Liz to talk with a Dr and for everyone to have a chance to have been there. Then we went downtown for some great shopping, even though it rained all day. All too soon already we were at the end of the week, but with our cups full! Thanks again to you as a family for all the ways that you blessed us this week!

Thursday Lorne and I took Virgil’s to the airport then did a bunch of shopping for the home. We came home just in time for the staff Christmas supper here. Bethany and Christina planned and did a beautiful supper for all of us. Then on Fri. we did the grocery shopping and again returned just in time for supper. When we drove in everything was very dark so Lorne went to see what the problem was and found that the generator had blown a hose and we were not going to have power right away. He called the mechanic and left again for town with hopes of finding parts. In the mean time we got out candles, lanterns, and flashlights and went on with supper. The Moms had planned some special New Years Eve activities for the children so we talked a bit and decided to continue on and just do the best we could with the low light situation. There was no water to wash dishes but no light to see them either which was best. We had lit the fireplace for heat and light so we let the children roast marshmallows over the fire. Then they started a lively ‘upset the fruitbasket’ game with 20 players. The power then returned so we drew slips for cleanup jobs and soon had it all cleaned up and ready for a hot chocolate and cookie snack. After which it was time for the littlest children to go to bed and cleanup time again. The oldest ones then played games until midnight and happily welcomed the New Year to SLCH. Today our family is spending the day apart for our own family Christmas celebration. We came out to Greivin’s house and have had a wonderful time sharing our gifts, playing games and just being together.

Following are some pics of the Christmas story as we saw it here…

The shepherds were watching their flocks by night…

And a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory be to God”…

Come let us make haste and see where the child is laid…

The wise men have seen the star and have come to find the babe…

King Herod and his soldiers

The wise men come before the king…

The king calls the priests…

The wise men find the babe and bring their gifts to worship Him

The most precious gift ever given to mankind so that even today we can live in peace and have life in Jesus!

We wish you all a very blessed new year! Make it count for the Lord!!

More of December...

2010-12-23T22:53:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-12-05T17:42:00.001-08:00

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!

2010-11-17T22:30:00.001-08:00

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

2010-11-13T07:55:00.001-08:00

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...

2010-11-10T21:36:00.003-08:00

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…

2010-10-30T17:20:00.001-07:00

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…

2010-10-08T17:02:00.001-07:00

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...

2010-10-05T10:35:00.026-07:00

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…

2010-10-04T15:49:00.001-07:00

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…

2010-09-02T20:59:00.001-07:00

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…

2010-08-13T21:32:00.001-07:00

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…

2010-07-14T22:49:00.001-07:00

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…

2010-07-02T14:36:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-06-14T22:39:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-06-09T11:24:00.001-07:00

“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!

2010-06-07T11:47:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-06-06T16:21:00.001-07:00

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…

2010-05-23T22:40:00.001-07:00

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!!

2010-05-14T13:43:00.001-07:00

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.

Another Goodbye…

2010-04-23T10:56:00.001-07:00

Out the lane, and out of our lives here. Darin left for home this morning. He was here for 2 yrs and 3 mo. and was such a part of our family here. I feel like I just let one of my boys go. Lorne depended on him so much and he was such a help all around. And, he was one of the youth here which means that this leaves Nevin as the only single fellow here anymore. Thanks again, Darin!

WE WILL MISS YOU!!

More goodbyes…

2010-04-20T14:06:00.001-07:00

We seem to be in the time of goodbyes these weeks and I don’t enjoy goodbyes!

Last Tuesday, April 13, Marlene left for Costa Rica to be at home for a month over the time of her sister’s wedding. That left 12 children to divide amongst the others, so they do have their quivers full!

Then, on Friday, Joselin and Marbella left to go live with their adoptive mother. They’ve been going with her for visits and getting to know her so it was easier for them to go.

We were blessed this last weekend with visitors from Texas. Phil’s parents, Dan & Rhoda Miller were here visiting them so they shared time with us here on Sunday. They are taking the first trailer load of pottery to Texas from the “factory” here. It was exciting to see the load of product go out the lane and know that it’s a reality.

On Sunday morning a little before church we had a surprise when in came Leland Ulrich and his nephew Weston. They had been in CA so blessed us with a visit as well! We really enjoy the fellowship and encouragement of visitors!

Last evening we went to Phil’s to enjoy fellowship with them and Dan’s and the strawberry cheesecake she made. It was refreshing for us!

God bless you all with a wonderful week!

The Love of God for Me…

2010-04-11T22:37:00.001-07:00

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

Our sins are forgiven, we have peace in Him and we are healed! How precious the reality of true life in Jesus! We had a very precious communion service here this evening with our little group of believers. Even tho our numbers are very few, our God is still the same and is with us. The children were very open in their curiosity and wanted to observe everything that we were doing. The feet washing practice was especially interesting, they thought! What a joy to give them a Godly example of Biblical teaching.

Thanks to those of you who have been praying for our safety in this week of trembling earth here. For those who didn’t hear, last Sun. there was an earthquake centered 2 hrs east of us with a 7.2 magnitude on the scale. It shook us pretty much here but we were very blessed to not have any damage. It’s a very strange feeling to quickly leave the house because it’s shaking, only to find that outside the ground is swaying as well. Throughout the week we’ve continued to have tremors that keep us wondering what is happening but nothing worse. Greivin’s have had some things fall off the walls but nothing harmed. It’s wonderful to be able to rest in God’s protection and know that He controls even the innards of the earth.

We were also blessed to be able to go to Tijuana again on Tuesday and spend some time with Virgil & Liz. It’s so encouraging to see the progress she has made and we thank God for answered prayer thus far, even if we don’t know the future.

We are enjoying the new life of springtime…

Fresh radishes from our garden!! And there were a lot!

The newest kids we have!

By faith, the girls planted some flowers. Hopefully, with time it will be full and beautiful.

Our youth had a wonderful afternoon hiking! It’s clear that there were some ‘be there’ jokes going on!

Pain…

2010-03-30T14:35:00.001-07:00

Such a fallen mess...

Pain. Deep pain. Etched into the soul.

Memories of the past.

A desire to belong.

Deep longing for a family.

Missing the family that they once had.

Remembering siblings.

The mother that they believe loved them.

The pain of not remembering a mother.

Wondering why God allowed them to be born into a life of pain.

And I also ask, "God, why was I so blessed?"

The sun is warm with a slight breeze blowing. A lazy, thinking kind of day. The refrigerator hums. The babies are asleep. I take the moment to work on paperwork. And then a knock on the door. I find a 10 yr old crying brokenly. Oh dear, what has happened? She cries because she misses her family. She cries for what might have been and isn't. What can I offer her? I have no way to change what is now. But, I can offer her God's love and give her mine. The privilege is mine but the pain is hers. It becomes a small part of me as I reach to her heart.

From the baby who comes with no name because there was no one to love him or her to the 16 yr old that no longer wants to be a child of the state and is rebelling as a result of that pain, and every individual story in between. "God, where are you?" I know He is here. I know these are His children. I want them to find His love and healing for that pain. And to feel security in the moments when they don't know who God is. To feel His love through each one of us here that represent His arms, His feet, His words. Oh God, fill us and help us to never let them down.

Thank you for praying for us today.

Unknown future… known God!

2010-03-27T17:27:00.001-07:00

Pray.. That the LORD thy God may show us the way wherein we may walk, and the thing that we may do. Jer. 42:3

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? Gen. 18:14

This is what the LORD says-- your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Is. 48:17

As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. Ps. 18:30 & 2 Sam. 22:31

We’re looking at a lot of uncertainty and change here at the home and I’ve been working on trust and waiting. Then as I searched for some answers these are some of the verses that God gave me and I know that He is in control and will give us what we need in His time!

Greivin has been working on his US citizenship for a while already and is still trying. He has his residency but can’t continue to live here with only that. He had another appointment this week and has a month to try to satisfy the requirements or he needs to return to the states to live if he wants to keep the residency status. They are giving him trouble because he said he would not be willing to bear arms in case of a draft. Please pray with us that he would be able to satisfy them and can receive his papers without leaving here.

We also have an immediate need of 3 other workers. We need a full time kitchen supervisor/cook and 2 childcare workers. We have 2 of the Mom’s leaving in May and need replacements to care for their children lest I become as the old woman who lived in a shoe. The one Mom is caring for the teen girls now and cooking but we feel it would be best to make that two separate positions.

So, pray with us and for us that God would show us His will and clearly open the doors for whoever He has planned to come work here. And also that we could rest in Him and wait without worry.

Goodbyes and change…

2010-03-20T22:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday we had another tough exchange. The twins, Axxel & Atdriel, and their brother Alvin left to go live with an uncle. They were some very lively boys that added a lot of spice to the mixture here! And then last evening was the farewell supper for Gideon. Oh, my! It’s going to be so hard to see him leave! He’s been such a tremendous blessing to us here and we will miss him horribly!

The last several weeks we had a group here from OH doing more welding work and on Wed was the big installation day. Our entrance is now transformed and looks so nice. It was a big deal to put up the roof as a finished item but they did a great job getting it in place.

loading & transport

And then up, up…

hold your breath…

… and it’s up!

Add the gates and it’s beautiful!

We are really enjoying having Nate’s here! Our boys are enjoying their school vacation and it’s a great refreshment for us all. They brought gift packets for the children, from their church, so Wed. evening we passed them around. The children loved it! Thanks to all who contributed to the project!

2010-03-16T10:46:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful week with all the young energy here! Lots of fun times! Randy, Brian, Chad, Kenlin, J & Vicki are the ones that came. The guys worked on roof tile, put in new washline posts, and helped paint pottery. Vicki helped Gina and I keep the clothes washed, house cleaned and food made. One day she made a monstrous batch of monster cookies to keep the coffee breaks going. Evenings were spent playing games, sitting around a campfire, even snipe hunting. Playing soccer with the boys and getting beat up, at least made memories! Thanks to all of you for coming and helping!

Roof workers

Emptying the kiln, getting ready to paint pottery

Painting…

And… the afterwards!! They really did paint!

Darin & Nevin took them all to Tijuana this morning and then on to the airport. The boys will stay then til evening and bring Nate’s family along back!

Joy & Sorrows…

2010-03-07T10:58:00.001-08:00

My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed:

I will sing and give praise. Ps. 57:7

This has been a week of mostly sadness. As I worked to process the hard things we were facing my mind kept coming back to this verse and I am so thankful that my heart can be secure even in the midst of trials.

On Tuesday evening Kristin came here for the night and then on Wednesday our family and Darin took him and went to Tijuana to be with Virgil’s. It was great to have Dianna and Kristin there too. On Friday Lorne and I went over around noon and were there again until after supper. I’m so thankful that we are able to spend even a little time with Virgil’s when they come. It’s so hard to see Liz suffering and just to trust that God is doing what is best for us all. We were blessed that there seems to again be more hope that she will have help than what it seemed at the first of this week. Lord willing, we plan to go to the hospital again on Wednesday with J when the Hershberger nephews and Vicki come to MX.

Friday was a day of emotional roller coasters! The one very positive happening was that we signed the final DIF paper for Tania’s adoption. That allows the process to move to a state level which is very exciting. There is still a long way to go but yet this is progress.

Then in the afternoon our emotions plunged again when we found out that Karla (14 yr old) received her release and was going to move to live with the lady in Tecate. This lady cared for Karla when she was younger and for a while already has been working on the process of having her again. Karla wanted to go live with her as this gives her contact with her family again. We knew that it would be soon but did not know just when it would be. So, while we were in Tijuana we found out that she’s leaving Friday yet and by the time we came home she was gone. Thankfully she came back again on Saturday to visit and get a few things she left here so we got to talk with her some more. She plans to come for church and really wants to fellowship with us and spend time here when she can. Pray for Karla that she could remain faithful to God and could be a witness to the family there.

Today most of the people from here went to join the Orphan’s For Jesus group for church and lunch. They are at Rancho Ojai, a campground 3 miles down the road. I stayed here with Dustin and Tania. Dustin has had a stomach bug for the last couple days and I’ve been fighting a cold and cough for over a month already so decided it best not to join the crowd of people and be out in the cold and rain.

Pray for us that we may not be discouraged but continue to see that God is faithful regardless of the circumstances we face.

2010-02-26T20:30:00.001-08:00

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…

2010-02-16T10:37:00.001-08:00

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...

2010-02-05T09:28:00.001-08:00

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!

Calling the troops again...

2010-01-19T22:16:00.001-08:00

At lunch I was thinking and wondering what else could happen and I knew that I need to post again and call for your help once more. We so need to be covered with God's grace and strength each day and this battle is not ours to fight alone.

We've all been moving forward, going on with life, proccessing what God is doing in our hearts through these
experiences. Bianca is doing as well as can be expected. We helped her collect all the photos we could find of her and her baby and she made a memory album. That was very special for her and she also really appreciates the cards and notes that she's received.

We had a wonderful weekend with my parents here! They came on Friday and left on Tues. It was just what we needed and was so special to be able to be together again after having been through these very difficult weeks here! Dad was busy fixing odd and end things here in our house, while Mom stayed busy keeping the cookie containers filled and helping with everything in here. Of course, making memories playing games and just being together was very important too!

Then on Wed. the first Orphans For Jesus people came. This is a group of around 55 people that comes to MX every year to work at different orphanages and help with any projects that they can. They don't stay here but they are here at times and each day send people to help here as well. Sunday they were here for church but not for lunch.

One really good thing that happened on Saturday was that Marcella returned from her 4 wk vacation. Regina and Bethany were taking her place as caregivers of the teenage girls and also filling in for cooking lunches so it was really good to have her come back and have our staff back to a more normal routine.

On Saturday we were cleaning here and I put our laptop on a stack of chairs so that I could move the table it was setting on. I had my back turned to the chairs and heard a sickening sound of the computer hitting the floor! I picked it up and sure enough, it was a dead box! We did some diagnostics and it showed a bad hard drive. Um, well. Data. Yes, a backup is a good thing but who has time to do it regularly? To say the least, this was not a good thing! So we wait for the new hard drive to get here and thank God for the blessing of a computer.

Last night, I had just crawled into bed when I heard someone knocking on our door. It was around 10:00 and I wondered what could be wrong now. It was Anna saying that I should come quickly because 13 yr old Jaqcueline is choking! I jumped up and went quickly to see what was happening. She had fallen out of her bed and was on the floor and clearly having a seizure of some sort! Her limbs and mouth were locked up, her eyes rolled into her head, making gurgling noices and rolling around! Lorne did a quick assessment and concluded we will need help, but there's no way an ambulance can come here in time for an emergency! He grabbed his phone, which was out of minutes and didn't work that day, and he called Greivin. The phone worked without minutes! That's God. In the meantime we were working to revive her with all we knew to do and she slowly stopped seizing and lay still. In the beginning she didn't know where she was or how old but after a bit she became more rational. Greivin and Lorne decided that Greivin would just take her and Marcella to the hospital to see what is wrong. By the time they got to the Dr she seemed ok again and he didn't believe that it was as they said, so we don't know more than we did before.

Today Lorne needed to go to Tecate and soon after he left Gideon came in with Ismael holding a rag to his head! I wasn't sure whether to laugh or groan. Another child had gotten angry and thrown a can towards him and caught his head. It was busted open but not very deep, so Nevin helped me and we were able to close it with super glue. Then came the challenge of dealing with the deeper issue of the cause of the dispute. Another day at the home!

Tonight our youth had the privilege of joining the OFJ group for supper and fellowship. Tomorrow night the group plans to come here for a hymn sing and possibly supper. Phil and Edith unexpectedly needed to leave for Lebec, CA today. They are due to have their second child in 6 wks and she's been having some early labor threats which had gotten worse the last few days. They had planned to go to a clinic in southern CA to have the baby but it seemed best to go up where they would be close to a hospital in case the baby does come this early. Her parents live in Lebec and it's a familiar community for them. This all means that one of our families here will probably be gone for a number of weeks and the few people we have will be fewer. But, we trust God to keep them in His care and that all will be well according to His will!

It's nightime and for a moment all is quiet. I'm so tired and best go absorb whatever rest I can while I can.
Continue to pray for God's protection on us here and His grace for each day's happenings as we face them hour by hour!

It is finished…

2010-01-06T10:31:00.001-08:00

We had a meaningful service on Monday evening here at the home. There were some neighbors that came and also some Christian friends from Tecate. It was an opportunity for the neighbors to hear the message of salvation and the hope that we can have in Christ.

Then on Tuesday we went to Tecate for the burial. Again, there were some neighbors that followed us to the cemetery and were with us there. We had a short graveside devotional and then the burial. The grave is so final! How glorious to have a hope beyond the grave!

Life and death…

2010-01-04T18:16:00.001-08:00

A funeral at a children’s home seems so out of place and yet we are born to die and the reality of death is a way to minister as nothing else can. Tonight we plan to have the funeral service here at the home for little Emanuel and tomorrow at 10:00 we’ll have the burial in Tecate. Having the service here gives an opportunity for all the children to be present and to minister to them in a more personal way. Continue to pray for all of us as we walk this difficult path these next hours.

God is good…

2010-01-03T14:15:00.003-08:00

We praise God for His goodness and for so wonderfully answering the many prayers that have been lifted on our behalf and we thank all of you for your notes of encouragement and your prayers! We truly feel God at work even amidst the pain of the hour!

God planned before this to have a group of former Faith Mission workers here this Sunday to minister to us. They sang a number of songs in church this morning, (in English :)) that ministered to us as a staff in a way that nothing else could have. “No tears in heaven”… “Does Jesus care?” Yes he does!.. “You said you’d come and share all my sorrows” “Safe in the arms of Jesus” So healing! And they plan to return for an evening hymn sing tonight. Praise God!

This morning when I went over to see how Bianca and Marlene’s night was they seemed so at rest. Bianca said she had a dream and saw her baby. She said he was all white and just looked like a little angel. She heard him say, “Mama.” She replied, “what, my son?” He then told her not to worry about him because he is content and happy there with Jesus in heaven. What a precious, priceless gift from God to have that confirmation for her heart! Then in church this morning she requested the song, “Me liberto.” It talks of having been in sadness and prison without pardon, but Christ came and set me free. It says, “I saw the glory of my Jesus, Oh glory to God, He set me free!” She has a testimony of complete trust in her Saviour and in His plan for her life! Of course, she’s still sad, but there’s such a difference in sadness with faith and hope, or sadness alone.

Some of the other children are really struggling with fear. They've been taught that the spirit of a dead person returns and they are afraid to be alone. The one girl won't even go to the bathroom alone for fear something will happen. Greivin was able to share with some of them today that the only Spirit that is here with us is God's Spirit and that we have nothing to fear but their faith is weak. Pray for all of them that these stories of darkness could be removed and that they could know the truth.
Thank you for your continued prayers!

Bianca & Emanuel

2010-01-02T20:09:00.001-08:00

This is a more complete story of Bianca’s life here at the home since she came. A few details are repeated from the earlier post but we were asked for a complete story and so I thought I’d share it here with you also.

On July 23, 2009, Bianca, a 12 year old girl, arrived here at Shining Light Home with her 8 day old baby, Emanuel. Those first few days her eyes were so sad! It tore at our hearts to see the pain hidden there. She had suffered so much in her life! When she was younger she suffered a lot of burns over her body from a car accident. She was hospitalized for a time and left with lots of scars. Then at age 11, abused by her father, she found herself pregnant and then gave birth at 12 yrs old in a city far away from her mother and any family that might have cared. But she poured her whole heart into being a mother for this precious little boy, who was all she had.

Marlene is her mother here and she nursed her to better health after she came. Along with caring for her physical condition, she was hearing that God loves her and all that He has done for us. She responded to that love and has a strong faith in God and a desire to be faithful to Him. She slowly opened up to the home here and became more involved in the work and activities. She takes an interest in her schoolwork and has such a positive attitude towards those in authority.

Bianca shares a room with Marisol, a 13 yr old who also has a baby. These two girls became sisters at heart and want to do everything together. Yesterday they were having fun taking pictures of their babies together. They talked and dreamed of when their babies will be big enough to run and play together. They've been forced into the adult world years before it was time and will never be little girls again.

Little Emanuel didn't grow much at first. It seemed he was just scrawny and we wondered if he might have some problems. Then a few months ago, Marlene changed his milk and soon he started to fill out and he became a chubby baby who was doing very well. Recently he was becoming more active and was a contented little boy. Yesterday he was jumping in his jumper and was so happy and healthy, it seemed.

Last night before Marlene went to bed around 11 she checked on the children and said all was well. Emanuel slept with Bianca and she was up during the night and gave him his bottle. He ate well, burped and went back to sleep. At 7 this morning Marlene woke Bianca and after a little bit Bianca called Marlene to come quickly because something is wrong with the baby. Marlene quickly moved him to her bed to see what was wrong but he wasn't breathing! Marlene called for me and I quickly went over, but it was clear that he was gone! Gone! No life! Oh the depth of pain from a young mother who has just lost her precious child! Pain that is indescribable. Pain that only God can heal.

Lorne went to bring Greivin and they tried to call DIF but couldn't contact anyone there. He then called the police and they soon came to investigate. They asked lots of questions, wanting all the details as they happened. They then said that there are other authorities that need to come and when they come the police would return. They also told us that these authorities are out at another accident scene and it could be awhile before they come. Finally, around 11:30 they returned and again went through the whole process of questions. They talked with Bianca alone, had questions for Greivin and for Marlene. They asked some of the other children in the living room whether Bianca loved her baby or cared for him well. There was a secret police here as well who appeared to be just a visitor along with these others. He mingled with the children in the living room, visiting with them and then later one of the children asked him if he isn't a police. So he told them that, yes, he is a secret police.

In the beginning they expected that the baby had possibly suffocated. The one man that came did an examination of the baby and could not find any cause of death or any sign that he had not been able to breathe normally. He then ruled that he died a natural death. It seems he died peacefully, without pain or illness. It was at 12:30 when they took the body to Tecate. Greivin also needed to go in right away to process paperwork. After he went in he called back and said that Bianca needs to come in for more questioning and to be able to do the paperwork. So Marlene took her and they went in to the office. We are not sure when we will be able to have the funeral because of legal procedures.

Bianca's testimony this afternoon is that she feels that God allowed this to happen to see if she would be faithful to Him. She said that God gave her baby to her and now He took him from her. She finds much comfort in the fact that her baby will never know pain or be sad and that he is in Jesus' presence and care at this time.

As for God, His way is perfect… Ps 18:30

2010-01-02T15:01:00.001-08:00

Hear my cry, Oh God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. Ps. 61

Oh, the depth of the pain that we feel! Groanings from the deepest part of our beings and yet the truth does not change. This morning 6 mo. old Emanuel died as we slept. I awoke a little after 7 to a frantic calling outside our bedroom door and so I quickly opened to see and was told that they think Emanuel died. Surely not!! I ran for Marlene’s room and looked to see what was wrong but there was nothing to do. Life was gone! He had been sleeping with his mother, 12 yr. old Bianca, and she said when gave him his bottle during the night he seemed fine. He ate, burped and went back to sleep. But after Marlene woke her this morning, Bianca saw that something was wrong and called Marlene right away. She quickly put him over on her bed to try to see what was wrong but very soon saw that he wasn’t breathing. When I came over, his face was still a bit warm but his hands were cold and it was obvious that he was gone. NO! NO! How can it be? This little mother was so attentive to her baby! She has suffered tremendously in her life! Abused by her father she found herself pregnant, and then gave birth at 12 yr.s old in a city far away from her mother and any family that might have cared. But she poured her whole heart into being a mother for this precious little boy, who was all she had. Oh God, where are you? What are you doing, Lord? What is your plan, our Father? Just now we say, “Truly our souls wait on God.” Please lift us to the Father in these next hours and days as we guide 40 children through this maze of grief; through the many questions for which even we have no answers, more than to point them to Jesus. As we seek God’s face ourselves in again dealing with the reality of life and death and God’s sovereignty. We need your prayers!

Christmas to be remembered!

2009-12-25T22:52:00.001-08:00

This week was busy with going to the hospital, adoption meeting, getting groceries the day before Christmas and the town being fuller than I’ve ever seen, so it took twice as long to do everything! We came home, unloaded the van and put those things away, changed our clothes and left to go to Enrique Becerra’s house for the evening. The home was invited for supper and caroling. They are a Mexican family that comes to church once in a while. They had made a delicious meal of tamales for us. Then Greivin shared the Christmas story with everyone. The children really enjoyed going away and we had a very nice evening there.

This forenoon then we fixed food and got our Christmas meal ready. Ham, mashed potatoes, rice & beans, salad, homemade bread, tea, and 3 different kinds of cream pie. Regina and Bethany did a great job of decorating the tables and making it special for everyone.

Decorating gingerbread cookies

After lunch was cleaned up I sat down to relax a bit and listen to Greivin’s mother tell stories to the children. After just a little bit I saw Nevin come rushing up to the front door clutching his arm and there was blood! I opened the door and he said, “I need stitches.” I told him we want to look at it so we went to the kitchen and I took one look and said, “You’re right!” There was a cut 3” long across his arm and if he let go of his arm it stood open at least 1 1/2”. So I told him to go to our house but we only made it to the couch til he had to sit down. The boys got Lorne and I helped Nevin to the van. Lorne got in to go and the van was dead! So he got the truck and off we went! I held his arm together while he hung his head between his knees to keep from fainting. On the way he told us what had happened. Some of the home boys got knives for Christmas and the one was out there by Nevin playing with his knife. Nevin was watching Greivin do something with the tractor and then turned to the boy and the knife caught his arm. We went to the Red Cross and the man there took a look and said to come on in. Well, he searched for the Dr. but couldn’t find him so he said we need to go over to the hospital. I was still putting pressure on the arm and carrying it as back outside we went. There was an ambulance driver and he wanted to see too! When he saw it he said to come over to the ambulance to dress it. Then he said that they can get us over to the hospital faster and get faster service, so into the ambulance we went. They told Lorne where we were going and off we went again! Only this time with lights and sirens! I tried not to laugh and just buckled up for the ride! The one man was cleaning and bandaging the arm on the way and the other racing across town. When we got to the hospital we got immediate service so that was a plus. We weren’t there long until two policemen came in and wanted to know what happened. We had told them he was cut with a knife and they were there to be sure that he hadn’t been in a fight! After looking and asking a few questions they were on their way again. The Dr. did a good job of sewing it up and when we were ready to leave I asked about paying. He said, “Oh, nothing for this day!” Well, thank God! An ambulance ride, an emergency room visit with lots of stitches and no charge. What a blessing! We came back and counted our blessings and so ends this eventful Christmas.

The ‘after’ picture. So wish I had a ‘before’ but somehow didn’t think of a camera until later!

2009-12-20T21:49:00.000-08:00

We went to Tijuana today to visit Virgil & Liz again. We all walked several blocks to the ocean then back to the hospital and ate supper there on the patio. Yesterday she had a bigger day of treatments so seemed more tired today but was still up and going. It's so special to be able to share a few hours together!

Blessings & Trials…

2009-12-17T22:25:00.001-08:00

The greatest blessing first… We received our answer from DIF today that we have been approved to adopt Tania!! How can I describe the feelings that go with this answer? I can’t. We praise, thank and glorify God for arranging this in His time! We are to receive our appointment next week to process the documents needed to take it into the legal phase of the adoption here in MX. We also know that until it is completely finalized God can allow it to be disrupted but we continue to place it into His hands and trust Him with the details.

It’s been a very full 2 weeks emotionally & physically. Susie, Amy & Tony Burkholder came on Dec. 9th and were here for a week. We really enjoyed connecting with them and having their fellowship here! The ladies helped a lot in the kitchen and Tony accompanied Nevin in whatever his projects were on the given days.

Last Sunday Virgil & Liz came to Tijuana for cancer treatment for her and plan to be here until Dec. 26th. We planned our Tijuana trip with the Burkholders for Tuesday so that we could also visit Virgil’s. Liz was feeling well enough that they went with us downtown to do some shopping too. They have a wonderful place at the hospital and seemed very positive about the treatments and care that they are receiving there. It was very special to be able to be together even if only for a little while. We continue to pray for her healing.

Then, on Wednesday Lorne’s Dad & Mom arrived with their pickup load of things that they brought down for here. They plan to leave the truck here for our use and fly home next week. It’s so special to have them here with us again!

One big trial this week was that we had 2 children diagnosed with hepatitis A. They had arrived around 2 weeks ago and we were unaware that they had been exposed to the illness. I never before needed to deal with this illness so was fairly ignorant on what is involved but have done a lot of studying and we go forward. We needed to put the children in a room by themselves with only their caregiver allowed to enter the room and are taking precautions to prevent spreading the virus any farther. Please pray with us for healing for them and for protection for the rest of us that no one else will get sick.

Every day God has appointments for you… be there.

Back Again…

2009-12-07T21:03:00.001-08:00

We are back to Mexico and back in the routine here. We came back at 9 pm Dec. 1st. We had a wonderfully sweet reunion with our little girl! She first just looked at us smiling, then just laughed as if not believing her eyes. She readily came to us and just looked into our faces and couldn’t get finished going back and forth from one to the other of us. She didn’t want to sleep for a while then was awake several times during the night. The next few days she wanted to be held all the time, laying on our shoulders, cuddling and snuggling, but she seems to be settling in better the last couple of days. What a joy to be together again!

We’ve been busy catching up on schedules and working on upcoming plans. On Friday we went to Tijuana to take some more adoption related papers to the office there and to bring Enrique back again. He had left on Mon. to go to his adoptive family but that didn’t work out for them so he was returned to us. He was so terribly sad when we first saw him, but when he realized he was coming with us he became very lively and happy! This afternoon Lorne went to Tijuana for Nevin’s ortho appointment and to bring 2 more children. This brings our number of children to 40 again.

Friday the men and boys helped Delores move all of their things up into the school apartment, as they’d decided to move up there for the winter. Greivin continues to improve but still is not able to be out and going or doing any work. The house where they were living was total cement with no insulation and was very cold. With little children and a sick man they knew they couldn’t live there while it’s cold.

Today it has rained all day! And for us that’s very different. But it also means water under the doors, water in some windows and down the walls, sweaty windows all day long. Muddy, slippery road. It continues to get more windy the later it gets. Just a bit ago Mikaela came and told me to come look while she excitedly showed me that the chimney had blown off the roof and into the courtyard! Well, so she blows! We’re in Mexico… Come visit us!!

Blessed!

2009-11-28T18:02:00.001-08:00

A time of rest. A time to reflect. A time to think of where we are and what we are doing. This brings thankfulness to God for all He has given us in the last year. For the growth He required in our lives through the things He allowed us to experience. What a blessed privilege to serve a God that continues to refine us and bring us ever closer to Him.

We came to Indiana on Nov. 12 for Jeremy & Brittany’s wedding which was the 14th. Lorne’s family was all able to be there and we were so glad that we could come to be with them on this special day. To see a nephew get married puts us in an older phase of life, it seems!

The weeks since the wedding have been a great time of reconnecting with family and friends again. Our family was very blessed to have a house to ourselves while we are here. We have really enjoyed our time together as a family as well. In Mexico we don’t have much privacy and so the opportunity to have some alone time here has been very special.

What have we been doing? Helping my Dad build a new shop. Sewing 8 dresses. Regina & Nevin flying to SC with Galen to bring Rachel back. Shopping for things that we can’t get in the west. Birthdays for Lorne & Nevin. Miller family pictures. Thanksgiving day together with all of my family. Supper invitations. Choir service. Sundays with Lorne’s family. Being blessed over and over!

Our hearts have been torn between two since we are here. Greivin’s were taking our place at the home, but the first weekend already he became sick and then was in the hospital for a while. We would have wanted to return to be with them through this difficult time but had to rest in the fact that God knew all these details before we left and it was all in His hands. We also heard that Gustavo, Marlene’s baby, left to live with his grandparents since we are here. We know how hard those days are and again we just wanted to be there.

We miss Tania more than we can say and are very ready to go back and have our family complete again! It’s hard to explain the feelings we deal with as we are with family here and enjoy that so much yet want to return to our Mexico family as well. Then we face the separation once again and we commit our families and ourselves into God’s hands for the unknown of the coming days. This time we said goodbye to Galen & Edith’s family not knowing when we might be able to see them again as they plan to leave for Canada in the spring for a term of service there. Also, we face the uncertainty of our sister-in-law Liz’s health. Her cancer has returned and her condition declined. When our families face difficult situations it requires a deeper level of trust in our Father as we commit them into His will and submit to the details that He chooses for each of us.

One day when we were talking here one of the children said something about when we go home, referring to when we return to Mexico. That brought a discussion of “where is home?” I spent a good bit of time thinking about that and concluded that when we are in God’s will, following after the things He calls us to do, at the place where He calls us to be, there we are at home.

There is no greater rest than to be at rest in God!

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

2009-11-08T17:42:00.003-08:00

How much is it worth to invest in the life of a child if only for a little time? Will it really make any difference? Only God knows what the fruits will be and yet this week we had a glimpse of the fact that it really does matter.

Carlitos and his sisters (former children here) have been coming with Gordon’s to church regularly. Last Sunday their Dad came with them too. He’s not visited here since we’re here. Gordon preached about the parable of the talents where some had 1 talent while others had 10. His challenge to us was to see what we are doing with the talents that God has given us. After church these children's Dad said that he understands this message clearly because he sees Daniela (5-6 yr. old) using the talent that God gave her. He then explained that he’s been reading his Bible and that Daniela has been begging him to come to church and it’s because of her persistence that he came to the service. Does it make a difference to invest in the life of a child?

On Monday we got a call that Melisa and Kimberli will be leaving to go back to their mother. They decided that it would be on Friday when they go, so we had several days to prepare with them. The girls had been here for 2 1/2 years. It was really hard for Kimberli to think of going. She said she wants to go live with her mom but she just knows that she’ll miss everyone here so much. On Tuesday evening I was talking with Melisa about the fact that no matter where we are God is with us and she can serve God even if she’s not here. She started to cry and so sincerely told me that the reason she so badly wants to go is so that she can tell her mom about God. She had a very real burden for her mother. I assured her that this will be a good opportunity and that by her life and testimony her mom can learn to know about God. Does it make a difference to invest in the life of a child?
A week and a half ago when we had our last appointment with DIF the social worker set an appointment to come for a home visit the following Wed. She said she’d need to check with her boss for sure but to plan on it for then. That Friday morning I told the children that we were going to clean house before we do school that morning because for my birthday Saturday we planned to go shopping in San Diego. That was also the morning the men chose to do repairs on the generator so we were without electricity all day. I had our bed pulled out to clean underneath, Regina & Nevin had tables moved to mop and clean and there was a general unfinished look about the house when I saw a DIF car drive in. Strange, I thought, since we had nothing on the schedule, but Oh well, so goes. I watched to see who it was and saw that it was the social worker! I knew right away that the time for our house inspection was now! Gulp!! I very rapidly told the boys to fly to their room and clean it faster than they’ve ever cleaned. They later commented that it was the first time they could ever remember Mom saying to stuff things under the beds! Point being speed! Soon there was a knock in the hall with the message that DIF wanted to talk to me. Gina kept flying about and I tried to take my time to allow a few more minutes of flurry. And yes, that was what she wanted and right soon we were back to our apartment for her to check all the rooms. I took her to our room first to give the others a bit more time in their rooms and by the time we came to the side rooms they were so nice and clean! We received a good report in spite of the speed by which it was accomplished. I reminded the boys that that is why we like to live in a clean house so that it’s not a problem when we have surprises. Nevin thought it was probably better that they came then, because if it had been on a day that we planned on them we’d have had everything so perfect it wouldn’t have looked like a family lived here. True, I admit. So, now that was done.

We had a wonderful day as a family on Saturday, the 31st. We took Heidi to the airport in Tijuana to fly to Costa Rica, then we went on to San Diego for the day. We did lots of shopping and ate American food at Long John Silver’s. It was a special day for all of us.

Friday night was slumber party time for Regina and the girls. On Tuesday they helped me thoroughly clean the schoolhouse apartment so I told them they could plan a party for Friday night. Great memories!
Little party crashers!

Yesterday Darin left for Indiana so now Lorne and Nevin have the home boys to watch. Makes for an interesting circus! We all have come to appreciate even more the work that Gideon does when he is here! Greivin’s are back and it’s very good to have them here again! They’ll be taking our place when we leave.

My mind is spinning with details of last minute things to be done here to make it easier while we’re gone. Trying to have extra supplies on hand, making sure the jobs are all covered, schedules all in place and on and on. Gina and I are still trying to do some sewing that got pushed off until it now that it needs to be done. On Friday we canned 12 quarts of pumpkin and today Gina made pumpkin pie for lunch. Truly a treat since we haven’t been able to find canned pumpkin here. Check another thing off the list. Only three more full days to go.

I leave with you the challenge as well, what are you doing with the talents God has given you? Make a difference in someone’s life today!

My Soul Waits for the Lord

2009-10-28T17:23:00.001-08:00

Oct. 23rd was 1 year that Tania came to the home here and into our care. She came as a sickly little girl who was HIV positive. She was allergic to dairy and had a lot of respiratory problems. Today she is HIV negative, is on raw cow’s milk and is a very active, healthy toddler. Praise God for his mercy on her life and His healing for her body! She is changing so much right now and we all enjoy her antics!

Our family is looking forward to going to Indiana in 2 weeks for Jeremy’s wedding and for a time of rest and refreshment. At the same time I feel so sad when I think of leaving Tania here. I know she won’t understand why we’ve left her and that we plan to return. She was upset when she saw Regina’s suitcases the day she left. The rest of that evening she was just sad and wanted to be held. Such a mixture of emotions!

We had another adoption appointment on Tuesday. Right now they sound very positive but they say it will still be a long process. So many unknowns. So many details to just give to God because we can’t do anything about them. Last week Darin gave us a copy of a writing entitled “Learning to wait on the Lord”. It was a good reminder to us that this is in God’s time and He has a plan for our lives, a purpose to every delay.

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."

"WAIT" (Author Unknown)

Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried: Quietly, patiently, lovingly God replied. I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate, and the Master who gently said, "Child, you must wait."

"Wait?" You say, wait!," my indignant reply. "Lord, I need answers, I need to know why! Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard? By faith, I have asked, and am claiming your Word.

"My future and all to which I can relate hangs in the balance, and You tell me to wait? I'm needing a 'yes' a go-ahead sign, or even a 'no' to which I can resign.

"And Lord, You promised that if we believe we need but to ask, and we shall receive. Lord, I've been asking, and this is my cry: I'm weary of asking! I need a reply!"

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate, as my Master replied once again, "You must wait." So, I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut, and grumbled to God, "So, I'm waiting… for what?"

He seemed, then, to kneel, and His eyes wept with mine, and He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign. I could shake the heavens, and darken the sun. I could raise the dead, and cause mountains to run.

"All you ask me I could give, and pleased you would be. You would have what you want – but, you wouldn't know Me. You'd not know the depth of My love for each saint: You'd not know the power that I give to the faint.

"You'd not learn to see through the clouds of despair: You'd not learn to trust just by knowing I'm there; you'd not know the joy of resting in Me when darkness and silence were all you can see.

"You'd never experience that fullness of love, as the peace of My Spirit descends like a dove; you'd know that I live and I save… (for a start), but you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

"The glow of My comfort late into the night. The faith that I give when you walk without sight. The depth that's beyond getting just what you asked of an infinite God.

"You'd never know, should your pain quickly flee, what it means that 'My grace is sufficient for Thee.' Yes, your dreams for your loved one overnight would come true. But, Oh, the loss! If I lost what I'm doing in you!

"So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see that the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me. And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late. My most precious answer of all is still, 'wait.'"

And so we wait…

More of October….

2009-10-28T16:55:00.001-08:00

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Strong and steady, always enthusiastic? What a challenge!!

Two weeks ago I started an update but was interrupted and then it never got finished. I’ll try again and see if I can backtrack that far. Laura left the evening of the 12th. She was our floater so there were loose ends to be attached to someone. We passed around her jobs and it’s been working well. It’s such a blessing to have willing workers that pitch in to help, even when it means tiring days and sacrificing personal comfort!

Then, Regina and Marcela left on the 15th, flying out of Los Angeles. Regina really enjoyed the adventure of international travel, seeing another country and most of all, spending time with Gina Miller and her family. The wedding was Oct. 23 at 6:00 a..m. The girls flew back then on the 24th but didn’t get here until 4:00 Sun. morning. I only got to talk to Gina once for a little more than 3 minutes the whole 9 days she was gone. So it was very good to have her back and hear all about the trip. We really missed our Gina!

Also, on the 24th Gideon left for a vacation at home and in Costa Rica. Darin is taking care of Gid’s 6 boys while he is gone. It’s quite a switch to deal with boys and their issues versus fixing things and going after supplies!

A special thanks to all of you that dug into your sewing supplies, or that bought new supplies and shared with us here! It really does help us to be able to go to the supply boxes and have items here to use rather than wait until someone can go to town or we can order things through the mail. And to have the tools to use as well makes the job so much easier. God bless you for helping!

God is so good and has sent us some more help again now. Yesterday Bethany Klassen came from Canada to work here as floater. I think God lets us have those times of less to make us more thankful when He gives us more. Heidi plans to leave on Sat. for Costa Rica and will be gone until Nov. 21st so Bethany’s arrival is definitely on time!

Blessings to you all!

Count it all joy…

2009-10-11T12:45:00.001-07:00

Another week, another chance to serve the Lord!

What an awesome privilege!

Our last week was one of variety. Friday, Oct 2nd, we had an adoption related appointment with the psychologist in Tijuana. This time it was with our children so we all went. Then for supper we were invited to Gordon’s and we had a relaxing evening of fellowship with them.

Saturday was Brent’s 12th birthday so Lorne took the boys to town to do some ‘guy’ shopping while Regina and I stayed here to get ready for the company that was coming. The board of directors came Saturday afternoon. We had meetings with them in the evening, but the children waited on us and that night we had a birthday party for Brent. Darin missed the party because he had to make a hospital run. Alfredo, a 6 yr old, was vomiting blood and seemed pretty sick so they took him in. The Dr. gave him a shot to stop the vomiting and some other meds and they came home again about 1 in the morning.

Tuesday Brent & I went to Tecate to get the mail and then pick up a few other things. Brent had gotten some money for his birthday and really wanted a hamster, so we went to the secondhand stores and he found a good cage with supplies for a good price. Then we went on to the pet shop and bought the much wished for critter.

Wednesday was tree planting day. Phil brought an auger to dig holes and they were in business. That is, until the auger teeth wore down and wouldn’t dig anymore. But, they got 30 some trees planted anyway and hopefully this week will have it fixed to do more.

Thursday Lorne needed to take some children to Tijuana so we decided that the boys and I would go get the groceries. Well, our vehicle situation here is pathetic and the only option we had was to take the blue van, which is an adventure in itself. Darin had the battery charger on it until we were ready to go and Nevin took the jumpers along. When we went to leave Nevin told me I need to put it in neutral and rev the motor to get it to stay running. Umm… Certainly! I can do this. So off we roared, chuckling as we went! We made it about 5 minutes down the road when something popped as if I had hit something. We decided it must have just been a rock and on we rumbled. Not much further, there was an awful grinding noise from the front right wheel. Nevin got out and couldn’t see anything, so we went a little more. Oh dear, it just sounded too bad to go further! Check the phone. No, no service here. Well, God had it all under control! We were just a small field across from Phil’s house, so Brent & Dustin ran over to see if Phil could come to help us. He came and after just a bit of looking he found that the spring had broken and was grinding against the rim. OK. He went back and got his truck, jacked the van up, and took the broken pieces out. Now we could come back home if we drove very slowly. When we got back, I talked to Greivin at the school and he said we should just take his vehicle since the truck (which had gone to Tecate) should be back by the time he wants to go home. So, an hour and a half after we left the first time, we were off again. But, we were so thankful that God was in charge of the details as it could have been so much more difficult! God is good!

Saturday we were all invited to visit a ranch across the mountain south of us. All of us here at the home went, along with Phil’s, Greivin’s, and Gordon with some of their children. It was around 25 miles but took us 1 1/2 hrs to get there. The road back there made our road seem like a fairly nice road. (it isn’t) It was a beautiful place to spend the day! They are very nice people who seemed to really enjoy the children and our fellowship. They had a picnic area where we grilled hot dogs and ate our lunch. There were lots of trees. Beautiful, big, oak trees! Shade. So quiet and peaceful it was. I heard different comments about it not seeming as if we were in MX.

Please pray for healing for my back. On Friday afternoon I had a sharp pain in my lower back and have been living on pain pills and even with those I’m not getting total relief. It affects my legs and makes it hard to move around, while here that’s not really such an optional thing.

As well, pray for us these next 2 weeks. Laura leaves for home Mon. night. Wed. Greivin’s leave which means that one of the Mom’s will need to teach school. Then on Thurs. night Regina and Marcela leave for Costa Rica for Regina Miller’s wedding. There go our cooks, and cleaning people. We had thought that our new floater was going to be here by now, but that hasn’t worked for her yet. I told Lorne, Nevin, Darin and Gid that I guess the guys will need to help cook. God has a plan and I’m trusting that He will give us the strength to do what needs to be done or send us some help.

A quote I read this week that was right on time for me is “Trials are never wasted, nor does God ever give them to the wrong person.” God bless you all this week!

Continue to pray….

2009-10-04T07:50:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update on Rocio. We thank God that she has decided she wants to stay here at this time. God is working in her heart and we need to continue to pray for her that she could completely surrender to Him and His plan for her life. We serve an awesome God who is able to do far above what we can ever accomplish, so we continue to commit her to Him. Thanks for your prayers!

God is Faithful…

2009-09-30T13:53:00.001-07:00

What am I willing to sacrifice for the sake of the kingdom? On Sunday we had a message on giving up our all to enter the kingdom. He used the example of the rich young ruler that had lived a nearly perfect life, yet Jesus said he lacked one thing and that was to give up his riches. His unwillingness to give up what was dear to him cost him the kingdom. God knew just when I needed that message because I wasn’t doing such a good job of willingly giving up my wishes just then! When I heard on Friday that Galen’s had their baby, I really struggled with being ok with where God has me just now! My selfish heart wanted to be in Indiana right then. But, God again reminded me that being anywhere outside of His will is the last place I want to be and right now His will is that I be content in Mexico.

Yesterday we finally had a little break from our hot weather! During the day it’s only in the upper 80’s now and it cools off at night so it doesn’t seem nearly as bad.

We ask that you join us in praying for Rocio. She’s 15 and has been struggling in her Christian life the last while. Yesterday she told us that she wants to move to another children’s home as she’s ready for a different life. Submission to rules and work that is required is a struggle. She says she has no relational issues with anyone here but wants to leave. This affects her sister Alex as well. When they were small their grandma told them to never allow anyone to separate them, so Alex says she has no choice but to go with Rocio if she leaves. Alex has been doing so much better and making a lot of progress in maturity recently, which makes it so sad to see her leave! We are still working with Rocio and praying that God would work in her heart even yet. Please, pray with us for her and pray for us as a staff as we relate to her.

Sunday evening we had 2 truckloads of soldiers come to visit. They brought us 102 small trees to plant. They had been past here before and saw that it’s quite barren here so they wanted to help. Now the discussion with the men has been “how will we dig 102 holes?” A lot of the ground here is like cement so it’s no small task to dig even a little bit!

Here is a ‘before’ picture… The ‘after’ will come later.

We have been very blessed with a good supply of water recently. We had a man come dig the one well deeper and he found a much better water vein and since that it’s been much better. Last week the tank in the garage ran over for the first time since we are here! This is cause for rejoicing! Praise God! And now He sent us some trees and the water to water them.

Tonight is one year that we arrived at Shining Light Children’s Home. What a journey it has been! Never hesitate to follow where God wants to take you. He has a plan and when we go with His plan we grow in ways we never knew possible but that are so awesome. Yes, at times painful. But, when it’s to draw us closer to God and to see more of who God really is, it’s always worth the pain. And the result of walking with the Lord is a life of true joy!

God’s blessings to all of you!

The newest additions to the farm :)

Time…

2009-09-20T17:54:00.001-07:00

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Ecclesiastes 3:1

What are we doing with our time? This week marks one year that we left Indiana for the land to where God was calling us. Have we used that time to totally, fully glorify God in every opportunity He gave to us? Or are we just passing the time?

Last Mon. Ema left to go live with her Grandma. She was a 10 yr old that came, with her brother, the day before we did last year. Her 13 yr old brother, Ismael, is still living here. He accepted Christ as his Savior several months ago and wanted to stay here where He could continue to learn of God and have support to live as a Christian. His Grandma honored that wish and gave her consent for him to stay.

Last night God again wanted to show us that He is where we need to have our trust. That’s been one of the ‘blessings’ of living in a remote land. There are no nearby hospitals or doctors and so the first option is to do what we can for a situation and pray for the Lord’s healing and wisdom. He has always been faithful and has so much more power than any Dr. would have. We have gone to find a Dr. when that seemed to be what was needed, it’s just not the first thing we can do here. It has taught us what our first response really should be. And yes, the story of yesterday… Nevin had gone with Gideon and his boys to the ocean for a birthday treat. They came home around 8:30 last eve and Nevin and Gid were both fried quite well. No, sunscreen hadn’t been an option. :) Nevin showered and then started shivering. He thought it was so cold. Well, trust me it wasn’t cold so I knew there must be a problem! I asked if he’s dizzy or lightheaded at all and he thought only at times. We checked his temp and he did have a fever so I felt like he probably had gotten too much sun with too little to drink. I gave him EmergenC drink to help and had him drinking a lot of water. Within a half hour his temp was over 103 and he was miserable. He took pain pills and we used a cold wet towel to try to bring it down. After a while he slept and then this morning he was just left with a headache and an abnormally low temp. This eve, Praise God, he seems to be quite well again.

We wish all of you a very blessed week!

God’s grace knows no bounds…

2009-09-12T18:06:00.003-07:00

God’s presence is never more real than in times of trials, through which He wants to chisel away those areas of dead weight and refine us to be the masterpieces that He planned us to be.

Last week we started our studies again here in our little corner. Our summer break was short but it was good and with new books, a few changes to schedule and a fresh start we’re at it again. For the home children, Sept. 9 was an exciting day as they had their first day of school in the new schoolhouse here!

On Tuesday Regina and I took the day and did a Mother/daughter day in San Diego. We had a mile-long list of things to get so that was tiring, but we also took the time to find a fabric warehouse where there were rows and rows of fabrics and just a real ladies store. Also, Sam’s Club, 2 Walmarts, Old Navy, & Family Christian. We made it back just in time for the farewell supper here for Raquel, who left on Wednesday for home in Costa Rica.

And a clip of our toddler, who’s a very busy little lady!!

We will bless the Lord!

2009-09-01T21:34:00.001-07:00

Heat… wind… more heat! We are having miserably warm weather. It’s hard to get a good night of rest even with the fans running full time. Hopefully, once the hurricane passes we’ll get some relief.

We had a wonderful 5 days in Indiana! The biggest problem was that we didn’t have enough time to see everyone we would have wanted to see. :( But it was good for all of us to be there and take a break from our responsibilities for a few days. One of the highlights for the boys was flying with Galen on Saturday!

We returned to Mexico Tuesday evening around 9:15. Oh, how we had missed our baby!! She was quite shy when she first saw us but once we were all in our house she was so happy to see us. She has traded her crawling for walking now and is into everything. She loves to slip out the door whenever possible. The other evening she was in the living room and I went to check on her but she was gone. I went outside and she was so happily trotting around out there around the playground!

Yesterday we had another meeting with the adoption lawyer and feel so blessed with how God is working on our behalf! She accepted our paperwork with only a few things needing to be updated. We have an appointment on Thurs. for the next meeting, which is with the psychologist. They need to see if we’re of sound mind. :) Each appointment brings us closer to the biggest question… whether they will approve us to adopt Tania. But, at this time things are moving much better as far as time so maybe it won’t be very long until we know.

We were in need of a licensed translator in Tijuana so when we got home Lorne called Michele, our immigration lawyer, to see if she could recommend someone for us. That was a God directed phone call! She said that she is a translator and when Lorne told her what we need she said she also specializes in international adoptions. Once we have the acceptance from DIF she will be able to process all the Mexican court papers, process the proper paperwork on the U.S. side, and help us through the complete process! What an answer to prayer!! She did say that once we have our acceptance we can plan on 5 months until the process is complete in MX and the States. So we continue to pray and move forward, waiting to see what God has for us.

Since we are back we received our paperwork from immigration that contained the resolution for our situation with them. The final word from them is that we owe nothing to them! Wow! They recognize the mission here is giving a service to them here and they do not want to fine us and make it difficult for us. Praise God!

Blessed be the Lord God, who only doeth wondrous things! Ps. 72:19

A blessed week!!

2009-08-19T17:05:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful week with the Center Church youth from KS here. They accomplished an awesome amount of work, but even better they were such a blessing to the children and staff! They lifted our spirits and were such an encouragement with their love for God and their joyful attitudes. Thanks again so much to all of you for sharing with us!

20 years and still best friends!!

2009-08-13T19:24:00.003-07:00

What a wonderful thing to be married to your best friend!! It seems impossible that we've been married for 20 years! It used to be only the old people that were married for that long. :) God has been so good to us! We had a very busy day here but in the afternoon we went to Tecate to buy some more supplies and Lorne arranged for Greivin's to be here for the evening so that we could go out for supper. We went to an awesomely relaxing, romantic restaurant. Water fountains, green plants, soft music, and (best of all!) time alone!

Yesterday, right after lunch, I sent Nevin to the store for ice so that Gina would have some for the afternoon break time. He had taken the gray minivan and after he didn't return for quite a while, Lorne sent Gideon to check on him. Gideon didn't go far until he met Nevin walking! It's around 3 miles down to the store and Nevin was almost there when the back wheel of his van fell off! He didn't know what else to do but head home on foot and he almost made it. He said that after a time it was pretty hard to keep on the straight and narrow but he made it. Nevin had put the tire against the van and when he and Gideon got back to the van the tire was gone! Later Greivin went along to tow it home and down the road they saw a house so Greivin checked close to there and sure enough the tire was there behind some rocks and bushes. So the tire was recovered and the van is back along with the boy who is sure he's had his exercise for the week!

After lunch yesterday Brent said he has such a headache. I checked and he had fever. So we looked a bit more and sure enough, he has chicken pox now too! He was quite miserable today and is breaking out more but hopefully a few more days and he'll be fine. This week we have 8 more children breaking out.
Oh! yesterday afternoon we got another 5 week old baby. Now we have 10 children 15 mo. and under.

We have a wonderful group of workers here this week! They've gotten a tremendous amount of work accomplished and with such joyful spirits! The biggest project has been to paint the interior of the house. They've done 11 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, the main dining room/living area, kitchen, pantry, laundry room, 2 apartment living rooms plus started on some other ceilings. Today was the day for our house and they did all of it except a bit of the boys room because we ran out of paint. And we have it almost all back together again tonight, wonderfully clean and fresh! The guys also did a bunch of outside projects.

Must run check my pantry supplies and make sure all is in order for another day tomorrow. Blessings to all!

Busy, Busy week ahead....

2009-08-10T22:15:00.002-07:00

The big event here has begun. Tonight a group of 33 people from Kansas arrived to work here this week. Lowell Miller's and Marvin Mast's are the families that came along with the youth. They plan to paint the interior of the home. We are really looking forward to the much needed face lift in here! There are also various outside projects on the agenda. We're excited about working with them and having the fellowship this week! They are needing to camp out in the school house. We have it nearly finished and just put sleeping bags and foam mats out for sleeping quarters.
Tonight I am SO very proud of my daughter! She was responsible for planning, preparing, and serving the supper for tonight and she did such a wonderful job! We had 92 people here for supper!! She, of course, had helpers to prepare the food, but was the coordinator. I was gone all afternoon getting groceries... she had Tania here... she did laundry and ironing, plus fed 92 people and was still of sound mind when she was finished! She's a jewel I say!!
Today was the day when the Mexican trial of waiting seemed to be in effect more than some days. We wanted to quickly run in and get some last minute supplies and be back again before very late so we could finish up things here to get ready. It was not to be! Thankfully, Nevin was also at home going on with tying up some loose ends here and there so it all worked out.
I best catch a few winks and be ready to keep up with the troops tomorrow!

And the story continues....

2009-08-02T17:21:00.004-07:00

Our book of life here is just one chapter after another it seems, and they all tend to run together!
Goodbyes, new children, visitors, sicknesses, local authority situations, and the list goes on....

July 21st Regina Miller left for Texas and has ended her term here. She plans to get married Oct 23. Marcela and our Regina have tickets to fly to Costa Rica for that wedding. Then on July 27th Keren left for home and doesn't plan to return. Goodbyes are not a fun part of the work here!

One fun part though is that sometimes we get these tiny babies that come and are so much fun to hold & have here! On July 24th another 12 yr. old came with a 6 day old baby. He only weighed some over 4 lb.s. Then on Wednesday another little guy came that's only 26 days old. Tiny little munchkins!

Last Sunday and Mon. Dustin seemed a bit draggy and had a little fever. I just figured it was some of the same flu mess that'd been going around so didn't give it much thought. On Mon. he asked me about a spot he had on his cheek and I told him it looked like a mosquito bite. Then on Tues. he told me he has a bunch of spots on his back and arms. "What is this , Mom?" Uh, oh! The light started to come on! 2 weeks before several children here had chicken pox! I took a look and there was no question, Dustin had chicken pox! The next 2 days he felt even worse and kept breaking out more. By Friday he was on the go again and you can hardly tell he was sick now. Brent never had them either so I guess we'll see what another 2 weeks brings us.

This week we've had more visitors again. James and Deb Brubaker and Jeren Imhoff are here right now. The men are welding the fence inserts for our front fence. It is looking awesome out front! Today, Isaac Martins, Marvin Putt, & Benson & Abigail were here for church and the afternoon. For those of you who might know them, that would be Abigail Overholt that used to be from Sarasota. What a surprise to see her! I really enjoyed visiting and hearing a bit about her family too. Her Mom was my 4th grade teacher in school, so it goes way back there!

Continue to pray for the safety of the home and all of us here. About 3-4 weeks ago there were 3 men killed down the road from us. They had robbed some men and the men took things into their own hands and killed them. Then a week ago a border patrol was killed out behind us a ways. The area did seem to be more heavily patrolled after those shootings but at times we weren't sure who was patrolling and who was involved in the trouble. We see traffic and activity that we don't know what it's about. So, like I said, keep praying that the Lord's protection would be upon us. Nothing can happen to us without God allowing it!

We are all really looking forward to our little bit of time in Indiana! The children keep us informed of how many days yet and were threatening to start packing things. What Mom knows is that one thing at a time, and before we leave we have a group of 30 workers coming to help with some odd and end projects around here, so as of now it's focus on preparing for that!
It's almost time for supper and we have an English singing planned for after supper so I don't want to miss it!!
We wish you all a blessed week full of God's blessings!!

Excitement is High!!

2009-07-21T12:15:00.002-07:00

We get to fly to Indiana!!

August 19 - August 25

2009-07-05T20:53:00.007-07:00

Life in the last 2 weeks hasn't slowed down any!

We enjoyed getting to meet Gid's parents, Enoch & Leanna Eichorn, 2 siblings and grandparents, Jonas & Katie when they were here last week.

On Wednesday we had an appointment with our adoption lawyer and now have our list of requirements needed to move ahead with adopting Tania. After gathering all of the needed documents and they review the case then we find out whether they approve the adoption or not. So we continue to move forward and pray for God to continue to show us His will.

That same day we were planning on getting 4 new boys at the home. 8 yr old twins, a 6 and a 5 yr old. We thought the 2 youngest would go with a Mom but they all ended up being very nearly the same size and activity level, so Gid got more than double the boys all in one day!! The twins have been like adding an in-house comedy show!! Then, while we were in Tijuana DIF asked us if we'd take some girls they have there. We still had room, so we said we would take them. They are 2 sisters who were abandoned. They are 6 and 3 yr.s old. The oldest one is such a protector of her sister. These brought our amount up to 39 children so it seems like the house is full.

As for our immigration situation, we had a report from our lawyer saying the case has been resolved. God has worked so mightily, way above what we could have even imagined! Our fines could have been quite frightful yet they are only a fraction of what was possible. And the other things are also being worked out amazingly well. God ways are so much higher than our ways!!

We had told our children that if they reach a certain goal with their schoolwork we would take a special weekend to San Diego. They did a good job of completing the requirements so we decided to do it this weekend since it's Gina's 18th birthday. We came to San Diego on Saturday and have had a wonderful time relaxing, pool time, sitting by the water, watching awesome sunset over the ocean and just being a family here for a few days. We plan to return to the home on Mon. evening.

Happy 18th Birthday, Regina!!
Flowers & chocolate from Sarah waiting at our motel when we got there...

The same God that created the awesome scenery and the power of the ocean is the God that's carrying us through every situation we face!

"The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him"

2009-06-25T17:03:00.005-07:00

Oh, that we could get a glimpse of the angels surrounding this place! We do see the effects of the presence of God~ Praise His name!

After lunch today I was in the kitchen making a grocery list when some of the children rushed in saying that there's a helicopter flying really low back by the border. I thought it nothing since we often see helicopters patrolling the border. After a bit, more and more people were back at the fence and I saw Lorne went out too. I walked out and saw that indeed there was a very low flying machine. There were some vehicles on the ground and the helicopter had landed several times, some people got out and they heard gunshots. Whoa! What is this!

Regina Miller needed to go to Greivin's to catch her ride to the airport so Marcela and several girls left to take her. They didn't get very far until this helicopter was flying right overhead and following them! They drove in at Greivin's and it followed them there and circled the place there. The boys from here were at Greivin's swimming and saw the men in the helicopter as it circled over them. They said they waved at them but had no idea what was going on.

As soon as the van was back here the helicopter flew up and hovered very low behind the house, flew over the house back and forth then out back again towards the border. There was a man pointing a gun out the bottom of the helicopter. The helicopter didn't have any logo so we didn't know with what it was associated.

We called the police to report the activity going on here. They said they are aware that there is activity out here and are working on it. We knew that this is a busy area for border crossers and for drug traffic so weren't sure what the war was about. We gathered the children inside and had a prayer meeting asking God for His divine protection.

After flying back and forth numerous times the helicopter left again and soon we saw a Federal Police truck go by, then watched again as there was more activity out back. We had seen other people walking around back there and now the police were with this group.

Soon there was a group that came walking up the road from back there. They stopped and talked to a Mexican man that's working out front on our fence. They told him that they were trying to cross the border but the police sent them back because of a drug war going on back there!

The police continued to move about back there as if continuing to search for something. But soon they got onto the truck again and came this way. Would they stop?? Sure enough! They drove right on up to the house and soon we had police staked about with machine guns. They wanted to know what is this place. Are we Mexicans? Do we help immigrants? It appears to be a rich place here in the middle of nowhere... what is it?

After we explained that we are a children's home, they asked to look around. We called the children to come in from behind the house and welcomed the police to come in. We gave them water to drink and they were very happy to see the children and visit with them.

Well, what do you know! 2 of these men were in the helicopter and had been the ones flying overhead here and trying to see what was here. They had seen the boys swimming too. It seemed that they were definitely searching for people, but they didn't really give us a clear explanation of what was happening out back. They did want to know if we have information about a vehicle that sits back there. After talking a bit with us they were almost apologetic for the disturbance to us and were quite friendly and very respectful of the work here. They then went on their way again and we commenced to piece the bits of the puzzle together.

How many times does danger surround us and we have no idea? How many times has God delivered us and we were unaware? God's protection is the best security system we could possibly want!

The group of border runners returning to their homeland.

Thank You God for Friends!

2009-06-25T11:25:00.004-07:00

Yesterday morning Lorne received a text from Curtis Martin, (from CA) saying that he is on his way to the home with his parents and Darvin Weaver's from PA. Lorne & I exclaimed over the name and wondered if it could really be the same Darvin's that we know. But how could that be? How would they know Isaac's?

Several hours later they arrived and sure enough, Darvin & Sheryl and their family were with Isaac's & Curtis!! What a wonderful surprise! We had such a refreshing visit with them! It was encouraging to see how God has worked in their lives and such a blessing to us to have them come. They spent time touring the home and seeing the work here and also joined us for lunch.

They are on a western trip with their family and had known Isaac's from when Isaac's lived in PA so made that one of their stops. Then Curtis talked them into coming down here. We realized that they had to sacrifice of their other sightseeing plans to spend the day coming here and felt all the more blessed and so appreciated the gift that they gave of their time.

2009-06-21T16:30:00.006-07:00

On Monday, we celebrated Tania's first birthday. Our family gave her a doll and how she loved it. She gave it kisses, but was even happier to suck on the bottle and sipper cup that came with it! How we love this little princess that came into our lives about eight months ago! And lookingback at how she was when she first came here - God truly is amazing. She has come from beingababy dealing with drug withdrawl (from her mother) and undernourished to a healthy, happy baby.

the day she came...

1 year old...

and a few random pics...

..talking on the phone

The other day Lorne came in with these two hanging on to him. The boy on the far side (Alfredo) said they were mops =)

Have a wonderful week!

-Gina

Today there is great rejoicing!

2009-06-14T16:47:00.011-07:00

We had a very special day today here at the home! Rocio, Karla & Ana were baptized. Their testimonies are so sincere as they testify to God's work in their lives. Corey Yoder had the message and brought out the beauty of the fact that even though these girls have known pain like no child should have to know; even though they haven't known the love of an earthly family as God created it to be, now they are part of the family of God and have a Father whose love is so great we can never even comprehend the fullness of it. A Father who will never forsake us or reject us as long as we are living in His will! What a wonderful salvation we have! What an awesome Father who also will direct our days and who never allows anything to happen to us that hasn't been approved by Him!

On Friday, Lorne & the board had a meeting with our lawyer about the situation here. Wow! God is so good! And as I say that, I know that if the outcome would be worse God would still be good. So, with gratefulness we say God is so good and we know this is His work here because He is making a way for the work to continue!

The lawyer explained what we need to do to move forward in a legal way. There are some changes to make in details here but nothing huge or highly difficult. One huge answer to prayer is that our workers get to stay! They will allow us to get the legal papers for the workers we have. We will need to get in more Mexican workers to be legal but God will provide those details and we are just more than content to rest with that assurance. He's done so many wonderful things with this situation and has done far above what we were able to ask or think. So many things have been changed for the better. So many 'maybe's and 'what if's that were changed. We just stand in awe!

Tomorrow Lorne travels with the board to Sinaloa, MX to interview some people there from Marcela's church in regards to possibly coming to work here. Pray for them as they fly and also for wisdom as they seek God's will in making decisions. They plan to return again on Tues. pm.

And, now I'll just add some random pics...

Fun times!

Buddies!

She crawled up there herself and was quite proud of it!

Social hour tonight :)

A day at the home!

2009-06-03T16:41:00.002-07:00

And we hope not one that is repeated any time soon! On Monday DIF called to ask if we'd take a 13 yr old girl from the streets without family. We talked with Marcela, since she would be the caregiver, and she was eager to try to give the girl a chance. When we called them back they said they won't bring her after all because she's so rebellious and threatening escape. Wow! So we thought it good. A bit later they called again and asked would we take her for just a day or two until they find a place for her. Again we felt like it could be an opportunity to show someone God's love and said we would let her come.
They brought her yet on Monday and she was crying when she came. We took her to her room and helped her get changed and settled and soon she was ready to come for supper. She was visiting with some of the others and seemed like 'so far so good'. During story the tears started again. She seemed so sad! We didn't sense any rebellion, only sadness. She kept saying she has a family and wants to go to her home. According to the papers that came with her she had some alcohol and drug usage earlier and it seemed her mind wasn't totally clear.
Yesterday she didn't want any breakfast, nor lunch. The crying was pretty much constant and it seemed she was getting sick from her disturbed emotional state. She talked to several of the girls trying to convince them to escape with her. They told Marcela right away. We called DIF and they said they'll come today to get her. After that she seemed to cheer up some. She came out for supper and story and went to bed fairly early.
Today again she refused to eat and again talked of escaping when she wasn't in her room crying or sleeping. Around 2:00 Lorne was in front of the house and saw her running along the east fence toward the road. He called for Marcela and they quickly went with the van to the road. She had already crossed the road and went running down the mountain through the bushes! They parked the van and took off on foot to follow her. It wasn't long before they saw her and caught up with her. She wailed and begged them to take her to her house. They tried to lift her but couldn't so Marcela came back for Gideon and him and I went out to help. Lorne and Gideon then lifted her and helped her back up through the bushes to the house.
We called DIF and they said we could bring her back in if we want. So Lorne, Marcela and I took her to Tecate. She was so happy to be going as she thought surely if she talks to them they'll take her back to her family. The poor girl was SO needy!
As for the rest of us, with great relief we returned home to the calmness of the children here! No, they're not all so calm but just now it seems so!
As for our family, last week Dustin had a hayfever/allergy attack when he was out in the hay barn. I was out of his one allergy med and it seemed he had a hard time getting better. Then on Monday afternoon he started with fever and his chest was hurting along with having some difficulty breathing. I gave some strong natural antibiotics that I have and some other respiratory meds. That evening he just kept getting worse and couldn't sleep much because of his labored breathing. We put a humidifier tent over him and had him propped on pillows to try to help him rest. Being here far from a dr. makes you realize the helplessness of we as humans. But, Praise God we have a Master Physician always here to help us when we ask. I didn't sleep for quite a while but then realized that I needed to trust more. We had prayed and I needed to leave him in God's hands and try to rest. He was resting better and I went to bed, checked on him several times later, but he slept all night. Again, Praise God!
He still had some fever today but he's been getting better every day. Yesterday he asked me, "Mom, what else can I take to help me get better?" So I named a few more herbs and he was on it. Then today whenever he checked his temp and had fever he'd take more vit. c then in a bit check it again. He's pretty tired of being cooped up!
There's been more to life here the last while too, but lest you tire I'll wait for another time for more.
A blessed week to you all!

2009-05-22T16:57:00.004-07:00

Yes, we said we will wait on the Lord. We just didn’t know how long that might be! We were supposed to have our final immigration meeting yesterday, the 21st, and we were all ready to have some answers and move on with what needs to be done. We went to the office but there was some confusion there so we were told they weren’t ready yet. What a disappointment! Supposedly, next week we’ll know when the next appointment might be. Maybe. So, we continue to wait.

God knew exactly when to make it work for Galen & Edith to come. It has been like medicine to our hearts to have them here! Sophia, Carson & Dustin are having such a good time together! And the rest of us too! It seems they just got here and we only have a few days left.

Here are some pics of some of the girls in their new dresses that were sent with Galen’s. Thanks to all of you at Faith Community who helped to make them!

Reina
Tania

Marbella & Joselyn
Jenny, Jacky & Emma

Thanks again to all of you who continue to pray for us and our situation here. We could feel your prayers this week and we still need them!

Wait? Wait.

2009-05-11T15:14:00.004-07:00

They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength... they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. Is 40:31 We were singing this song the other day and the phrase, "teach me Lord to wait" really stood out to me. Do I really want God to teach me to wait?

What does it mean to wait on the Lord?

It means trusting in Him when life does not make sense.
It means believing that God will do what's best for our future, even if that includes pain.
It means being ok with so many unknowns.
It means going on with life each day as God leads us that day, even when we feel like just sitting down and waiting.
It means surrender of my will and wishes.
It means peace and quietness of heart after that surrender.
"Yes, teach me Lord to wait."

Thanks to all of you who continue to pray for us and our legal situation here! It does make a difference! We continue to wait for the 21st for our final meeting with immigration. We are in contact with the lawyer and it appears that very possibly some of our workers will need to leave. Our hearts cry out in protest! We need our workers. But, we also know that God is in control of this situation and He has a plan for everyone of us. And His plan will be the best.

On April 30 we had the very difficult job of saying good-bye to Noemy. She finished her time here and returned to Costa Rica. She was one of the Mom's here and had become very special to us. We miss you so much, Noemy! That same week Carlos, Daniela, Anita & Ivania left to live with their Mom. We miss them bunches. It seems anytime Carlos should come trotting around the corner with his sweet smile and "where's Gideon." He was working on the English words he knew. Sweet little guy! And the girls were always little sponges for any love given. They were the girls Regina cared for the month Noemy was gone.

On May 1st Regina was privileged to fly to IN for Vicki's graduation celebration. She flew on Friday afternoon and came back on Tues. She enjoyed her time there seeing family and friends. She even got the adventure of being delayed in Denver due to aircraft problems.

I had a special Mother's Day yesterday. I'm so blessed with my large family here and also was blessed to hear from others wishing me a good day. God is so good to us!

Tonight is Regina's turn to cook and her and a few others are doing a mystery supper. It sounds like it will be an interesting evening!

We wish you all a wonderful week!

Jeremiah 29:11

2009-05-04T11:53:00.003-07:00

Why I Shouldn't Worry

I am chosen by the Will of God

I am saved by the Grace of God

I am held by the Love of God

I am empowered by the Spirit of God

I am guided by the Word of God

I am protected by the Hand of God

2009-04-29T17:58:00.003-07:00

The Lord will give strength unto His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. Ps 29:11
This is our testimony tonight and we thank you all for lifting us to the Father in this time of huge uncertainty here!
On Monday evening we were in touch with a lawyer that has a lot of experience with problems such as ours. She also has connections with the right people at immigration that makes a difference for us. We clearly see God's hand in leading us to her. She contacted the im officials to see what they planned to do and what could be done. She let us know that it is a serious problem and things were not looking good.
Yesterday then she called and explained what was happening. The initial plan was to close the home here, ask some to leave voluntarily, and some would be imprisoned and later deported. She explained the situation to them and 'somehow' had them agree to give us 6 mo. to legalize everything. Quite clearly that 'somehow' was God's hand working in the minds of these people! She called around 5:00 pm last eve and said she wants us all to come to her office in Tijuana yet last night so that she can prepare us for today's hearing. So we quickly collected those involved and away we went an hr and a half away. It was well worth the trip though because she did an excellent job explaining everything and giving us a good idea of what to expect.
So, this morning we left around 7:30 with very mixed emotions yet a sense of peace. Our family was the first appointment at 10:00. Lorne was taken back first and was interrogated for 1 1/2 hr.s. That seemed SO long for us in the waiting room. Then they asked for Gina and I but I had no chance to ask Lorne anything. By faith we went in! They were very friendly, asked me a lot of questions, Gina a few, and recorded everything we said. Then it was Nevin's turn to come in. A few questions for him and then the 2 youngest. They also were only asked a few questions then we were dismissed.
They said they will review our case and on May 21st we will have another appointment to hear what the resolution is. So what we thought was to be a completion today was only another step in the process. We do have our lawyer very actively involved and she is doing a great job of being aggressive and working all that she can for us. She feels it can be resolved, but time will tell. We expect to hear before the 21st what she finds is happening but nothing final until then.
We didn't get back home until 5:30 tonight and are very weary! We feel at peace with committing this totally to the Lord knowing that whatever happens will only be what He has allowed. At the same time our hearts long to keep these children here, to stay here to care for them and continue God's work here. So many 'what ifs'. But perfect love casteth out fear and God's love is perfect so what have we to fear? It helps so much to just go to The Word and be filled with the precious reassurances there!
We really need your prayers for our protection, physically and spiritually, and for the officials involved. Thanks for your many emails, texts, and calls to let us know of your prayers and support. It makes a huge difference in our spirits as we face this mountain!!

Urgent Prayer Request!

2009-04-27T22:04:00.002-07:00

Dear folks we need your help! The situation here with the immigration people's visit on Friday and the resulting appointments on Wednesday is looking quite serious. We have a lawyer working with the situation trying to contact the correct officials to help us. There are 13 of us that they are saying do not have the proper papers to be here in MX. The difficult thing is that according to what we knew we were legal. We had made effort to obtain the correct visas, etc. but they now say that we're not legal. Today we were told this is at the federal level now. There are various possibilities of things that could happen. Some not so bad, some we wish we didn't know about. Please, pray with us that God would move in the hearts of the officials; that He would have mercy on the home here; most of all that we could totally rest in the knowledge that God knows our every need and He knows the future He has for us all. Some of the ones involved are really struggling with fear- please pray for peace for them. Thank you for joining us in bringing our future and the future of the home here to the Father.

Our hearts overflow with gratitude beyond words!

2009-04-24T15:32:00.002-07:00

How can you express how precious your children are when you've come so close to losing them all!

This week was off schedule and we didn't go for groceries until today. We had our groceries but were making a few other stops when Regina called and asked where our children's visa papers are. She said the immigration inspectors are here and need papers for everyone. We told her the children are under our papers and don't have their own visas. They have their passports and we have the Mexico papers needed for us. After a bit Darin called again and asked where to find our papers because they are threatening to take the children if the proper documents are not available. Well sure, we have the documents; they're in there in the desk drawer. Lorne also called Greivin and asked him to go up to the home to help what he can.

By now we were at the hardware and Lorne went in to pay a bill there but quite shortly came running out and jumped in the van, rapidly leaving. He said they called again and now they say if we're not home by the time the people are ready to leave, they are taking our children with them. The town was so full of traffic! The road home never has been so long! And I'm sure God understands when our speeds need to exceed the normal limit in times of emergency!

Regina called once to see where we were and to talk to me. I assured her that God knows what is happening and He will not allow anything to happen outside of His will. She said that as soon as the papers were finished they planned to leave with the children. We cried out to God for mercy and protection. When we were on the last few miles Greivin called to see where we were as they were finished with the paperwork and waiting. Lorne told him we are almost home so they said they will wait. When we got home we got out of the van and were told by the men outside that they were waiting inside for us. In we went and were immediately asked if we are the parents of the minors. YES WE ARE! Ok, they need to see our papers and have questions for us. We gladly answered the whole interrogation until they were satisfied and were able to go on their way. Then, such a chattering as we wanted to hear the whole story and everyone had a part to tell. There are quite a few of us who need to go to Tijuana next Wed. get our papers cleared and everyone legal.

Thank You, God! Praise to the Almighty Who directs our days! We know very well that God could have allowed this trial to be so much greater. He gave us mercy! Again, words fail me. How can I express my gratitude? May we never take for granted the blessing of having our family together.

2009-04-19T20:45:00.011-07:00

Wow! How can time get away so fast? Life is happening... are we making a difference for God? It's almost bedtime here but the house is quiet and I have a few moments to visit.

We've been having a much more normal schedule around here and seem to have regained at least some of our sanity again. :) Right now we only have 2 extra people here and life is pretty normal again for as normal as it gets here.

We had really gotten off track with our schooldays when the schedule careened away from a normal routine but we've refocused and the children are again quite motivated and doing very well at accomplishing the daily requirements.

Last weekend we had the refreshment of having Sarah come for a few days. Even tho it was short it was wonderful to connect even a bit!

Sarah & Tania "chumming"

Week before last we had three babies leave in 1 day! That was a sad day for all of us. It was a bittersweet time because I'm sure that somewhere there were three families that were having a very special day having their dreams come to completion as they all went for adoption. We all know that our ministry is a ministry of tears at times but it's no easier every time.

Friday our family went with Gordon's family to Mexicali to a zoo/park. It was a very relaxing day. We stopped at a few lookout places along the way. Then, we found a pizza place and got some pizza to take for lunch. We had chips, cookies, & drinks along to complete our lunch that we ate at the picnic area at the park. We took our time going through the whole place and were done by mid afternoon. We headed home, found a Dairy Queen for ice cream cones and were back again by early evening. It was a great day with friends and a good way to spend time together as a family.

Making friends with the cactus, it seems!

Yesterday the boys came and said to look outside. There was a huge swarm of bees filling the air, just flying wild. We all concluded the best plan was to stay inside for a time. A while later the air cleared so they went out and there was a pile of bees gathered on a plant outside. Darin helped them look and they found the queen in the center of the pile. Milena went out and built a box then moved the queen and the rest followed. Now we have hopes of having honey this fall. Made for a nice diversion and some hands on education.

This afternoon Lorne and I took the three girls to Greivin's for their instruction class. It was such a beautiful day so when we came home Lorne suggested we escape for a bit so we grabbed some coke and chips, told the children where we would be and went for a walk out back into the wilderness. We had a wonderful time visiting and just enjoying the peace and solitude. By the way, the high temp today was 97!

God's best to each of you this week!

Live each day with a purpose!

2009-04-05T17:57:00.002-07:00

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Eph. 6:10, 12

We've been dealing with discouragement the last few weeks and last night the Lord showed me these verses and I recognized the reason for our battle. But, God also gives us the tools needed to fight this battle and we are not defeated! Praise Him!

March 22 -29 there was Bible School here in Tecate. Regina was able to attend the classes and really enjoyed her week! There were around 50 people there with staff and students. The part that we played in the school was caring for children here so that the staff from here could attend. Phil's, Greivin's & Gordon's came to help us and we had 3 PA girls here that did a wonderful job filling in on short notice too. We had cooking, cleaning, laundry and childcare so it seemed our cups were overflowing at times. That was the week for the stomach virus to hit hard here and we had many babies and others with vomiting and diarrhea every day. "This baby needs medicine." "Did you give this one anything?" "He won't drink his milk" "Child x is sick" These and many others seemed to be the story of my days that week. The sickness included Dustin and by Sat. Lorne too. The board came on Sat and they took care of the children that day so we had less responsibility for a day.

On Sunday everyone was here for church and lunch. We were asked to give a program on Sunday and had spent a number of nights practicing earlier. Try giving a program with 37 children. It went very well considering the possibilities. Then the Bible School chorus sang for a while. That was heavenly! The English songs were like medicine to my weary soul!!

Now this week it seemed the trials continued... Thurs. Tania got hurt and we needed to take her to the ER. She is doing fine now, Thank God! Regina was sick with sore throat and ran fever for 4 days, then on Fri we took her to the Dr and got meds. Today she feels some better but not real good yet. Last eve Lorne started to feel ill and by this morning was down and hasn't been well all day. Then this afternoon the boys were playing backyard football and Ismael got hurt. They took him to the ER now too. Seemed like a possible broken collarbone.

We found out this week that Noemy, one of our Mom's, plans to go home to Costa Rica to stay. She doesn't have a definite date yet but changes are coming.

In spite of all these things I can truly say God is with us! He just wants all of our attention. Pray for us that we could be faithful even thru the trials.

2009-03-19T17:29:00.009-08:00

Just a few minutes here before supper is ready so will try to chat with you all a bit. Last weekend we had a wonderful 2 days just being a family. On Friday forenoon we went to San Diego and didn't come back until Sat. afternoon. We went to the Maritime Museum and saw a lot of interesting ships and many things such related. My favorite was the old ship with glorious sails and loaded with so much character. We took a 45 min ride around San Diego Bay, saw a whale & dolphins and just simply relaxed! After we were finished there we went to our reserved motel and ordered pizza in for supper and again just had a wonderful time together. Saturday, after sleeping in and not leaving until check-out time, we went to do some shopping for the home and then headed on back. We were refreshed and ready to be back to join our family here again.

On Sunday Lillian came to hang out with us here and it's been great to have her here. It's also been so good to have Keith, Ruth and Kenlin here! They came on Tues. Vicki, we miss you!

Each day now there have been more people arriving as it gets closer to the time for the Bible School that is here in the area next week. On Mon. & Tues. we cleaned this whole compound from top to bottom, inside & out in preparation for the company. The children were all so helpful and we accomplished a tremendous amount of work in those 2 days.

Ruth & Lillian are making a pizza supper for us tonight and it's almost time to go so I best run.

This is the new schoolhouse in progress.

God's best to you all!

2009-03-08T16:23:00.009-08:00

Good afternoon to all! We've had a busy week again. Actually, I can't think of any week that hasn't been busy. :) We're all feeling better again after our bout with the flu. It made its round thru the home here and hopefully out the door again! Gina & I were enough better again to sew some the last few days, which was a treat. We made new curtains for our apartment to replace the tired ones that were here. We both made a dress for Tania too. Seems she grows so fast and was quite low on wearable dresses.
This week Tania started to wave hi when someone waves to her. She tries to 'pat-a-cake' too but needs to coordinate a bit better on that yet. Lots of fun she is!

The big event of the week here was the day the goat had 4 kids! Uh, Huh.. FOUR! And, no, she didn't live. The poor mama labored so hard and after help from the farmers here she delivered, but, alas, it had been too much. The boys get to bottle feed the little ones and so far they are all living!

We also rejoice with Greivins that they found a house to rent. It's been a trial for them to search and wait for a house, yet not be able to secure anything so this is a real answer to their prayers. The house they found is not real far from the home here. He plans to help here a lot with the outside work to lighten the load for Lorne.

Remember the place called 'sad town' where we went caroling at Christmas time? Early Friday morning the authorities with their machine guns knocked on the people's doors and told them they have only a short time to get their things and they are destroying all the "houses" there. Those who tried to resist they took to prison. Sure enough soon the backhoes and dump trucks went to work and destroyed the whole area! They've been saying they're going to do this but the people never believed it was true. Some people have lived their for more than 10 yrs yet had no choice but to walk away. They were told there is a place up the side of a mountain at the edge of town where they can go, but this place is a 40 min. walk from town... no water... rocks on a hillside with no structure at all. Some people went to find family and some did go up the mountainside. Gordon's went out with some food and tarps, etc to see what they could help and the people had a form of a camp there and are trying to survive. How can there be such cruelty? The drunks moved on down the street to who knows where, but the people with children are the ones trying to find some shelter and a place for their children. The one father was one who resisted and was promptly taken to prison leaving his wife and children to watch their house be destroyed and try to find what to do next. Please pray for the people that they could turn to God in their despair.

A blessed week to you all!

"For I know the plans I have for you," saith the Lord...

2009-03-03T20:06:00.000-08:00

Praise God! He has our plans so carefully edited and we can rest in that knowledge!

This last week was a week of mixed emotions for us. The first of last week several Mom's were to the DIF office that is responsible for Tania and the lady there asked if they know of anyone here that would want to adopt Tania. They, of course, replied that they indeed do know some such people to which the lady replied that we should come talk with her. So the next day we went to her office and she was very friendly and explained to us the situation here in MX. There are no international adoptions at this time but if we are living here we can apply to adopt her. We were already in the process of working to get our residency papers and as soon as we have them they will be happy to move ahead with the process of adoption. On one hand we can't help but feel great excitement, yet we very well remember the pain and disappointment of rejection last year so we daily commit these plans to the Lord. He knows our desires, our hopes, our dreams, our love for this little one. He knows what's best for us and our lives. He loves Tania more than we do so we give her to Him. Pray with us, please.

Last weekend 4 more fellows from MN came to join the work crews here. So right now we have 11 workers here for the schoolhouse project. That is making a great difference on the building. Today they were putting metal on the roof which makes it look like a real building, not just a shell.

Yesterday we sadly took James & Deb to San Diego for their trip home. They were just such a part of us here and we will miss them so much! Thanks to both of you for all you did for us and for your encouragement to all of us!

We've been having a lot of stomach issues around here lately and this morning it hit Regina, Nevin & I all at once. Not a good plan in this house! Nevin wasn't totally down, but Gina and I were pretty much out of commission for the day. I finally decided this afternoon that at least it's one way for me to get some much needed rest. Just a rotten way to do it!

And for all you in the north, I'm sure you'd love to hear that we've had 80 and 90 degree weather the last few days with the sun so warm that they needed to drink extra liquids to keep hydrated while working outside. Yesterday the boys went to the swimming hole too. Uh, Huh it's nice! Doors and windows open... Come and visit us!

Great is the Lord and Greatly to be praised!

2009-02-25T09:53:00.005-08:00

The house is unusually quiet and I pause for a refreshing few moments to write. Beautiful sunshine... 70-80 degrees... I think spring is coming!

We have been blessed with fellowship these last weeks. On Fri. the 13th Grievin's, & Phil's came along with 2 families that came to help them move. The 2 families were here until towards the end of the next week.

Barbara was here until the 18th. She was such a blessing to all of us!
Actually, the 18th was a big day here! Barbara left, my Dad, Mom & Sarah came, Noemy came back, and it was Dustin's 9th birthday. We went to the airport and picked up my family then went for lunch before it was time to take Barbara for her flight.

We had a wonderful week with my family here! The only problem with it was that the time went SO fast and yesterday we needed to take them to the airport again. It was so good to just be together and catch up on each other's lives again.

The 5 PA guys left on Mon. and Mon. eve 7 OH people came to be here several weeks to work on the school project.

We've had some changes with children the last weeks. Lucia was adopted by a family member. Adrian & Carmen were reunited with their parents. Bryan, the little boy who was only here a few weeks, went back to his family. Then yesterday Antony's brother, Henrique, came. He is 3 yrs old and so sad now yet.

We plan to go to Tijuana again today for Nevin's dental work. He gets his bottom braces today if all goes as planned. He's had such a sore mouth that he hasn't been able to eat much but hopefully it will improve soon.

Our 2 youngest are having a real hard time with being homesick. They miss their friends and especially Carson & Sophia. We spent a lot of time looking at pictures of home and that seems to help.
Continue to pray for us! We so need God's wisdom every day as we face so many different situations. And also, that we can meet the needs of our own children as well. God is good!

2009-02-11T14:32:00.008-08:00

Regina & 'her' girls

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

God is good. All the time. I love this verse that tells me the Lord’s always keeping His eyes on us, wanting to show Himself strong on our behalf. Hallelujah! He really has been working in my life trying to clean out those ugly corners of pride and selfishness.

On Sunday our speaker here gave a challenging message on selling out completely to God with no reserve. We often shy away from trials… we try to take detours around them. Gold must be refined in the hottest of fires. For us to be refined to the fullest we should go for the center of the trial where the fire is the hottest. We may even think we’re losing our mind. Not to worry… it’s just our fleshing burning off. If only we could somehow be refined without all those hard times, but oh, how I love to walk close to my Lord!

On Tues., Jan. 27 we took Rachel to the airport to fly home again. It was so wonderful to have you here, Rachel! We then did some shopping and went back to the airport to pick up Lyndon’s family. It was their first time to Mexico so it was fun to show them the country here.
We came home thru Tijuana and Nevin got his top braces. He now has a metal smile.

On Thursday Bryan, a 3 yr old boy, came here. He had been bitten by some dogs and spent some time in the hospital. He was so distraught when he came! Cried and cried for his Nana & didn’t want to eat or play at all. But, by the next day he was eating and in several days was a different child. Praise the Lord!

Early Saturday morning Donita needed a ride to the airport. But, Friday evening Darin was sick in bed with the sore throat – cough flu that was going around. So we made a plan b and Randy, Regina & Nevin agreed to take her. So at 5:30 that morning off to their adventure they went. They seemed to have a good time! How much fun can it be to cross the border, drive a stick shift car that you’re not used to, and travel an hour & a half all by yourselves?

The men & boys worked on different projects around here and Lenora was always busy helping all around here. One evening they grilled hamburgers for us and made the supper. They left again on the 4th of Feb. Thanks again for your visit, Lyndon’s.

James Brubaker has kept the brick layers busy on the school house and it is ‘growing’ walls. Of course, in Mexico when they say they’ll be here tomorrow you really don’t know which tomorrow that may be, so he’s also spent some days laying brick himself. We are really enjoying their stay!

Last Friday evening we started with our Spanish classes. We plan to have classes Mon & Fri evenings. Hopefully it will make that our language frustrations will become less and less! Regina Miller is our teacher and Heidi is teaching James & Deb. They did ask if they may laugh at us and Regina can’t wait to make us say some hard words so I’m not sure what we’re going to get yet but it’s been fun so far.

On Saturday Regina & Darin took Edna Mast to the airport and picked up Barbara Hostetler. Barbara & Gina are having a great time catching up on each other’s lives again.

Last week Regina & Regina had told the guys that they’d chore Sunday evening if the guys would cook supper for them. Of course, that was a deal! The guys grilled hot dogs & potatoes, than had chips, pop corn, applesauce & ice cream sandwiches. The girls thought it was worth the effort and they’d do it again. Barbara was brave enough to go help the girls too!

This morning we got up and there were no lights. Well, not so different from normal I think. In come the men and say it will be awhile because the generator starter is shot. OK…. We can do this. Darin went to town and then on to San Diego for parts and is still not back at 5:00 pm. It’s getting dark again and we can do this. The men started the small generator so that we’d have water, which is very nice. Lorne has been sick today too so that didn’t help anything! I’m really understanding the children of Israel a lot more than I used to. I thought they should have know better. Why would they complain when God had been so good to them? I know why they complained! It’s not very nice. It’s unhandy! God is good. All the time.

This is now Wed. and I want to try to get this finished. The next number of days looks like there may not be a lot of extra time here. Last night 5 guys from PA came to be here 2 weeks to help build the schoolhouse. Then by Sat. Greivin Villalobos’ and Philip Miller’s want to be here along with family members that are helping them move. Those two families are moving into the area to start a church outreach here and for church support for the home here as well. We are all thankful for God’s provision for us here.
So lest I get sidetracked again I best finish up here. God’s best to you all!

Tuesday morning in Mexico!