Jesus is enough!

A common sight...Gary and Niko...




The boys crave father/son things from Gary. They are always excited to test their muscles against his. Kinda like us with God.




A man from Aldama who lives in a cardboard shack was invited to our Wednesday night service by Ed. The kids all loaded up in the bus to pick him up. He also was invited to eat supper with us. He ate and ate and ate. I can't remember his name, but he seemed to enjoy the service. Please pray for him. (Don't worry, whenever a stranger is on campus, several men are his assigned shadow for the protection of the children.)




Johana - Belem's sister.




Javier and Jackie. This boy, Javier, is a prince of a kid. He is in charge of about 30 little boys and cares for them (like a daddy). He is only 15 himself, but a true leader.




Gustavo sends his love to Taylor and Austin.




Ramon and Boni...perhaps talking about future Michigan days.




Maggie and her sweet servant's heart.




Little Johana and Josmar




Daniel...what a nice boy. God has some big plans for him...




We have 2 new girls...on both sides of Leslie. Their names are Nayeli and Irene. Apparently Nayeli has been here a few years ago.




Gary and a changed Santana. Praise the Lord!!!




Adorable Luis, he soaks in lots of hugs and kisses!




The older brother, Oscar, to the new brother and sister posted earlier.




Marta - the girl of many hats and smiles.




Morning Devotions




A days worth of dust at Lily...




Our heros! They hooked the pump up backwards at first and later in the day reinstalled it correctly. We now have water. Hurray!!! Thank you, Jesus!




Handsome Samuel - Hernandez's youngest boy. I might add...he is a straight A student. I am very impressed. You should also see him play soccer. WOW!




A game of marbles anyone? The older boys even enjoy this game of skill. I would challenge them to a game...but I lost my marbles a long time ago. :)




The donated bread for breakfast this morning is a bit squished...but we are still very thankful for it.




Ahhh! A hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs, tomato, onions, chili peppers and TUNA FISH. Although I will probably never fix this dish in Michigan, we ate it with a thankful heart. We were hungry. Calle and Chrissy...I DO NOT recommend this recipe. :)

I have a lot to learn down here…and I’m not just talking about Spanish. God is using these young adult leaders to minister to me and I am humbled once again. This morning I saw Samuel (mid-twenties) in the hallway just before breakfast. I asked him what his plans were for today. He said, “Chihuahua”. Then he pulled out a rather long list of things he had to do, places he had to go. Now, I know that he has done this all day Monday and Tuesday and he is looking at day # 3 of the same thing. Ashamedly I said, “I bet you’re happy”, in a teasing way. Then, he quickly replied, “Yes! I am very happy. I am doing all these things for God’s glory and I am happy to serve Him.” His sincerity and humble servant’s heart brought me to shame. Here I was razing him about doing the ‘same old’ all the time, and he was counting it as a privilege to serve His God in any way he could….and rejoicing in it. Father, I confess when I am drying the 124th plate, I am not thinking about doing it for You. When I am sorting through piles of office work, or wiping snotty noses, I have forgotten that I am doing it for You. Please forgive me, Father. Gary has also had some good conversations with Samuel. In one of the errands they went on together, they visited someone who lived in a beautiful house (on the inside). Apparently he sometimes stays there on his day off. Anyway, Samuel asked what the houses were like in the states. Gary said most of them are very nice. Then Samuel said to him, “The people must be happy…or does it make them want more?” Gary told him how people are always wanting more…never quite satisfied with what they have. Samuel said, “This is why I stay right here at the orphanage. I am a missionary for God. I don’t want that for my life. I have little but I am very happy.” And I might add, he is very happy. I have seen him repair things that the kids have broke…and he is smiling and saying, “God is good.”…and he means it!

Some of you are wondering…what are some of the things that are going on down here? Well, (I guess that’s a good place to start…the well). The broken well looks like it will be back in service today…several days AHEAD of schedule. Truly a God thing. The cost of the repairs are very high and there was no money budgeted for this. We are talking $1,500-1,800 American dollars. People presume things are cheaper in Mexico. So far I have only found that oranges and vanilla are. Everything else is more expensive.

The accounting paperwork for the 2007 year is due today…and the office has been humming. We have actually found several changes that will make their year end paperwork much easier and they are willing to try it.

The older high school students are still on Christmas break. They will begin school February 1st (tomorrow). During their break they have been given additional chores, so many of them are looking forward to school in February.

The blue van is down…the left tie rod end broke while Gary I are were driving back from the new boys dorm. Luckily we were only going about 5 mph. But, the part that we would normally call NAPA for and have delivered in 15 minutes will take several days to come. So we are short a vehicle. Gary said the transmission is going out on the van…and of course…the shortage of money. It sound like they will drive it until it won’t go anymore. Gary thinks it is a matter of a few days. A Jasper rebuild would be a great way to go, but would cost about $2000 with the duty. Please help us pray for more vehicles. It is very urgent. We have had to take kids to the hospital in a bus lately when the other vehicles are out on errands…which is a huge waste of gas…not to mention the difficulty of maneuvering it around narrow crowded streets near the hospital.

Could you also help me pray that people would be moved to send money for fruit and vegetables? During the past 3 weeks, the children have only had fruits/vegetables 3 times. I really think that oranges, especially, would help with the vitamin C need (and the kids love them). When I was at the market, I was able to purchase a little more than a half bushel of oranges for $5.00a bag. The oranges are small but very sweet and good. One bag would feed everyone. Some of you have sent money with us earmarked for the children…and that’s what we’re doing. Also, carrots are a treat for everyone. I have also purchased chocolate chips and peanut butter for cookies. If people that are coming down here have room, we could always use peanut butter and chocolate chips from the states. Down here the chocolate chips are nearly $4.00 per bag and the peanut butter is even priced worse.

There have been several food donations from various local businesses and people down here. The panty is pretty full today. The orphanage here is very generous with food they are given and often share it with other orphanages and senior homes that have nothing. God has always been faithful to them…because of their generous hearts.

I think I will close the novel for today after sharing one more thing. Last night we had an awesome service...anger was the subject. Several kids sought us out afterwards and prayed for victory. God is doing a big work in the hearts of these kids. Many kids are deciding the lay their anger down at Jesus' feet and forgive those who have hurt them so deeply. Sometimes I find it hard to fall asleep at night after hearing some of their stories, but God is healing. Please keep praying for them!

The air card works!!!

The sweet and lovely Leslie and her charming brother, Angel.



A sweet Marta who won't quit smiling!



Jesus (we call him Chewy). We all love him. He is a riot!!!



Kati and Armondo with their new friend



Erika with a beautiful smile.



Ramon and Marta



Michigan bound teens...very soon!



Ramon, Angel, Niko and Maggie looking at the Chihuahua map on Tio Gary's shirt.



Kati and Armondo have been here only about 1 1/2 weeks. They have an older brother who watches out for them. Their single mom works long hours and needs a safe place for her children.


OK...we can do our computer from our casa! Yippee!!! No more stressful time constraints in Aldama with 5-15 kids waiting for me. Here are a few more pic's I wanted to get out.

No Water!!!

Jackie...you're the cutest...we know it!!!



Carlleli...a very busy girl who is extremely loveable.



On the road again....Papa and children.



Mama and Pablo having some 'together time'.




Manuel...Rileys boy



Isn't he a cutie????!!



Manuels little hands folded while sitting by me on the bus. Oh, Jesus, that they will be folded many times in the future as he becomes a mighty warrior for You!



Hey Riley family...it doesn't look like a Ford. You've got some training to do!!! Maybe it's a Chevy...sorta tin looking. Oops...sorry Rog!!! :)



Rohelio who looks so innocent....




Silvia and her newest school awards for writing. She's an awesome student.



Another fire truck for Jack White...couldn't resist.



Alberto-Mechanic in training with his Master Mechanic



Hosea Miguel- Isn't he a cutie???



Antonio



Briza soaking in the moment!



Traveling with teens...need I say more????



Beautiful Mexico Skyscape



Shiek Abualardo



Jackie after playing outside....



Beautiful Belem



Ruby and Karla Johana



Ever...a very handsome young man. His parents are the new workers here.



Jesus is 15 years old.



Handsome Ramon...need I say more??? Soon to be in Michigan!!!!!



Cielo and Briza looking at Cielos Bible...talking about bible stories.



Alberto and Marcos...super boys and brothers!!!



Sergio and Marcela...brother and sister. I love these kids! They have such gentle hearts after all they have endured.



Osmara and her beautiful smile.



Grandma and Grandpa....still in love!



Briza and Cielo...the cutie pies!


The word down here: no la aqua. No water. It is something that I have taken for granted. Whenever I see a faucet, I turn it on, expecting water to come out. When my hands are dirty, I head to the sink to wash them. When I am thirsty I expect the privilege of pouring a glass of water…but not this time. Ok, now, don’t worry, mom and dad. We can get drinking water at the gas station…we are not dying. But the point is…we expect many things in life and neglect to thank God for things. I am sure the fire station will bring some trucks to fill the tank today, and we will have water for a few hours. But we are on a ration. We can’t wash every time we want to, we can’t shower whenever we desire. There are other inconveniences like using the bathroom and flushing…that we just don’t have now. ( I think I must be some psycho or something, because it almost makes me feel like I have to use it more.) We are encouraged to ‘go’ behind the wall (across the road) if it is ‘pooh-pooh’, just to help with the additional needed flushing. The younger kids love it, but this old lady is struggling with this option. This reminds me of a funny thing that happened at the park last Saturday. Mary Ellen and Lauren, you will appreciate this. I was enthralled in watching our kids playing the big soccer game when little Brenda (who can speak 9,752 Spanish words per minute) was tugging on my coat and trying to tell me something. I just glanced at her and smiled, patted her on the back, and then continued to watch the game. I though I heard the word ‘papel’ and ‘pooh-pooh’ but never really put them together since I was watching the game. I was blowing my nose with some toilet paper I stuck in my coat pocket and her voice kept rising. Suddenly she disappeared and I was enjoying the momentary silence when Gary (who is struggling to understand Spanish) came up to me and said, I think she has to go to the bathroom and needs your toilet paper. I felt so bad because I was so engrossed in the game and didn’t even try to listen to her desperate words. So, I found the girls bathroom (after wandering into the boys first) and called her name. Sure enough, she was in there and stuck her hand out under the stall. She was a happy camper when I gave her my toilet paper. But I have to smile as I think back to her plea of a million words that only Gary understood.

Anyway, today I thank God for water. It brings refreshment in so many ways and is required for life. Even more, I thank God for being the Living Water that He allows me to drink freely of. This book, Follow Me, presented a question that I have not really thought about much. “Do you enjoy God?” I want to grab a hold of this question during this next week and practice this thought…even if I end up going behind the wall.

Last evening I had to take 5 kids into town for a photograph (for the orphanage records). Anyway, about 6 more hopped in the van to use the internet for homework. Little did I know that one of the older kids was going to another internet across town and not tell me where she was. After waiting 15 minutes past the time we told them to come back to the van, I began circling around town to find her. My blood pressure rose about 50 points with fear for her safety and then the thought of pouncing on her once I found her and knew she was alright. (Anyone who is a parent can relate to this, I’m sure.) Then it hit me…I’m feeling like a mama to these kids…not an aunt or helper. I love these kids and they have found their way into my heart forever. Gary and I will never be the same…our quiver has increased ten-fold! By the way, I did find the girl…she was safe…and I didn’t pounce on her. 

As I write this, Nohema is driving off in the bus with the first load of kids. She beeps the horn to warn them of the departure…and some come. Then she drives about 10 feet with about 15 more kids on a dead run to catch the bus. Then she goes to the gate where the last kids normally hop on board after running like crazy. Today there were about 5 more stragglers that followed her down the road about 50 yards yelling at the top of their lungs. She did stop for them, but I bet they’ll be earlier tomorrow. Gary just said that there was one girl sitting on the bench crying because she missed the bus. Chad and Christi…can you guess who???

Prayer Requests: Many of you have asked for prayer requests. Here are some that I would like to share. 1. Of course, the repair of the well pump. 2. Healing for children/adults with bad colds and fevers. 3. Salvation of children who have not committed their lives to Christ. 4. Wisdom for Gary and I to know what and what not to do. 5. A new friend, Crystal, who might be volunteering some days off down here. 6. Orphan Status for the 43 children I am working on. 7. Safety for everyone down here as many miles are driven each day. 8. God’s protection on our family back home. 9. That Gary and I will more fully accept the authority and leadership of Jesus Christ as our way of life. 10. More destitute children that our orphanage can minister to.

Thanks for your e-mails and encouragement. I read them all, but do not always have time to respond as I am giving priority to posting the blog. We appreciate your prayers and support. To make the best use of my time at the internet café, I write the blog on my own computer and then save it on a disk with all the pictures. That way I can download the main blog page quicker. Usually I only have 1-1 ½ hours at the internet and downloading the pictures with comments takes up all that time (especially since the keyboard is so different). Mary Ellen and Lauren…I know you understand. Thanks again for your patience, everyone.