We´re Here!!!

On Tuesday evening as we left the Houston airport, Gary and I were pumped...to finally cross into Mexico. BUT, would you believe it...both engines on the plane showed signs of a problem so when we were almost into Mexico, they turned the plane around and we landed back in Houston. I don´t need to tell you what that did to our hearts. We landed in Houston and had to wait for another plane to continue our journey. Once we were finally up in the air again, we confessed to the cabin crew that it was probably our fault...and if something happens again, they might want to leave us behind. They just grinned and said they would get us there one way or another. I´m thankful that the flight went on through...and we landed around 2:30 a.m. Michigan time. It was a long trip...16 days! Once we landed and made it through customs with no problems...Gary and I had a grin on our faces from ear to ear...in fact, it´s still there! Praise the Lord. Several children stayed up through the night to ride the bus...they slept in front of the front door of the main building so they wouldn´t miss us.

The next day we woke up fairly early and embraced all the kids and staff at least a hundred times. We were all so excited we could hardly stand it. It was great to return to such precious people. We were able to continue conversations with everyone...like we were only gone for a few days. Ed and Rosa are doing great...in fact...Gary and I are amazed at the new Ed. God is good.

Even though this is just the second day we are here...our hearts are moved so deeply by these children. They are so loving and so hurt...all at the same time. They smile big and hug you tightly...but they are abandoned children with broken hearts. Yesterday, a girl told me that she saw her mom at Christmas in the Streets. She went up to her mom...along with her sister...and the mother wouldn´t even look into their eyes. She completely acted like they weren´t even alive. If you could have seen that pain...in fact, I am crying in this internet cafe just reliving that moment.

Mark and Jean, you kids are pumped again about going to their new home. I told them that you are working hard to get them home. When I first saw them, my heart broke...they had no hope. After taking with Angel just a few minutes, a smile and spark returned. Huizengas, Fekkens, your kids are ready to go to their new home soon! Fessendens, we gotta pray for your girl and Fekken´s Lorena. A special letter has to be typed...and I´´m pushing as hard as I can to get Rosa to write this letter...and she said ´´next week´´. I am going to do everything I can to have that ready by Monday morning so we can give it to DIF. Everything is stopped until then.

Dear friends, this orphanage is filled with abandoned children. They need godly moms and dads who will love them and give them a home. They wake up, get ready for school, eat, go to bed...without a mommy and daddy. IT´S WRONG. They get excellent care here...but they need a mommy and daddy. Please help me pray for godly men and women to step out of their comfort zone and provide a forever family for these kids. Give them hope!!!

I am trying to upload some pictures. So far, it´s been 20 minutes to load up 5 pictures...and it still isn´`t done. If my time at the cafe expires before then, please forgive me, Í´ll try the pictures on another day. I have about 10 pictures...but it is obvious this will take tons of time. God is trying to teach me
patience.