Colleen...a Lily Angel

Colleen, Beto & Lizeth





A little one waiting for breakfast.





Where the little girls play





Doesn't looks comfy to me...! Warm...maybe!





Just for you Fred and Barb. Hey Fred...you alive?????





A fairly empty pantry that will be filled on Monday...thanks to all of your donations!





The posters announcing the groups arrival....





The kids are counting down the days.....




As soon as I put it up there was a swarm of children looking at everyone's pics. It was so precious to see them pray over the pictures this morning. They put their little hands on each picture and love on you...as if you can reach through the pics and touch them back. I cried.





Ok...this is gross...but I don't know what to do. Money is tight so a Dr. visit is out of the question. I'm going to the store to find some epson salt to soak this. Is this a good start? It stinks realllllly bad. Does that mean it's a fungus? It is infected. I AM NOT A NURSE...I GET WEAK KNEED. Any advise? Helppppppp!





Yazmine talking to Mark & Jean





Maggy, Silvia & Lupita....sis's It has been hard for them to see Nico go to Mercy Orphanage





Sergio and Tia Lydia. She is the helper at the older boys home. She cooks fantastic meals for the boys and pampers them. It's great!





Yazmine reading...





Leslie





Johana, Lupita, Maggie & Ruby





Friday night...movie night!





Karla and Lorena





Lupita and Silvia





Pretty Marisol!






Veronica and Karla folding laundry






Veronica captured her for the pic!






Nayelly





A big floor for a little girl...and she did it!




Jennifer & Esayla pluck...pluck...ouch!!!




I love little Luis!





Maggy...the boys loved the matchbox cars you sent down!





Alondra





Javier & his new friend





A sleeping Andrea





Colleen & Lizeth





Colleen, Veronica and Lizeth





A tired Tonito





Tonito, Abuela Esther & Jackie





Peek-a-boo Tonito!




Pampered pup!





Tired girl....




Julian & Miriam




Tonito & Jackie...bro & sis




Abuelo Ramon





Brenda in her element





Oh Armondo.....





Proud grasshopper 'owner'...Luis





poor grasshopper



Another beautiful day to enjoy the children and staff at Lily. Father, thank You for the privilege I have to rub shoulders with these beautiful people! They are teaching me so much about grace, genuine love and humility, for which I am grateful.
In our culture...it's hard to come to terms with 'simplicity of soul'. While working among these spiritual giants and precious children, it is lived out. It is so easy for our simple devotion to Christ to be lost in the clutter and busyness of our lives.

Upon arriving here at Lily, I have found a new angel. Her name is Colleen. She felt the Lord call here to Lily to help for 2 months. She had never been here before and there were many unknown variables. But, she came. She had no idea why the Lord was putting this on her heart, but it's obvious now. The Lord planned her arrival a few days after Ramon was burned...and the house was in turmoil. She recently graduated from college with a degree in social work...and she speaks Spanish. Her gentle spirit and servant's heart was just what everyone needed. She will be flying home just a few days before Ramon comes home. Oh God, why does this surprise me? You, Who created the heavens and the earth...knew just how to keep things going here. I praise Your Name, Father, for sending us an angel named Colleen. I don't really know that much about her yet...except for the fact that she is from Colorado...and she loves you, Father, and she let You use her in an awesome way!

Well, I was honestly thinking about taking walks in the mornings or evenings since it is cooler....BUT NOT NOW!!! I saw my first rattle snake down here just about 25 yards from the front gate 2 nights ago. So...my exercise will be plan B....as soon as I can come up with plan B. For those of you coming down here in a few days...bring a flashlight. YIKES!

Rosa has implemented an 'in-house school'. It's really working out pretty cool. A few of the staff and some outside volunteer teachers are teaching the older kids that can't read and right...so they can learn. It takes place during the day while the younger children are in school. Even Marcos is being taught sign language. (Now you need to come, Chrissy!) Neat, huh?!!!

Teena and I are doing well and a lot of things are getting crossed off the list. She has been a tremendous help and she has a great attitude. She is enjoying every opportunity she has to spend with the children.

Nico and Beto are now gone because of their behavior. Nico is at Mercy Orphanage and Beto is living with a relative. It was a difficult decision for Ed and Rosa but they are in survival mode. Please keep these precious boys in your prayers. The boys were told that they will be welcome to come back when there has been some changes in their lives. I know it had to be done...but it breaks my heart. I just want to take these boys home and give them the love and attention they are craving. When Angel, the boy that left the day before, was delivered to his 'mother', she wouldn't take him and it took several stops at 7 or 8 different relative's homes before they found a place for him. I can't imagine how Angel is feeling right now...so rejected.

This afternoon a friend will come by and help me with the building project plans. Mamo is not saved...yet. Please pray for a wide open door to witness to him.

If these posting seems rather hap-hazard...it's because of the many interruptions...as you can imagine. Ohhhhh, it's good to be home!