Briza...one of many Lily angels.
Ana, Karla and Maggie
Hola de Lily!
Jared is soooooo tallllll!
Bus ride to Mercy.
I love his smile!
Oliver!
Awwww Chewy!
Sleepy boys!
Dorothy...Julian loves David! You better check his pockets when he gets back!!!
Group meeting with Papa!
The Peterson Duo in the kitchen!
I think Pastor Ryan has had some practice with this!
Kitchen duty with a smile.
Everyone was excited to see Ramon!
Ramon!!!
Lisa, Stacie and Tonya with the kids.
Jackie in yellow!
Christian taking lessons from Irving!
Our youngest bass player...Irving!
Alexandrino wanted this pic taken...along with a hundred others!
Mida, Adriana and Brenda. Chilo..this one is for you!
Today I live amongst angels. Their sweet little faces, tossled hair & precious smiles seem to melt my heart every time I look at them. It amazes me that a parent could let go of them. I can't. I want to grab ahold of each one of them and never let go. Today as we went on a bus ride to Mercy Orphanage I had Briza and Cielo on my lap. Chandra...I hugged them especially hard because I know that you would give anything to be able to do this. When I held them I realized again how fast they are growing up without their own mommy and daddy. I began to cry (only the 100th time today...as usual) and Briza saw my tears. Immediately she brushed them away and wrapped her little arms around me and comforted me. It is I who should be comforting her. She is the one who goes to bed each night without getting tucked in or stories read to her. The way these children give of themselves...always reaching out...moves me deeply.
FBC Youth Ministry Team arrived today. Roger was the delay at the border...and the 20 kilometer check point. Are you surprised, Fred???? :) They told me that as soon as they drove into the gate the children surrounded them with open arms and love. When I arrived Aaron Hepworth, David Moul and the other teens had kids hanging all over them. The little boys especially love having guys to play with. The teen girls were busy playing with the children and everyone hit the ground running. Soon it was time for the big meal and Papa took us to Mercy home for a visit and then to the park. I had to choose to stay home from the park in order to post this blog. I can see that I am going to have to discipline myself to create 'margins' for myself so I can be faithful to you at home to experience Lily as well.
I am so excited to see what God is going to do this week. I love watching Him work in the lives of people while they are visiting Lily. Stacie (Pastor Ryan's wife) has such a tender heart. When I took her back to the little girls dorm and she saw all those little beds...the tears started to flow. Actually when she stepped inside the main door or the orphanage it hit. I noticed she is now wearing sun glasses. Perhaps I should be smart and follow her lead. I don't know how many times I have been here...and it affects me the same way every day. Will I ever get used to seeing those empty big brown eyes? When they reach for me, will I not think of them as reaching out for their own mom and dad? Will I get used to the fact that these precious children have faced tremendous rejection and horrid abuse; their hopes and dreams shattered? I pray not. God, help me to see these children through Your eyes.
The weather has cooled and that means that the Tarantulas are not out. Gracias Dios!
I ask you to pray for my daughter, Calle'. She is 8 months pregnant and has not been doing well the past couple of days. I have been concerned. Satan does not let up. It just keeps me before God's merciful Throne.
5 comments:
Oh Linda, Thanks for posting this. I really do miss going and this help to at least see what our teens are experiencing. I had tears twice just looking at the pictures and then again reading your comments. Christi
Please give David a hug for me!! The boys are going to LOVE seeing him washing dishes there. LOL They also want to see pictures of him with some of their older friends, but the picture of him with Julian...what can I say? I cried. Dorothy
I heard their sweet voices on my phone today and it broke my heart. I want so badly to be there...have them on my lap. I know they are growing more and more every day. Andrea sounded like a little girl....no longer a baby. She sounded like her sisters. I almost didn't recognize her voice today...until she giggled! :) The pictures are beautiful and I will check for updates every day. If you are able to tuck my babies in bed tonight please give them buenos noches kisses from me. I love them so much!
Stacie...keep the sunglasses close. You never know when the tears will hit you.
This is for Dave....seeing you with Julian...and he so relaxed and comfortable in your arms made me cry too. God is SO going to use you!
Thank you Linda....Thank you group for serving and loving the kids. We are praying for you all back home!
Jackie in her little yellow dress...I found that at Goodwill and sent it down with Sid and Betsy. I was hoping it'd fit her! Thanks for missing out on the park to work on the blog! You've gotta keep the Americanos happy. :) KY loves you!
Oh, and tell Brenda she's looking awful foxy these days! (Don't know how to translate that one for you.) But seriously, tell her I think she looks beautiful. :)
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