Renewing Vows...

Preparation for the big day...the renewal of Mama and Papa's wedding vows!




Beautiful flowers were sent by friends to celebrate the big day!






Jazmine




Another book enjoyed by the staff!




The happy couple!





One of the pastors, his wife and tia Lidia




Papa waiting for his bride!




Papa and a few of his kids!





A handsome Ramon!




Samuel and Gary




Lucinda




The choir sang as Rosa was escorted down to the front.



Rosa and her very handsome escort...my Prince!




The bridesmaids




Renewing of vows




...the rings




The happy couple listening to the 'charge'.





So in love...




The guest pastor and wife prayed over Ed and Rosa.




Ed and Rosa





Belem, me, Gary and Felipe after the ceremony.




Adriana with a special shirt. Heads up, Dawn!




Adriana enjoying an afghan donated by the Montague church!




Fabiola enjoying her afghan!




Silvia...loving the warmth of the afghan!




The soccer team enjoying their new NAPA hats donated by the Hart NAPA store! Thanks!








The finished picture boards! See Chilo...your hard work paid off!







More NAPA joy!






Lorena





Sergio




Arturo




Sean and Tonito




Brisa and Cielo




Me and Lupita....love this girl and her whole family!


The renewing of Mama and Papa's wedding vows was such a special night for everyone. The excitement was felt by all. The children worked very hard after school to decorate the cafeteria and clean. Patti came in to cook up some delicious goat meat into a tasty feast. She even made a cake for everyone to enjoy. My most memorable experience was the pure joy of Mama and Papa as they pledged their love one to another. They were able to leave for more rest and they have now returned to Lily again. I spoke with Rosa today and she said they had a wonderful time resting and relaxing. They were ready to return to their children and jump back in the saddle. I asked if the vehicle situation has improved...and it hasn't. The white van and truck are still in for repairs (and have been since we arrived in February). There were a few other tough things to face, but they were refreshed and ready...thank the Lord!

The group from McBain, Michigan will be visiting Lily this Thursday for about 10 days. Everyone is looking forward to their visit. The next visit will be from the Traverse City church. Although they had to postpone their April trip, they have rescheduled in May. Then in June I will be back at Lily for the Virginia Westside's Mission Trip and the mission trip for my home church at FBC. Some of you may be concerned about the media's covereage of the violence in Chihuahua. My husband, Gary, researched the reports to find that the situations are taking place in Juarez...the main border town. Some have questioned if they should cancel trips to Lily because of this. Here is my spin on this: Suppose Mama and Papa would like to visit Traverse City, Michigan and fly into their airport. But, on the news they heard of violence in Detroit where two Mexican residents were killed. They would call the Traverse City church and ask if it would be safe to still come and visit. The Traverse City church would say, "Of course you can come...the violence is in Detroit...5+ hours away. There is a big difference between Detroit and Traverse City." The same is true of Lily and Juarez. The evil one hates our connection with Lily and tries to discourage the spiritual transformations that take place at Lily...and the adoptions. If there ever is a time when I feel it would be wise to reschedule visits, I will be the first one to let you know. Until then, let's keep praying and defeat the enemy!