A Heavenly Army!

As you know, things happen quite unexpectedly in Mexico. I wake up each morning and tell the Lord I'm ready for His plan...His direction. Next step? Put my seat belt on because the ride is a wild one!

Although I haven't been able to post the past few days, I have still been taking pics...so you aren't missing out! I will not be able to label the pics, but I know you'll forgive me! Some of the pics are oldies from a picture book I found and I thought the adoptive familes in Michigan would appreciate the pics...so forgive the poor quality of the picture of pictures! Jean, I especially thought of you and photo album you are creating for your kids. =)

Monday morning was very special because our kids and staff prayed specifically for Ryan Prudhomme, a young man in our church recently diagnosed for cancer, to be healed. I wish everyone could have been there to witness this. As I represented Ryan, hands were laid on me and extended towards me for God to do a miracle. Hearing children cry out for Ryan really touched my heart...and I'm sure it touched the heart of God!

Monday morning was truly a time of praise. The Lord provided a wonderful miracle that Ed was happy to share with the children. Brenda, who works solely in the office now, pays $150 per month for her mother to have care in an institution in Juarez. This comes out of her own salary from Lily (which takes up the majority of her wages.) In order to put her mom in the home, she needed to come up approximately $300...which she didn't have. Papa loaned the money to her from a special fund he had but she needed to pay him back. On Sunday night, the Lord made it clear to Papa that he needed to forgive that debt and he told Brenda Monday morning. I was not aware of any of this, but on Monday morning I gave Papa $300 for this specific fund and he began shouting. I had no idea what this was all about, but he said, "God, you own the cattle on a thousand hills. I've got the richest Papa in the world!" God worked everything out and there were many tears of joy!

That afternoon I had a real scare. I was walking down to the main campus with my sunhat pulled down low to keep the afternoon sun off my face. That meant I was only able to see about 4-5 feet in front of me....enough to avoid a snake. Well, all of a sudden there were brown furry legs in front of me and I quickly looked up to realize I was face to face with a grazing cow. It had very long horns and I my heart jumped out of my chest. My first thought....don't let it know I'm afraid. So, I did slow turn and said, "Nice cow....nice cow." (like it would do any good). Apparently it was only interested in green leaves, so I took a pic and left. It took several minutes for my heart to return to a normal pace. =)

Chewy accompanied Brenda and I as we headed into Chihuahua on Monday. We donated a lot of bread and produce to an organization that feeds the poor people of Chihuahua. How fun! Then, we ran a few errands and purchased more cups and bowl so everyone can have one during meal time. That seems to be an endless need around here. I was also able to purchase other kitchen supplies that were much needed...including can openers. =) After we finished our errands, I treated them to Ricky's Tacos. I've never been there before...but we went just to make Fred drool. Did it work, Fred?

Yesterday was a fun day. We took everyone to the Tio Albert's Water Park. FUNNNNNN! We all had a great time. As you can see from the pictures there were many smiles. Our cooks even provided a picnic for us there. I was thinking something easy...like sandwiches..but they did a full meal! What a picnic! WOW!! We loaded 68 people on a 45 passenger bus and a few other vehicles followed. We all made it there and back. Thanks, Sherards for the bus that transported us! It is still going strong!!!

Since Papa has completely lost the sight in his right eye, is no longer is able to drive. It has been very hard on him. Rosa's health is better than this past year, but it is evident that she has slowed down. Rosa will be turning 62 in June. God has really used this couple. I have no idea how many children they have cared for in the past 16 years...but God does. I am so thankful for their obedient hearts.

Adeline would appreciate your prayers as she is attempting to get her passport. Next Monday and Tuesday she will be traveling to Juarez to have an appointment for her visa. She would like to visit her family in the states, but needs this passport.

DIF arrived again today taking various kids for psychological interviews. They have built this large orphanage in downtown Chihuahua to house all the children 10 years and older. So far, they have not been able to make this work. We are praying that it will never happen. Will you help us pray about this?

I mentioned earlier about meeting Grace. What an amazing girl she is. I am praying that she will be able to stay in Michigan and possibly work at a Christian camp for 5-6 weeks in the summer. In order for this to happen, I am asking you to consider supporting her financially with a love offering. If you are willing to do this or would like more information, please contact me at lsbeggs@yahoo.com

Before I close, I need to share with you this final story. Yesterday was Casey's birthday (Casey is working here for a year with the handicapped boys as I mentioned earlier in a posting). So, last night to honor him, 10 staff went to Aldama to celebrate his birthday. It was later than usual...but you do things when you have the time. We enjoyed tacos and then walked over for icecream. It was a lot of fun, but when we entered the icecream store, I immediately noticed 3 young men standing off to the side by the arcade games and I sensed trouble. Since I was in front of everyone, I began praying to God for our protection. I was very uncomfortable with the whole situation and that has NEVER before happened to me in Aldama. We were all ordering our icecream when a truck from the Mexican army stopped in front of the store. One of the soldiers came in to order some food. I told him (with Grace intrepreting for me) that I was thankful for their service to their country and that I would like to buy food for all six of the men. Quickly he told his buddies and they all came in...bulletproof vests, black hooded masks down, rifles, handguns, camo clothing, etc. Grace and Casey both helped convey to them that we were very proud of them and then Grace began witnessing to them. I don't mean a simple word or two...no, I'm talking the courage and boldness of a lion. WOW They all listened and I could tell that some of her words were penetrating their hearts! The next thing I realized is that the three guys that I was earlier worried about left. It was then that I realized that God sent an army to protect us. God was amazing...and so was Grace. A night I will never forget! Thank you, Jesus!!!

P.S. Lost our electricity...thank goodness for wireless internet...but my computer batter is LOW!