A sleeping Jesus napping on a chair in the boys lounge. Sure wish I could have tucked him in a bed for a nap. (Can't help but think...that really is my JESUS sleeping there. When I look into the eyes of each person, I am really looking into JESUS's eyes.)
His face is like that of an angel.
What breaks my heart is the fact that there is not a mom and a dad to hold his precious hands and comfort him.
The shoes of my sleepy boy
Javier and Johana looking at the computer.
Adeline shared with me that she wanted a cat so God brought one to her. Then she thought how fun it would be to have another cat...and now there are 2 more. God gives us the desires of our hearts.
Beautiful Ana
No bueno...and then Brisa began licking it! Stroke time for Tia Linda!!!
Cielo and Brisa both helped Brenda and Sergio bake pies today for their fund-raiser. The girls reward was licking out the cans of sweetened condensed milk!
Sergio opening the cans. NOTE to self....buy another can opener. Sergio and Brenda are making these pies to earn money to visit relatives. They have been dating since the end of January and they want to meet each other's relatives. I'm very proud of them for their ingenuity. They bought their own supplies, made the pies and will sell them tomorrow. Apparently they took orders! I'll try to update you on the success of their sales. Of course...I bought 3 to share with the teen girls tomorrow evening. I can't pass up a bake sale! Good thing they're not selling lemonade. Whenever I see kids doing that...I always drop in a few bucks....can't resist! Vanderzwaags....take note! ;)
Brisa and Cielo in the kitchen! Anxious to find out more about their adoption status tomorrow!
I bought Juan a huge sandwich today after helping me at the market. He loved it...but carefully ate only half so he could share the rest of it with his sister, Marta. Sooooo sweet.
Clever dog....drinking spilled water off the floor. I bet it was nice and cool!
My partners/helpers today at the market!
On the way home, Arturo held a box down through the truck window!
Only 3/4 of the way full....lots of goodies!
Ricardo, my friend who works at El Tigre helped load up the truck. It's quite the art!
Watermelons. YUM
Gary...cute car for sale at the OXXO!!!
Actually this precious new girl is just what God ordered. Each child is a gift from God.
Andrea loves dogs.
Cuteness!!!!
Casey...a true servant!
Mary, Alondra sends her love!
I love morning hair doos at Lily!
Barbara, Jazmine wanted to tell you "HOLA!"
Our helpers!
Rosaleo
Fancy shoe lacing techniques are practiced down here!
Dawn, Javier brought these sweet little flowers to me...and I felt like he was really giving them to you!
Marta's baby is not a baby any more! WOW!!!
Raul. I love his smile.
Julian....Martha and Adrian....he's growing up so fast!!!!
Luis. I love this boy.
Lupita's beautiful smile!
Ruby with Mama's baby!
A handsome Bryan
Juan is a very precious boy!
So sweet
Juan Diego's treasure. A marble! He is so proud of it!!!
Manuela has such an inner strength. I love her.
Nancy reading her Bible.
Jesus
Adeline and Andrea!
Brenda, Maria Elena and Tia Lidia planning the day's events.
Andrea with a puppy!
Benjamin & me. The first question he asked, "Do you remember my name?" It's so important that they feel like they matter. I was so glad to say, "Your name is Benjamin." He smiled so big.
It has been almost 10 months since my last trip to Lily which is way too long. I've planned several trips this past 18 months and many had to be cancelled. I don't understand why, but I trust my wise Savior. I was reading Proverbs 20 in my devotions this morning and verse 24 jumped out at me: "The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?" I certianally don't understand everything but I do trust Him!!!
At the airport I was greeted with a busload of children. Tio Willy and his family drove the gang to the airport and it was the sweetest sight in the world. Many hugs and kisses met me as I walked out of customs. I cannot express the overwhelming joy to see these precious faces. I honestly believe it is a taste of what heaven will be like. Their sweaty little bodies were packed in the very hot bus, waiting several minutes for my arrival. It was pure joy to kiss their salty wet faces and hold them tightly. Thank you, Father for this blessing!!!
It was amazing to see how much all the children have grown in 10 months. Many of the children seemed to have grown into little adults. And the preschoolers from when I first began visiting Lily several years ago are now 9 and 10 years old. Where has the time gone?
Usually when I go to Lily I have an agenda. Usually I am preparing for a group to arrive or I am here with my husband to work for a few months. This time I have no plan...but Jesus brought me here. It's been quite fun, to tell you the truth. I have enjoyed the other visits, but this time I am here to just love on kids and buy supplies with generous donations many of you have sent. We went to the market today (yes...it won't surprise my Prince to get there this soon) to buy food for Lily. I was given a list of needs. To make a long story short, I was able to buy much more then they had even dreamed. They asked for a couple boxes of chicken and two rolls of hamburger. After looking in their freezer...which was empty, I bought 15 30 kilo boxes of chicken and 10 rolls of hamburger that weigh about 10 kilos. They were very reserved in the fruits and vegetables, but I was able to purchase a nice variety and the cook's eyes lit up when she saw all the food. Next week I will purchase more fruits and veggies. Overall, I spent over $1500 in food and that is just the beginning. When we have a larger vehicle, we will purchase more staples. Thank you, everyone, for giving money to feed these kids. It is such a blessing to see how you are meeting their needs. The children are very thankful!!!
I have met a very special young man who has been volunteering here since January. His name is Casey. I believe he is 22 years old. He has a huge heart for the children and is a true servant. He is staying with the handicap boys in their casa and helps Ramon with this physical therapy. Casey is an angel in disguise and a true blessing.
This is the Holy Week and many children and staff are away for vacation. Nohema will be back next week, Tia Mica is gone for 2 weeks with her son and grandson, Ed and Rosa are in Jaurez on personal business until Friday night and children who have any type of relatives are with them. My heart sank when Jackie and Tonito were gone, but then I learned they are with Nohema for vacation. YAY!!!
It has been very hot down here. Going from snow to 90's takes a bit of an adjustment...but I'm adjusting very well! ;) Continous blue sky, warm temps and the beautiful vistas are hard to take! LOL Many of the trees are dead because of the severe cold temps they had 3 days in a row down here. Most of the palm trees in Chihuahua are dead, as well as the trees that line the boulevard between Aldama and Chihuahua. Both Sergio and Adeline told me that the severe cold temperature a few months ago killed a lof of livestock, zoo animals and plants. Soooo sad.
Tomorrow I am meeting with Alex to discuss future adoptions. Please help me pray regarding this. Since the new government, adoptions from Mexico have become nearly impossible for the children from Lily. The reason is because once we would get the children 'orphan-status', the children's picture and profile would be submitted to all of Mexico, Spain, Portugal and surrounding countries of Mexico BEFORE they would offer the children to us in the USA for adoption. It is too much of a risk right now and Mama and Papa have decided to stop the 'orphan-status' work as of now.
I want to post some adorable pics for you, so I'll end the words. Please keep praying for the hurting hearts of these kids. Every child's story is different, but they all share the brokeness of abandonment. That pain runs deep and only Jesus can fill that void. I have tasted those tears.
I apologize...no proof-reading tonight. Need to sleep.
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