As we mentioned last month, we are finally on an upswing with new kids in the homes. We have since received one more girl into the children’s homes. Rachel came to us in September. She has meshed with the other “big” girls in her house (Angela and Sharon). We are currently at 16 kids in the homes with 8 in each house. Needless to say, our house parents are very, very busy, but they are rock stars and we love them! With that said, our beloved Candace is expecting a baby girl very soon. She and Aaron were blessed with a couple of baby showers and they seem to be set (as ready as one can be) to receive their daughter. Candace’s parents and sister arrived in the country and will be here to welcome their new grandchild/niece into the world. All the kids in the home are anticipating the arrival of baby Chanel. What a neat experience for the kids to be a part of!
This past February, one of the maids in the homes, fell and injured her spinal column. She was given a medical leave of absence and was away for five months before returning again. During that time, she received therapy, shots, medical follow-ups and such. She returned to work at the end of July. Everyone (especially our house parents) were ecstatic to have her back. We had been limping along with a couple of ladies from the church that were gracious enough to help fill in. Unfortunately, we received another call from the maid last week. As she was leaving work (it was raining), she slipped and fell again, re-injuring her back! We took her to the hospital and after a full check up, the doctor has put her on another medical leave. We don’t expect her to be back before the end of the year. Please keep our maid in your prayers. She is believing God for a full and speedy recovery. We know that there is nothing impossible for God!
We bid, “Adios” to our very last intern for the 2013 year. Hannah was very instrumental the last few weeks in the homes. With the maid’s absence, she filled in and did everything from changing poopy diapers, to bathing babies, serving food, putting kids in bed at night, and kitchen duty. She, like all the young people who have come down, have had a heart to serve the neediest ones. God commands us to look after the orphans and the widows. Thank you interns for your drive, your passion, and your dedication to advancing God’s Kingdom work!
John 16:33 admonishes us, “...Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” One house parent recently told us that the children in our homes are his heroes. He explained that he learns something new from every child that comes through his door. No matter what trial or difficulty they have had to endure, children have a resilience that helps them move ahead. They have an ability, with God’s help, to rise up out of the ashes. God is doing great things in the lives of these kids!
Thank you for your constant, unwavering support!