I'm sure most of you can relate to the feeling of your first day back to work after a wonderful, relaxing vacation.  “Painful”, “exhausting”, and “miserable” are a few words that come to mind.  Having had the past 2 weeks off for spring break, the children and staff were in for a bit of a rude awakening this past Monday as it was back to school and the daily grind.  Alarms went off at 6:00 AM and long gone were the days of sleeping in.

All but 5 of our children went to spend time with their families for vacation.  Those who stay behind love when the other kids leave, because they know that there will be extra movie nights, day trips, lots of activities, and just a few children with whom to enjoy them.

This break we decided to take the kids to Chihuahua city, which we have done before though we've never stayed the night.  I found an incredible deal on Expedia for 3 hotel rooms, which happened to be at the nicest hotel in Chihuahua city.  When we arrived, the children could hardly believe it.  I could hardly believe it.  It was indeed one of the biggest and nicest hotels I've ever stayed in.  This was the first time the children had ever stayed in a hotel and seeing their excitement and reactions was priceless.  

We had a wonderful time swimming, shopping at the mall and Costco, playing laser tag, jumping on trampolines, driving bumper cars, lots of arcade games, and eating out.

I LOVE this picture, especially with Luis' face seeing the hotel!

I LOVE this picture, especially with Luis' face seeing the hotel!

 
Felt like you were swimming on the edge of Chihuahua City!

Felt like you were swimming on the edge of Chihuahua City!

 

Thank you for your continued prayers regarding Teresa.  Unfortunately, there is nothing new to update you all with other then she is still gone.  After multiple tries to make contact with her parents and family members, we have been unsuccessful.  I think things finally set in when some of our staff cleaned out her closet and things.  This was a pretty sad day.  Obviously, we get incredibly attached to the children when they come into our care and it’s always hard to see any of them go.  Yet, I think we are all realizing this is an aspect of the ministry that will always be there, therefore we look to the Lord for strength, encouragement, and hope.

A little over a month ago, Tonio and Esmy, whom we’ve cared for over the past 2 years, also left and went back to live with their mom.  We got a call out of the clear blue from their mom informing us she was coming the next day to take them.  Now that she is married, she is able to be available more for her kids and put them in school in the town she lives in about an hour away.  Again this was very difficult and sad, however, we’ve been able to talk with Tonio and Esmy on the phone a number of times.  Although they are no longer living here, they still feel very much apart of our extended family.  We are continuing to build a good relationship with their mom and they plan on visiting us in the coming month.

This morning, I was reading in Isaiah and Joshua, and came across one of my favorite verses.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,” (Joshua 1:9).

This is my prayer for Teresa, Tonio, and Esmy.  I would ask that you all join me as well in praying that these three precious children will be strong and of good courage.  That they might know that the Lord their God, Creator & Sustainer of all things, is with them no matter where they are or go!

We are reminded in the book of Job, that the Lord GIVES as well as TAKES AWAY.  Yes we have lost 3 children, however, God blessed us with a wonderful, precious little girl this past weekend to begin to care for.  Diana is 3 years old and is the younger sister of Idali, who has been with us for 2 years now.  Because she is Idali’s sister, we’ve gotten to know Diana a little bit over the past few years as her mom has visited Idali from time to time.  We are excited to begin to love on and minister to her precious little heart.  Please pray for Diana and her new transition.


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