Quinceañera...

                           

Today is a very, very special day for all of us down here in Bachinva.  In fact it will be a first for us personally AND the Casa.  At 3:00 we will be celebrating the lovely Maria Ana’s 15th birthday, also known as her “quinceañera” or “quince”.  Months and months have been spent planning and preparing to celebrate and honor Maria Ana.  Honestly, it’s almost as intense as planning a wedding.

I had to do a little research to understand more about the meaning behind a “quinceañera.”  Quinceañeras developed in Aztec culture in Mesoamerica around 500 BC.   A young woman’s 15th birthday is celebrated differently from any other as it marks the transition from childhood to young womanhood.  Sort of like a rite of passage.  500 BC, that’s a long time ago to start celebrating turning 15.  Nowadays, for a young woman here in Mexico, Latin America and in the Americas as well, turning 15 is a huge, sometimes massive celebration.   Basically like a wedding.  In 2015, they say that a traditional quince cost anywhere from $5,000 up to $15,000 dollars. 

From the moment we started talking, planning and sharing about the quince, people within the church and community stepped right up to help.  Whether that was helping with organizing, purchasing, painting nails, doing hair, making decorations, cakes, food, practicing music, etc, a community of people who love Maria Ana, have rallied together to make this an unforgettable day for her.

One of Maria Ana’s favorite places to be is at church.  Whether is for a service, youth group an event, or just helping clean, she requested her quince to be held at the church with all of her church family and friends.  We are also very blessed to have Maria Ana’s mom, older and younger sister here for the special occasion, who traveled down from the mountains (8 hours away).

Normally, the young woman’s father walks her down the aisle and dances with her.  As many of you know, Maria Ana’s father died years ago.  And so, I’ve been asked to walk her down the aisle today.  Wowza, during rehearsal I almost lost it.  I still remember the first time I ever met this once shy, quiet, embarrassed little girl, who today, becomes a young woman.  Sheesh, I hope I don’t start balling!

Today will truly be a memorable day as we have the blessed privilege to honor, pray for, encourage through scripture verses and song and celebrate Maria Ana.  Lots of stories, laughs, food, postre (desserts) will be had.  But most importantly, Maria Ana will know that she is loved and cherished by not only her friends and family gathering today, but also her Heavenly Father looking down from above.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well” (Ps. 139:13–14).

First time meeting Maria Ana in her village Corarayvo, located in the Sierra Madres!

First time meeting Maria Ana in her village Corarayvo, located in the Sierra Madres!

Maria Ana turning 15 years old!

Maria Ana turning 15 years old!


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I Will Lie Down In Peace...

I have debated way to long as to whether or not I should blog about recent events that have occurred here in Bachiniva.  However that quickly changed as I spoke with my dad this morning.  I was reminded that we are the body of Christ.  We are a family.  We are to bear one another’s burdens.  We are to pray for each other.  We are to rejoice with one another.  We are to comfort one another with the comfort we ourselves have received.

So, in light of those wonderful truths, why wouldn’t I share with you all some difficulties we are facing here in Mexico and ask for you to fervently pray with us AND for us?

Over the past 3 weeks there has been an incredible increase in the drug cartel violence in our area.  What appears to be happening is that two rival drug lords are fighting for our area.  The individuals who currently control our town are trying to defend it against a new drug lord and his men who are coming from a town about an hour away.

There has been 3 major shootouts thus far, last night being the most recent one.  Pastor Luis called last night to inform me that the fighting had begun again and was very close to the orphanage.  As I walked around our property to double check doors and gates, I heard the barrage of gun shots.  The Military AND State Police have now made their presence at the spot where these battles keep taking place.  They cancelled school on Monday and again today.  Obviously there is much gossip and talk about exactly what is happening, how many have been killed, what is coming next, etc.

As I stood outside briefly listening to things taking place, I could feel the fear quickly approaching.  However as soon as I began to pray and cry out to the Lord, His peace, which surpasses ALL understanding, flooded my mind.  As I walked through the building and the children’s rooms, praying for them as they quietly slept, I was greatly reminded of the power of prayer AND the verse that is painted above Ayantus bed.

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety (Ps 4:8).

Either we believe the truths that we read about, sing about, prayer about and hear about at church…OR…we don’t.  Either we believe that the KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS makes us dwell in safety, that He is with us WHEREVER we go and He promises to NEVER leave us nor forsake us.  This is where, as my dad put it this morning, the rubber hits the road.

I must admit, after the second shooting, this past Saturday, I was ready to pack, get Jackie and Ayantu and head back to the states until things cooled down.  But then I began to think about our 16 children here at the Casa, and then our staff and volunteers, and then our church family here in Bachiniva.  What about them? Who don’t have the blessing of going to the states? I knew immediately the Lord was telling us to stay put, to trust in Him alone for our safety and protection, and watch the things He will do in light of the situation.

Gracias A Dios we are all safe at the moment.  The children are doing fine, most of them, oblivious to the things taking place.  Probably because they have seen or dealt with this type of thing most of their lives.

Tonight at church we will be dedicating time to pray, worship and seek the Lord for courage, strength and comfort in these times.  Many of the people in church are fearful as well as the whole town.  What a great opportunity to be apart of what we see in Matthew…

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16).

Honestly, my heart has been breaking for these cartel members, many of them as young as teenagers, who are lost and in need of hope.  As I was driving back down from El Paso on Saturday and passed probably 30 cartel members, waiting in the brush, guns drawn, for whatever was coming down the road, I began praying for them.  One young man in particular looked like he was 17, maybe 18 years old.  He was totally pale and looked so scared, even as he stood there holding a giant gun, waiting for whatever was going to happen, to happen.

You all have blessed us SO MUCH over the past 4 years with your prayers and support.  We ask now, more then ever, that you join us in fervent prayer during these times.

The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16).

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)?

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).

 


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Praying & His Word...

Happy New Year to you all!  We hope that all the holidays were a very special and encouraging time for you, your families, your churches, etc.

Well, 2017 is upon us and it already seems to be passing by quickly.  The sun is shining bright, the weather is beautiful here, our road has been repaired, the children are back in school after winter break, our 3rd and newest husky, Luna (moon) is pregnant and about to have her puppies,  and things seem to be back to normal.

Unfortunately, we experienced another difficult situation with our sweet little Teresa.  If you recall, many of you were specifically praying for her three weeks ago.  Teresa was hopeful that she would be able to visit her family, just like the other children, for the winter break.  Unfortunately no one came for her and we found out that her mom had moved to another state in Mexico to work.  Through your prayers and the encouragement of the Lord, Teresa was fine and had a wonderful break here with our family and the few kids that remained behind.

To our surprise,  about 10 days ago, her father showed up at our doorstep.  It was definitely quite the surprise AND reunion for Teresa and her father.  Many tears were shed between the two of them and it was a blessing seeing him embrace his daughter.  He explained the situation how her mother had gotten sick and didn't end up going to Sinaloa to work.  He was hoping to take Teresa for a few days to visit and spend time with her mom, in San Raphael (about 3.5 hours away).

This seemed fine with us and we agreed and came up with a game plan.  On the day that Teresa was scheduled to come home (January 2nd), like the other children, to start school, we received a phone call from her mom and uncle.  Teresa's father left for Sinaloa to work and Teresa was now even deeper in the Sierra Madres, about a day's walk from San Rafael.  Teresa's mom is not well and she is very hard to communicate with.  She wouldn't tell us exactly where they were, but if we wanted Teresa, we'd have to go for her.

Unfortunately while this was taking place, there was mass protesting, looting and rioting all over Mexico due to an increase in gasoline prices.  We were without gasoline for about 3 days.  It got so intense that protestors were shutting down roads, toll booths and even certain border crossings to the United States.  As much as we wanted to go for Teresa, we couldn't due to road closures and barriers, and no gasoline.

Its been a week now and we have heard nothing from Teresa's mom or dad.  We have tried every phone number that we have for them, but can never get through.  My cousin Nieves and his family were going to go try to find Teresa this past weekend.  However with the protesting and road closures, they were unable to go.  It has been heart breaking knowing that Teresa is somewhere up in the mountains, who knows where, with who knows who.  Obviously this is where the enemy wants to mess with your mind, thoughts and emotions very greatly.  A thousands things and "what ifs" can race across your minds.  However, we are taking heart and being encouraged through the Prince of Peace and through His word.

Our church here in Bachinva is reading through the bible together in a year.  The staff here at the Casa as well as some of the children are doing it as well.  It has been so encouraging seeing the kids having a desire to read and understand God's word.  As I was reading one morning, I came across this verse....

"And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord" (Genesis 18:14)?

I kept repeating that line over and over again, "is there anything too hard for the Lord?"  And the great peace that I received that morning, and continue to receive to this day is NO ... there is NOTHING too hard for the Lord.

And so our prayers will continue FERVENTLY for little Teresa and her situation.  We want her home with us so badly, but trust God completely for what He is doing because we know that He IS doing something.  Would you please join us in praying for her safe return?  Muchas Gracias!!!

This picture brings such a smile to my face AND tears to my eyes.  These three little rascals (Ayantu, Valeria and Teresa) are classmates, playmates and best of friends.  All of the children miss Teresa and are praying for her to quic…

This picture brings such a smile to my face AND tears to my eyes.  These three little rascals (Ayantu, Valeria and Teresa) are classmates, playmates and best of friends.  All of the children miss Teresa and are praying for her to quickly and safely return home to us!

 

 

 


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