November happenings

Hogar Rosalinda 

(Nutrition Training Center)

A few weeks ago, Mirko graduated as the program's first graduate!  Since then we have been waiting for our next mothers to come. This time has not been idol however, and the last few weeks have been spent in writing curriculum for nutrition and health training for mothers who come and for community education.  One long term hope is for community education in this community, and others.  Another advantage for me is that I have some extra time and have gotten to be more involved with the other areas of the ministry this month. Specifically, I have gottne more time to help with the kids in the grouphomes.

Pre-Christmans Snuggles

Hogar de la Esperanza homes

In the group homes, the Fulps, Chapins, Alvarezes and the huge team around them continue to open their hearts to the love and care for these kids so precious to God.  One growing vision however is a home for our children as they age out of the system. We have 4 children who are or will be 18 or older in the next few months. They will not be able to stay in the homes, but there is no quality place to send them.  Most kinds in our homes cannot return to their families. A few months ago, God began stirring in the hearts of those who have loved these children for years. Our friend and head nanny, Luisa, and her family have the passion to continue the care for these, our kids.  Much needs to happen for this vision however, so please be in prayer for all that God will do in this home for adults.  

Humberto was so excited for his birthday that he planted his hand right in the cake!  

A few of the older kids

Our Kids

Yenni

Yenni has been in the Fulp home for over 6 years.  She is from our town, and came when her grandmother could no longer care for her.  Yenni has noonan syndrome, which has physical and intellectual affects. She is nearly 18 and is one of the children who would move to the adult home when it opens.  Although she is 17, she is intellectually closer to a preschooler in speech and comprehension. Yenni is loud, joyful, in your space, and one odd cookie. She can be overwhelming to newcomers, but her presence is greatly missed when she is away.  

Yenni always wants another photo

Esther

Esther was abandoned without any information.  She has autism and is nonverbal, so her name and birthday were assigned by the courts.  She is said to be 5, but we are convinced she is a few years older than this. Esther has profound autism, so she often chooses to be outside, apart from the noise of the rest of the home.  She can be easily overstimulated, so at first iIt can be hard to know how to connect with her. Once you learn those connections however, she is a sweet and precious girl and you want nothing more than to find her smile!  

A fantastic smile

El centro de partos el pozo 

(Birthing Center)

El centro de partos el pozo recently received a much needed mini miracle!  A hand held ultrasound wand that attaches to an ipad, making it very transportable.  With this, Stephanie and Joy and the team can expand the quality of care they are giving mothers.  An ultrasound is so necessary for mothers coming. In the past we have had to send mothers for an ultrasound when we believed she had miscarried.  That meant sending her, alone, to learn this information, and process it. The ability to check such a simple thing is so very important! Also coming soon will be the training of a few local women who can work with our team on site.  

This portable ultrasound wand plugs right into any ipad

Showing a young mother har baby for the first time

Aliento feeding program

The feeding program continues to touch lives on an individual level.  The hearts in the Taryn and her team know that loving on each child is so much more than just feeding them.  They run and play, and paint nails, and braid hair, and talk and show simple, radical love to these kids. Each child is precious.  Each child is at risk. One recent dream is to help establish a presence in the schools to help teach the boys to be Godly men, and the girls to be Godly women.  This would transform his community where there are no positive male role models, and basic survival has been on skill in manipulation for generations. The love the team pours out shouts another way, another kind of love.  God is on the move.  

Last week Taryn and her team began a project where 10 well behaved kids get to paint a picture that will later be taken to the US, and sold to individuals who wish to help support the program, and pray for specific children as well.  The kids were very excited, and this is an opportunity for them to be involved and have ownership in the program.   

Josh is ready for the kids, and getting sime baby time while waiting
(Yes, that is Mirko!)

First set of artists

The kids surprised the team a few times by setting up the massive tent ontheir own!
(Photo credit: my thumb!  I am not a photographer!!)

Rural village ministry

Our rural village ministry team continues to give out long hours to serve families in their homes.  This month I had the privilege to travel out with some of the guys and visit families I had regularly seen when I first came. I had not seen them for 2 years.  I met new families, but also saw just how many children have died, and we no longer get to visit. As always, the love in these visits was humbling. These are precious kids that the world discards.  When we show interest in loving them, this resonates with a family who loves them alone, without the community support of their neighbors. This kind of love is deep and strong, and an open door to the love of God.  

The road

New friends

Personal

Thanksgiving is always a conflicting time living far from my family.  I know they get together and I don’t get to see it, and I know that my nieces and nephews are growing by leaps and bounds and I miss that too.  However, being involved with our kids here is a blessing beyond words. I love getting to share in their lives. It’s hard to think of a thanksgiving without a million kids around!  

Thanksgiving day parade

Turky time!

Prayer

Please continue in prayer for the kids and workers are hogar de la esperanza across the board. Pray for the women coming to the birthing center, that they may find love and hope. Pray for the children in Acietuno, that they may learn a way of truth and love that is different from the world they see around them. Pray for the village team that they may continue to share the love of Jesus with every word spoken.