Thursday, July 30, 2009

Guatemala

I've been holding off posting for a while because honestly, I don't know how to put the experience of Casa Bernabe into words. As my husband would most likely say though, "You'll sure try." So...It was beyond wonderful. God exceeded my expectations in ways that are truly indescribable. There were no huge, mind-blowing happenings, but it was a continual run of God doing amazing things through small experiences and low whispers. The team I was with was incredible. Honestly, you just could see the Lord radiating from them in everything they did from playing with the kids, cleaning the toilets, caring for sick members, doing the dishes, using the machetes and pick-axes in the garden, everything. The baby house, Casa Angelitos, was everything I expected it to be and then some. The house mother was wonderful. I seriously can't imagine caring for 20 infants, age 0-2, day in and day out. Wow. What a servant's heart. The babies were just wonderful. I loved walking in each day, touching each one, saying Hola Baby, and cuddling one or two. (or changing diapers :-) There are so many things to write about, but I can't sort my thoughts, so I'll just say that God is definitely in that place. You could sense the protective bubble around the orphanage. Jim and I were not ready to come home. We actually wanted to send for Cole and Jules, and of course our babies. We will definitely be heading back for a visit in the future as a family. Thanking God for allowing us the opportunity to go.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Training and Guatemala

Two exciting announcements: Our "referral and travel" training is set for July 22, and we are leaving for Guatemala. We will be staying at an orphanage in Guatemala for the next week. It seems so surreal to be going to CB. This is where it all began, Gabriel, orphan ministry, the adoption of our babies. I wish I could find words to express some of the emotions. For now, I'll just stand amazed at God's perfect love.

Today we remember the birthmothers and birthfathers of the precious children we will meet. The following is Jason Upton's, "Father to the Fatherless" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JY116kAu1g

"You will make known to me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever."
~Psalm 16:11

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Proverbs 31:8-9

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly;  defend the rights of the poor and needy.