Brain Blog

What a day. Started with news that DIF responded right away that they did not recieve faxes. So Gladney sent both request letters e-mail. We are thankful that Sonia got right back with them. Now we pray that she will e-mail the letter back tomorrow or that I can pick it up..We shall see. We went out to the old orphanage with lasagna to eat with Mari and Marina and the family that they stay with. It was bitter sweet my first visit there. Old memories coming back of all the good. Memories of my involvement before the orphanage was even moved out there. Long before the last director..Seeing all the work that all the groups including our church just sitting there wasting away because of politics and underhanded schemes..The reason Mari and Marina are there is the OWNER of the property has asked the family that Mari and Marina stay with to be there sometimes to cut down on theif. 70 whole pesos for 3 days work...Anyway, we went back again this time expecting to visit in the same way as the first..But to my surprise I had 5 very unexpected guest. The old cook,her 17 year old daughter, her 20 year old daughter and boyfriend and their baby of 5 months. I could tell right away that Anna, the Lady who was so kind as to take Mari and Marina in when there was no where for them to go,was uncomfortable. Didnt ask why..We made it thru this..Hearing all the new news of Lupe's daughters both being pregnant. Not married..But so is life here in Mexico with the culture. In the past Hap and I had always tried to help them when they worked for the orphanage but now with the cost of this adoption we do not have the funds to help....They were also other americans that helped with this family..But we can only do so much..Which brings me back to something that has been on my mind for a couple of weeks now..I have known personally 3 kids who turned 18 and were put out of the orphanage system. That is the rule. At 18 you can no longer stay. Out of all the organizations that come down here and fund orphanages and do outreaches,For many years, why hasnt someone thought about this throwing them out, unprepared to survive as adults in a very harsh world. I am going to do some research and see. I have already talked to a couple of people who do not know of any such organization here in Juarez. What a waste. They are all just thinking of the immmediate need of a place to be safe, food in your mouth,and teaching them of the lord..But what about turning 18 and being prepared to make it in this big world. Mari and Marina are two of them...PRAISE GOD for Anna and her husband who are christians and merciful and have kept them with them..Even tho 2 of their kids are living with Anna's mom some distance from here because her husband has been struggling to find work..The job problem is world wide..This couple pays rent at a place because all they own is a small piece of property with 2 rooms,and water. No electricity,no septic tank..They have found it in their hearts to keep these two sisters who have no one and no preparation in the orphanages that they were in growing up to learn a trade to survive..Thank GOD he has servents..But I have already been talking to one organization that says if this family is truly in need they would consider helping..I just have to dig and see. I feel a connection to Anna. I just have to pray and wait. I am thankful that GOD has opened my eyes again to the needs in Juarez that brought us here in the first place..THere is alot of work here in Juarez..Just have to find ways and people who will find it in their hearts to help..GOD wants us to take care of the poor and fatherless..Well welcome to Jaurez,,Take some time to pray..As little as 25 dollars a month goes along way to help support someone here..I can also put to gether work teams to come and help people in the colonias with really needs.I also know of a nonprofit who money can be sent to for specific causes here in Juarez. So much work , My own and what GOD lays on my heart...Now we wait for tomorrow,,and maybe word that the papers are ready or already sent..WE PRAY..
I love you Hap and look forward to you coming down and renewing you heart for the causes here. Maybe even our first vacation as a family with Sandra to Mexico City..What ever GOD gives us it is with joy and acceptance..Thank you for being the GODLY man that you are..Man,, Have we come along way of what in 30 years...PRAISE GOD...