I am blessed
January 12, 2010
Buenas Dias! Today is another beautiful morning in Juarez! The sun is out and the sky is clear — just a reminder of how big God is.
Yesterday was probably one of the warmest days since being here. It got up to the 60′s out in the sun. I was feeling quite ambitious and decided to wear shorts. I think I just wanted to take pictures so I could rub it in my friends faces…
The family! Some were colder than others...
Yesterday we helped with snack again, but this time the kids came to us. Because it was so nice outside, the kids were able to run around outside for a while. It was fun to interact with the kids for a bit. I also was able to talk to one of the dorm mothers (or they call them “hermana,” which is “sister” in Spanish) while passing out the snack. Her name is Andrea, and she has been working at the home for almost two years. I asked her if it was hard not to have favorites, but she said that every kids has their strengths and weaknesses. I already have my “favorites” and ones that annoy me more. It’s hard not to treat those kids differently. But I have to keep reminding myself that God doesn’t have favorites and that He loves us all equally. I am praying that the way I treat the kids will reflect the love and compassion Christ has for us.
Andrea (she works with the girls)
Passing out the snack for the day -- Jicama (with chile powder of course)
Alex hovering over the food
Aaron -- he helps oversee the maintenance of the school and home. Dad and Aaron have become best friends.
We have been given some games for the kids, and they have loved playing them. Dominos, UNO, and pick-up-sticks have been their favorites. This can sometimes result in quarrels, but more laughs than tears are a result from playing with them. Whenever the girls have downtime, I can expect to be mobbed with girls asking to play a game.
Playing a quick game of dominos before school starts.
The next two weeks I’ll be here, will be mostly aimed toward building relationships with the kids. I have been doing that already since being here, but there will be more of an emphasis on this component. With talking to some of the other staff, they have said that it sometimes takes a while for the girls to open up to you. I am praying that I will gain their trust, so they would feel comfortable to come to me with anything.
My new friend!
Some of the girls teaching my mom Spanish
Please pray that my transition to being here by myself will go smoothly and that I would rely solely on Christ for my support and strength. I can see myself becoming quite lonely, so pray that I find my comfort in the Lord.
Pray that the rest of my family gets home safely (they leave tomorrow at 3 p.m.) and have no complications.
We heard a pastor pray for his meal today, and he was asking that he would return His blessings back to the Lord. I also want this to be a reality in my life – and boy do I feel blessed beyond compare!
Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
