No Regrets

I am learning more and more how much we are prone to do things in our own strength. Yes, even very good things, noble things, things that maybe no one else is willing to do. I am also learning that we can to things in the strength that God provides. Yes, good things, noble things, things that maybe no one else is willing to do.

I am learning more and more what it looks like to live by my own convictions and living by another persons' convictions. The second doesn't work very well either. Neither does trying to get someone else to live by my convictions.

Coming to Mexico has taught me a lot about my self. Good and bad. Strengths and weaknesses. I've learned to let go of quite a bit of frustration when things don't go as planned. Every situation is becoming a divine appointment, opportunity, or learning experience. I used to say "God's delays are not always His denials." Now, I would be more prone to say, "God's delays might be to slow me down so that I don't miss different opportunities He has for me on the way to the next thing." For instance, many times, due to things beyond my control, I might be running late to "the next thing" and on the way to "the next thing" someone from the orphanage is walking home because they don't own a car. In the states I would have thought to myself, "I'm already late. I'll have to help them next time." Here in Mexico, I think, "I'm already late, might as well give them a ride."

God is definitely leading me and guiding me on this faith journey in Mexico. I already knew that I was shaped to serve, but now I'm learning how I'm shaped to serve. I've always loved to be an encourager. It seems that here in Mexico, there is such a need for an encouragement. It is amazing how far a smile, a hug or an encouraging word goes here. I'm learning not to underestimate the power of encouragement.

I already wonder how it will be if and when I return to live in the states. I picture it being a very difficult transition. Here in Mexico, it seems that people drop everything to help someone or just to talk to someone. In the states it feels like you have to make an appointment to talk with a friend.

Yes, I'm learning a lot about myself. I'm learning what motivates me and what doesn't. I'm learning how much of what I think is because of my American mind set and how much is because of my Spiritual mind set. What does God think vs. what will people think. What matters more to me, what God thinks or what people think?

All in all, I still have to say that I have not regretted any part of my decision to come here to Door of Faith. I can't think of one time that I thought I had made a mistake. It feels so right being here and yet strange to think that I am actually here, serving in an orphanage. It's the life I want to live. By God's grace, I want to live a life with no regrets.

Jesus Update

Our recent addition to the family, Jesus, is doing great. By taking him off sugar and sending him to school with a healthy snack, he has been able to tolerate staying in class. I also tried something that was recommend by some trusted friends with experience. I give Jesus a small amount of coffee with no sugar. The caffeine has the reverse affect on the little guy. He's much calmer and less impulsive. It seems to be the ticket for successful behavior in school. I know this because the one day that Jesus dumped his coffee in the sink without me knowing, it was reported that he was in and out of his seat, taking things out of the desks of other students and singing worship songs from church at the top of his lungs!

Once we got him to stay in the classroom, our next step was to get him to do his work in class. Although we had managed to help him with his behavioral issues, there was still the issue of doing his work in class. I quickly learned that Jesus did not know his alphabet, or numbers. They were hit and miss and had very little significance. So, I started printing out papers off the internet to help him learn to write his letters and I also found some great games on the internet to practice the alphabet and numbers. I noticed how quickly he responded to praise and made him a chart of chores and responsibilities. Whenever he completed something I put a corresponding sticker on his chart. At the end of the week, if he had enough stickers he got a prize.

Another big change for Jesus has been regarding his ears. I'm not sure of the reason, but Jesus has had tubes put in his ears and he has at least one if not two perforated eardrums. Because of this condition, he has never been allowed to go in swimming pools.

On Easter Sunday, there was a water baptism at community pools down the road. Before and after the baptism many children were swimming in the pool. I was told that Jesus was not even allowed to sit on the steps of the pool because they didn't want to risk water going into his ears. Apparently when water gets in his ears it causes and infection and it's quite an ordeal.

After walking, talking, eating, playing with a soccer ball and hanging out with as many adults possible, while at the pool, I decided we should go back to the orphanage. I felt so bad for Jesus having watch so many children playing all afternoon in the water and he was the only one not allowed to go in. It broke my heart that he could enjoy the water, so I began to investigate.

One of my friends that runs a clinic down here told me about some special ear plugs and head band that Jesus could wear that would keep the water out of his ears. For hardly any money, I was able to order the ear plugs and head band for Jesus. When they arrived he quickly asked for a bath so that he could try them out. The timing of their arrival is what's special to me. Tomorrow, we are having a special celebration at a pool. Tomorrow will be Jesus' first time in the water...well at least first time with permission in the water.

In just a few weeks, Jesus has gone from "Gitano" (Gypsy); from trouble maker to helper; from taking off, coming and going as he pleased, to asking for permission to go places. He will still tell you that he doesn't like school, but I have a feeling as soon as he's able to participate in reading and understanding the lessons that will change.

Jesus is in the House!

Recently, our lives at the orphanage have had a lot of changes. Let me back up a little. About a week before Easter a new volunteer came to stay here at DOFO. With the expectation of her arrival and wanting her to have a roommate, the housing accommodations changed.

I had always preferred a different house on the property for many reasons, but one of them being that it was a better fit for what I wanted to do with the kids in the orphanage. It has a porch in front for having the kids over, plus it is in the immediate area of the other dorms and it makes it easier for the kids to come and go with supervision. So, we moved into the "Yellow house" in back and two of of volunteers moved to our previous home. This was change number one.

Change number two was a something I had dreamed of doing, but it was not something that was normally allowed down here. After only being her about six months, we were asked if we would take in a little six year old boy, Jesus. Jesus was in great need of extra attention that is hard to provide with eight or nine other boys living in the same house. He has become my little shadow and does great with one on one attention, but struggles making good choices when his little ears and eyes are overloaded with attraction. School is difficult for Jesus for the same reasons.

About two weeks ago, Jesus moved in to our house. He sleeps in the bunk above me. He is settling in just find. Besides the joy of loving on another kid through hugs, encouragement and guidance, I have also lost a few pounds trying to keep up with all his energy! We have been working on changing his diet and seen significant changes in his behavior. It's amazing what giving value and worth to someone can do. I'm learning to tell him in Spanish that he is precious to me and to God. I'm reading him Bible stories in the Spanish Children's Bible I have. But what is most precious to me about this little boy is that he loves to sing praises to God in Spanish at the top of his lungs! If you know me very well, I love to do the very same thing but in English; singing praises to God at the top of my lungs!

6 months

In 3 days it will mark the 6 month mark for our family being here in La Mision, Mexico serving at Door of Faith Orphanage. I have learned so much in 6 months. Some things that I've learned are too difficult for me to find the words, but it has all been good.

I feel a little bit like Paul in Philippians when he talks about being content in everything, but perhaps the verse that best describes me right now is "And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19 Because God has taken such great care of me I am confident that He will take care of my friends, family in the states as well as my new friends and family in Mexico.

I have learned and experienced things that I really didn't think were going to be a part of my adventure down here. For instance, I've learned that it is possible to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speak to my heart even though I am surrounded with people praying or speaking in Spanish.

I've also learned how important it is to encourage missionaries. I have been amazed how far a simply word of encouragement goes here. Missionaries need to know that they're being prayed for, held accountable, and called every now and then. (Or at least emailed.) Some serve without support from others. Others serve with all they have until it runs out. Some serve even though great difficulty is going on back home.

I think of all the missionaries here, I am one of the most supported. I know that people "have my back" in prayer. All that support allows me to encourage others.

Last but not least, I've learned that unless you have a strong walk with Jesus, love His Word and His Church, you will not last very long in a foreign land. You need the fellowship of others and fellowship with Jesus. You need to humble yourself everyday and remember that you came to serve and not be served.