Dear Friends and Family,
To begin with, I would like to thank all of you that were praying for me and Dulce Refugio, it was what carried us through the many challenges we have faced in the past couple of weeks. But, we continue to see His hand at work and learn to be still as we wait on Him, walk in faith, and fight out the battles that come our way… all at the same time! But, mainly just learning to stay calm and watch Him at work!! =)
“Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today…The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.” Exodus 14:13-14
So… Ready or not, on the 23rd of February we had our big event that consisted of a Nutritional “charla” (educational talk) and
handing out school kits to all the children and parents that came in representation of their children.
Previous to the event we had the tremendous challenge of trying to find donations of school supplies. I had a volunteer that began the whole process but half way through, she left me hanging due to personal issues and so I had to take on another task on top of trying to keep the everyday show running and planning out the whole event.
But, I thank God for the team that He has given me this year;
Adela (counselor) and
Ana (social worker) were great at helping me carry out all the pre, during and post activities along with some great, very helpful volunteers that came for the day!
We didn’t get very many donations but we were able to put a nice package together with what was left from last year and added some basic materials we bought. The aim was to at least provide the basics for them to be able to begin their studies and that was accomplished. Along with the school kit we had also prepared a great snack pack consisting of fruit, juice, crackers and cookies. This was made to go along with the nutritional talk where they learnt about healthy eating habits.
About 50 kids showed up with around 50-60 parents and it turned out to be perfect according to the snacks and school kits we had prepared. We had a nutritionist come and teach the kids and parents very basic, handy eating
habits and food facts. She had a great power point and even brought healthy baked soy snacks!
After the nutritional “charla”, we had a quiz to see what the kids had learnt and also to hand out some beautiful prizes. From there the mothers and kids lined up to get their school kits and snack packs. We have each parent sign for their school kit so that we know who was there and register everything in their charts where we write down everything we give to each child.
All in all, the event turned out great but for me personally it was a new challenge to know how to do an event without my usual right-hand helper/friend, Ani. We started Dulce Refugio together but she left this year to attend discipleship training in YWAM Brazil. It has definitely been an added challenge for me to work without her this year and has also really been stretching me so much more in my leadership role in Dulce Refugio. Learning to see each person as an individual and having to discover the strengths of each one and work off of that as well as transmitting the vision and passion to them so that they can walk alongside the ministry as it continues to take form and grow.
Please pray that I may have wisdom in know how to transmit and guide us as a team to discover that vision that God has placed among us. It is not my vision alone nor does the work or the results depend on me… It all belongs to Him, I am just here as an instrument to be used where and however He wills.
2 important events:
Numero uno: On the 28th of February to the 1st of March (a holiday), I had a
Dulce Refugio girls sleep over at my house! We had 8 girls come out and it we had a blast! We baked cookies, did manicures and pedicures, made personal pizzas which took forever to bake, watched movies, hung out, had a pillow fight, and talked a ton (of course!). It was a great opportunity for the girls to get to know each other better and make new friends. Most importantly, Ana and I were able to share about Jesus during a great devotional time in the morning. I felt very strongly that I needed to speak to them directly about the area of purity in the way they act, dress and seek/develop friendships with boys (considering the fact that I see 14 year-old moms coming into my office already with HIV!!). Afterwards we had a wonderful breakfast and then took them all to the bus stop to head home!
Pray that the seeds planted in their hearts will continue to be nourished and take root as the girls face many challenges as young people.
Numero dos:
Yet another step of faith has been taken, I will be a student once again!! I will be starting in Psychology on Wednesday, the 10th of March in a university not too far away from Alto Refugio. They have a strong emphasis in the social area which is what really interests me. I know that it will be a blessing to the work and development of Dulce Refugio and who knows where God will take me from there!
Pray that I will find the strength, energy and intelligence to take on yet another activity for this year! And that I may continue to trust in His providence and guidance in every area of my life!
Once again.. I want to thank each and every one of you for so many responses to my prayer requests, for supporting me financially and for believing in what God is doing here and encouraging me with your comments, letters, and words! It means so much to me and I can really feel your prayers carrying me on… it is all by His grace!
1
Job 22:21-25 (New Living Translation)