Nueva Esperanza

2009-03-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

This past week we had an opportunity to hear about a ministry similar to ours but in Central Asia. I am going to leave out names and places in order to protect the missionaries who are serving there. They were able to share with us their experience in working with teenagers and we were able to learn about culture and the difficulties of sharing Jesus in places where it is against the law. We were able to pray for them and their teenage girls and they even taught us some dance moves. Please pray for their ministry as they are a living example of Christ to young women. We hope that we are able to share Christ via emails with their young women.

A few shots from church

2009-03-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

FUTBOL and Family Day

2009-03-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

We all went to cheer on some of the girls as they played with the girls from church. Afterwards we went to get elote and took a few of our friends too! We had a fun evening all together which doesn`t seem to happen these days with everyones commitments.

Pizza Party

2008-11-10T09:56:00.001-08:00

Jerson taking it all in

Waiting for the pizza.

Eli cutting onions and trying not to cry.

A happy Judith shreading cheese

Yes, Gerardo and Esmeralda rolling out a mean crust.

Feliz Cumpleanos Angie!

2008-11-10T09:45:00.000-08:00

On the 1st of November, we celebrated Angie's birthday. We took her to an adult play land where yes, adults pay less than kids to enter. It's basically a fun blow up play park for adults. Huge inflated slides, bouncy houses, obstical courses, jousting and so much more. We had a blast and all looked like we were 6 again running around the park without shoes on. It was a blast and such a fun way to spend the evening together. Afterwards we went to Wendy's to enjoy Angie's favorite food... French Fries. Happy Birthday Angie!!!! You are loved!

Sarai and Raul's Boda!

2008-11-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends Sarai and Raul got married 3 weeks ago and it was a great reason to get all dolled up. The girls had fun decorating their car and Angie and Rouss were asked to help out during the wedding. It was such a special evening and a beautiful wedding.

Claudia's Birthday

2008-10-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

Pirate, Belle, Cruella, Claudia

Claudia and Esme

A few weeks ago the girls and I planned a surprise movie costume party for Claudia. We had Indiana Jones, Cruella Devil, Pirates, cowboys and girls, and many other characters. Our local movie rental store donated the movie posters and we even had live music! We had fun bobbing for apples, eating doughnuts from a string, and watching Claudia's favorite movie in the garage. In this next month Angie, Gaby, and Esmeralda will celebrate their birthdays. What fun to have a party every other week. I as director decided from the beginning that each girl needed to have their own celebration. Here in the NE house, it is the first time for most of them to have a birthday celebration. Thank you for your support!

AMIGAS!!!!

2008-08-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

Pass It On......

2008-08-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

This past spring, the children´s ministry from First Pres. Greeley raised money by reading a chapter a day of the Bible. Different people sponsored them as they read and they raised over $1,000 dollars. The girls at Nueva Esperanza have coordinated a project for a nursing home here in Chihuahua and the funds collected will be used to provide some of their most basic needs. When I spoke to the director, Hermana Margarita (In first picture), I asked her what projects she needed accomplished. I was thinking of painting, cleaning, supplies. She looked at me and said "Sarah, what we need is food." It broke my heart thinking that these dear folks do not get a regular food donation that sustains them through the month. We have readjusted our project and on a monthly basis we take them food including fruits and vegetables and then we hang out with them. They love to have people to chat with and some play a mean game of dominoes! I am excited that this pass it on project is blessing so many people and of all generations. Thanks kids for your support and to those who contributed!

A Visit from Mom and Dad

2008-04-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

Going to the zoo
Dad entertaining Johny and Diyan
A walk in the Park
My parents meeting Gerardo's Family
Gerardo's family threw us a party with music and
dancing and all!!

Deck the House

2008-01-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

The girls and I had such a fun time decorating the house. Last year I had the house all decorated by the time they moved in. This year we all participated. Thanks to Jim and Elizabeth Gable, we had our very own 6 ft. Christmas tree! Enjoy the pics.

Day at the Park

2007-11-01T23:16:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday Mere, Mica, Jonathan, Angie, Viky, and I enjoyed the afternoon at the park. We ate lunch, played baseball, and went on the slide. The weather has been in the 80's still. We loved watching Jonathan's face as he went down the slide. We thought that he would be afraid, but he loved it!

Fall in COLORado

2007-10-29T14:56:00.000-07:00

Enjoying time with g-pa Taking in the beauty of colorado and good friends

I was able to go home for a very quick trip to Colorado at the beginning of October. It was so much fun to be with friends and family and attend Kyle and Jenn's wedding. Dev, Ash, and I hadn't been all together for over a year. I also enjoyed seeing so many of you at church and spending time with my grandpa. What fun memories!!

FAMILIA!!

2007-10-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Here is an updated pic of the Nueva
Esperanza Family! Claudia, our newest
member to our family is holding little
Jonathan. Mica, our staff worker is on the bottom
left. The girls are all staying very busy with
school and youth group events. Thank you again
for all of your prayers and support!

Trip to Guerrero

2007-10-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

At the end of September we were able to escape Chihuahua

with 35-40 friends of ours to visit an apple orchard in Guerrero. Guerrero is a small pueblo about 2 hours from Chihuahua. We went downtown to the apple festival where we enjoyed live music, tempting food, shopping, and friends. We bought 20 kilos of Golden Delicious Apples and we finished them off in a week and a half. The little guy is Johnathan, Mica's (staff worker for Nueva Esperanza) son. The girls really enjoy going to new places and we hope to do it again soon! HAPPY FALL!!!

Elementary Graduation

2007-07-29T20:55:00.000-07:00

Every year, the Greeley folks make it a point to celebrate and attend the kid's graduations from the orphanage. This year, 3 kids graduated from the elementary school: Alex, Lupita, and Jorge Luis. Jorge Luis asked me to walk with him as he received his diploma which was an honor! I have known him since he was in 1st grade and I am pleased to see him have motivation to continue on in school. Afterwards, we took them out to Pizza Hut to celebrate their accomplishments. What fun!

90 kids and 3 pools.....

2007-07-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

At the end of June, we had visitors from Greeley. The Trulls, Gary Casseday, and Sam Leeper came to visit us and the kids from the orphanage. Mid-week, they took the kids swimming which was a blast and a much needed break from the heat. The kids keep asking when we will go back again. The man who owns the swimming pool let us all swim for free!!

Santa Rita Fair

2007-07-29T20:41:00.000-07:00

Chihuahua has a large fair that comes every summer and the girls and I had never been. We went late one night with our friends and enjoyed walking around and riding some rides.

Get-A-Way to Copper Canyon

2007-07-29T20:32:00.000-07:00

Finally... I much needed update. This summer has flown by, but I would love to catch you up on on what we have been doing. In early June, our friends Rafa, Emily, Joseph, Juan, Dorthy, and Erika (and us 6 gals) went up to see the Copper Canyon. The girls had never seen it so it was a treat for them. We stayed in a cabin, ate smores, hiked to a waterfall, had a picnic lunch, and enjoyed buying artisan goods from the natives. It was a special time with friends before many of them left for the summer.

A Trip to Greeley....

2007-06-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and mom Fernando

Devon and Sarah Karen and I @ Roma

Church

At the end of May, I was able to go home and visit family and friends. Fidel and Mariana (orphanage directors) also came up to visit our church and friends. I was able to attend Fernando Trull's high school graduation, speak at church, visit family and friends, and be spoiled by mom and dad. It was so good to be home and I was so encouraged by many of you!

My friend Mica, came to stay with the girls and they were spoiled by her as well. She is an amazing cook, and she made some amazing meals. She worked at the orphage where the girls lived for over 3 years, so the girls loved spending time with her. It was such a blessing to know that the girls were in safe hands!

Boys Day Out

2007-06-16T14:56:00.000-07:00

We brought Clemente, Jose Luis, Juan and Alex
to church with us and then we went out the Rancho Siloe (New Tribes mission training center) to have lunch and play.

Jose Luis, Juan and Alex feeding the sheep.

We enjoyed spending time with one another and walk out in the country and a nice down pour!

SWIMMING!!!

2007-05-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

The girls had the day of school on Tuesday because it was day of the teacher. They celebrate it here and the teachers don't have to work!! We decided to go swimming and it was a beautiful day to go! We were the only ones at the pool for about an hour. It was relaxing and the girls surprised me with a cake since I am a teacher! How sweet it was! We hope to do this throughout the summer and I think we will have to, to make it through the summer!

Last Game of the Season

2007-05-19T11:27:00.000-07:00

It has been such a wonderful experience for Rose to be able to play on a girl's soccer team this past semester. She has been so faithful in attending practices, going to games, working out on off days, and learning some English as most of the player's native language is English. We have enjoyed watching her play and cheering her on. She had her last game of the season last Thursday. She hopes to play again this fall.

An Evening at Calicantos

2007-05-19T11:17:00.001-07:00

Last Friday night we went to an outdoor cafe. They have live music and we went with our friends Dorthy and Juan, Emily and her sister Molly, and Gerardo. We had a great time enjoying the nice weather, the company, and a comical musician name, Jamin.

Operation Go-Go

2007-05-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, Angie and Viki decided that Dodo our turtle was lonely and needed a friend so they bought Go-Go. Last week, Viki took the turtles outside to roam around in the hot Chihuahua sun. I walked past the tank a few hours later and the turtles were not inside. I asked Viki where the turtles were and she screamed and ran outside to our front lawn. The turtles were no where to be found. After searching for a while, Viki found Dodo under a rock. Go-Go was never found even after looking desperately for him even at 12:00 in the a.m. Here are some pics of the girls looking for their lost Go-Go. A sad day in the NE house!

Los Amayas

2007-05-19T10:05:00.000-07:00

Rafa, Jose Amaya, Gerardo
Yummy popusasa and pico de gallo
Gerson (in green), Dina, Rossy, Rose, Walter, Angie, Ariel
Viky and Dona cooking!

We met the Amayas through our friend Gerardo. They have just graduated from the new Tribes Mission Training Institute. They are from Honduras and have 5 children. They are planning to return to Honduras to serve in a tribe. We had the opportnity to hear how the Lord has provided for them in so many ways. They are a close-knit family whose faith in the Lord is so evident. We had them over for lunch a few weeks ago along with our friends Rafa and Gerardo. Mrs. Amaya made an amazing Honduran feast and we all went to the park to play afterwards. What a blessing they have been to our lives and their faith in the Lord is such an encouragement. We hope to spend more time with them before they return to Honduras in August.

Youth Camp

2007-04-20T07:02:00.000-07:00

3 weeks ago, the girls went to church camp. Over 80 youth and leaders went and the girls absolutly loved their time at camp. They were able to get to know more kids froum youth group and meet new kids from a different church. They divided the youth into teams and had competitions. It is still a topic of conversation around the house and they can't wait to go again!

Our Sunday with the boys

2007-04-18T14:27:00.000-07:00

(Buying Ice Cream)
(The whole group)
(Jose Luis, Esmeralda, Clemente)
(Sarah and Daniel)

This Sunday we picked up Esmeralda's brothers and two other boys from the orphange. We went to church and then had lunch together. We went to Rosenda's soccer game and then went to our favorite park to play soccer and basketball. The boys loved being outside of the orphange walls and we loved hanging out with them. What a good time it was to be with family! The boys truly are like little brothers to the girls. We hope to do this more often with them!

A house FULL of friends

2007-04-18T14:15:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday the girls invited all of the kids from youth group over to our house for dinner. About 40-50 kids came over to hang out. We enjoyed getting to know them better, played soccer, and ate. What a blessing it is to be able to share out home with others!

Our Family has Grown by Three!

2007-04-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

This week while the girls were on vacation, we stopped by a pet store near our house. We walked out with a Japanese Turtle named Dodo, and two betas named Lilo and Stich. They have been a great new addition to our house and the girls love taking care of them!

A Much Needed Visit from Mom and Dad!

2007-04-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

My parents came down last week and spent 3 days here in Chihuahua. The girls loved getting to know them and my parents loved meeting the girls. They had the girl's names all memorized before the arrived. We were blessed by their generosity! We shopped, went bowling (a first for the girls), visited the orphanage, went to the caves here in Chihuahua, and went downtown. On Thursday- Saturday, the girls went to youth camp and I was able to go to El Paso with mom and dad and have them to myself for 2 days! What a needed break it was and such good family time! Thanks Mom and Dad!! We love you and miss you!!

Our trip to the sierra

2007-03-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

This Saturday we went to the mountains with our friends Rafa, Gerardo and Hermano Jimenez. Hermano Jimenez goes to the sierra almost every weekend to minister to people who live in remote places. We had the opportunity to go to a small pueblo Santa Rosa to help with children's ministry. The girls were in charge of teaching the kids, singing songs with them, playing games, and giving them fruit. They did a great job talking with the kids and interacting with them. They shared the story Daniel in the Lion's Den with the children and taught them new songs. We all were amazed by how the people in Santa Rosa live. They have a simple life in that the live off the land, make their own materials to construct their homes, and live with the bare essentials. It was fun to sit back and watch the girls love the children of Santa Rosa and teach them the Bible. We all walked away very thankful and appreciative for what the Lord has blessed us with. We hope to be able to return and encourage the people of Santa Rosa and Cineguita. What a blessed time it was to serve Him and be in the middle of His creation! There are more posts below of our trip, so be sure to check them out!

River Walk...

2007-03-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

Morning Hike

2007-03-19T18:08:00.000-07:00

We woke up at 6:00 on Sunday morning to go on a hike. How beautiful His creation is. The girls had fun exploring and taking pictures. We found a water hole and were able to rinse our hair and wash our faces. It was fun to explore and see the sun rise over Cineguita.

Cineguita

2007-03-19T17:43:00.000-07:00

We stayed at a camp in this small town called Cineguita. We were going to have a church service on Sunday, but there was a town meeting that most of the towns people went to. We were able to give some fruit to those who didn't go to the town meeting. We hope to return every now and then to continue to help with children's ministry. It was only about 2 hours from Chihuahua.

2007-03-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

This is a group shot of those of us who went to Cineguita.
Angela and Esmeralda learned how to ride a horse for the first time

Victor lives in Cineguita and taught the girls how to ride bare back

A tired bunch!

Youth Group!!

2007-03-15T18:06:00.000-07:00

What a blessing it has been for the girls to attend youth group. They are meeting a lot of new friends and are getting involved. Their youth group has made burritos and taken them to a hospital, and in April, they will be going to camp.

Sarai, Sarai, y Sarah

Praising the Lord

A Fine Dinner

2007-03-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

(David, Sofia, Viki, Gary)

Our friend Viki invited us over to her house last Friday for an elegant dinner. The weather was so nice, we ate outside on her porch. We ate on fine china, and her husband Gary, grilled hamburgers. Afterwards we enjoyed chatting and the girls learned how to play croquet. Their back yard made for an interesting game. The girls had to hit their ball over a small river, up and over a bridge, and down a set of stairs. It was great fun! We appreciate their hospitality and friendship!

Girls getting Involved

2007-03-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

Angela and Victoria competing in color guard.

The gym was very dark, so they didn't turn out so well.

Rose (in red) is playing on a soccer team with the girls from the New Tribes Mission School.

Feliz Dia de Familia

2007-03-06T17:27:00.000-08:00

This Sunday was Family Day here in Chihuahua. Our family of 6 went to an amusement park that was open to the public for free. We didn't have much time to ride rides, but some of the girls waited in line for 35 minutes to ride one. The park was PACKED! It was fun to get out and enjoy the weather and each other. Afterwards we went to a youth event at church. It was a movie night that the youth put on to raise funds. We watched a movie and ate popcorn and nachos. I am so glad that they are involved and having fun! Enjoy! Can you find 4 girls on the ride? Hint, one of them is bent over like she is about to loose it:)

2007-03-02T22:10:00.000-08:00

I took this picture out at the orphanage. I don't have words to really put with it. I think it says enough on it's own!

A Furnished Home!

2007-03-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the many of you who sent down items with Gary, John, and Dave. It was like Christmas all over again! We unloaded the furniture while the girls were at school and they were so surprised when they came home! I am so glad that our house is a home now. The same day we unloaded the furniture, we had visitors for Eduventure. They came to see how the Lord started this ministry and had many great questions to ask. They also prayed for us and it was great getting to spend time with them. It too was fun to have visitors from home. The girls had a great time with the guys as did I. It was a short visit, but very worth while. Thanks again for your willingness to share your home items with us!

xoxox Happy Valentine's Day! xoxoxox

2007-02-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

Friday evening we got out all of my scrap booking stuff and made Valentine cards. The girls are so creative and had fun doing it! Their cards turned out great and they will have fun giving them out at school today! Feliz Dia de Amor y Amistad!

The Brick Yard

2007-02-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

We have a friend who has been involved in a ministry here in Chihuahua for over 4 years. She does community life development classes and a Bible club for adults and children who live and work in a brick yard. Most of their homes are made of cardboard or anything that they can accumulate to construct their house. Most of the families are all involved in making the bricks including the women and children. The process is quite fascinating to watch. Unfortunately, the companies who buy the bricks from them, only pay one peso per brick which is one penny. Due to them not getting a good price for their bricks, they live in poverty. There is little to no government assistance. They have no electricity, and are now having to pay for water, taxes on their land and the materials to make the bricks.

We went out on Saturday and the girls jumped right into helping out. They went through the entire colony inviting people to the Community Development class. They also played with the children and loved on them. The community life class this week focused the food pyramid and how to eat healthy, even on a low income. Those who attend earn points so they can buy things with their points and a bag of basic food items that we put together. The things that they bought with their points included, towels, soap, plates, forks, pans, cups. Basically, house hold items that they need. We are looking forward to partnering with Allison in this ministry every other Saturday. Please pray for the people at the brick yard that they would be open to the gospel. I didn't take pictures out there, but these are the food items that each family received.

Enjoying the Weather and Soccer

2007-02-14T05:39:00.000-08:00

We have enjoyed watching out friends play soccer for a city league here in Chihuahua. They made it to the finals and got 2nd place this past Sunday! They lost in a shoot out:( The weather had been so enjoyable too.

Super Bowl Sunday

2007-02-14T05:28:00.000-08:00

We were invited to church to watch the Super Bowl on the 'big screen.' The girls had never watched the Super Bowl and didn't know what to expect. Let's say it was uneventful and most of them got bored. It was fun to hang out with friends from church though.

Too Many Blessings to Count!

2007-02-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

A women's group from Colonial Presbyterian Church in Kansas City sent us shoe boxes for Christmas filled with fun and useful

goodies. The girl's walked in the house and saw presents under the tree and said "Are those for us?" What fun it was to open gifts on Christmas morning!

A girl's group in San Antonio, Texas made us this cross as a house warming gift. In the middle it says "God takes broken pieces and by his love makes us whole." When you walk in the front door, this is what you see!

A missionary pilot, Dennis, and his brother-in-law, Archie designed and made the bunk beds for the girls. They are very sturdy and big. They will be a blessing to the ministry for many girls!

Fun at the orphanage

2007-02-02T14:40:00.000-08:00

We try to make it out to visit our friends and siblings at the orphanage every other week. I am so proud of the girls in how they interact with the kids at the orphanage. They are so encouraging to them. I find them helping kids with homework, helping the staff in the kitchen, playing with the kids, and sharing life with them. It brings me great joy to see them interact with their friends. Aren't they beautiful?

Girls looking good with glasses

2007-02-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

Two girls got glasses this week! For one, it was the first time she has had glasses and she really needed them. We got them a few days before they went back to school and they said they can really tell a difference in reading the chalkboard. Thank you for your support and for providing for these young women! I think they look great!

Our 4th Snow this Winter! * * * *** *

2007-01-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

This morning we woke up to SNOW!! This is the 4th time it has snowed, and it is such a rare sight. A few of the girls ventured out this morning to take some pictures. School was canceled! Yes, it barely snowed, and school was canceled. Enjoy the pics!

*Happy Birthday Vicky!**

2007-01-25T11:41:00.000-08:00

This Monday was Vicky's birthday. The whole day we were really laid back about it and she was beginning to think that we had forgotten that it was her birthday. We ended up surprising her with a surprise dinner at Ricky's Tacos. She thought we had stopped at Ricky's to ask for directions, and instead we started singing Happy Birthday to her. She was surprised! We also bought her a cute outfit. We then went home and surprised her with a tres leches cake. It was fun to celebrate her 17 years of life! We are all excited to see how the Lord continues to bless her and take care of her!! Happy Birthday Vicky!!!

A Chihuahuan Blizzard!

2007-01-16T21:42:00.001-08:00

You Coloradoans must be sending the love to us here in Chihuahua. Today it snowed... liked really snowed. Not 3 feet, but it did collect on the grass. We spent the afternoon by the fire playing games and drinking hot chocolate. The Cano family and Emily stopped by as they were out enjoying this rare occurrence. Enjoy the pics!

Happy New Year -*~

2007-01-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Happy 2007!!! We look forward to the great ways that the Lord is going to work this year! Blessings on you and your family.

Feliz Navidad!

2007-01-06T21:52:00.000-08:00

A Night on the Town

2007-01-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

Chihuahua goes all out for Christmas. Downtown Chihuahua has lights strung from the buildings and huge decorations that are lit up. Before the girls moved in, I was able to go out with some of my new friends. It is such a blessing to have girls my age here in town. From left to right: Dorthy, Emily, and Erika.

Tour of the House!!

2007-01-06T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Lord has blessed us with a beautiful home in a great area of town. It is in great shape and the landlord lowered the price significantly. The home is near many of my friends and has 3 parks within a few blocks. The girl's school is about 3 minutes walking distance from the house.
Living room

Kitchen Dinning Room

Christmas Party

2007-01-06T20:43:00.000-08:00

On the 15th of December, we were invited to a Christmas party by a girl's Bible Study group.

They fixed us dinner, we sang, played games, and they surprised us with gifts. It was great for the girls to get to know other girls their age. Come to find out, most of them live in the same neighborhood that we do! We look forward to many more fun girl's nights.

An Update... FINALLY!!!

2006-12-13T11:44:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am here in Mexico! Things have been going well since I have arrived. The Lord is confirming every day His will for this ministry. The 5 girls that have been selected, are so excited to move into the house. Speaking of house... the Lord has provided a beautiful home for the girls to live in! I will post pics once the girls are in the house. I hope to have them moved in right before Christmas. I will get keys to the home tomorrow and will start the move in process on Friday.
Please pray for the following:
- Furniture for the home (sofa, chairs, desks)
- I may have to have a minor surgery on a cyst here in the next week.
- Transitioning the girls from the orphanage to the home.
- For a lawyer to help with documents

Thanks friends!!!

De/part/ing

2006-11-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

(Above) Jane, Caleb, and me in Estes Park Friends from Cameron

Muffin Group

I can't believe that the time has come to head down and embark on this journey. I have been amazed the past few weeks by the encouragement of friends and family. All I can say, is that I am blessed to be surrounded by a community of people who care and love me. I think that is why it is hard to leave... Don't get me wrong, I am so looking forward to diving into this ministry and getting it going. Thank you for your emails, phone calls, visits, prayers, send off gatherings, and most of all, your friendship. May you be blessed abundantly and grow in Him who never leaves of forsakes you.

Home again, Home again

2006-09-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

I had a great time in Chihuahua and it made living there full time more of a reality. I was so blessed to see how the Lord brought people around me to encourage me, invite me into their homes, give their approval, and join in the ministry. Some of the highlights of the trip were: getting to Mexico safely and enjoying the green beauty in the desert. Taking the girls out to buy their uniforms and celebrate their graduation from Jr. High school. While we were out we got stuck in a down pour. (See pic above). Spending time with Claudia and Ana who have transitioned out of the orphanage and are continuing their University and High School studies. (Middle pic). Meeting with Social Services and getting their favor and approval. Seeing the kids at the orphanage and their excitement to start school with their new backpacks and school supplies! Meeting Melanie, an already good friend who is getting her masters in Christian Counseling. She will be mentoring and praying with me regularly and helping me with group and individual counseling for the girls. Finding an incredible staff worker who will work alongside me in the house 4 days a week. She loves the girls and already knows them. Knowing that the next time I am in Chihuahua will probably be going to open the home and move the girls in! Thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement! It means so much. Here are some things you can be praying about. That support will continue to come in so that we can get started. Continual prayer for the girls are they are anticipating transitioning out of the orphanage. Finding a home that is in a safe area that is available for rent.

Quick Post

2006-08-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have 6 min. to tell you what is going on... I am at an internet cafe and they are closing. The past couple of days have been going well. I talked to social services and they were very very positive!! Huge answer to prayer. I looking froward to working with them through this process. Also another huge prayer request answered... I have a staff worker to work alongside me! Her name is Yessi and she worked at the orphanage and is very excited to work with the girls. Next week, I plan to look for houses, and get some more works done with my house documents. Thanks again for your support. Some have asked for specific prayer requests... One girl who may be in my house may be going back home, although she does not want to. Please pray that the Lord would give her wisdom as well as her family.

Friday-Sunday

2006-08-13T20:48:00.000-07:00

Friday: I met Melanie who is finishing up her masters in Christian Counseling and she is amazing! She has a heart for the Lord and people. She is very interested in doing group counseling with the girls, individual counseling, and meeting with me. This is a HUGE answer to prayer! I also had a great time with Ana and Claudia, two girls who lived at the orphanage. They are doing well and gearing up for school. Saturday : we went shopping for food and then I took the older girls from the orphanage to buy their uniforms for school. We also celebrated their graduation by going out for tacos. A former staff member from the orphanage came with us. We had a great time eventhough we got caught in a rain storm. I'll post pictures later of it. I am perusing Yesi, the former staff worker as a potential worker for the house. Please pray for her as she makes a decision. Sunday: Today I went to church and met a ton of people. I also was invited to a friend's house to relax and call home. This evening I met up with Azahel and Ivon (two kids who were at the orphanage) It was great to catch up. Thank you for your encouraging emails and prayers!

Connections

2006-08-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

I am always amazed at how the Lord connects people for His divine purpose. It seems to happen so much more here. Maybe I am just more aware of it. Today, I went out to Lirios de los Valles which is another orphanage here in town. The directors were so great and supportive of my ministry. They even agreed to go to DIF (social services) with me to give me a personal recommendation. That is HUGE! Fidel, the director of Misericordia where I lived agreed to go with me as well and talk to DIF about the house and figure out how we would transition the girls out of his place and into mine. We plan on doing this next week sometime. Tomorrow I will be meeting with a gal who is getting her master's in Christian counseling. It will be great to get her wisdom and advice. I also plan on meeting with two gals who have transitioned out of the orphanage to check and see how they are doing (Ana y Claudia). Please continue to pray for more connections with people who have a heart for these girls... even if they don't know it yet!

Aye Chihuahua!

2006-08-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

I made it to Chihuahua! It was a gorgeous drive and very green due to all the rain that they have been getting. I went out to the orphanage for a bit and it was good to see new and old faces. The kids are getting ready to start school this Monday. Many will be returning to the orphanage after spending time with family. Tomorrow I will be going out to another orphanage to talk to the directors about becoming an officially recognized organization. Thank you all for your prayers!

2006-08-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

I arrived in El Paso this evening and had a great day of driving. Tomorrow I will be crossing the boarder. I will be house sitting for some friends of mine who are out of town. It is such a blessing to have a home to be in for the duration of my time in Mexico. I am looking forward to meeting with people and discussing their involvement with Nueva Esperanza. Please continue to pray for safe travel and discernment. Thanks for your support and friendship!

Going Down South

2006-08-07T20:06:00.000-07:00

I will be driving to Mexico on the 8th of August and staying through the 30th. I am hoping to accomplish a number of things including talking with Social Services, attorneys, psychologists, and much more. Please pray for safe travels, open dialogue, and wisdom.

Mission

2006-07-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Nueva Esperanza is a non-denominational Christian ministry that provides a safe environment for young girls from orphanages, where they can learn to set and achieve goals, realize their potential, and experience Christ's love through positive relationships.