Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
Wow, it has been a while since I have taken the time to sit down and write. So many things have happened since I have last written. It is had to know where to start! Everything seems to be just a blur.
I returned from my vacation very rested, with a new perspective, and ready to get back to this normal life of mine. I came back to 3 of our kids having measles, 4 new children, and a new addition to the staff that I had just met before leaving. Alot of adjusting to do. But that is what we do best here… adjust. It seems to be going on all the time. So, the measles…Alfredo, Sergio, and Eduar had the measles pretty bad. It took them about 2 weeks to get over them enough to go to school. In the meantime, we had to keep all the kids home and quarantined. They were all able to start school the last week of August. The kids were excited about getting back into a routine, and so were we. Most of the kids are going to the public school this year. Cristian and Marcos are the only ones being taught here at home by the teacher who will eventually teach all of our children. The boys have needed some individual attention in their education and have shown much improvement, in their confidence as well.
We are now housing 21 children. The normal 17 is manageable, but 21 is a lot!! We received Lili, Eli and Alex at the beginning of August. Sergio has agreed to raise them until their father can get on his feet financially. Then in mid August, we received Christina. She has been a challenge for me in many ways. When we received her, she was struggling with anorexia and severe emotional issues at the young age of nine. She did not come with a history, so it was difficult to know what she was going to react to. She had the maturity of a 5 year old child and was either extreme in her emotions or non-responsive. But since being here and working with her, we are starting to see her come back to life. At the end of August, we received Karina and Veronica. They are sisters that have been moved from another orphanage. They have adjusted very well and have become very close to the girls here that are close to their age.We also have a new staff member. Mary moved from Albuquerque, NM and plans on staying as long as needed. With her coming on board and Sergio moving to his house, my responsibilities have changed. I am now responsible for the place during the night and have become more of an assistant to Sergio. I now handle to communication for the orphanage (updating the website, communicating with our sponsors, etc). I am also to fill in where ever needed. So, I am doing different things all the time, but I what I enjoy the most is just coming home and spending more quality time with the kids.
Sergio has been having alot of health issues lately. He has been experiencing pain in his chest and intestinal area. He has gone to 2 doctors and is undergoing numerous test. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers during this process.
Because of this, he has been taking alot of time off. Also, John moved off early August which affected the amount of time he spent helping here. He is now on vacation for 4 weeks, which leaves alot of holes to fill. Just when I thought I could not be stretched any more, there is always more ways to be stretched around the corner. At this time, I feel as though I have more of a handle on my downtime than before I left on vacation so I have not reached the overwhelmed stage....yet. I have alot to balance right now.... Please continue to keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I am needing strength and refreshment for each day to do what each day brings.
We have had a lot of visitors the last month and things are picking up in preparation for the holidays. Mexico does not celebrate Thanksgiving but Sergio does go all out. He takes the kids out of school for the day and makes enough food for an army. Then comes Christmas. We are already getting a lot of requests in how to help. This year, I am planning on spending both of the holidays here with the kids. I know it is very important to them and I would not want to be anywhere else!
It is amazing to me how time has flown and how deeply I have grown to love this place and the children. Many have asked me what I will do after a year of being here.Right now, I am planning to stay through the end of February.But I am open to and would consider staying longer.With that said, I want to express a need.With the increase of monthly expenses, I am in need of additional monthly support. I have listed below my current monthly expenses:
Car Payment $220 (starting Nov)
US Car Insurance $81
MX Car Insurance $48
Cell Phone (with new service) $80
Gas/Car Care $100
Misc $100
When I was preparing for the move, I did not know what kind of expenses to expect. Unfortunately, my phone bill has been the biggest unexpected expense due to roaming. I have changed my service in hopes to lower the monthly bill. Three months into my stay here, I realized my need for a vehicle…for myself and for the orphanage. I am very thankful for the vehicle and how it is useful, but this is also a large expense.
If you are interested in providing monthly support or have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
I realize this is a very " to the point" blog and would like to have gone into a lot more detail. However, time does not allow tonight.I at least wanted to give you a short update.
Thank you so much for your continued support. I am blessed to have friends and family that have stuck with me and prayed for me as I go through this crazy life.
God bless,
Faith
- comments