Update from Shadow

I just received an email from Carroll, the site director at Shadow. SHe says everything is going well. A few things that need your prayers though.




1) Barbara is going to the courts (this week sometime) and they are hoping that after this appointment they will have a time frame in mind of when she will be going to live with her new family in New Jersey. The States side of the adoption is done, but the Guatemalan side seems to be dragging on and on.



2) Itzel, a 12 year old who has been there for 2 years now, was sent home. The courts decided to give her mother another chance. It was hard for Itzel. She was torn between the two. Also it is hard for us to think of her back in that situation. But God knows well what he does. Just be praying for Itzel.



3) Continue praying that everything on the new property keeps going smoothly. The surrounding wall is almost done. The architects have been to Monjas and have drawn up the plans. (I hear they are beautiful!!) Construction on the houses begins in May!!

Yasmin

OH! I can't believe I haven't updated about this yet!! I guess I haven't really updated that much since I've been home. But this is BIG!!




That last Sunday I was in Antigua, I was invited to lead worship for a small group of believers that meet in the Spanish school, where I have studied over the past few years. Daddy and Jami studied there as well. The church is led by the director of the school, who is also a pastor, obviously. It is a small group, but are growing because they are faithful with the little. They invited us for lunch and went all out for us. We had their 5 star treatment. Delicious Guatemalan enchiladas and chile rellenos. They are the sweetest people I have ever met. Really.



The crowd was small at first, but right about the third song, I look back and there are more people arriving at the back with Pastor Hugo. I take a second look, and to my surprise, I see a familiar face. I was almost stopped in my tracks. I couldn't breathe. I immediately started crying and almost couldn't go on. After I finished the song I almost couldn't finish, I had to explain.



I had to apologize, but I didn't expect to see such a lovely, familiar face there, one that I haven't seen in such a long time. I used to take care of Yasmin at Casa Aleluya more than three years ago. She was, and I'm not exaggerating, my favorite, favorite little girl ever. I have pictures of her from age 6 months. A few years ago, her mom came and took her and her brother back home to live with her. I was so sad, but happy for her because her mother did love her so much. She was the only mother that cried every time there was visitation. They were there because of poverty, so there was no abuse involved. Her mother just couldn't stand to live without them anymore. But I thought I would never see her again. I had only heard a few things about her from Shyrel, but never even dreamed about seeing her. I sadly never even thought to pray and ask to get to see her. But here she was. Her family are members at Pastor Hugo's church. They are there every Sunday!! So, not only did I see her this once, I know where to find her every Sunday! I even know where she lives, well, I know that she lives in Chimaltenengo, but I could find her if I needed to. So, that was a precious gift that I didn't expect to receive, but was almost more than I could handle. I couldn't grasp the concept of the fact that God had brought me and this little girl that I love so much back together again. It was a miracle. Amazing.

still here

Here we are, almost two weeks of being in Alabama. Woopadeedoo. ;)




I have had some wonderful times with my family. Spending time with my nephews has been great. They are growing up and changing so much. My sisters are my best friends, so I am enjoying being with them too. It's been weird not seeing Daddy, Jami, and Haven every day though.



Work is going well. I have to sound strange saying this, but I have the funnest job ever! I know it's the people that make it so worthwhile, but still, I love it. (and it's easy)



I really haven't been able to spend that much time with my old friends. Work keeps everyone busy now. But it has been nice to see them and catch up.



Getting back to The Rock last week was just awesome!! I love it there so much! At Planet Rock, on Monday nights, there are some new faces, and some old too. Which is good. I felt so filled after I left there though. It was a feeling I didn't get that much in Guatemala.



I went with my sister to church yesterday. It was the sweetest little church with lots of friendly people. I meet a young girl who is called to missions, who will be going to Brazil this summer on a medical mission. She has such a heart for the lost. As I understood she speaks quite frequently at church and she gave a powerful testimony of how little people in this country know about salvation. We later made plans to make plans to get together some time before I go back. I am seeing a pattern lately. Lunch here, get together there, dinner on Tuesday... I don't know what I was expecting. But if I could make a difference in these young girls lives, these girls that have the same calling on their lives as I do. I remember when I was that young girl and I always looked up to other young women who where doing what I wanted to do, even girls my age. There is a kindred spirit that draws us together that can only be the Holy Spirit. I still remember the names of many of them, even though I may have only met them once. So, maybe I can be that for someone.



My sister's pastor also asked me to speak one Sunday night, as did Keith in Elkmont. So, I just need to sit down, schedule, and plan out each step I need to take. I'm not good at that, but I'm sure everything will work out that way it should.



7 and 1/2 weeks left, lots to do, lots to decide. If you think about it, could you pray for me?

home again, home again

I've been home for a few days now. Tuesday's travelling was stressful, but I'm sure that those delays were for a reason. We were delayed and re-routed and ran around more than I would wish on anyone. But we are home safe, and that is reason to be thankful.




It is strange to be home. Even though I was only there six months, I haven't really felt settled in here yet. Don't get me wrong, I love spending time with my sisters, playing with my nephews, and hanging out with friends. But it is unexplainably just plain wierd to be here.



I will start back to work next week. Working a few days a week at the restaurant will be fun and I need some money. My goal is to save it all, which I know is impossible. But I need to.



Tomorrow night, Jami and I are cooking a typical Guatemalan meal for a few friends. It should be a great time and I can't wait to eat that good food. I miss it. I bought an avocado today. I crave them now. It was good. I also ate a great Posey's grilled chicken sandwich today. I feel stuffed.



I saw two of my best friends last night. When they asked what I wanted to eat; they were surprised by my answer, "Mexican". I can't help it. I love it!!



My brother and I are going to watch Guatemala play against the U.S. national soccer team the end of this month in Birmingham. I can't wait!! And you better believe I'm going to wear my Guatemala jersey too!