A note from Lorena

This weekend Merm and I were able to hang out with some more pretty cool people. We’re constantly being introduced to awesome Godly people in Chihuahua who challenge us, serve us, and encourage us. It’s been good for me to talk about all that’s happened and is happening at Lily, and to hear what’s going on within other ministries in the city. I’ve been reminded of how much I love life at Lily, and frankly, I’m getting a little freaked out about having to leave in a month and a half.

I’m growing more comfortable with the kids, and with comfort comes out more sin. Unfortunately, as my Spanish is getting better, I’m learning how to talk back to the kids. Yeah. It’s not good. My temper is shorter, and when the kids come to me with the same problems and excuses, I’m not giving them a chance to be heard. I just cut them off. And then I feel awful. They really are family, and with family, I think we feel more freedom to use our words in a hurtful way. This week, I’ve tried to be more Christ-like in this area. When the kids get home from school, I’m prayerfully trying to love on them more. I want to give them a big hug and ask them about their day, instead of sitting them down to do homework right away because I assume it won’t get done otherwise. Or at night, when the same girls complain of stomachaches, I want to sit and empathize with them instead of sending them to bed, upset and annoyed with me because I don’t want to listen. But it’s so hard! God continues to love us through His grace, despite the million times we screw up. I don’t understand His love, but I know that I’m called to imitate it through His Spirit.

Speaking of stomachaches, so many kids and staff are sick right now. The climate is changing and as a result, we’re all a little messed up. Each night at bedtime we carry around a couple bottles of medicine and hit every kid that has a cough, and fever, or a headache. A different combination of kids have stayed home from school everyday this week because they’ve been too sick to go. Please pray for health in the house- I’m afraid that it’s never going to go away!

Adoption has been a hot topic lately because there are soooo many cases in the works. We’ve had a few different families come and visit recently who are adopting, and it’s incredible to see these new bonds grow. Linda has been busy ever since she got here- she has her hands full, for sure. On Monday, she’s going on a search for a woman who has children at Lily. Currently, they don’t have the proper status to be adopted, and Linda is hoping to change her mind. I don’t want to puff Linda up, but the woman is on it. Not only is she incredibly persistent with keeping these cases moving, she’s constantly ministering to the staff and kids at the house. She’s been a blessing to me, and I know the kids are thankful for the few weeks she’s able to spend with us. They’re also excited for the group from her church to come- the poster with all the faces is a big hit, Stacy. And it’s still intact. :)

Okay, photos. I got lots of ‘em.

Oh, the kittens. We finally took them to the pound. Well, Merm did. In a bag. You should ask her about it. Funny story.




Lorena, on the left, is one of the girls who will prayerfully be going through the adoption process in the future. How exciting! Side note, Jaqi is totally crossed-eyed looking at her toothbrush. Actually, I bet 20 bucks that isn't hers.




Lorena and Gabue.




The kids work for an hour every afternoon. They love it.




Another Gabue.




Gabue and Christian with Carla Joanna, who is a pretty hard worker. The couple who's adopting she and her brother, who's at another orphanage, are staying with us at the house right now. Pray that the end of the process runs smoothly so that they kids will be able to go home to Tennessee by Christmas.




Jennifer, one of the highschoolers who I've been able to get to know a little better. She's sweet. Always makes sure I get a hug in the morning before she goes to school.




Mireya, who's in the charge of the work in the afternoon- she means busniess. She's very responsible and the little ones seem to love her a lot.




Flor in a dumb fight over a stick.




A work group.




Jasmin, on the left, is being adopted along with her 4 siblings. Beti, on the right, has 2 other siblings at Lily. I'm working with her now on learning the alphabet.





One afternoon, I picked up Kachito and Ramon from school in the blue truck, so we were all squished into a tiny space. The trip home turned out to be a great opportunity for a photo shoot. Here are a few highlights. PS- Kachito is a nut.





















Thanks for keeping up with us, friends and strangers. Please keep Lily in your prayers.