Lupita turns 15

On Friday we celebrated Lupita's 15th birthday. Here in México 15 is a big year to celebrate. Called a quinceañera, there is usually a party of differing degrees, typically with a mass (in a Catholic family) prior to the party. The girl wears a special dress, in Lupita's case, one her mother had given her. At CVE we have adapted the tradition of a "mass" to a short service commemorating this specific milestone where a "girl becomes a woman". 

Lupita with her brother, José 

Blanca, Lupita, Magda

Magda and Blanca are two girls who spent several years here at CVE. They have since been adopted by an aunt and are awaiting the completion of paperwork to be able to go to the States where they will live in Tucson. Blanca often attends church and it was a blessing to see Magda again. Even as kids (and staff) move on from CVE they are forever part of our family and it is always good to reconnect! (And even when we don't get to reconnect they are never far from our prayers.)

Luptia with the Schicks

Bill, Joan, Jazany, Lupita, Julissa (in front), Lily, Katie, Ben, Uriel

We were able to get a picture of 9 of the 10 girls who used to live together here at CVE.

Blanca, Magda, Yaneli, Karla, Lupita, Lily, Michelle, Jaqui, Tania

Lupita's parents were able to be with us.

Lupita with Keith and Emily, Kaleigh and Brielle

Jaqui and her niece, Darilis before the service. 

We were trying to get Darilis to look and smile. She tilted her head and posed...it was cute! :)

Lupita's cake (made by Fede, Jaqui, and Geo) 

Praise the Lord for great friends!

A few of those: Geo, (me), Raquel, Pau

Roomies

 Lupita had decided that after the service she wanted everyone invited to stay around and play volleyball and baseball. The games were followed by a supper of grilled hamburgers by none other than Dr. Wulf (our local meat expert)! :)

Lupita and her family had a special table in the comedor. We sang to Lupita before supper.

What would a birthday party be without the traditional face-cake-plant? :)

 

It amazes me how fast the years can go by and also to think that several of these kids, including Lupita, have been part of our CVE family for over 6 years! And as they turn 15, 16,... I find myself dreading the fact that in a few years they will be 18 and have the choice of leaving us to go out on their own. While we want them to grow up and become adults who can make a difference in their families' lives, the lives of those in their communities, etc. it is never easy to see a child leave your sphere of influence. There are also times when kids leave CVE under other circumstances and no matter what those circumstances are it is never easy. We trust that each child is brought to us for a purpose and that we are called to be faithful to teach them...to plant and water, but we don't always understand what that purpose is and sometimes it doesn't seem to have been accomplished. It is then that we are reminded that we are only part of the process of reaching these children for Christ and it is God that gives the increase. 

Whether are kids are present with us or spread across the country, praise God that prayer knows no distance and is able to impact their lives in ways beyond our comprehension. I am aware that there are so many people that pray for our kids and believe me, I am SO thankful for that! And even so, I ask you once more...

Please pray for our kids, past and present... Pray for God's mercy, for His Holy Spirit's mighty work in their hearts and minds, changing them in ways that are beyond us. Pray that they will all come to know Jesus Christ as their Savior. That they will find healing from so many hurts and the traumas that they have experienced in their short lives. Pray that they will find spiritual freedom and be useful in bringing Light and Truth to those who are lost around them... Pray that we will be faithful in our responsibilities to teach them the Truth and point them to the Savior. All that the name of Christ will be lifted up, that He may be glorified.  

In closing I just want to share a few verses that have been especially encouraging to me as I pray for our CVE kids, verses that I have clung to and claimed on my knees in prayer... 

May all flesh know that the LORD is our Savior, our Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob!

 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? But thus saith the LORD, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children. And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I the LORD am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob.  Isaiah 49:24-26