I almost can't believe that it is that time again...

August is almost upon us and it is time for our annual
Escuelita Bíblica de Vacaciones
(Vacation Bible School)


registration 2010

the 9 to 11 year old girls' class that Jenna and I taught last year

more registration

This year's theme is the Armor of God and I am super excited to teach on the subject!
 Please join us in praying for the week:

Please pray:
-that invitations (handed out on Sunday) will get into the hands of all those who have a desire to come
-that God will prepare hearts to hear, truly hear, His message
-that Truth and only Truth would be taught through the power of the Holy Spirit
-against Satan's attacks and desire to destroy; that Satan and his wicked spirits would be bound to inactivity in Jesus' name
-for safety on the routes (especially as we often have to way surpass the reasonable capacity of our vehicles)
-that things would go smoothly (as possible with hundreds of extra kids on site each morning) and that we would be as prepared and organized (and a special blessing and grace for Nicole who heads up the EBV planning and administration each year!)
-that children and adults would not only come during the week but also begin to attend on Sundays and Wednesday nights
-that lives would be forever changed by the week's message
-that the name of Jesus would be greatly praised and lifted up!


Praise God for the opportunity we have to host a week of classes teaching God's Word to hundreds of kids and adults who know very little about our Father and Savior Jesus Christ!


And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20

What's new?

So what's new at CVE...? 

Well, from a previous post, you probably know that a lot! Well, our changes aren't over...as I said before, change is constant here at CVE. :)

A few weeks ago Limón and Kristi added a new puppy to their family. 

Meet Hank (like the book, Hank, el perro vaquero or Hank, the cowboy dog)

Ángel and Hank (a german shepherd-rottweiler mix)

Also a week ago, our teaching staff grew by 1 as Sarah Frank arrived at CVE, ...for good this time (she was summer staff just last year).

 Sarah and Candi

Sarah will be teaching English in our school here on campus. She lives in the girls' house with Pau and Kali and shares a room with one of the older girls. Sarah and I had some really good talks last summer and it has been such a blessing already to have her back! :)

Please be prayerful for Sarah's adjustment as she transitions to a new culture, new language, new support group and church family, new living arrangements, gets to know the kids, prepares for the school year, etc. Pray that Sarah can be filled with the Spirit and God's peace and grace. Please pray that her godly example will impact the girls she lives with as well as the kids she teaches and that she will be used to draw them into a closer walk with Him! 


On Tuesday, we were thankful to get the call that we could come pick up this little girl who has been in the hospital in the capital after she arrived in stage 3 of starvation.

Milagros is back with us and it is such a blessing to see her begin to fill out and to see some life back in her eyes! She is already a charmer and loving the attention she gets from her siblings and the staff and kids!

Please continue to be prayerful for Jenna who is caring for Milagros and her siblings. Pray that Milagros continues to "catch-up" quickly in her development and that the effects of her neglect and malnutrition will be turned around. Pray that God will keep His hand on this little girl and accomplish the purpose He has for her, not only now, but in the years to come as she grows to learn about Him and His great love for her. Praise God for His faithfulness already in her life and for bringing her here where she will have an opportunity to thrive and come to know Him!


But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: 

Isaiah 43:1-3a

Reading Around the World

 (Aron and Ángel)

Every summer the kids participate in a reading program in the afternoons. My role here at CVE has changed a number of times over the years (within the realm of education), but being in charge of this program is one responsibility that has stayed the same. Over the years there have been various themes with different prizes and incentives for them to meet their reading goals. I usually start planning it, or at least the theme, about 6 mos. in advance (I am definitely a "planner" when I can be, but have had to learn to let go of that a bit as to be too much of a planner usually just leads to frustration if you aren't also flexible with those plans!). This year as I was thinking about the program and was praying for ideas, something creative, my thoughts took a different direction than normal... 

I think one thing that is good for all of us is to be reminded of the world outside of our own little sphere of daily living. To see purpose in our lives that goes beyond completing our daily tasks. To see the bigger picture of how our lives can impact the lives of others, even someone all the way around the globe. To be reminded of the joy and blessing that comes from giving instead of receiving.

The kids here at CVE have been blessed beyond most. I understand that that might not be your first thought... and I agree.. Yes, they have suffered too much in their short lives. Yes, they have wounds that need healing. Yes, they have bondage that needs broken. Yes, they have needs to be met. But here at CVE our children have blessings that no other child in a children's home in Mexico has (or in many other countries for that matter). They have their basic needs met (and beyond). They are surrounded by individuals and families who love them and are committed to giving them a hope and a future. They have the blessing of an education. And most importantly, they have the opportunity to learn the Truth of God's Word, to hear the message of salvation, and the opportunity to see what a life lived for Christ looks like in the adults they interact with. I could go on, but I think it is safe to say that in so many ways, our kids are most blessed!

So, what does that have to do with reading and a reading program? 

Well, in the light that there are many kids around the world who can't read and don't have the things listed above (many without even their most basic needs being met, much less things beyond that), and because we are always looking for ways to encourage our kids to have a thankful heart and appreciation for what they have, this summer our kids have the opportunity to use their ability to read to reach out to those who can't. To in a small way share with those who don't have 3 good meals a day, who don't know about Christ, who live on the streets or don't have anyone to care for them. To help orphans not so unlike themselves. 

This summer, for each minute that the kids read (due to some very generous donors) they are raising money to give to projects within Lifesong for Orphans. For every 200 pesos that they "earn", they get to pick a country/project to donate it to. I have a jar for each country and play money to symbolize their donation.

We are now about two weeks into the program and while the planning has been fun and exciting for me, it is even better to see the kids get into it. To see them excited about helping other kids who are in need. Excited to be a part of something bigger then themselves.

Leyendo por los Niños Alrededor del Mundo (Reading for the Children Around the World)

 

Our map of the world (where "Reading Around the World" came from) with their markers lined up at the starting line. As they read I move their markers so they can see their progress. There are also pictures and information about the 7 different Lifesong projects that the kids can choose to donate to.

New books that make reading a little more fun!

 The library organized (an idea that I call "job security") and ready for readers!

 Ramsés checking out this new book (which is really a devotional for girls...). He didn't last long before he chose another. :)

Eduardo, Gloria, and Nereida

Osmara and Keyla reading with Heidi

Belinda

Belém and Jazany

Julissa
The kids LOVE Curious George books. Thankfully we got a few new ones! :)

The kids have been diligent in reading and after almost two weeks have read more than 16,000 minutes and raised almost $1,500!


If you would like to see more pictures of the reading program or other CVE activities, click on the link to the right that says Carissa's photos.


Please pray that this reading program can be a blessing, not only to those who are served through Lifesong, but also in the lives of our children. Please pray that God's kingdom would be furthered as we all seek to share what we have been given with others so desperately in need!

  

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Isaiah 1:17

Guess who is 3 today!?!

Happy Birthday, Levi!!

I love you!

Nothing too hard...

On Thursday, we said good-bye to Jodi and Jorge (the darling little boy below) as they headed up to IL. When Jorge arrived at CVE he had a badly broken leg and it was not healing properly. Thanks to God, the work of Mike and Susie Zobrist, and some willing doctors, Jorge was scheduled to receive surgery (for free!) at a hospital in Bloomington.

But we got word yesterday morning that God had other plans... Plans that involved answering the prayers of many, including the prayers of little hearts, children who have been faithfully praying for his healing...

Here is an email that we got from Jodi last night:

Praise be to God for His wondrous works! Friday we met with Jorge's surgeon in Bloomington and found out that God has worked a miracle in Jorge's life. His leg has healed to the point that it doesn't need surgery.  The x-rays taken in Bloomington showed that his bone has grown back together and that his two legs are almost equal length. There is still some scars on the bone, but overall the x-rays were amazing. The doctor told us to remove the brace and let Jorge run and play like normal.  With the regrowth of muscle in his right leg, his foot should rotate inward and he should be able to walk normally. The most important thing will be watching long term to make sure that two legs continue growing at the same pace. 

We have an appointment on the 27th with physical therapy so that they can show us some exercises.  But according to the surgeon God has designed our bodies to heal themselves and Jorge's leg is testimony to His grand design! God has done the healing, and we will be able to help Jorge regain flexibility and strength.

How amazing and humbling to witness God's work! The kids have been praying daily that God would heal Jorge's leg and I joined them believing God would work through the surgery to heal it.  But now I weep in thankfulness. God answered our prayers!!! And He didn't need to use the doctors, just the prayers and faith of His Children.

Thank you for the prayers!

Praise God for this reminder that there is NOTHING too hard for Him!

Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise. Jeremiah 17:14

Change

Change...a constant here at CVE.

However, I think right now we are going through more change at one time than ever before.

What are some of those changes you might ask?

Well, to go back to June...on the 21st we rejoiced with Limón and Kristi as they welcomed little Soraya Grace into their family. Soraya arrived healthy and weighing in at 7lbs 7 oz, measuring 19 1/2". Praise God for her safe arrival! I realized that I don't have a single picture of her, but you can check out the Leman's blog HERE to see how sweet she is! 

Please keep Limón and Kristi and their boys in your prayers as they adjust to this new, precious addition to their family!

Not two weeks later, we said goodbye to one of our houseparent couples and their children.

Keith and Emily, Kaleigh, and Brielle have been part of our CVE for nearly 3 years (most recently) and actually, Keith and Emily both worked here back in 2006 when they were single. They spent the last three years as houseparents for our older girls and now have transferred to the Leo area.

Keith and Emily and family, we miss you and are so thankful for the time you spent here, the love and time you invested in the girls you cared for, and for joining us in the battles that we have faced. I know that you will continue to support us in prayer with an understanding of what we are going through that goes beyond most. We look forward to seeing how God uses you in IN and also to the future when you are able to come back to visit!

Please pray for Keith and Emily and family as they transition back to life in the States. Despite what you might think, transition returning from the mission field can be much harder than the initial transition to the mission field. Pray that they will feel the prayers and support of family and friends, find their niche in Leo, and have opportunities to share all the God has taught them in their years of service here in Mexico. You can also pray for Kali (previously their assistant) and Pau (previously our Spanish teacher and a mentor for one of our oldest girls) who are taking over Keith and Emily's position.

Another change: the addition of 3 new faces for the summer! 

In June and the beginning of July, we welcomed Heidi, Alyssa, and Lisa to our CVE staff. These ladies have been great taking on summer school, helping with the reading program, driving kids to and from swimming lessons, caring for kids, ...you name it!

Alyssa, Lisa, and Heidi

Please pray for these ladies as they balance all their responsibilities away from home, in a different culture, surrounded by Spanish, within a new church family, etc. Pray that God gives them grace and strength for each day and draws them closer to Himself through the time they spend here. 

Another change we are experiencing is the arrival of a lot of new kids! In the past few weeks we have had eight different children arrive including:

 

Mariela (8)

Belém (11)

 

Belinda (9) 

Belém and Belinda are sisters and actually half-sisters to Fede and Jaqueline.We have known these girls for about 5 years which makes for a slightly easier transition as they join us on campus. Their older half-sister Daniela is a teacher her. Her daughter, Darilis (1.5), is also staying on campus (with Jodi) while Daniela is at training this summer in Hermosillo.

The next five kids are siblings and children we have known for more than a year. The situation they were living in was horrible and we are so thankful that God has pulled them out of it! Their ages are estimates because I don't think any of them have birth certificates. The youngest of this sibling group, a 10 month old little girl, is currently in a hospital in the capital because she was in level 3 of starvation.We are hopeful that she come back to join her siblings soon!

Fernanda (7)

 Tadeo (6) 

Tadeo is handicapped and also is suffering from severe malnutrition.

 

Perla (4)

 

 Leobardo (3)

Milagros (Miracles) 10 mos.

...in a lot of ways it is a miracle that she has made it this far in life!

All of the five children before Milagros (the baby girl) was taken to Hermosillo. 

All of these new children are living with Jenna, at least for the present. Here is a current picture of her expanded family: (that I am stealing from her blog...thanks, Jenna and for the last two pictures as well! :) )

Please pray for Jenna as she adjusts to caring for these precious souls. Please pray for her kids as they transition to a new home and our CVE family. Praise God that their physical needs are being met; please pray that God will help us meet their emotional and spiritual needs as well. We of ourselves have nothing or little to offer, but we know WHO does. May they each be pointed to Him!

So, with all the above changes (and I am sure that there are more that I am forgetting) there have been lots of role/job switches and/or shuffling of living arrangements, etc, There really isn't a "household" that has not be touched in one or many more ways by it all. Through it all we are reminded that God has a plan...for CVE, for each of our kids, for each staff member and family. He knows what is best for us and will accomplish that in the way and time that He sees fit. It is a growing a stretching time for all of us, but not without purpose. 

Please join us in praying that God's purposes for all these changes are accomplished to His glory!  

Lest our changes end there...I will add that right now and through the next few weeks, we have a lot of staff on vacation or traveling. This brings more shuffling, additional responsibilities, and particularly a lot of kids without their usual caretakers. 

Please pray for God's hand over it all, that He would go before us and prepare the path that we are to take. Please pray that our kids would feel God's peace and security amidst so many changes and things out of routine. Please pray for wisdom, discernment, and God's direction in our daily decisions and discipline of the kids. Pray that we would not forget, even as crazy as things can get, to stop and spend time in His presence, that we would rely on His strength and guidance and not our own. 

On another note (a just because this post isn't quite long enough ;) ), please keep our Board of Directors in your prayers as they plan to meet here in Magdalena a week from today. 

THANK YOU for praying!!!

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee: Jeremiah 32:17

Please be patient with my lack of blogging... Due to some computer issues (working on that) and a lot going on I haven't blogged and we'll see how it goes in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, I will leave you with a few cute pictures from my last 2 wks. :)

 

 Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. Jude 1:24,25

We appreciate your prayers as we continue to adjust to many changes, including quite a few new kids, and just being stretched in various ways. Thank you for your continual support!