Wednesday, February 19, 2014

The need is Great!

Hi folks,
I write you with such a thankful heart! We are quickly approaching D day! Moving to the home of Ancla de Amor
I trust that this letter finds you well. As you can imagine, its never a lot of fun being in a transition phase. We want to get started on packing and yet there are so many things that we still need to use on a day to day basis. You know how that goes I'm sure.
In the midst of all this, Social Services has brought us 3 more children this week. YIKES! For the last two days we have had all hands on deck running after children, changing diapers, wiping noses and trying to keep the peace among everyone. Aside from our own children we have 6 Children with us. Well actually 5 now, DIF just came and picked one of them up. We have a 15 year old, 2 two year olds, 2 one year olds and a 6 month old. That changes things for us a bit. Oh and the night shift, well we can talk about that another time:)  I'm so glad that God has provided us with dedicated staff that are willing to set life aside for a time and love on kids. Clarissa rejoices because she seems to be able to run without little sleep and function well. Its truly Gods strength.
I have to admit, when DIF called and asked if we could take the three children this week we said no. Already we have so much going on with the move and also preparing for the team from Winkler. But after a second call they convinced me to take the children. With basically 4 of us working here right now we have 10 children (including our own) that all need different levels of attention, some children more than others. One of our children came in from an extreme abuse situation. He has a fractured skull, bruises, bite marks and weighs all of 17 pounds at the age of 2. His structure is so tiny and when he tries to stand up his poor little body just shakes. It is absolutely heart breaking. One of the other children, he is one, was left on the street. The police found him wandering looking for his mom. Later she was found and charges were laid for abandonment. And for the 2 brothers, well mom and dad are both in jail for drug related things.
We write you this letter asking that you please remember us in your prayers. We are putting in long hours and dealing with situations that can be tough to handle at times. We are continuing to be strong and are trying to keep our eyes on the Lord through everything but at times…well a break from Mexico would sure be nice. On the other hand, we know we are exactly where God wants us and He has affirmed that to us through these little kids that so desperately need some love. I really want you to also consider how you can get involved if God prompts you in that. There is so much more I wish I could do to help out here, the need are endless and resources always lack. After we move to the ranch we will have to accommodate the 10 children plus Clarissa and I in the 3 bedroom house until the construction plan for our dorms is done. We can't take more children at this point even if we wanted too. There is just no more room. Once complete the remodelled building will accommodate 16 children at this point plus one staff member. The dorms are equipped with bathrooms, there is also a public men/women bathroom, and a laundry. Phase two of the project will add a suite to the end of the building for a dorm parent/family. For phase one of the project we are looking at approximately $40 000.00. Included in that price is labour if we hired out the job. Our church is holding a fundraiser for us right now and the goal is to raise the 40 000.00. Lord willing the funds will come in by March 1 so that we can start the project March 2nd. We don't want to start the project unless we know we can finish it. The construction phase does include replacing the existing roof on the house so we cannot leave it open. Once we start we have to finish.
So I ask you to please consider us in your prayers. The need is so huge!

If you have children give them an extra hug tonight and thank The Lord that they were born into a family that loves them. We are so blessed back home. So blessed we don't even understand it.

Again here are some ways to get involved

1) Prayer
2) Child Sponsorship - www.childrenofhope.info.com
3) 40 000.00 Ancla de Amor building project - receipted by Children of hope or the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church until March 1.
4) Ancla de Amor General fund - Maybe you can be the first one to support our general fund. It would sure help me out personally :)
5) Bring a team. Lets build a home for kids together.

Folks what a responsibilities God leaves us in Psalms 82

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.
Rescue the weak and needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked. 

Contact me if you have questions of any kind, we love hearing from you guys back home!

Much Love
Brian



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