tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90405927273846026562024-02-20T11:11:24.185-08:00Dream BigLord, I dedicate all your children to you. I do not know their names or who they are, nevertheless, let you kingdom come in all its Glory.Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.comBlogger101125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-60601890310860580132014-06-12T13:08:00.001-07:002014-06-12T13:08:59.578-07:00Ministry WebsiteHi Friends<br />
<br />
Another reminder that we have our new website up and running. I trust that you are blessed by it.<br />
It is still under construction but there is lots of information, photo's and videos to check out.<br />
<br />
Many Blessings<br />
<br />
www.ancladeamore.com<br />
<br />
<br />Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-83487319664298567702014-05-22T14:48:00.001-07:002014-05-22T14:48:43.898-07:00Does it make sense?<a href="http://www.ancladeamor.com/apps/blog/show/42294752-does-it-make-sense-#.U35wn8irlUY.blogger">Does it make sense?</a>Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-86027162315196906492014-05-22T14:13:00.001-07:002014-05-22T14:13:18.535-07:00Hi folks,<br />
<br />
I realize it has been awhile. If you are following this blog please re direct your attention to our new website. I think it will help us communicate much better,<br />
<br />
www.ancladeamor.com<br />
<br />
We look forward to feedback.<br />
<br />
Many blessings<br />
<br />Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-26373084586875942102014-02-19T16:02:00.001-08:002014-02-19T16:02:23.463-08:00The need is Great!Hi folks,<br />
I write you with such a thankful heart! We are quickly approaching D day! Moving to the home of Ancla de Amor<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
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.<br />
So I ask you to please consider us in your prayers. The need is so huge!<br />
<br />
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. <br />
<br />
Again here are some ways to get involved<br />
<br />
1) Prayer<br />
2) Child Sponsorship - www.childrenofhope.info.com<br />
3) 40 000.00 Ancla de Amor building project - receipted by Children of hope or the Winkler Mennonite Brethren Church until March 1.<br />
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 :)<br />
5) Bring a team. Lets build a home for kids together.<br />
<br />
Folks what a responsibilities God leaves us in Psalms 82<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Rescue the weak and needy;</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">deliver them from the hand of the wicked. </span></i></div>
<br />
Contact me if you have questions of any kind, we love hearing from you guys back home!<br />
<br />
Much Love<br />
Brian<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-52192278776014352014-02-15T07:06:00.001-08:002014-02-15T07:06:45.165-08:00Breaking News!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk9tZ0PKZZs">Breaking News!</a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Greetings to all of you back home . Click on the "Breaking News" link above for a short video update. If you have watched the video than you know that we have gone forward with the purchase of the ranch! We are thankful for all of you that have made this happen through prayer and financial support. You guys are the ones that have mede this happen. Thank You so much!<br />
<br />
We are really really excited because our home church, WMBC is sending us a team to begin construction on one of the buildings on site. They are running a fundraiser for this project right now are will be accepting and receipting funds for the project until March 2, 2014.<br />
<br />
Here is a memo from our church:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">GO Fundraiser - Feb. 16 & 23</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">God has provided 57 acres of land for Brian & Clarissa Krahn's orphanage</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">(Ancla de Amor) in Mexico! Our goal is to raise $40,000 to go towards</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">several building projects, including renovating and expanding an existing</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">house, roof replacement, and expanding the washroom facilities. We will</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">collect financial donations in the foyer on Feb. 16 and have a special</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">offering during our worship services on Feb. 23. Financial donations will be</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">accepted until Mar. 2. Please make cheques out to WMBC and designate them to</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">"Mexico Orphanage". We will also be accepting donations of needed household</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">items and tools (check your mailbox for a list). The goal is to fill a cargo</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">trailer, which will be hauled down to Mexico. Join us in helping Brian and</span><br style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;" /><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;">Clarissa make this vision a reality!</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="font-family: Helvetica; orphans: 2; text-align: -webkit-auto; widows: 2;"><br /></span></i></span>
We want anyone who is interested in supporting Ancla de Amor to have an opportunity to do so. This is a community project and so WMBC is happy to receipt your donations for this ministry even if you do not attend there. As the memo notes there is also a list of items that we need and WMBC is already loading a cargo trailer to send down here to help us get this ministry up and running. Donations items can also be dropped off at our church and they will make sure that they get down here.<br />
Thank you all for getting us this far! We can already see how Ancla de Amor is going to have a tremendous impact here in Sonora. We already have 3 children in our care with another two possible arriving today. We urgently need to get to our new location and get it up and running. Until the construction project is complete we will have to turn down children and that is not something we want to do. God has brought us to this point and we know that He will continue to provide. If you feel led to give in any of the ways indicated above we personally thank you. Its not for our personal gain, it is for the children that we are responsible for. There are also other ways to get involved. We need teams to come down, we also need child sponsors. Maybe you would like to lead a team down for a work project? Email me! Or maybe you would like to sponsor one of our children through Children of Hope? We can make that happen too! There are so many awesome ways to get involve to help change a life of a child.<br />
<br />
If you have any questions please feel free to email me.<br />
<br />
bckrahn@gmail.com<br />
<br />
God Bless and love from Mexico<br />
<br />
Brian & Clarissa<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<br /></div>
Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-54665253766542096252014-01-13T15:37:00.000-08:002014-01-13T15:37:34.199-08:00Support ChangeGreeting Everyone<br />
<br />
I just want to publicly send out our thanks to our home church, WMBC, for supporting us through the last two years as we serve down here in Mexico. Without you, we could have never started this journey. Thanks so much for helping us prepare, adjust and settle in Mexico. Also a big thanks for supporting us financially and also by processing and receipting our support!<br />
<br />
If you have been a financial supporter of ours you need to know that WMBC will no longer be accepting or receipting funds for us as we have now been officially hired by Children of Hope. If you have been a supporter in the past, or wish to support us in the future please visit the Children of hope website for information on how you can do so. This will be a great opportunity for us as a family and we are very excited about what God has in store for us here.<br />
<br />
Thanks WMBC for getting us this far. We love you guys and we are excited to continue representing you here in Mexico!<br />
Also a huge thanks to Children of Hope for taking us on as Missionaries. We are very excited about working with you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Brian & Clarissa<br />
<br />Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-42135291403425758632014-01-12T17:02:00.003-08:002014-01-12T17:08:20.983-08:00The Gospel with a Coke!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Last Christmas marked the beginning of a neat ministry that we do. In the midst of our normal days it is always exciting to get out into different communities and share the gospel. The "Coke Ministry" began last year as we looked for new ways to minister to the locals on Christmas. We decided by giving people a small token, a gift, would open the door to us sharing about the love of Christ and that He too offers us a gift. The "Coke" represents the gift that God gives us and as we give out these cokes we get to explain that all they need to do is accept it. It's FREE!!!!</div>
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So often people hesitate to take the coke. They are wondering whats the catch? Nothing is free! We tell them, it's simple. All you have to do is take it. So with a little confusion they take the coke along with the pamphlet sharing about Christ's love and grace for them and how they can make a decision to accept Christ sacrificial gift. </div>
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We always try to have a Pastor or a national person along with us so that they can explain everything when our limited spanish doesn't quite cut it. This year we were blessed to have numerous spanish speaking translators and Pastors to help us spread the word and in a little less that 2 hours we were able to hand out more than 500 cokes and pamphlets. </div>
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It is always encouraging to see how receptive people are to the gospel. We often watch as people stop to read the pamphlet. Often they ask for prayer. We have done this numerous times and one thing we have noticed is that we have never had to pick up a pamphlet that has been thrown on the ground or in the garbage. Each person takes them with them.<br />
<br />
Many Blessings,<br />
<br />
Brian<br />
<br />Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-48917558008868938422013-12-23T18:55:00.002-08:002013-12-23T18:56:32.858-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Merry Christmas! </i></span></div>
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<i>We want to thank you for all you love and support as we serve here in Sonora. We trust that this season bring love, joy, and peace as you spend time with your families reflecting on the birth of Jesus.</i></div>
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<i>Have a very Merry Christmas and blessings to you in 2014.</i></div>
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<i>Con Mucho Amor - Brian, Clarissa, Cole, Mason, Leah, Cristian, Abram, & baby Evan</i></div>
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Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-90345774085902330032013-12-22T18:40:00.002-08:002013-12-22T18:40:59.982-08:00My Party<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Clarissa threw me a "Jets" Birthday Party!</div>
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Watching the Game, eating appetizers </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwTQ32cR_TJgjJ5EVlBHqQH42KFa1f66FrtI4R-lQa6Hqno1xc_rqK_zg_hwufrkfd1MhWd-P4W5_qXMAxsBGffmgW_VpUzpYl5-4MlrwTwDD6hGS3ZCz_oeZgIyOeuSEVLAyTcwpG_k/s1600/IMG_4253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnwTQ32cR_TJgjJ5EVlBHqQH42KFa1f66FrtI4R-lQa6Hqno1xc_rqK_zg_hwufrkfd1MhWd-P4W5_qXMAxsBGffmgW_VpUzpYl5-4MlrwTwDD6hGS3ZCz_oeZgIyOeuSEVLAyTcwpG_k/s320/IMG_4253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We didn't do so good...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhBfUm2oe5OMzzDWWlch5uBoelqdTDq8514SPuAocqGvYVy-fyLr4hyvAZidrT4lQI0wtVlj1rWIGDcIAH946EAbPIQ6_nXwSn_Vc7VRRId_W6vfZh6xVX4FCzdGdRcjmoUhloq3aIMQ/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhBfUm2oe5OMzzDWWlch5uBoelqdTDq8514SPuAocqGvYVy-fyLr4hyvAZidrT4lQI0wtVlj1rWIGDcIAH946EAbPIQ6_nXwSn_Vc7VRRId_W6vfZh6xVX4FCzdGdRcjmoUhloq3aIMQ/s320/IMG_4280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKG_Xp8P-kHHK8GHBL2mGFKlzlK5tIv0ASuRu56dWIDy5kHNIPs6X_Tc-wHWS91SvTl2cLK8la8KlPpMwIha-l0kSBaL5Mb6KpXlX7jQ9CTf-4DpxEox9VIyQPnYbsvf1KBZZ-brM680/s1600/IMG_4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlKG_Xp8P-kHHK8GHBL2mGFKlzlK5tIv0ASuRu56dWIDy5kHNIPs6X_Tc-wHWS91SvTl2cLK8la8KlPpMwIha-l0kSBaL5Mb6KpXlX7jQ9CTf-4DpxEox9VIyQPnYbsvf1KBZZ-brM680/s320/IMG_4310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Although the Jets bombed out, here is the star of the day! Thanks babe for a great afternoon:)</div>
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Me and the kiddo's </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbhL3LuaBMupv4vT42-4imsivabyjVHqR3FLf4o2kfVsrKcHekwYOb94EfU5t81jLywmJAwmWUickoy9AMq6HRjW64DTk3TMXmzXdxSyImqImFyiB2ZiL-N2mBedqjaQUgFdOAruukXA/s1600/IMG_4354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfbhL3LuaBMupv4vT42-4imsivabyjVHqR3FLf4o2kfVsrKcHekwYOb94EfU5t81jLywmJAwmWUickoy9AMq6HRjW64DTk3TMXmzXdxSyImqImFyiB2ZiL-N2mBedqjaQUgFdOAruukXA/s320/IMG_4354.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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What a way to destroy an amazing Birthday cake. Thanks Jen Scap for making my Birthday even better.</div>
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I am truly thankful for my family and friends. There is nothing in life that is better. They keep me going. I am so excited with what my next year will bring. As our family continues to grow I thank God for blessing me so much. I'm living the dream, nothing is greater than relationships. I'm so glad I figured that out. </div>
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A huge thanks to my greatest blessing Clarissa. It takes a very special girl to sacrifice they way she does. She is always behind the scenes making everything happen. I couldn't make everything happpen without her. </div>
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Love you Clarissa.:)</div>
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Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-81958069355767235032013-12-22T13:23:00.001-08:002013-12-22T13:23:55.067-08:00The Ancla de Amor Ranch. Could it be???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many things have been happening over the last couple of months. I have been busy forming my board of directors as well as establishing our association for Ancla de amor. We have done a fair amount of traveling, as well as hosting guests. Aside from these things I have been busy looking at various land opportunities. While I was back in Canada this summer I presented to you the possibility of buying 44 acres that are right on the exterior of Guaymas. Unfortunately that option did not work out. Initially I was really discouraged about that but God always has a plan. Right? Well, I am excited to share with you for the first time the new possibility God has shown us. It is located in the country about 20 minutes from Guaymas and it is quite established. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP916HTMqyM7ULn9DgwuHWdmrbLtK9ZOT6J28IygTxuO9A4hYEJdwqyjVNUv20a2i_B2ipnCo0rMdt574MmVRfe8Ovmz7wL1FvZysMcJDgtY9lQL7UzXPbz15H6MpaA2Ed5Pfc5n9taSo/s1600/IMG_3626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP916HTMqyM7ULn9DgwuHWdmrbLtK9ZOT6J28IygTxuO9A4hYEJdwqyjVNUv20a2i_B2ipnCo0rMdt574MmVRfe8Ovmz7wL1FvZysMcJDgtY9lQL7UzXPbz15H6MpaA2Ed5Pfc5n9taSo/s320/IMG_3626.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are 2 homes that are already not he property. One is a 3 bedroom home with 3 bathrooms. The 2nd home is currently designed for the hired man and his family. It needs some work but definitely has potential for housing staff and children to help us get the ball rolling.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN281jcG2PHUkJdAJKoUU1OXebNMjpHgHnrNj6NchFTrTSZdrSm-jlrNiSgfyAJPqN3Z_lwflahyphenhyphenBbmB3McwfQHz5WNmnE1x4FNenEKUk8aiAmlEU-vlED0i3abgLQvJcL0mry3oe5ZoQ/s1600/IMG_3625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN281jcG2PHUkJdAJKoUU1OXebNMjpHgHnrNj6NchFTrTSZdrSm-jlrNiSgfyAJPqN3Z_lwflahyphenhyphenBbmB3McwfQHz5WNmnE1x4FNenEKUk8aiAmlEU-vlED0i3abgLQvJcL0mry3oe5ZoQ/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is another picture of the main house from another angle.</div>
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This is an open workshop with cement floors and even a nice pit.</div>
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This tractor is used to help maintain the property. I have seen it in operation and it seems to work.</div>
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An outdoor palapa that is in need of some TLC but has potential to be a great place to gather and hang out as a family or with our guests and teams from north of the border.</div>
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This tree is beside the palapa. To the left you can see the outdoor BBQ.</div>
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Another shot of the shop and storage room.</div>
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One of the many shade trees on the property.</div>
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On this property we have 1500 citrus trees. Here is a picture of just a few of them. All the oranges and grapefruits are picked and shipped to Hermosillo and Guaelajara. It is a great opportunity to move in the direction of self sufficiency. </div>
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More Orange Trees</div>
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This is a picture of the road way leading to the carrel.</div>
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Here is an old shelter for cattle. Currently there are goats and horses on the property</div>
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Another shelter </div>
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Orange trees. All the orange trees are set up with irrigation. Water lines are run to each tree with a nozzle with a spinner on it. Turn the pump on and its ready to go. </div>
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A small playground</div>
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Here is a small courtyard between the two houses</div>
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An outdoor kitchen</div>
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Here, Brian Heppner and one of our board directors are talking with the owner of the property personally. </div>
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As you can see there is so much potential here. I would estimate that about 60% of the approximate 50 acres is currently being used. The entire property is already fenced in and there is water faucets located to reach all 50 acres with 4" lines. There is still plenty of space to expand programs, build facilities and raise kids. There is also a well that we are entitled to. We are so excited at what the Lord is doing here. My plan is to move forward with negotiations in January of 2014. Please pray that the negotiations go well and that we can make a deal. Currently we do not have all the money needed to make this purchase but we are totally confident that God will work out all the details. We are short about 70 000.00. In addition to the purchase there is legal fees and a 5% fee for the transfer of ownership. </div>
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I want to personally thank all of you that have helped out and supported us in the Acre Challenge. If you are reading this and did not have an opportunity to participate and would like to please contact me and I can communicate how that can happen. This summer God responded in huge ways to the acre challenge. We found sponsorship for all the 44 acres that we needed to raise for the first property. Please keep in mind that the first property was totally bare. By purchasing this developed property we have everything that you can see in the pictures for no that much more money. It is a turn key opportunity. We can move in and function as we are right now in our rental house not to mention the income that the oranges will provide. I would love to encourage you to consider sponsoring an acre or tell a friend about it. Email me at bckrahn@gmail.com if your interested in financially supporting this ministry and would like more details. We can provide tax receipts for both our Canadian and American supporters</div>
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Far more importantly I ask you to pray for us and Ancla de Amor. Pray, Pray, Pray! Please! We know that God will handle all the details and we know prayer is far more important that the financial stuff. God tells us that he will meet all our needs with His riches. So please pray that God would touch the hearts of those that He has selected to be a part of this and they they would be obedient to His prompting.</div>
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Blessings to all of you this Christmas season. Trusting that you all have a Merry Christmas!</div>
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Brian</div>
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Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-17642084475698525842013-12-22T09:26:00.000-08:002013-12-22T09:26:36.908-08:00Our trip to Queretaro<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This fall Clarissa and I had the opportunity to join the Children of Hope team for a conference that was being held in San Luis. At the same time we took the time to visit 3 of the orphanages that Children of Hope are working with. We had a great time meeting the Team from Children of Hope but also connecting deeper with Agustin and Lupita. Agustin has been essential in helping me get this project up and running and is also a director of Ministerio Ancla de Amor. For those of you that come down to visit in the future I know that you will absolute adore this young family. </div>
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Agustin and Lupita are our first staff here are Ancla de Amor. I have had the opportunity to work with Agustin in the past and can tell you that he is an awesome man of God. He loves his family and he loves to serve the Lord. It was great to bring Agustin and Lupita along on the trip to Queretaro so that they could see visually what we want to accomplish back home in Guaymas.</div>
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Clarissa and I are standing outside on the road leading to Pan de Vida. It was great to travel with Clarissa and spend some time alone planning the future but also just chill in together without the kids.:)</div>
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Brian and Betty Heppner along with the missionaries and staff of Children of hope. (Brian is back row center and Betty is the 2nd lady from the right) This photo was taken in the plaza in the city of San Luis.</div>
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Here is just one of many of the Catholic Churches in the city. We loved walking the streets and seeing the history in San Luis. We walked these streets every day for three days and there never seemed to be a shortage of things to see. </div>
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We, along with Agustin and Lupita decided to go gallivanting in the city of Queretaro so we hired numerous taxis to drive us around and show us some of the many sights. Behind us is the water aqueduct that runs through part of Queretaro.</div>
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This is a shot of the grounds at Pan de Vida. </div>
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This is the private school and Pan de Vida.</div>
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This is a picture of the kitchen at Dulce Refugio. This is the second orphanage that we had the opportunity to visit. </div>
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Her is a picture of on of the 2 dorms standing at Dulce Refugio. They can accommodate 50 children each. The have 2 of these buildings, one for the boys and one for the girls.</div>
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Here we are visiting the third orphanage, Esperanza para Te. This is a family run facility that keeps things on a bit of a smaller scale but provides great love and care for the kids in a family environment. They offer many different things for the kids to be a part of. As you can see the fish pond, the barn in the background and the many fruit trees and gardens that need to be cared for. </div>
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Here is a picture of two boys that faithfully care for their cow Macarena. Each morning at 5:30 these boys are out milking her so that they have milk for breakfast. Pepe, the boy in red loves his cow. As he milks the other boy holds her tail. It was touching to see the small note Pepe wrote on the wall inside Macarena's stall. " Macarena, see you tomorrow, I love you! Pepe"</div>
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Over all this trip was a great success in our minds. The four of us were exposed to 3 different orphanages with similar visions. We were exposed to great people and resources that are backing us and willing to offer advice as we continue in this process. We are so grateful for Children of Hope and that they are willing to work with us in building Ministerio Ancla de Amor. We are so excited to purchase our property and hit the ground running.</div>
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Thanks to all of you that continue to love and support us faithfully. We think of you all often and are so grateful that you are all a part of our journey. It is an absolute privilege to be here serving the children of Guaymas. </div>
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Merry Christmas to all!!!</div>
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Love Brian and Clarissa</div>
Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-69493278246651380902013-12-02T17:32:00.000-08:002013-12-02T17:32:09.249-08:00Ministerio Ancla de Amor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is long over due, its time to sit down and share some of the new and exciting things that are happening down here in Mexico. We are so thankful for the progress so far. Some days it feels like we are always waiting but as we look back over the last two months we can see how God is moving things right along. All in His timing right!</div>
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First things first. We have a name! "Ministerio Ancla De Amor" which means Anchor of Love Ministries. We chose this name for numerous reasons. Obviously with our location right on the west coast we thought it would be great to somehow incorporate that into our name. We started thinking of ideas and it came to us that Christ is our Anchor in the time of storm. We want our home to be a safe house, a place of anchorage for all children that are in the middle of life's storm. A place that the can find comfort, security, and peace demonstrated by love. We are so excited to announce that God provided us with a name and a vision for what He wants to take place here in Guaymas.</div>
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Also, some more HUGE news! We have Our board of directors in place. God has put together an amazing group of people to bring this vision to life. It is an absolute privilege for me to work along side these folks and already I can see why God chose these people to be a part of this Ministry.</div>
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<i>From Left to Right: Agustin, Jesus, Gabriella & Miguel and myself.</i></div>
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Thanks to all of you that have been remembering us in your prayers. We can sure feel them. lease pray that God would give us patience as we continue to wait for all the legalities to come together. Some days it feels like we are not getting anywhere and others it feels like we will never keep up with Gods pace. So, just pray for patience as God finishes with legal side of things.</div>
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Many blessings to all of you.:)</div>
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Brian</div>
Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-87486000317865384792013-09-26T19:42:00.001-07:002013-09-26T19:48:45.864-07:00But the greatest of these is LOVE<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This week God brought me to the passage in 1st Corinthians where Paul write the church of Corinth about love. This is a very familiar passage to most of you, in fact, in many marriage ceremonies this passage is often referred. As I read through it again I thought about how well it is also applied to our daily lives. Whether we are faced with conflict, whether we are entering into a relationship such as marriage, or wether we are simply passing a stranger on the street this passage can be applied. It is the greatest calling to all Christians. To love. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The Bible says that love is the greatest gift that God gives us and we are to love one another accordingly. In Corinthians 13 it also list different gifts that God gives us such as tongues, prophesy and faith that can move mountains but without love we are nothing. Christ is love and without Christ all our best efforts are in vein. So how do we love as Christ loves? We need to be patient, kind, love does not envy, it does not boast and it is not proud. It is not rude nor is it self seeking. Love is not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrong doings. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. LOVE NEVER FAILS. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We talked about this as a team. What will it be like to receive our first abandoned child into our home? How do we love that child. Well, the answer is pretty clear. I know God is going to stretch each one of us in this team as we care for kids and I am so excited that God is calling each one on our team to a very high calling and that is to love as Christ loves and to love the abandoned and orphaned. I am proud of the group that God has put together to care for the kids. Each person on our team is unique but the one thing they all have in common is that each one of them is great! I love our team and I know that God is going to do amazing things with these young ladies whether it be with us or somewhere else along the road. I am just so thankful that God allowed them to be a part of our lives right now. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">This is a huge responsibility and one that we don’t take lightly. These are Gods greatest assets coming through our door. Please, if you remember us, please pray for love. Please pray God gives us that gift, to Love as Christ. We know that children will come and some will go and already we are afraid of the pain that will bring. We know that in every circumstance it is best for each child to be reunited with their families or placed in a family that can love and care for them in a family setting. Pray that we love whole heartedly without holding anything back and pray that we would not be self seeking in any way. Our desire as a team is to live as Christ while we care and aid for these children.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I am excited to introduce you to little Evan. He is 2 months old and has just arrived to our shelter. He is our first child. Today, September 26 marks the beginning. I have to wonder what the future holds for this ministry and I get so excited dreaming about the possibilities but today I need to focus on God and everything he has done to get us to today. God is so Good and His plan is great.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Pray for little Evan. DIF (social services) dropped him of because his parents are both unable to care for him. I am still waiting for all the </span>details. I don't know how long he will be with us but we are trusting in The Lord and will love him for as long as God allows.<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I rejoice in his life and its my prayer that he will feel the unending Love that Christ offers. We do not even know him and already we are beginning to attached. Thanks to all our family, friends and supporters for helping us get to this point.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">The Social worker from DIF handing Evan over to me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> Cole and Mason are excited</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> Patty and Melissa welcoming Evan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> Patty has been the most excited out of all of us. This afternoon when the water pump for the fridge started Patty bolted outside in anticipation thinking it was the car dropping of Even. We will see how excited she is tomorrow morning:) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"> Cole is proud of this little guy too. He is always ready to help out. He makes us all very proud of him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> And Leah is wondering what is going on. Why is this little dude here? Already she is helping out to bringing him his soother and sticking it in his eye.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">I wish I had pictures with Clarissa to but the truth is she is not here. She had plans with her girl friends tonight. DIF was supposed to drop off Evan this morning and he only arrived at 6 this evening. So when she left we were actually thinking he would only come tomorrow. She will have a surprise when she gets home:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Good night folks. Blessings:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica;">Brian</span></div>
<br />Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-625734812406142832013-09-23T20:21:00.002-07:002013-09-23T20:21:35.971-07:00We have arrived homeGood Evening<br />
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We have arrived in San Carlos and the dust is starting to settle. We arrived last Tuesday, September 17th after a long but good drive down to Mexico. We praise The Lord for a safe trip with few head aches, other then Mr Tom Tom taking us on a few detours. I am convinced that my GPS is messed up but my dear wife seems to believe that the problem could actually be me. I am not sure, at times I do think I am loosing it so maybe this is just another sign of things to come.<br />
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Thank you all for praying for us. We truly felt your prayers! Our border cross was a head ache but we made it through. Mexico is a unique country. The harder a person tries to do things legitimately the harder it is to get things done. I told myself that this time I was not going to hide anything. I would claim everything properly. After paying 400.00 in taxes + 100.00 in brokerage and still had to cough up 150.00 to bribe the border guards to let me in. Its so frustrating sometimes but i shouldn't complain. We are here and we are safe.<br />
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As we turned off the highway into the town of San Carlos we heard a sigh of relief from the back seat. Mason always has some kind of a remark. As he let out his sigh, he spoke for all of us when he said, "home, sweet home." Is is so good to be back in San Carlos and to catch up with all of our friends. It is good to settle into our own home and begin our normal routine again. We are also really excited with how our team is developing. Melissa, Patty and Kendra are awesome to have here with us and it is so exciting to see relationships develop. I am so proud of the team that God has put together. Next week Agustin and his wife Lupita will start working for us. That is also very exciting.<br />
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We ask for your prayers. As we have settled the question has come up among us? When are we going to receive children? My plans were to receive 1 or 2 children before Christmas but once again God seems to be moving at a slightly faster pace than I am. We are in preparation for receiving 2 boys in the next week or so. We are so excited. We know these boys and believe they would fit into our small family run shelter well. So please pray for them that God would prepare them for the transition into our care and that everything would go smooth. DIF still needs to iron out some details before they can come so please pray that it will go according to Gods plan.<br />
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A sincere thank you to all of you that are following our story and to all of you that are supporting us in prayer as well as financially. You are all equally as involved in the lives of these children as we are. I pray for all our supporters and I thank the Lord that He has taken such good care of us. Please remember us in your prayers as well. We sure need them. Please pray that God would give us unending love, compassion, grace and mercy to the children that come through our door and also pray that God would continue to provide the finances to take care of the ministry as well as us personally.<br />
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Much blessings to all of you. Thank you so much for being such an amazing support group. We love you guys a lot.<br />
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BrianBrian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-12157710502634235912013-09-08T22:57:00.001-07:002013-09-08T22:57:55.110-07:00Heading HomeWhat a whirl wind of a summer. I am exhausted but at the same time I feel so re energized. Tomorrow morning we get in the truck and start our journey back home to San Carlos. Thanks to each and every one of you for your prayers. It has been an amazing experience.<br />
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For those of you that are not aware we have exciting news!!!! GOD HAS RESPONDED IN AMAZING WAYS TO THE ACRE CHALLENGE!!! We set out to raise up so money to purchase land in Mexico. The cost to purchase the land is 244 000.00 plus taxes and legal fees. I didm,t know how God was going to respond to this, all I knew is He gave me peace that it would be taken care of. As of yesterday, two days before we arrived, God provided 266 000.00 through the "Acre Challenge."<br />
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PRAISE HIM WITH ME!!!!<br />
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I am so excited at the journey that God is taking us on. Please don't forget us in your prayers, we need you now more than ever. I know the enemy would like nothing more than to de rail this thing.<br />
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We will keep you posted on everything going on once we arrive in Mexico.<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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Brian<br />
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Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-66805051250251987562013-09-01T19:55:00.001-07:002013-09-01T19:55:44.391-07:00Another BIG Response to the Acre Challenge!Hello Everyone<br />
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The summer has come and gone. It is hard to believe that in one week we will be heading back to Mexico. We are really excited to start our journey home and get to work on this new adventure. Of course leaving Canada has its challenges too. We have had an a great time visiting all our friends and family.<br />
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I wanted to let you all know that God has continued to bless the "Acre Challenge." We are currently at 41 of the 44 acres that are required to purchase the land for the orphanage. Praise God!!!! Only 3 more acres to go! I would have never expected we would be in this place 2 months ago when we arrived here. It is a miracle!<br />
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I want to say a huge thank you too all of those that have been praying for this ministry and also for those that have decided to help out financially. God has used each one of you to make the purchase of the Land a reality. Please continue to pray that God would bring forward the remaining 3 acres so that we can go home and make the purchase. I also ask that you pray for our personal support as well. We are still short of reaching our goal so pray that God would also provide for that as well:)<br />
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Today I had to privilege to speak at the Winkler Grace Church. I am so thankful for the warm welcome and the encouragement that we received there. Once again it is so cool how God is using so many from different Churches to put all the pieces together. What a great opportunity for us to unity together to further Gods Kingdom here on earth:) Please remember me in your prayers as well as I prepare my next presentation for a group of people in Paynesville MN. We are also very excited that we have the opportunity to share Gods plans in an entirely different area.<br />
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Well, lots of work to get done, thanks again to all of you that have been supporting us both prayerfully and financially. I pray that God would bless you and your families. I also hope that we will get to see a bunch of you down in Mexico real soon.<br />
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Brian<br />
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Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-67142693954050469582013-08-24T19:23:00.000-07:002013-08-24T19:23:12.281-07:00There is nothing impossible for our God!Greetings Friends<br />
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<br />Another week has come and gone. This week was full of excitement as God showed up again in big ways. It is hard for me to get my head around the unlimited resources that God has and how He is using the community of Winkler to make a huge impact in the city of Guaymas. It is a project that we as a family are truly privileged to to be a part of.<br />
This week we held an information night at the Central Station in Winkler. We hade a great evening of sharing and relationship building. A huge thank you to all those that spent so much time putting the event together. I'd especially like to lift up Jim and Lena Suderman for all the behind the scene work as well as Don Friesen for taking time to share some of his experiences working with Children of Hope over the past years. It is so great to see unity amongst believers here in Winkler. Also a big Thank You to those who came to the info night to hear what is happening in Guaymas. I really appreciate those who took the time out of their schedules to come and listen.<br />
Having said all that, God has provided 30 of the 44 acres that we need sponsored. "PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!!" God continues to blow my mind. I do not know where the remaining acres are going to come from but I am praying that they will be committed to before we go home to Mexico in September 9. Please join me in praying for the remaining acres. Please pray that God would continue to put me in contact with those that He has chosen to give to this ministry.<br />
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God bless you all. Thanks so much for following our blog and showing interest in our lives. We love you guys and I am starting to realize how difficult it is going to be to leave again. You are all as much a part of this as we are.<br />
I pray for Gods richest blessing for you are your families.<br />
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Brian<br />
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Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-15528818503649407062013-08-14T12:55:00.000-07:002013-08-14T13:02:17.118-07:00God is Alive and Moving!!! Another BIG Response!Hi Friends<br />
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So God has been outstanding this week once again. Everyday He continues to provide. Even as I type this I am emotional at Gods provisions. To date God has blessed us with 13 of the 44 acres. We are almost half way there! It blesses my heart to see all the people partner with us to make a loving home for the children of Mexico. It also blows my mind to see Gods endless provisions. Thanks to all of those who have stepped up to the challenge! Really, thank you so much! And thank you to those who are walking with me in promoting this ministry! I pray God blesses you tremendously! Just today a friend called me and said he was able to come up with 5 acres for the orphanage:) Please continue to pray that God will touch the hearts of those he chooses to partner with and that I would come in contact with them one way or another<br />
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Check out this video, <br />
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Blessings,<br />
Brian<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/YZoVRpjeHHI">http://youtu.be/YZoVRpjeHHI</a><br />
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<br />Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-20066531179815622152013-08-08T18:23:00.000-07:002013-08-08T18:27:53.472-07:00God Responds in Big Ways!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kVNeosPhyZqhOfCBl0GUwiECutzrJGOBAO_Pq18JugrcBnZd1DiKXqJoCeu5fqtNWoxazp7NEs-RVTec6So_xG-kSWGyoY0BEEzQjZqrl9ihqAooCTI-l579oCCs8hulezsyLi2I-5U/s1600/June+10_2013+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2kVNeosPhyZqhOfCBl0GUwiECutzrJGOBAO_Pq18JugrcBnZd1DiKXqJoCeu5fqtNWoxazp7NEs-RVTec6So_xG-kSWGyoY0BEEzQjZqrl9ihqAooCTI-l579oCCs8hulezsyLi2I-5U/s320/June+10_2013+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hi Everyone, I am trusting that you are well and enjoying your summer!<br />
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I am so excited at the way God is moving. We are busy raising awareness for the orphanage and for the purchase of the land we want to buy in Mexico. I am so excited, in the past week God has blessed this ministry tremendously! To date we have received sponsorship for 7 of the 44 acres we are raising money for.<br />
I want to thank each one that has already committed to sponsor and acre of land! What a blessing you are!<br />
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Please pray that God would continue to lead me to the people that He chooses to support this project. We are looking for people that are interested in taking the "buy an acre Challenge." If you are interested in helping the orphaned and abandoned in Mexico, please contact me. <br />
Also pray that each child that comes into our lives through this ministry is blessed and ultimately comes to know the Lord. I thank The Lord for each one of you, and for the encouragement and Love that we feel from all our supporters. It is an honour serving in Mexico and representing our amazing community.<br />
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Blessing to each of you.<br />
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Brian<br />
<br />Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-89515022980588056712013-08-01T13:13:00.000-07:002013-08-01T13:13:23.262-07:00Hello Friends<br />
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Wow, time flies by when your having fun!!!! It is good to be back in Winkler reconnecting with all our friends and family. We have missed you all so much and are excited to continue our visits.<br />
We are doing well, we are booked most evenings with different families and friends. The Winkler cooking has been great! We have also met new people along the way and it is always a blessing to add to the friends list.<br />
I have been sharing in a few different churches which has gone well. I have the Winkler Grace Church booked for Sept 1 for any of you in the area that are interested in coming out to visit. I am also planning a informal information night where I can share a few more details about the plans to buy land for the orphanage and the plans moving forward. Ill keep you advised of that when the details become available.<br />
So, when I say we are having fun, of course building on relationships is always fun, for me anyways, but the real exciting thing that I am having allot of fun with is talking to people about the land we plan to buy. I am so excited at everyones response. We are giving people the opportunity to sponsor an acre of property for the orphanage. Farmers and business people are really liking the challenge! I am finding that they are not only stepping up but they are talking about the challenge to the friends, neighbours and collogues. If you are interested in getting involved in the acre challenge please let me know. I can explain in more detail. We are looking for individuals, small groups, youth groups, neighbours, friends, etc. Anyone interested in jumping on board with sponsoring an acre so that we can buy and purchase the land this year. This week alone I have had 6 acres sponsored out of the 44 acre plot we are buying! Praise The Lord! If you or anyone you know is interested in getting in on the fun please contact me. I would love to talk on the phone or set up a meeting.<br />
So I ask you to pray that this challenge will be met. I believe all 44 acres will be sponsored!<br />
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God's Richest Blessings!!!!!<br />
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My contact info<br />
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bckrahn@gmail.com<br />
Cell: 204-384-9842Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-76793028983221973102013-07-07T21:55:00.000-07:002013-07-07T21:55:28.310-07:00We are almost back to Winkler!!!Greeting friend and family,<br />
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We are almost back in Winkler!<br />
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We have been on the road now for a few days. Actually its been almost 2 weeks! We decided to take a little extra time coming home for a couple of reasons. We wanted to take some time to re group as a family but we also knew that when I arrive in Winkler I'll have to hit the ground running. :) This trip back to Manitoba has been a real blessing, we have tented most of the way down and it has really helped us to adjust back to our culture before we arrive so that I can focus on what needs to happen when we get there.<br />
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I want to take the opportunity to thank you for all your support this year. As we prepare for the next season, and with the dream and plans to construct the orphanage I ask that you please remember us and the project in your prayers. This truly cannot happen without Gods blessing on it. I believe with all my heart that this is Gods plans and that He will bring it to pass! We are so excited that we have the privilege to continue serving our Lord at this capacity! It has been an absolute privilege! Our lives have changed.<br />
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I want you all to know that I will be arriving in Winkler this Saturday afternoon and I am scheduled to give a report in our church (Winkler MB Church) on Sunday the 14th. You are all invited! I know that it is summer time and many will be out on vacation but it sure would be great to have a full house! Even if you are not a MB'er please feel welcome to come! It would be a huge encouragement to Clarissa and I. Although it does add some more pressure to me and my presentation. LOL (i promise, if you are not blessed by my presentation you will be humoured! This is not a strength of mine) :)<br />
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Sooo, having said all that please come out and hear what God has been up too in our lives. I will be sharing a few stories, giving an update on what the future holds and stuff like that. Also prayerfully consider how God might use you to be involved! As I mentioned, I can't do this alone. I am currently booked to speak in 3 different churches in MB and hoping to line up some churches in the USA on the way back to Mexico. We are promoting the orphanage plans and raising funds to launch the project this fall. If you know of churches or organizations that may have a desire to help with this need please let me know. I have also started to take reservations with small groups and personal supporters for the month of July and August. We want to connect with as many of you as possible so please let us know if you would like to get together with us.<br />
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I pray Gods richest blessings on each of you. You are all constantly in my prayers and I thank The Lord for each one of you and for the blessing you have been to us! We have an amazing support network, it is a privilege for us to know and be a part of your lives as well.<br />
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Dios te Bendiga!!! See you next week:)<br />
<br />
Brian<br />
Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-34233470358150284772013-06-10T15:02:00.002-07:002013-06-10T15:02:30.487-07:00Words don't cut it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<u>James 1:27</u></div>
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<em>Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.</em></div>
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<em>NLT</em></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHseA0nhtpuDDEi1ioQ-aAonHTX9UUqnrfqkD_4Mk0lBbocXp6iwd0kOeh95LlpI_cOPzTAbjVOUj4zAiQiTiBcbo-67v7VUL4mfLnd2S9uQT9e50iAnmj3wjQ3BKEeKHXyZlX3LBYKQ/s1600/PIC_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHseA0nhtpuDDEi1ioQ-aAonHTX9UUqnrfqkD_4Mk0lBbocXp6iwd0kOeh95LlpI_cOPzTAbjVOUj4zAiQiTiBcbo-67v7VUL4mfLnd2S9uQT9e50iAnmj3wjQ3BKEeKHXyZlX3LBYKQ/s320/PIC_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This building appeared to be barn stalls. In actuality they are homes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIF delivered three boys to Maggie's ministry. They were with her about a week then returned to their parents who live here in one of these.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is another type of hut made of sticks and tarp. Keep in mind how hot it gets down here. It is very common to be in the 40's. Their is no relief from the heat of summer. I was inside one of the huts and the flies were almost unbearable. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Someone's home</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacCi_KEK4mtJmJqjKwgSnYm02drPAl8UuAQQAro_qwV089N0GoJuCo6DBzQhUg0aZMI_csRp9fUHvGywAY6OUPOrAvgLIbyqHxKHBRc6WzCYb-NiWb77Mx9q0M9uPXPE79ZQYHQcpzGU/s1600/PIC_0044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacCi_KEK4mtJmJqjKwgSnYm02drPAl8UuAQQAro_qwV089N0GoJuCo6DBzQhUg0aZMI_csRp9fUHvGywAY6OUPOrAvgLIbyqHxKHBRc6WzCYb-NiWb77Mx9q0M9uPXPE79ZQYHQcpzGU/s320/PIC_0044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a bathroom. I gathered it to be public</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovn2Y7ADc03iLPFLt3fyD2ehSDOczfacphqgNCrV_uKp1sT-gvn97gPDa8HSDndVRS3VKu85bxbfGvv_3n1c4UyrG4CZdFHvFFu3vacryb94EAp6KlsJqc1Be4vk_aEZPnVC7uATpyJc/s1600/PIC_0048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovn2Y7ADc03iLPFLt3fyD2ehSDOczfacphqgNCrV_uKp1sT-gvn97gPDa8HSDndVRS3VKu85bxbfGvv_3n1c4UyrG4CZdFHvFFu3vacryb94EAp6KlsJqc1Be4vk_aEZPnVC7uATpyJc/s320/PIC_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aside from the heat, this day it was quite windy. Their was allot of dust in the air.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8xk6mlP2FXRBUqAdorOGhPST0aDoIUzI0m1E6j_PAxFP2byECKy4vV3IJjCca1jr744uxUwh19Qh1QX86qdzHwMVyWOiaMeyaqsAa9UYfR1pUpE3xZ17i4Nt2YexvwNXl8B5E5q8_NY/s1600/PIC_0034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8xk6mlP2FXRBUqAdorOGhPST0aDoIUzI0m1E6j_PAxFP2byECKy4vV3IJjCca1jr744uxUwh19Qh1QX86qdzHwMVyWOiaMeyaqsAa9UYfR1pUpE3xZ17i4Nt2YexvwNXl8B5E5q8_NY/s320/PIC_0034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the mother of the children that were dropped off at Maggies. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzr34hSf4eTdPDZb95tSN3jzWUIGMZUeCG_3SmKj7fereeV3i_DjVDfr2CkUmgmT5qn5Xl31ev0gkmNraDGY3xNM0hSON556_4rO3Sl2QoLJ4eR8s42c7y8DQREMprY1rZbIbVdZQgHk/s1600/PIC_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzr34hSf4eTdPDZb95tSN3jzWUIGMZUeCG_3SmKj7fereeV3i_DjVDfr2CkUmgmT5qn5Xl31ev0gkmNraDGY3xNM0hSON556_4rO3Sl2QoLJ4eR8s42c7y8DQREMprY1rZbIbVdZQgHk/s320/PIC_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a little girl eating a cookie delivered by DIF.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwA1LvCbcT9BZQjHTrOGtf35yZe5EfAvSWGnHKeLzoljlSzYfYBpji9SQzT-OLI-TdPfPnQRIuEbdD7eDsyLeb5u8Ci4GgC68LF2PbXoMdyeF3I87Sz2yUFo7GMZttQ807i5oGxDPgHo/s1600/PIC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwA1LvCbcT9BZQjHTrOGtf35yZe5EfAvSWGnHKeLzoljlSzYfYBpji9SQzT-OLI-TdPfPnQRIuEbdD7eDsyLeb5u8Ci4GgC68LF2PbXoMdyeF3I87Sz2yUFo7GMZttQ807i5oGxDPgHo/s320/PIC_0032.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mother and child listen as the President of DIF gives a short presentation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEat4A2-v-bLawMNPp0RLdY3_wYJ_1VWdH4HrYwUvaa3hmMi2dVsMw9cyzApJyFR6GZgTbjVYWTGF4eg4AjVDvCLsKX7X1qCQRwdgwIVkiCaViwAUF4XSogPhQdGqywdZur-eNNBMTQso/s1600/PIC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEat4A2-v-bLawMNPp0RLdY3_wYJ_1VWdH4HrYwUvaa3hmMi2dVsMw9cyzApJyFR6GZgTbjVYWTGF4eg4AjVDvCLsKX7X1qCQRwdgwIVkiCaViwAUF4XSogPhQdGqywdZur-eNNBMTQso/s320/PIC_0038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wonder what is going through his mind. How is his life going to turn out?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQib-uFT8nYvPf4yG7wMhuIaIvOlPpn0GgCTxp2E51e9C9cdv5RZqeUB5_qR7BSA94s4j0nFVyoCuGfabR87yyCBk_E_IOWhjQd5gIRA0oU9GV3QO1dUbzkSK_-uz7WWr8crzJdhgpo4/s1600/PIC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQib-uFT8nYvPf4yG7wMhuIaIvOlPpn0GgCTxp2E51e9C9cdv5RZqeUB5_qR7BSA94s4j0nFVyoCuGfabR87yyCBk_E_IOWhjQd5gIRA0oU9GV3QO1dUbzkSK_-uz7WWr8crzJdhgpo4/s320/PIC_0037.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little girl watches as her mother goes through some donated clothing for their family.<br />
<br />
<br />
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With the temperatures starting to climb, we decided that it would be best to make our visit to the community of Marquez in the morning to avoid the heat of the afternoon. Maggie and I packed up my truck with a load of donated clothing and headed off to visit the family of three children that stayed with Maggie at her ministry for approximately a week. Prior to leaving for Marquez, Maggie mentioned to me several times that this would be an experience I would never forget. She said, "This will be like nothing you have ever seen before." I've seen some pretty ugly places and honestly, thought I had pretty much seen it all. I'm not sure anything can prepare you for walking through a community like this, without question, this was another community that ranked right up there with the worst ones I have visited. </div>
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In the community of Marquez the men work hard. They are out in the heat working the fields. I am not sure which crops are grown here but the soil looks really good. The men and young boys work long hours to provide income for their families. Families can rent these barn style homes for 400 peso's per month which is a little more that $30.00. I had the opportunity to walk inside one of the homes. It was pretty much empty, a small table and some old dirty 5 gallon pails to sit on. Their was no bed, only some blankets and some old foam for the family of 6. On the small table was a watermelon that had been cut open, half was gone and the remaining half was left, crawling with flies. I am sure that was their lunch. Their are no coolers or refrigerators to keep their food out of the heat or protect it from critters.</div>
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</div>
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When we arrived in Marquez we happened to run into DIF. (Social Services) They were doing a clothing distribution in the community that day as well. Ironic! We partnered with them as they we headed for the exact same place we were going. God has blessed us with an amazing relationship with DIF. It is so essential in order to work with them in the future. The President of DIF was there as well and her and I connected, I had the chance to share with her for the first time our plans to construct the orphanage. She was very excited and offered assistance to us. It was a divine appointment, I still can't believe how we crossed paths. Even she said to me, "I feel God arranged for us to meet today." WOW!</div>
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I look back on this experience. I don't know what to say, I don't have words. If I think of the comforts of life that I have, even living in Mexico, it simply blows my mind how good we have it. I can't believe that there are still people living like this? I think of North American and all the things that we take for granted. This sure could be me in one of those photos, it could be my children, but for whatever reason God chose to put us in North America. A nation that is blessed beyond belief! Wow, can you imagine what it would be like living in a barn stall? I can't imagine and don't even want too. </div>
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Wow, what a challenge. It sure makes me ask myself allot of very hard questions? </div>
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Be Blessed everyone,</div>
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Con Mucho Amor</div>
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Brian</div>
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</tbody></table>
Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-31710169640196217752013-06-03T12:13:00.002-07:002013-06-03T12:13:44.289-07:00Dream Big
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">Hey Folks, how are you all doing? I trust you are
well and enjoying the warmer temps. Well, an update is long overdue and I
hardly know where to start, but here we go! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">Over the past two years Clarissa and I have been
exposed to the many needs here in our region, particularly the needs of the
children, and so we believe that God has laid it on our hearts to construct and
develop an orphanage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has already
started to open numerous doors affirming that this is God's calling for us and
we believe this with all our hearts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">In September of 2011 we were heavily involved with
the food program in Fatima and it was there that God really spoke to my heart
about the possibility of opening an orphanage. I didn't experience any dramatic
visions nor was there any climactic experience; it was a simple nudging in my
heart, a silent prompting. I shared this with Clarissa and she affirmed the
great need for an orphanage, but I think we both had the same thought. What is
God up too? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">We spent a lot of time praying about it and I knew
that if God wanted us to be a part of that journey He would open the doors and
lead us into it, and that is exactly what He’s been doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">After our decision to follow God’s gentle nudging
for an orphanage we knew there were some significant steps that needed to be
taken. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">The first was for me to become a Mexican citizen. I
found out that through my Dad’s Mexican Nationality that I was entitled to
become a dual citizen of Canada and Mexico. Again, this opens many doors for us
personally as well as for the orphanage. I was a bit overwhelmed at the
process of applying for my Mexican citizenship but wouldn't you know God had
that worked out too! Through a friend I was introduced to a lady who knew the right
contacts in Canada and I literally had to do nothing other than mail the documents
and I found out a week ago that I am now officially a dual citizen!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">A second, fairly critical step in this adventure
was to partner with a group or organization that has experience with orphanages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was introduced to an organization called
"Children of Hope" based out of BC Canada who are very interested in
working with us on this project. They bring years of wisdom and advice to the
table. Right now I am still in the application process with them, so please
pray that this process will go smoothly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">Once I receive the formal documentation for my
citizenship I can begin the process of setting up my Mexican charitable status.
We are applying for a highly credited status that is greatly respected and with
this higher status comes more accountability, such as monthly minutes and
yearly audits. We want to run the Orphanage with the highest integrity and
transparency, we want our supporters to feel confident in us that their
donations are being used as intended and that God is being honoured through it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">Even as I write this letter to you God is moving
and opening doors for us in ways I could never even have imagined.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">The first tangible order of business is for us is
to look at the possibility of purchasing some land for us to build on and
through an amazing series of events I will be looking at multiple land options
for the orphanage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God moves, He
really moves!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can hardly wait to share
the stories of how God has begun to make this all possible!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">We believe that God is asking us to trust Him and
to dream big!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So we are!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t want this to be just an orphanage,
but a safe place where children can learn life skills, like farming, sewing,
cooking, taking care of animals, the options seem endless.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We dream of eventually having a school on the
property that would offer these children proper schooling in a Christ centered
atmosphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With God all things are
possible!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">Please consider how you would like to be a part of
this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is far bigger than anything
we can accomplish alone so we need your help!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need prayer partners, people who are committed to praying for us
continuously!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you’d like to join our
prayer support group please let me know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We need financial support, whether a one-time gift or ongoing support,
it’s all important to God’s kingdom! If you are interested in becoming a
financial supporter please contact me and I can walk you through the process! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">Our passion is that through this orphanage we will
be able to give children that come from hopeless and dark situations into a
home where they will feel love and security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A place where we can equip them with life skills that they will take
with them for a brighter future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
future that offers security, hope and a promise of God’s unfailing love for
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">I f you would like more information about Children
of Hope please feel free to look up there website at </span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; mso-themecolor: text2;"><a href="http://www.childrenofhope.info.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;">www.childrenofhope.info.com</span></a></span><span lang="EN-CA" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: "Segoe UI WPC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-CA; mso-themecolor: text2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-37407628181224266392013-05-08T20:55:00.001-07:002013-05-08T21:19:25.860-07:00Sweet Leah is One!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sweet Leah is one of my favorite blessings that God has given us. She is quite the character, and she has only reveiled what she is able at such a early age!! But what we do know about her, we want to share. :) First off, she LOVES animals. If there is an animal in her view, that is what she is focused on. There has been numerous times where I'd try to get her attention to only realize that as long as the dog/cat/bird you name it, is in her view; the animal will have full attention. I took her along to see the Sea Lion show at the local Dolphinariam, and she was great!! As I have learned how big her curiousity and love is, I've consciously positioned her in sight of animals. Here we are on a outting at our beach, and the seagulls are being their normal curious selves. Great!! Leah has animals to watch and distract her from wanting to crawl in the ocean. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As of lately, Leah is drawn to her brothers when they are sitting at the homework table. She doesn't understand what they are doing, but all she knows is that she wants to join!! Cole is a helpful brother who doesn't mind having a distraction from his schooling. (Who wouldn't have at that age?!) It's funny to watch, as she wants whatever writting utensil he is using, PLUS all the markers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leah has been figuring out how to play with dolls. She loves Mason's Toy Story dolls. Why? Because they talk when you pull the string!! It is one of the many easy ways to get a smile out of her. The funny thing about how she holds them is by their neck. I'm not sure why, but I'm wondering if it's because that's how she can make them look like their dancing, just like mommy makes them dance. When she plays, she loves to have toys that use fine motor skills. She loves to sit with her books and turn pages, she loves to try to open plastic bags with items in it. She loves to figure out and pull apart the boys lego. She loves their lego train!! I don't know why, but her favorite place to play is in our fire place. (?!?) My guess is that because it's a step up, or that it's kinda it's own room? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Leah is the most playful when she is on the couch with Brian or I, or in our bed with us. She likes to show us how she can stand on her own, and of course she puts up her arms like she's on a roller coaster ride! lol </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We have started teaching her sign language for the last 2 months to help her communicate in a different way then screaming. Our favorite one is her "all done". She both signs and says it. Just today I was laying with her on our bed, trying to get her to rest with me. She played along for a couple of minutes, but then she'd turn to me and both said and signed "all done"! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The weeks before Leah's birthday, I stressed about how we were going to celebrate. The tradition here is that there is a huge party with a pinata, cake, music and food. Everyone comes!! Oh, don't forget the decorations and center pieces!! I was concerned about who all from Fatima would show up, because I really don't know how many that would be. As her day was drawing near, I was freaking out. I couldn't hand out invitations that would invited only certain people, because the ones not invited would be upset. So I had a great chat with my study girls, and I received some great advice. The people will less likely be offended if no one is invited at all!! Wonderful!! I wanted something small, and with people who love Leah. So Brian and I decided we were having a family day away at the Zoo. :) We invited Cristian. (He is like family.) Off we went!! We headed for the Hermosillo Zoo. We showed up, and we shortly found out that the zoo was closed to the public. Ford was having a family day for their workers. :( I was disappointed, but then the Ford representative stepped forward and invited us to join. (!!) His finishing comment was "Buy a Ford", LOL So we were blessed with free admission from Ford!! (Buy a Ford!!) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We spent 3 1/2 hours touring the Zoo, and we had hit the spot for Leah. She loved the hippos, who quite honestly weren't doing anything but sleeping in the water. This is a picture of her taking it in. We also went on a Safari tour, and the people were given carrots to feed the animals. Again, another hit for her! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We decided to go out for supper at Applebee's. It's has always been a treat for Brian and I, and we rarely take the kids in with us. So you can probably guess how many times we have actually gone in the last couple of years. It was such a blessing that we were the only ones there. (Or it felt like it. There was one other 1 child family that got a good Krahn show.) When we got our food, the floor manager approached me and informed me of another female waited that would LOVE to hold Leah while I ate. (!!!) For real!! You bet! So I got Leah fed and brought her over to the waitress that was eyeing Leah. This is the best Birthday ever!! The waitress played with Leah (in eye sight) while I enjoyed my meal. And get this, they had a kid corner where there would have been the waiting area. It was all windowed in, and there were 7 TV's in it!! They had 5 x-box's and 2 movie tv's. (wow, I'm getting a little distracted.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Each day that God has blessed us with Leah, our love for her has grown more and more. She is our sweetheart that easily smiles, loves to explore and check out her little world God has given her. You will often find her on my left arm while I'm preparing our meals. Already with her baby doll, she acts out care to the doll. I thought this last year was great. I am looking forward to what the next year reveal about our Sweet Leah.</span> </div>
Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9040592727384602656.post-49817095555397140542013-04-26T10:35:00.001-07:002013-04-26T10:35:14.242-07:00It's HOT down here and there is no snow!Greetings Everyone<br />
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Sorry for the bad humor in the name of my post. It was Clariss's idea. I couldn't comeup with anything.<br />
Well, with this years busy season now behind us I finally seem to have time to clear my mind and think about the up coming year. This season has been interesting to say the least. We have seen miracles, we have had the opportunity to work with so many of you on a personal basis here in the Guaymas region, and we have had the opportunity to be a part of new and exciting things to come for this area. The launch of Children's Camps Int. as well as personal project that I have been working on over the past year and a half or so. So....needless to say we are excited to see what God has in store for us.<br />
Along with all the great things we see God doing with us, there has also been the challenges. These are expected though, it seems the enemy can never just back off for a little while. In the hustle of the busy season some things sure got neglected. We are excited though, we know God continues to affirm us and is continuing to bring restoration to all the places in our lives that need it. God is faithful, He allows challenges in our lives in order to keep our focus on Him. I sure enjoy seeing all the pieces come together! One of the biggest challenges this year for me has been health. I have had a stomach problem since mid February. I have seen 2 different doctors and have undergone blood work and "stuff." I received results back yesterday from all my tests and for the most part everything came back negative, so that is a praise item, but it still leaves us wondering why I still am battling with my stomach? I would venture to say I have lost about 20-30 lb. I have started to eat more regularly so things are looking up for me. Strange things have happened though, I can hardly convince myself to drink coke and only in the last few days have I started to drink coffee again. Maybe that is a good thing.<br />
Soooo, having said that Clarissa and I are going to make a commitment to update this blog more often. We have very exciting news that we hope to announce next week. We are working on launching a project here in Guaymas and are trusting that all of you can be a part of it in one way or another. I can't announce it today, as much as I would like too. BUT I believe that I can announce it next week. There is a meeting happening today and the outcome may directly impact the direction we are going so I hope that you can understand I don't want to get the cart ahead of the donkey. (I think that is the saying???)<br />
Like I mentioned, with the busy season subsiding, we are finding the time to shift priorities a bit. We are working on our family structure. It was long over due to spend some time together. Clarissa is busy home schooling the boys and I am happy to say that it is going really well. Aside from that she has her hands full with our little Leah. I am still looking at ways that Children Camps Int. can work here in our region. We have some meetings regarding this coming up so I ask you to prayerfully consider them. We have seen how children's clubs have greatly impacted children and families here in Guaymas. There is no doubt that CCI has a lot to offer the City of Guaymas. Aside from working on my side project, I am helping out at Maggie's (Agua Y Mas) fairly regularly. Her program runs daily in the afternoons. Today is field trip day, so we will all be loading up our trucks and driving the kids to the beach!!! I should also mention, we have not been involved in the Fatima program for quite awhile. Upon returning to Mexico this year, we really felt that we did all we could do to launch their program. Rafael and Maricella have done a great job managing things and we saw very quickly we were not needed anymore. In fact, so much so that we felt we were almost a burden in Fatima. Only because I am starting to see the importance of the Mexican nationals taking care of their own people. In Fatima, the community was starting to tie white people with money and blessings. Instead of them focusing on God for blessings they started to focus on man. (the community) We felt that our presence only made things more difficult so we decided to take a step back. I am happy to hear that nothing has skipped a beat. The program continues and the lives of the Children continue to be transformed.<br />
We are starting to plan our trip home for this July. We are looking forward to seeing a bunch of you and having the opportunity to share what has been happening in our lives and what we feel God has in store for us in the future. We pray and thank the Lord for all our supporters. We think of you often. Our plan is to arrive in Winkler on July 13. We want to spend the first week catching up with family but plan to fill up our time with all of you. If your interested in a visit lets start booking the days??? I am already starting to book different churches. We are only in Winkler for a month or so and I know that it won't take long to fill up the schedule. :)<br />
Gods richest blessing to all of you and your families. We look forward to hearing from you. Please don't hesitate to send an email or drop us a line and say hi. I listed our Canadian phone number and email address below.<br />
Please pray that God would continue to provide and that He will give us courage and strength as we prepare for the new season. Ohhh, and lots of wisdom. We have big decisions to make. <br />
<br />
Brian<br />
Brian and Clarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05298601225416016660noreply@blogger.com0