Praying & His Word...

Happy New Year to you all!  We hope that all the holidays were a very special and encouraging time for you, your families, your churches, etc.

Well, 2017 is upon us and it already seems to be passing by quickly.  The sun is shining bright, the weather is beautiful here, our road has been repaired, the children are back in school after winter break, our 3rd and newest husky, Luna (moon) is pregnant and about to have her puppies,  and things seem to be back to normal.

Unfortunately, we experienced another difficult situation with our sweet little Teresa.  If you recall, many of you were specifically praying for her three weeks ago.  Teresa was hopeful that she would be able to visit her family, just like the other children, for the winter break.  Unfortunately no one came for her and we found out that her mom had moved to another state in Mexico to work.  Through your prayers and the encouragement of the Lord, Teresa was fine and had a wonderful break here with our family and the few kids that remained behind.

To our surprise,  about 10 days ago, her father showed up at our doorstep.  It was definitely quite the surprise AND reunion for Teresa and her father.  Many tears were shed between the two of them and it was a blessing seeing him embrace his daughter.  He explained the situation how her mother had gotten sick and didn't end up going to Sinaloa to work.  He was hoping to take Teresa for a few days to visit and spend time with her mom, in San Raphael (about 3.5 hours away).

This seemed fine with us and we agreed and came up with a game plan.  On the day that Teresa was scheduled to come home (January 2nd), like the other children, to start school, we received a phone call from her mom and uncle.  Teresa's father left for Sinaloa to work and Teresa was now even deeper in the Sierra Madres, about a day's walk from San Rafael.  Teresa's mom is not well and she is very hard to communicate with.  She wouldn't tell us exactly where they were, but if we wanted Teresa, we'd have to go for her.

Unfortunately while this was taking place, there was mass protesting, looting and rioting all over Mexico due to an increase in gasoline prices.  We were without gasoline for about 3 days.  It got so intense that protestors were shutting down roads, toll booths and even certain border crossings to the United States.  As much as we wanted to go for Teresa, we couldn't due to road closures and barriers, and no gasoline.

Its been a week now and we have heard nothing from Teresa's mom or dad.  We have tried every phone number that we have for them, but can never get through.  My cousin Nieves and his family were going to go try to find Teresa this past weekend.  However with the protesting and road closures, they were unable to go.  It has been heart breaking knowing that Teresa is somewhere up in the mountains, who knows where, with who knows who.  Obviously this is where the enemy wants to mess with your mind, thoughts and emotions very greatly.  A thousands things and "what ifs" can race across your minds.  However, we are taking heart and being encouraged through the Prince of Peace and through His word.

Our church here in Bachinva is reading through the bible together in a year.  The staff here at the Casa as well as some of the children are doing it as well.  It has been so encouraging seeing the kids having a desire to read and understand God's word.  As I was reading one morning, I came across this verse....

"And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord" (Genesis 18:14)?

I kept repeating that line over and over again, "is there anything too hard for the Lord?"  And the great peace that I received that morning, and continue to receive to this day is NO ... there is NOTHING too hard for the Lord.

And so our prayers will continue FERVENTLY for little Teresa and her situation.  We want her home with us so badly, but trust God completely for what He is doing because we know that He IS doing something.  Would you please join us in praying for her safe return?  Muchas Gracias!!!

This picture brings such a smile to my face AND tears to my eyes.  These three little rascals (Ayantu, Valeria and Teresa) are classmates, playmates and best of friends.  All of the children miss Teresa and are praying for her to quickly and safely return home to us!