A Very Special Weekend...

Tomorrow I turn 42.  It is a bit sobering getting older, realizing my body doesn’t move as quickly and pain free as it once did.  I now have to use reading glasses full time even though I had lasik surgery just a few years ago.  I usually fall asleep while watching a movie and I now have more grey hair than dark hair.  Bottom line, I’m getting old.

I found this picture from 2 years ago.  My birthday looked quite different that year.  I was spoiled by hugs, cards and kinds words from our wonderful children and staff.  I sure do miss these smiling beautiful faces.

I came across another from March 8th 2020.  We were celebrating Ayantu’s birthday.  When I took this picture, I never would have imagined that this would be the last picture of the orphanage full of kids.  7 days later, the Pandemic hit Mexico and everything shutdown and changed.

It has been 602 days since the shutdown.  We have most definitely missed this place being full of life, laughter, conversation, hanging out, children, our staff and friends.  We really miss our supporters, friends and churches coming down to serve alongside us, encourage us, drink coffee and laugh with us.

And yet, even though so many things have drastically changed, we are excited about the new opportunities that have come about.  We are excited about the new ways that House of Blessing can still make an impact and difference here in Mexico.  New ways that we can care for children, partner with families in need and invest in our community here in Bachiniva.

Jackie and I are really excited that House of Blessing has the opportunity to host a women’s retreat this weekend. Some 50 women from four different churches will gather here tomorrow and Saturday for a refreshing and encouraging time together.  The past month has been incredibly busy getting everything cleaned, repaired, painted and prepared.  I don’t think we realized how dirty and out of shape some of our buildings were.  Now, this place is cleaner than it has been in a very long time thanks to a few gallons of paint, some mops, bleach, soap, brooms, and wonderful ladies from our church helping clean.

Please be praying for this weekend and all the ladies coming to the retreat. Please pray for the team of ladies that are hosting the event, leading worship and speaking. I’m super proud of my wife Jackie as she will be sharing at one of the sessions. First time doing something like this all in spanish, without a translator. Go Jax!

I’ll make sure we take lots of pictures and videos to share with you all as well as stories of how the weekend goes.

Thank you all and hope you have a wonderful weekend!