RIN Updates

We took another trip to the refuge (RIN) in Reynosa this past week with a delivery and were pleasantly surprised at the changes there. As we crossed the border and drove along the Rio Grande in Reynosa, we were again saddened by the colonias ( it is hard to call them homes, as they are nothing but pieces of left overs patched together for shelter). Most of these are inhabited by the people from Mexico and South America  who have no means of support. Brother Hector had established a ministry there at the dump (where most of the people live) including a church, food pantry, and whatever support he can give them. Brother Hector has received help from Children's Haven whenever possible.

a shelter from the weather - home to some - they mostly only sleep in here - otherwise do all else outside, especially cooking if the have food or the fire pit to do so

a more elaborate "home"

this one is a bit larger but it is virtually in the dump

Brother Hector's ministry

There is a large canal, very polluted with raw sewage, that runs through the center of Reynosa. Those from Mexico and Central America who are trying to get to the US illegally hire someone (called coyotes) to get them safely there. The coyotes bring the refugees to the canal at night, tell them that all they have to do is swim across this narrow waterway and they will be in the US. The coyotes then run off with the money (usually thousands of dollars paid to them for the travel) leaving those wanting freedom alone in Reynosa. Some swim across at night, some just wait until they feel safe, only to discover that they are still in Mexico. They become part of the dump residing residents. We once saw the federalise coaxing a swimmer from the canal, thinking he was almost free. Does this not remind you of false prophets, who promise you freedom from sin by just listening to their lies and then taking your money, leaving you lost and alone, still in bondage? "Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you, they fill you with false hopes, they speak visions from their own minds, not from the Word of the Lord". Jeremiah 23:16

 

the canal which falsely represents freedom to some

the Mexicans love the Monster trucks, too

we have not figured out this represents - it is new this year

 

The new school building is completed and filled with children starting another year of learning. In Mexico, the school year starts already as the children only attend daily classes until 1 PM. The new classrooms are fresh, clean, air conditioned and colorful. Through the grace of God and the efforts of CRM parks in the Rio Grande Valley, the building of this new facility has been accomplished. There is also another building being finished which will be the bathrooms provided by the Mexican United Way. It takes the efforts of many groups who through prayer and persistence help Children's Haven International provide loving, Christian care to children from disadvantaged homes.

 

 the new bathrooms in progress

the completed new school building

grades 5 and 6

 you will notice some children have water bottles - these are the children of the blue collar workers in the surrounding community who pay to attend a Christian school

Grades 1, 2, and 3

 eager to learn

 these two jumped up from their seats in order to hug Fred

preschool

this little guy so wanted his picture taken

beautiful classrooms


Another new fixture at the haven is the new, huge palapa. We sat under it for awhile where it was cool enjoying a soft breeze. It is a welcome addition donated by the Volkswagen dealers in Reynosa. The workers were hired, also by the dealers, from Chulapa to work on the project. It took two weeks, as all the work was hand labor. Luckily, the workers were invited to stay in the dorms while they completed their job.

isn't it awesome

one end - just look at the man hours involved

 the opposite entrance end

our youngest child, Kayla, who has become very spoiled by all her "brothers and sisters", Tias, Tios, and us Americanos who love her to pieces.

 

this is Angel, one of the four boys who came almost over a year ago - he is happy, has learned manners, and is coping well as shown by his amazing smile 

 

 

 

As I was out in the park the other day, just loving the fresh air and all of God handiwork, I heard a familiar sound - the tinkling song of the ice cream man's truck in the surrounding neighborhood. It reminded me of when I was a child growing up in Chicago with a bunch of hooligan kids running wild. We would hear the Good Humor man coming a few blocks away and all scatter to our homes, rushing to get a nickel for an ice cream treat. Mother must also have heard the sound, or maybe because of her sixth sense she knew what was happening. We lived on the second floor of the apartment so we did not waste time running up the back stairs to get our money, but just stood outside the living room window and hollered up (a daily occurrence to get any one's attention). The window would open and down would come a white hanky with two nickels knotted inside (one for me, one for my brother). The scramble was on to see who could get to the Good Humor bicycle first to get the best choice. I was almost always first in line as I could run as fast and push and shove with the best of them. My favorite - an orange push-up of which there were very few left! Thus the reason for pushing and shoving - also another sin to confess to the good Fathers at St. Angela. How strange that this morning at church Pastor Israel's wife Becky spoke about the awesomeness of God and His magnificent handiwork. How she loved to walk in the evening and just take be a part of creation. I, too, love to marvel at all the simple flower buds, the evening at dusk, the sound of birds singing, even the ugly bugs!!! Pastor Israel encouraged us to sing and celebrate God's wonders and His  faithfulness and love for us. He truly is an awesome God.

 

This week as you are out and about, notice the small things - the perfection of the blades of grass, the small insects dutifully going about their jobs, the flowers beginning to bud, the sound of kids playing, the hum of busyness at work and thank God for it all.

 

 

 

 



Viva La Mexico

Yesterday was our first trip to Children's Haven in Reynosa, Mexico. It was a birthday celebration for the summer birthday kids - big and little all!! Six of us crossed the border with no problems, but as we arrived at Peter Piper Pizza in Reynosa, we were again reminded of the dangerous situation by the sight of a military tank and armed military around the mall. We brought the beautifully decorated cupcakes for the celebration from the US and waited patiently while the children and adults arrived from RIN. There have been changes at the Haven as some house parents have left and new ones are taking their place. Being a house parent to 10+ children every day and taking care of their many needs with love and dedication makes for a very stressful life. Most house parents burn out after 5 years  or so, understandably so. These amazing people have families of their own, many of their children have spent a large part of their lives at the haven. The desire for a more "normal" life adds to the stress. We will certainly miss them and keep them in our prayers as we become acquainted with the "newbies ".  Even sadder sometimes is the loss of any of our children. We are particularly saddened by the news that one of the girls we sponsor, Lupe, has decided to leave the home and return to her mother. The conditions there are not desirable, so much so that her mother requested that she remain at the haven, but Lupe was very determined and would not stay. We are praying that she changes her mind, especially when school starts (her mother cannot afford to send her to school) and realizes even though life at the haven is more restrictive, her opportunities are so much more attainable. Some of the children who have returned to their families have done so because the families are in a better position to care for them, but there are those who are taken out regardless of the family situation. It truly breaks our hearts to see these
children lose the opportunity to become models to their communities by finishing high school and even college. We pray that the Christian training they have received will stay with them throughout their lives. Despite the sadness in our hearts, we welcomed old friends with many hugs and "I missed you" all around. The children were allowed to check out the games, bumper cars, and rides before we all enjoyed pizza and soda.(The Mexican coca light is wonderful).   Then they all were turned loose (even the adults) with pass cards allowing them 30 minutes of fun. The object seemed to be to collect as many tickets from winning games as possible in order to get the best prizes. As you can tell by the pictures, the adults enjoyed this as much as the kids. After all were exhausted, the birthday children were honored with presents, the cupcakes were handed out and admired, and everyone was ready to head back to the haven. Because of the long lines at the border crossing over into the US, we gringos opted to head for the border before it got too late, saving a trip to the haven for a later date, where we will be surprised at all the changes there. Because of your prayers and support, many lives are saved, physically and spiritually.

the children must have been told to wait, as we were sitting inside and they were anxiously waiting to come in

checking through the window to see what lies in store



Paty, third from the left, is the only sister that we now sponsor - she opted to stay at the haven



a couple who is allowed to date - Jacqulin who is in high school, and Nelson, who is in  college, are allowed to see each other at 7 PM in the evening - talk about restrictions

the celebrants

a surprise visit

pizza time

play time

go cart fun

the adults chose shooting practice

Director Betsy, in the foreground, and her son, Benjamin making decisions on how to spend their time

the younger boys go for speed

showing off for the girls

look at all the tickets - he won over 1500!!

even Jessie enjoyed the go carts - ps: Jessie is TALL

which one do you want???

Melana is busy passing out presents

Kayla, our youngest child

Paty's house mother also got presents

traffic in Reynosa not so bad for a Saturday afternoon

a juggler at the stop light - juggling for tips

a long line across the bridge - about a 45 minute wait

After I do my treadmill walking in the evening, I leisurely walk back to the trailer, noting all the song birds, cooling down and snuggling in for the evening (just as I am heading home to do). I am always awed by God's creatures and their instinctive ability to know just exactly what to do and when to do it. We, as human beings, often question our instincts and abilities, relying on ourselves, instead of God. Man is selfish by nature, always wanting things his way. We must strive to trust Christ as He died for us, surrendering His life to God just for the salvation of our sins. Simple words: trust and obey.

 

the egrets and white ibis settling down for the good night's rest

 if you look at the middle of the picture, through the leaves, you will also see a blue heron - God's creatures
a lonely flower among the tree branches, as we are sometimes in this world, standing strong for
Jesus Christ

 

Last Sunday I asked for prayers for Robert Wilken - I am sorry to say that he passed away unexpectedly early Monday morning. We ask for prayers for comfort  during this very difficult time for his wife, Judy, and the entire family. We don't always understand why things happen as they do, but need to continue to keep our faith and pray.

 

We wish everyone a very wonderful week in Christ.   

Cooling Rain

Even though other parts of the country are flooding and praying for the rain to stop, here in S Texas we have been praying for rain. The grass was drying up, everything was brown and sort of dead looking, even the birds were walking around, looking up in sky, with their beaks open wide. Yesterday, we heard thunder in the background - the rumbling got closer, then this strange stuff started falling from the sky. Rain, beautiful wet, cool, refreshing rain. It rained about 45 minutes, a soft soaking rain. As we left church today, it looked dark and cloudy, a few sprinkles, then a real rain. After we got home, relaxing a bit, this huge noise startled us ( we may have been napping!) A real gully washer downpour. Thank you Lord for your provision. For a few moments pretend you are Noah - God tells Noah that He is going to destroy the earth because of the corruption and violence in it. He tells Noah to build an ark because He is going to destroy the earth and everything in it by bringing floodwaters.
Oh, OK Lord, but what is an ark, and what is rain, and what is floodwaters????  But because Noah was an obedient man, he did as God commanded. Read Genesis chapters 6 through 9 to read the whole story.

the evening sky before the rain - no clouds in sight - notice the star in the upper right corner

a quiet evening in the park -

As I was going out the door headed to the newly remodeled exercise room one evening (yes, I am walking again, but on the treadmill as it is too hot to walk outside) I had to stop a minute to let a duck family waddle down the road to the lake. They spotted me, increased their speed a bit, and headed down the bank to the safety of the water. How funny they looked - 2 parents and 4 ducklings, waddling along for an evening stroll!!! Too late to grab the camera for a picture.

 

We acquired a large amount of food, some Bibles, and even the complete Bible on CD, King James version, for the Great Oaks Food and Clothing ministry. We feel so privileged to attend church there on Sundays. This morning we welcomed Pastor Israel and Becky back from their East Coast vacation to visit family. At the church service, we were surprised to find out that one of the youth was leaving to return to her hometown, Chicago.  She has spent the past year here in S Texas as she had left her unstable family situation. She mentioned to a schoolmate that she felt the need to go to church and he invited her to Great Oaks. We all got to see her grow in Christ and get baptized. And now she takes the Word of God back home with her and to her family. We will miss seeing her here and encouraged her to always stand firm in the Word of God!!! God is so good.

 

As we acknowledge God goodness, we also praise Him for answered prayers. I know I have talked about our great granddaughters who are indeed a miracle from God. As we prayed them through their pre-birth state and into their arrival here on earth, we are still amazed at God's ability to answer our prayers in abundance. They are now 7#, growing like little weeds after a rain, with NO  noticeable physical ailments. I repeat, God is good.

Kinley and Kenzie or is it Kenzie and Kinley

 

 I have a prayer request for you - please pray for Robert Wilken who has been diagnosed with esophagus cancer. The doctors are telling him he has 8-12 months to live. God in His Almighty healing power has proved doctors wrong time after time. Please pray for complete healing, that the cancer is rebuked from Robert, and we will give God all the praise and glory for it.