She Prayed

Proud Mama

Some weeks it feels like a battle of the wills to arrive at El Nido, for me and for the women in my care.  There is usually something that comes up last minute.  This something is never a necessity and comes with ill intent to distract from the healing Fathers desires for that day. Yesterday was nothing out of the ordinary … I was flustered with traffic from the morning commute, didn’t arrive as early as I desired, and ‘she’ was running late.  Enter that nagging, selfish thought … “Maybe she won’t show up and then I can get my errands done before picking the boys up from school”.

I’ve been meeting with her since last August. She came to El Nido 16 weeks pregnant with her first child, father of the baby was not involved and just barely completing 18 years.  She was timid, afraid, tearful but had a sweet, sensitive demeanor and beautiful, shy smile.  Throughout the months we’ve spent together she has remained guarded in her answers to my probing questions and prayer requests have remained at surface level. Yet, she continued to come. Undaunted by my questions, reveling in my attention and affection toward her growing belly and assuring me she enjoyed the homework.

Each week she has respectfully accepted my prayers for her but cordially declined my request to join me in prayer. Yesterday, as we talked and laughed together, I noticed her heart seemed lighter, her spirit more sensitive and her soul longing for communion. Since the birth of her wee babe in early January, I have witnessed the new birth that has happened in her soul.  She has come alive and even animated as she talks jovially about this crazy life as a new Mama where there is no book to figure out why he’s crying. Her nights are short on sleep, her routine is out of routine, her body does not feel like her own anymore and she has returned to 10 grade night school.  Be that as it may, she adores this precious gift, glows in my affirmation of her as a Mama and ... chooses to remain on the receiving end of prayer.

Yesterday … was one of those “it will all be worth it someday” moments.  Her verse to memorize and apply to her life was Romans 12:18 “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Her usual application followed, “I should live at peace with my mom and little sister and those around me.” In the routine of the moment, I almost didn’t hear the words behind her shy smile which proceeded to leave me speechless. “This means to live at peace, in my heart, even with the Father of my baby.” Um, yes, wow, um, shouldn’t I have words to say? … Don’t look shocked … try affirmation, Yes, words of affirmation! In reality, no words were necessary, my tears and the connection in the depths of our souls was all she needed.  After sharing her devotional reading, I asked one more time while anticipating her answer … “Would you like to pray today?” … Si … (I almost missed it) It felt like a moment of awed silence as I tilted my head slightly and asked in affirmation, “Si? Quieres orar?” Yup, she prayed! And I, of course, I cried!

Prayer changes things ... Life in her spirit ... "Someday" came

Life on the Mountain

Monday, lots of planning, dreaming and receipts ... Tuesday, shopping, haircuts and receipts ... Wednesday, see above, add receipts ... Thursday, catching up on life and receipts ... Friday, Co-op, making jewelry and receipts ... Saturday, Family fun day at Mount House school with lots of water fun.  The afternoon and evening we spent reveling in God's creation at the park with worship team from church, sharing laughter, stories and pizza at our house. Sunday was absolutely beautiful ... worship retreat continued with worshiping together and sharing on the heart of worship.  Feeling blessed to connect with these friends from church. Spanish ... our brains are tried! What language do YOU think in?

Praises

She prayed!

Boys that can pass shoes and clothing to one another. Didn't school just start, second pair of school shoes destroyed!

Unity, understanding and growing friendship
Monday mornings at home
Receipts reconciled
The love, support and affirmation we feel from each of YOU!

Prayers

Jedidiah as he finds his way at school

Finances for VidaNet, Would you consider being a monthly partner with the ministry of VidaNet

Wisdom and direction for future with Casa 242 students
My Monday mornings at home would be fruitful and multiply
Pray with us to set up and organize a successful Eye clinic with El Nido.  A team of 11 coming from the states, desiring to serve 160+ people per day.
Carmelinda, as she walks through the trials of life away from home.
Creative outlets for Micah and Joseph to practice Spanish

Date with Dad ... always a treat!

Hide and Seek ...
"No, you can't hide in the washer this time!"

"Clem and Tina"
His clementine seeds sprouted and are
 growing under his tender care

Feeling creative ... This could be addictive!

Mount House School water fun ...
Micah sank him!

Life surrounded by mountains ...
Their grandeur displays His majesty ...
Higher than the clouds!

A thoughtful thought ... adorning our wall ...
So hard to live by ...