The little ones are a big help to Ira on his current project. When the paving block project was started behind the kitchen and auditorium, Ira had to make an auxiliary route for the water to be delivered. Now that he has the blocks to a point that vehicles can soon drive on them, he decided to keep the water route as a secondary line for when we have lots of rain or other things that will prevent the water truck passage.
The older boys helped dig up the path and bury the PVC piping and the little ones came to pitch in as Ira put the landscaping back together. They truly were a help by handing blocks, putting screened sand in place and hammering the blocks to compact them. It was so funny though when the youngest, Lupita, thought it was a better idea to start building a sand castle in the middle of where everyone was working.
Of course it takes 2-3 times as long to get it done but the most important thing is for the kids to be praised for their contribution and willingness to pitch in. A reminder that they love for their peers to spend time with them even if it is work which actually turned into a fun project for all of us.
Summertime is coming to an end as the kids prepare to return to the routine of school. Like all kids, they start to get bored and probably more so than other kids because Pan de Vida doesn't have the means to provide outings to keep the kids entertained. Also, the children don't have the opportunity to run errands to the store, hang out at the pool, go to the mall or even watch TV or play video games to fill in their spare time. In many ways it is good that they have to be more creative and play outside but that also becomes monotonous, long and drawn out over a 2 month period. So I think everyone is ready for school to begin.
Last week they were blessed to have week long activities provided by the employees of the local General Electric Co. They came daily and had courses with each age group. Many of the young ones had crafts, games, story time along with cooking class where they made pies and cereal bars. The medium aged kids had classes on animal welfare, crafts, science projects and the boys even had boy scouts. The older ones were entertained with sports, salsa and zumba dancing in addition to a workshop where they made a lamp from scratch. There was then a closing ceremony that recognized the children and teachers in addition to a lunch provided by General Electric.
This week, DIF, the Mexican Social services came and presented each child with a pair of black shoes for school They also donated staple foods like beans, rice, flour, oil, tuna etc. for the kitchen pantry. It is also a great opportunity for people to come and interact with the kids and see the work that God is doing through Pan de Vida.
Two couples, Dionisio and Conchita Mares who were supervisors of the boys of Pan de Vida for almost 12 years, along with Agustine and Geno Zuñíga who were direct overseers of the youngest boys for 5 years, have felt led to start another Orphanage. They remained in the rental house that Pan de Vida had in Los Angeles as they started the logistics with DIF, the Mexican Government. However, the current lease will expire the end of this month and they want to move toward more permanent housing to build on the vision that God has given them. They have already established the Casa Hogar (Orphanage) and named it Esperanza Para Ti~Hope for You and they have 6 children.
There is a property about 10 minutes from Pan de Vida on the outskirts of the small community of Los Angeles that the couple have found. It is currently for sale and has great potential to be built into a functioning facility to house 50-80 kids. The owner is allowing them to do some repairs and get things ready so they can move in at the end of the month. Ira is going to help with some of the plumbing and installations of proper bathrooms etc.
They will pay rent each month and have faith that funding will come in so they can purchase the property. The owner will apply any rent paid toward the purchase price if they buy it within a certain time frame. Once the property is bought, they will then be able to proceed with construction and hosting teams for these projects. Currently there is a small home on the property that will get them by as the logistics to purchase get worked out. It really touches my heart to see them step out in faith to basically start from the ground and work their way up to make room for more kids to live and come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour.
This past weekend, they hosted a meal of grilled fish at the new property and invited Ira and me. As always, food and fellowship was abundant. It was very uplifting to see the hope they have in this new journey they are starting. Already there is a barn and they have it stocked with chickens, turkeys, rabbits and sheep to grow. Also there are fruit trees surrounding the property, about 4 fish ponds that are fully stocked and lots of space for gardens. We continue to pray for them all as they face the challenge they feel God has prepared them for to build Esperanza para Ti and grow kids under the authority of God.
On Tuesday nights we have started an in depth Bible Study with the older girls who have grown up at Pan de Vida and are now living on their own. Some of the girls are in a transition house while others may be with some extended family members or friends. Nadia, a friend of mine, was very passionate about a Bible program that would keep the girls in the Word as they face some of the struggles of being independent and the temptations of the world. Due to work schedules, not all of the girls can come to the study but Nadia prepares lessons for the girls to do during the week. Nadia and I have both grown up with different backgrounds and struggles. We have individual testimonies to certain situations that the girls may have questions about. It is so encouraging to see the girls continue the journey with God and in His Word. I am blessed to be able to be a part of it.
