Feliz Navidad

Things have been so crazy in the last month. I feel like November didn't actually happen. 8-)

Mexico was awesome. I really had a very hard time leaving. The kids are precious and Johnny and Paulina (the parents of the home) were so incredible. They are such a tremendous example of what it really means to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I just wanted to stay there and serve them. Truly...that is what I wanted to do. I wanted to cook their meals and clean their houses so that all they had to do was continue loving on those kids. There were 19 children ranging in ages from 22 months to 18 years old. There were 3 elderly people and a 22 year old young man who grew up in the home and now works for Johnny so that he can still live there. In case you can't add let me help you out...that is 23 people that Johnny and Paulina have to keep living. They cook their meals, provide for their needs, and still manage to love on and play with them. Two of these children are almost 2 year old little girls. That in and of itself is a huge challenge, and it's not like these children don't come in with challenges to begin with. They come from homes that are unfit and quite often abusive in ways that most of us can't even stand to hear stories of. So there task in loving isn't often easy. It's hard to gain the trust of a child who has seen nothing but evil in their life, but that is what Johnny and Paulina do everyday. They gain the love and trust of sweet precious children by showing them the love of Jesus...even when that love is hard to give. We had the opportunity to witness patience, discipleship, the training of a child in the way they should go at it's finest. They are taking these children to church. They are praying with and over these children. They are speaking blessings into their lives daily. They are having regular Bible study with these kids. They are combating the enemy's desire to steal these precious babies lives that have not all been claimed. Please join with us in praying for this large 8-) amazing family. A large percentage of these kids will go back into abusive homes. The majority of them are not eligible for adoption. The ones that don't go back into the home they came from will spend their youth in children's homes. It is my prayer that if they can't be adopted into Christian homes that they would be able to remain with Johnny and Paulina. It is also our prayer that God would send someone to work along side them in taking care of this home. They are in need of assistance. The job is too big for two people. I am going to attempt to list all of the kids and adults by name in this post. It would be awesome if you could join with us in praying for the people of Casa Hogar. There is no doubt that God's hand is there. It is an amazing place.

The Family of Casa Hogar
Johnny and Paulina
Claudia 2
Brenda 6
Martin 7
Selena 2
Monse 5
Juan 11
Lizeth 12
Miguel 16
Karla 17
Juanita 18
Leslie 6
Cinthia 10
Jose 11
Ana 11
Kevin 9
Rogelio 14
Rafael 7
Jose Miguel 6
Cesar 18
Josue 22
Domingo really old 8-)
Magdalene really old 8-)
Ava really old 8-)

I would love to blog more about Casa Hogar. I want to tell you all about the place they live, their routines, their resources, and all about their unique personalities. There are so many cool things God is doing right now. It's exciting! For now we will celebrate Christmas and all the joy and hope that it brings. This truly is my favorite time of year. Jesus...just to say His name wells up something big inside of me. 8-) He is exciting!