It's Monday -- but didn't we just get here?

We woke today early to get a jump on the laundry and housework that wasn't done on Sunday! As has become our routine, the younger boys dress for school, then we serve them breakfast, they have a devotional, led by Elvis, and they leave for school. Our team eats breakfast with the older boys who go to school in the afternoon. As we were eating this morning, we were startled to hear all of the little boys returning to the home! For some unknown reason, the elementary school was closed today, so they had a day off. They were all very happy, and to be honest, the team was also, since this is our last full day here.

After getting most of then laundry done, and the cleaning, and starting preparations for lunch, Hope and Steve took the team on a quick shopping run. We went to a pottery place, and then to the Gramlich Coffee Shop.

We returned home in time to finish lunch for everyone, and now it is siesta time. The younger boys are crashed out all over the floor. It is so precious how they sleep like this. The tile is very cool.

Sunday - Church Day and More Fun with the Children

On Sunday morning, the children at cereal for breakfast and then got ready to go to Sunday School. Before leaving, Samuel shared his testimony with our team. Sammy was abandoned when he was only six months old, and left on the steps of an albuergue that was run by nuns. He lived there until he was seven, then was moved to another home in Tuxtla. While he was there, he made friends with some boys who were used to stealing. This was their occupation, basically. So he learned how to steal. He was shuffled to another home there before being returned to Tapachula, which is when he came to this home. He has had trouble in school, and has been involved with drugs here. For a period of time, he was kicked out of school and did manual labor. So, his life here has not been easy, either. But he feels he is on the right track -- he wants to do the right thing. We prayed for him when he was finished.

We went to church at the Nazarene Church. One of the pastors there is one of the new houseparents at the boys' home -- she works mostly with youth. Today was her day to preach in church, apparently, and we were all taken by her enthusiasm and passion for her ministry. The church service was more than two hours long -- something none of us are used to! There was a lot of singing, two times of prayer, a sermon, a vote for a new district representative, and, of course, announcements!

We went to the girls' home to prepare lunch for ALL 43 of the children, the staff, and our team. Steve grilled hot dogs, served with chips. There was ice cream and cookies for dessert later in the day. Our teammate Wendy brought ideas and equipment for two very fun outdoor games, which we played in the girls' backyard. Everyone had fun getting to know all of the children. It is especially nice to see the siblings together.

After a very long day, we returned to the boys' home. We read to them and played games while the little ones took their showers. Haidee did the devotional tonight for the boys. She gave her testimony to them. She talked about how her heart used to be full of bitterness, and she wasn't a very nice person (which is very difficult for anyone on our team to imagine). She had three children but didn't enjoy being a mother. One day, she decided to give all of her life to God, and she asked him to help her overcome the darkness in her life. Now, every day she is grateful for all that she has and she is a very happy, positive person. 

After the boys were all in bed, our team was privileged to hear Elvis' testimony. Elvis is 19 years old --the oldest of five brothers, and has been in the boys' home for eleven years. His dad was put in prison for selling drugs, and he lived in the prison with his mother and brothers before being brought into this boys' home. His brother Jonathan was three and a half when they came to live here. The other three  brothers joined them later when they were old enough. Elvis always made very good grades in school, even when he didn't try very hard. There was a time a couple of years ago when Elvis felt that he needed to leave the boys' home. He wanted to take his brothers with him, but was not allowed. He lived with his parents for awhile, then lived with a friend who had helped him find some work. His parents did end up taking the other four boys out of the home. During that time, his dad was in a very bad accident and lost some of the use of one of his legs -- he could no longer work. Elvis became the one who was responsible for food and clothing for his brothers -- for the family, really. He wanted very badly for his brothers to get back into school because he knew that they would have a better life only if they had an education. Eventually, the brothers were brought back into the home, and in October, Elvis asked Hope and Steve if he could return as well.  They welcomed him with open arms and he is now finishing his high school education in a GED-like program. He is a huge help around the home, especially with the younger boys. He helps them with bathing and dressing, and reminds them of good manners while at the table during meals. He is usually the one to lead the boys' devotionals every morning.  Right now they are talking about the Psalms.  He is a big brother to all of these little ones. Elvis is starting at the university in August. He doesn't know what he wants to do with his life, but joked that maybe he will become a pastor! We could all see this become a reality. He is very engaging, and has a huge heart for God. 

Saturday - The Beach and a Party!

On Saturday, we slept a little later and enjoyed breakfast with all of the boys. Our preparations for the beach started right after breakfast. We are taking nine girls and three boys to the beach -- most of them are six years old and younger. We prepared sandwiches for the adults to take. The children ate lunch prepared at the park. The place we take them is within walking distance to the beach. After playing with the children in the surf for awhile, we came back up to a park, with "palapas" which are like thatched huts, where we relaxed and enjoyed our lunch. The palapas are right next to three very nice swimming pools. One very shallow, one medium depth, and one bigger pool for the older children.   We swam with the children in the pools and relaxed for awhile until it was time to eat.

Back at the homes, Hope and the staff were busy preparing for a very special party. The girls' housemother, Theresa, has recently graduated, receiving her masters degree.  Hope and Steve offered to throw her a party, and she invited family and friends to join her in the celebration.

The children really love Theresa, especially the girls. For many of them, she is the only mother they have ever known. She is very loving and attentive to them, and she encourages them to talk openly about their experiences, which for many of them is new, and not easy.

As the team and the children returned home from the beach, preparations at the girls' home reached a fevered pitch. Everyone helped get ready, as about 45 people were expected for dinner. The evening was very pleasant. Tables were set up in the backyard, fresh flowers were arranged, and a real party atmosphere was created.

After dinner, a mariachi band came and sang for us for awhile. When the band left, the people in the group began sharing how much they love her and how proud they were of her accomplishments. The older girls had joined us and also spoke. Most of them could not speak for long without weeping because they feel that they are so blessed to have her in their lives. Some of the girls (ages 10-13) performed a little dance that they had prepared in Theresa's honor. She graciously received many gifts from her friends and loved ones.

After cleaning up from the party, we were all exhausted, and very happy that we could sleep until 8:00 a.m. on Sunday!

The Kids Know It's Friday

The day started as the others have -- breakfast for the boys, and most are off to school by 8:00 a.m. The older boys go later in the day. We clean, cook, and do laundry. Bernie wasn't feeling well, so Steve took him to see the doctor -- found out he had picked up a bacteria that was wreaking havoc on his digestion. So a day of rest for him…ha. I'm sure he would have rather been working out in the sun than going through what he went through!

Paige and Haidee enjoyed a game of Just Dance 4 with Jose in the boys' home. Paige says he beats her every time!

At the end of the day, we had a later-than-usual dinner and relaxing time with the children. Paige led the devotional for the boys. She talked about how she loves the Psalms because they ask questions, complain, praise -- all things that are part of our lives. God is big enough for all of that and more. 

After devotional time, the boys pulled out sleeping mats so they could watch a movie together. They piled all over the mats with their pillows and settled in for the night.

Team is tired, but happy to know that we don't need to be back until about 7:30 a.m. in the morning! Yay, sleep late! Everyone is excited about our trip to the beach on Saturday. 

Women's Prison and Out to Eat -- Day Three is Done

On Thursday afternoon, our team visited the women's prison. We met Ruth, who is mother to one of the boys in the home. She was imprisoned four years ago for running a house of prostitution. She is very emphatic that she is innocent, and was framed by the police. She has been sentenced for 13 years in prison. She had such a sweet disposition and is not angry about her situation, but instead is making the best of a bad situation. Bernie wanted to talk with her, and Paige interpreted for him. In the midst of their conversation, Bernie discovered that Ruth leads an Alcoholics Anonymous group in the prison. She said that though she was not an alcoholic, she had seen so many people in the prison with this problem, so she decided to read all she could about it, and now leads the group there. Bernie was astounded that he had found this part of his life in common with a woman in a prison in Mexico…"Who would have ever thought?"

We celebrated Uliche's 12th birthday tonight with cake after dinner. The tradition here is that the family takes time to say a few words (usually very nice, sometimes comical) about the birthday person. It was wonderful to hear each of Uliche's four brothers talk about him. The other boys also were very sweet.

The devotional was given by Clay, who told the boys about his experiences, and how making poor choices had led him down a path of addiction and pain. Many of the boys' parents are in prison because of drug or alcohol addictions, so they could relate to Clay's story. One of the older boys, Elvis, expressed that he is afraid that his father's problem with alcohol will be passed down to him. He has experienced so much pain in his life because of addiction. The boys talked a long time about making good choices in their lives.

That night, the team enjoyed dinner out with Hope and Steve.

Into the Second Full Day -- Finding the Routine

Today we began early, and are finding our places in the routine of the boys' home. After getting the elementary boys off to school, we are now cleaning, doing laundry and cooking. The middle school boys are helping, especially the cleaning.

Later this morning, we will go to the women's prison. There are two mothers there who Hope has not met yet, and she would like us to join her.

Finishing Our First Day

Yesterday, we had a full day of figuring out our jobs in the boys' home. Everyone had a great time, and somehow all of the work was accomplished.  Clay and Bernie worked tirelessly on a roof project with Steve Shearouse, our missionary host. Flory and Susan worked with Hope Shearouse in the kitchen all day, preparing delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner for the team and the boys. Wendy, Karen, and Kathie washed and folded tons of laundry; Paige and Haidee cleaned, especially the boys' bedrooms and bathrooms. All of the boys help out around the house and are familiar with every aspect of housework. Since their schools meet at different times throughout the day, there are always several at home at any given time. We also were able to take time out to play with the boys, read to them, and take them to the park in the afternoon.

Last night's devotional was given by Flory, who talked about how lucky the boys were to be in a place where love for Christ and each other is planted very early. She said that she has enjoyed watching how those seeds are now bearing fruit, and she looks forward to seeing more good fruit for years to come. The boys began discussing how the older boys lead them, and several named Elvis as their example. Elvis had left the home for two years and came back about three months ago after some very difficult time on the street. He is the oldest of five brothers who live in the home. In a superior example of humility, he told the younger boys that he was glad that they looked up to him, but that they need to understand that he has faults as well. So, when they use him as an example, watch the good and not the bad, because he does not want them to make the same mistakes that he has made. Elvis said that his example has always been Ulysis, who is the oldest boy in the home.  Ulysis is finishing his college studies now. He has been studying English, and wants to teach.

The day wrapped up as the team shared where they had seen grace and hope in all that we did. Many of us are inspired by Hope and Steve's dedication to this ministry, and their love for the children here.  Haidee's son had been taken to the hospital in the afternoon because of a bad stomach sickness and high fever. Our prayers were answered when we found out during dinner that he was much better and had returned home. In all of these ways and many more our team is bonding, with each other and with the children here.

Team Arrives Safely in Tapachula!

After a very long day of travel, or team has arrived in Tapachula, Mexico! Our flight from Houston departed at 6:30 a.m. and we were in Mexico City by 8:30. Then the waiting began -- our connecting flight to Tapachula wasn't scheduled to depart until 3:30 p.m.! Our team made good use of our time in the airport getting to know one another better, and our anticipation grew with each hour. Finally, our flight left Mexico City at 4:00 p.m., and we arrived in Tapachula about 5:30.

We were greeted at the airport by Hope and Steve Shearouse, the missionaries here. On the drive to the children's homes, we were updated somewhat on the status of the homes. The staff in the two boys' homes have been completely replaced, and there is a renewed spirit of optimism and HOPE, after a fairly traumatic six months. (They recently lost the entire staff after discovering that things were not being run in a very Christ-like manner.) It has been a painful time, but they are looking forward to what God has in store for them in a new chapter of mission.

The boys greeted us enthusiastically at the home and we were all struck by their sweetness and good attitudes. The first-time participants on this trip saw immediately what draws the repeat attenders year after year! Currently, there are 17 boys in home #1, 10 boys in home #2, and 16 girls in the girls home! This is as full as the homes have ever been, and it is a real joy to be able to help serve here.

Kathie gave the boys a devotional after dinner. She emphasized that even when things seem bad, and bad things happen, somehow God is able to make something good come from it. She encouraged a strong faith and hope as things to hold on to.

After some much-needed rest, our team hit the ground running this morning, cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for the boys in home #1.

Watch for more pictures and news soon!

Preparing for Tapachula 2014 Pilgrimage

This year, a team of nine will travel to Tapachula Mexico, January 21 - 28. We will once again work as a relief team in one of the boys' homes. Watch this blog for posts beginning on Tuesday, January 21 when we arrive in Tapachula.