Greetings!
Heading out to Siempre yesterday I was certain the roads of our little village would be a foot of tire sucking mud, if we were even able to make it up the hill to get that far. No worries. The sun was shining brightly from San Diego south and the mud was no real problem... nothing that a good car wash or the next rain storm won't take care of.
Our leadership down there is doing an incredible job as they weather the storms with 17 kids in rain related lock down. Schools close because of the muddy roads and teachers inability to travel. So today will be the first day since last week that our kids head back to class and I know our workers will be happy to send them off. Just walking into Siempre and trying to figure out how 22 people live in there with so much peace and harmony is a testimony to The Power of God and His Grace for abandoned children.
Our Directors- Alajandro, Aracelli and their son Hernon- keep them in your prayers
Joy and Lynn welcomed a first timer with us yesterday, Mariah Avery, daughter of our administrator, Becky Avery. They worked on a blanket project with the kids. Joy, her sister and mother have been buying blankets for each child's bed. They have a little knotting or quilting to do on each one that Joy uses as a project with the kids. Everyone got involved and had a great craft while munching on the treats Joy brought along.
Joy and Mariah play with the kids after a successful, and warming, craft
The face of Siempre is a constant. It's the face of little children rescued from poverty, desperation, abandonment and heartbreak. The reason behind each child's placement is unique. Our reason for working hard to keep the doors open, insure new beds as kids need a place to go, being bold in asking for money when we add extra kids and food costs and tuition for school increases, is simple: every act of love for each child is loving Jesus. Jesus said to "suffer the little children unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of Heaven." And that for anyone "who would harm one of these little ones it would be better that they had never been born." Loving these kids is quickly becoming one of the easiest and best parts of my life. Wish you could join me some Wednesday afternoon.
The face of Siempre. Noemi. Safe, warm, dry, well fed, secure, loved.
When it rains, I wonder where our kids would've been without Siempre. Kids like Noemi. I wonder how many children are still cold, wet, hungry, scared and feeling alone and abandoned in the darkness of poverty without the loving protection of parents or home. Siempre is a little house of dreams. Rescuing drowning children and giving them the security and structure to dream God's dream for their lives. Noemi loves her dolls, doll house and wearing pretty clothes. She came to us scared, dirty and in one poor little dress. These are just the first steps, the easy ones probably, that will help put her on a path of success that will take her through high school, college and into her dreams. What a blessing to share the hopes, dreams and lives of so many children who came to us as strangers. Please keep Noemi, and all the children in your prayers.
Looked at some property yesterday. The one available piece is less than two acres. We're hoping to find something over 5 acres. At our current rate of growth we'll need every inch of it in no time. Siempre's needs were more immediate. They had a long shopping list of request for me the minute I stepped out of my truck. The van needs repair. With 9 new kids they need more money weekly for food. Shoes are worn out. The rain is making them plead for a dryer. The list was long and by the time I left I found myself fighting the urge to run! Fortunately God reminded me that His Grace is sufficient and that He'll supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory... He's too Good! He's God and their His kids. We're just stewards.
Our group photo for the day- no rain! You can see the mud.
Our newest staff member at Siempre is in the red in the middle of the photo. Her name's Bianca, she's 18, and speaks a little English. The rest of the staff is thankful for another live in staff member and the extra set of eyes, ears and hands.
Thanks so much for your part in loving the children of Siempre. If you'd like to make a food donation- I'm going to make it religion that part of my truck is filled with food every Wednesday. We have so much. We're upping their weekly food allowance another $100- to help with the new kids... but I know that many of us have access to food they could never afford on their simple budget. Add Siempre to your shopping list. Grab a turkey, or whatever else you might feed 22 people with and drop it by my office- or start a pick up site in your area and I can grab it once a week- God's opened this door only two hours away and I plan on doing all I can to stay faithful. You're invited to join us. Know that you're in my thoughts and prayers today.
Siempre,
Eric
You can support a child on a monthly basis and begin to build a lifetime relationship or support Siempre Para Los Ninos for a day, week or month. Without you our doors would close. To learn how you can rescue kids in poverty go to siemprekids.org it's easy and can be auto deducted from your bank account or from your credit card. Or give me a call with questions- 951-689-5806.
We've still got $10,000- to match before May! WE CAN DO IT!
I'm open to speak to your church, club, group or business concerning Siempre support.
PS
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