Greetings!
I've been sick and Wednesday was a test of my desire to be consistent in our work with the kids of Siempre Para Los Ninos. I recruited my son John to drive down for us. Debi and Lynn rode in back- far from my illness- and I rode shot gun resting both going down and coming home. I had property to look at and work to attend to with our leadership so I left the kids of Siempre to Debi, Lynn and John- they didn't need my germs anyway.
My wife Debi had been shopping, buying the Siempre girls matching dresses for Easter, and she was excited to see if they fit. I think the boys were ignored for the first hour as all the girls tried on new clothes and showed off for the camera.
3 of MY favorite girls - Debi, Marian and Lupita- ready for Easter
Siempre Girls UNITE! Aida, Judy, Cynthia and Noemi join Marian and Lupita
It's an odd thing, looking at these pictures. Growing up one never imagines that you'll build significant relationships with orphans... we think of orphan Annie and maybe images of old TV shows... but to discover that some of the coolest people I love are kids being rescued from poverty and abandonment by their families has been an enlightening and liberating experience for me. Each of these photos reminds me that God has entrusted these kids future to us. They have all the excitement and big events of life yet to open up for them. They'd never received new Easter dresses before this year. They were so excited they refused to take them off for the rest of the day. Can't imagine what it'll be like as they go to prom, graduate from High School, college, move away and start their careers or get married. So much is depending on us being faithful today so that they can experience a future they've never imagined tomorrow.
two of My favorite guys- John and Arturo clown around for the camera
John drove down but once there surrendered the camera to the kids- so we have lot's of interesting- barely usable -shots. Arturo's getting "so big" and likes to play the so big game and peek a boo and all the other cute things kids do when their 1. It should always stay so easy.
Siempre boys and friends from school
The kids are loving the warmer weather and are making the most of every opportunity to get outside. Some of the boys are even starting to bring friends over to play after school. A luxury most of us grew up with but something most of our kids have never had the chance to do. It was fun meeting their friends yesterday and they seemed proud to show them "their" house and to introduce them to us. Some of our kids are in school on a regular basis for the first time in their lives and it's been a challenging adjustment, for the schools and for the kids.
One of our boys was sent home yesterday for getting in a fight. We spent a week trying to get him into this very full middle school and now he's on the edge of getting tossed! Alejandro was to meet with the principal today and hopefully he's back in school already.
Siempre sends 15 kids to the local schools- without ever joining the PTA or having a parent show up for a conference. It all falls on Alejandro and Aracelli to do. I've decided that along with the extra food we're taking down each week to also carry a gift packet for Alejandro to present to the principal of each school on a weekly basis. If you'd ever like to donate school supplies, paper, crayons, etc... we'll take them all. The schools down there are as broke as the little communities they're in and can each use our love and support.
Most of the land owners in our little village now know we're looking for property, again, and I was told yesterday that everyone has doubled the price until we buy. After looking at less than desirable lots I made the decision to offer one of the community leaders a "finders fee" if he could bring one of the locals around to selling us what we need and in our price range. Pray that God opens the door to exactly the right parcel soon. We need to start the ground work for Memorial Day weekend!
We closed the day with our traditional group photo- indoors-
I'm in the back row holding Arturo- John took the picture for me.
It was a full day and we were blessed beyond measure just to have the opportunity to share a small part of the lives of the kids at Siempre. If you've never visited, the weather's getting nicer, the evening's longer and the kids more receptive than ever.
Wednesday, March 30, we're using our "fishing fund" (thanks Jon and Thelma!) chartering a boat and taking all the kids fishing out of Ensenada as part of their spring break. Pray for good weather and good fishing. I'm spending Tuesday night, the 29th, at Siempre and we're leaving early in the morning and we won't be back to Siempre until late Wednesday evening. If you'd like to join us, let me know. It'll be another first for each of the kids. Debi and Lynn are talking about doing something special for the ladies of Siempre that day... I tried to convince them that having a quiet house will be blessing enough!
Hope all is well with each of you. Thanks so much for your love, prayers and support for the kids of Siempre. May God richly bless you as you prepare for Easter.
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!
You're Invited to Our Memorial Day Building Weekend
click this link for more information
I'm open to speak to your church, club, group or business concerning Siempre support.
PS
I add everyone that crosses my email desk to this list. If this is your first unsolicited update- welcome! I'm more than willing to accept your rejection if it means one more might join me in loving these kids. If you prefer not to receive our weekly updates just let me know. No problem.
Thanks so much to those of you who forward this to your own friends, family and associates.