Greetings!
We arrived at Siempre yesterday afternoon to the greetings of our boys playing in the trees across the road. We'd never really noticed them for anything more than a line of big bushes against the field, but boys being boys, found a way to make tree houses in every one. They called for me to climb up and join them... and looking at the old, well worn plywood then considering my old chubby body, I decided just to celebrate with them from the ground and take a picture.
The UP side to a record setting rainy season in TJ
I'd shared with so many people my guilt about not immediately upping the food allowance when our directors requested it that this week the van was overflowing with food donations! My truck was not large enough- we HAD to take the van. Thanks Jackets for Jesus! Becky had donated a beautiful ham and other friends had shopped for boxes of groceries so the minute we unloaded the ham went in the oven and beans went on the stove. By the time we left yesterday the place was smelling just a little bit like Heaven and we were tempted to stay behind. With all the great smells inside Tom and Ellen handed out bubbles to keep the kids at play while food was cooking.
Some of the boys playing with bubbles
Poor little Lupita was having a tough day yesterday. We've spoiled her with so much love that when things don't go her way she's learning to let everyone know just how unhappy is. Lupita's just one month shy of 3yrs old and she couldn't get the hang of bubbles. She tried pouring them out, putting the little wand in her mouth, drinking the bubbles but she just couldn't seem to blow with the intensity needed to keep up with the big kids. It was so sweet as many of us became frustrated with her tantrums to watch Alajandro take her outside and work with her for ten minutes or more... I don't think she ever got it but it was sweet one on one time for sure.
Siempre has another child! Cynthia is ten years old and her mother dropped her off three days ago. She said she just could care for her any longer, signed over her birth certificate and left her... it always seems so unreal. We've known this mom's circumstance and heart break. Even still it's hard to imagine how tough it must have become for her to release her daughter. She's an amazing kid- one of the cutest kids I've ever met. Suddenly we've got 5 girls at siempre. Aida, Judy, Noemi, Cynthia and Lupita. Please keep each of them in your prayers. When a girl is rescued from the horrors of what can happen on the streets of TJ it's a blessing beyond what we'll ever fully understand. Pray that we can be faithful stewards of the trust this mother has given us.
Cynthia- our newest resident- she's the sister of Danny and Enrique
We're looking for property for a new, larger building and yesterday was filled with frustration as we had our eyes set on one piece only discover the owners hoping to receive almost $500,000- US for a little over 2 acres without electricity or water and with little hope of having either one carried to it any time soon. So it's back to the drawing board. Keep our property search in your prayers. One of the locals has a little more than an acre they might be willing to sell... PRAY! We're growing rapidly and need room for the kids to grow on, before they tear down all the neighbors trees!
Tom and Ellen Buckingham and Ellen's parents Doug and Elisa Denton
(no relation... well maybe way back there someplace) hanging with Arturo. He got brand new shoes yesterday. Thanks to World Shoe Relief and their generosity in supplying new shoes for everyone at Siempre! They were perfect! And very much appreciated.
The Face of Siempre
Someone asked me what we'll do when we run out of beds and children still need a place to stay. When I look at the boys and girls of Siempre it's hard to fathom ever saying no and turning a child away. These children are learning to live with the "luxuries" of warm running water, showers, dry warm beds, 3 hot meals a day, school and books paid for, music lessons, computer access and so much more. More importantly they're building lasting relationships with parent figures who love them and have committed their lives to the well being of every child. They're finding a place in our church- they've actually had to expand the church because of us- and are experiencing the joy of worshiping together and learning the love of Jesus first hand. I'm certain that each of them will grow and someday be a positive part of their community as Godly, well educated, productive adults with purpose and passion.
I can't imagine a more exciting task then making sure that we never have to turn one child away. I'm thankful that there are great people like you on our team.
Our team is growing! Each week more people are wanting to take a day and travel down with us. Remember, you're always invited. Special thanks to Siempre Supporters Brent and Jacquie Surman and their kids Lindsay and Reed, who for the last two weeks have opened their home to us and fed us beautifully and bountifully on our way home. Last night we dropped in with 9 of us and there was white chicken chili, salad and chocolate cake! Siempre trips are adding to my waist line! God is sooooo Good!
Last nights group photo- with Pee Wee the dog in the middle
for comparison here's one of our first group photo's from last Sept.
What a difference! Aida, Enrique and Danny are still with us- Armando, in the maroon shirt had to be placed in another children's home. If we've grown that much in 6 months, what will happen in the next 6 months. Sadly conditions for children are not improving in Northern Baja or TJ. Your support is needed now more than ever. Know that your in my thoughts and prayers this afternoon. I'm so thankful for your heart to love and rescue kids who are drowning in poverty. May God richly bless you.
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
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.