3 of my favorite people hanging out in TJ- Lynn, Arturo and Julia mugging for the camera
Another great day at Siempre Para Los Ninos. The household is excited, preparing for our arrival Memorial Day weekend. Builders have been working each Wednesday, wrapping up the final preparations, plumbing, stairs, etc... And the kids have been helping every step of the way. Yesterday when I arrived one of our guys working said that Aracelli had prepared ceviche for lunch so I was anxious to have a taste. Whoa! Way good. A little shark cooked in lemon juice and spices on a tortilla. My kind of lunch.
life is good!
The kids mother's day program was a huge success. They had over 60 visitors as the kids sang and had a special presentation in honor of mom. Only a couple of our kids moms showed up. Sad. But praise God that Alejandro and Aracelli see the need to keep whatever family ties exist in tact as long as possible. I'm certain that this will be an integral part of every kid at siempre's well being. Every week it feels more and more like a family atmosphere and our arrival is kind of like the out of town family showing up.
This week Tom and Ellen brought a full lasagna dinner, Elisa had a couple bags of groceries, Lynn had "healthy" snacks for the kids, Debi and Julia had gone shopping and had a couple bags of new "great deals" from Ross, while I smuggled in a couple cases of oranges donated by one of our local packing plants. It was a full vehicle and just getting through all we had to share made for a very full afternoon.
Aida, Moises, Isaias, Crystal, Lynn and Lupita enjoy an afternoon snack
I was gone much of the afternoon negotiating early terms on a piece of property we've been looking at. It's a little over two acres and the family's willing to take $40,000- It's over 16 times the size of our current lot and has incredible potential for future use. It's great to know we're no longer under the gun, needing property by Memorial Day, so now we're able to look at property with a new peace of mind and with long range plans at heart. This property is owned by one of the founding families of the community. I met with the owner/matriarch yesterday. A wonderful grandmother in her late 70's. She's been saving these 16 lots and the surrounding canyons for her grandchildren. But now she's ready to sell. She asked $160,000- we came back with $40,000- and she seems ready to agree. We're a long way off from closing the deal, need to do title searches, etc... but pray that if this be God's will for our continued growth in Mexico that we would boldly step up to the plate.
Moises and Jesus
Sara, Judy and Eva
Sara, looking cool
Mario, between Alejandro and Miguel on the work site
Life at Siempre Para Los Ninos is good. Crowded. Busy. Full. But good. Our leaders are patient, hard working and filled with love. This flows over into the kids; many who had very little structure and battled all the hardships of poverty on a daily basis before they arrived on our doorstep. Life has changed for the better. God is doing a good thing in their lives.
You're going to love your first visit to Siempre. So many children who arrived heartbroken and without hope, now wear smiles on the outside and carry the bright hope of a great tomorrow within. Thanks so much for your part in giving promise to the lives of each of these children. Special thanks to those of you that sent money to build a new fence. It's supposed to begin to go up tomorrow. (I've learned not to hold my breath over scheduling issues in Mexico.) I'm quite certain it will be up before next Wednesday. I'll post a photo! I know this kind of giving doesn't hold much glamour- after all, it's just a fence -but it's the kind of gift that will protect kids like Arturo as they grow up for years to come. May God richly bless you for your generosity.
Arturo and me check out the building site.
Our Group Photo- in the heart of the building site!
That's a "stairway to Heaven" in the background. They're ready for builders. Hope you're ready to build. Two stories in two days! Yikes! If you're not joining us for the weekend, please keep the entire weekend and the safety, strength and wisdom of the builders in your prayers. After all the work and preparation I'm so ready for the weekend to be here. It's going to be amazing. I'm looking forward to hanging out with the veteran builders as well as building new friendships. Most importantly, I can't wait to spend the weekend with our kids. Last year we built siempre and left it with only leaders in faith believing God would send kids. He has and is. So much more exciting to know how much this is going to impact young lives for Christ. I can't wait!
Remember, our rummage sale for Siempre Para Los Ninos is this Saturday. It's also taking place online at ebay, even as we speak! Derek, one of our college/early career age guys has been taking pictures of this junk every afternoon and posting it in one day auctions. Yesterday they got $20- for a barbie doll! Lord help us! If you've got a garage load of good stuff, an old car, boat or plane, or a storage unit that needs emptying. You can still bring it to Central Community right up until Saturday. The presale tickets are going fast for people who want the first shot at the best junk- $5- each and you can check it all out and buy first, Friday night. Or cruise by Saturday and refill your closets and garages that you just cleared out. There's an awesome Nordic Trac I've got my eye on... and I already own one!
Thanks to all of you that have already helped out. Not sure that I'll have an update next week- may send one out Tuesday, May 31 with a report on the weekend. May God richly bless you and all those you love today.
siempre,
Eric M. Denton
5623 Arlington Ave.
Riverside, CA 92504
951-689-5806, office
951-907-9100, cell
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. Or mail your donation direct. Make checks payable to Siempre Para Los Ninos.
You're Invited to Our Memorial Day Building Weekend
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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.
Thanks for being part of our growing support system.