Greetings!
Yesterday's visit to Siempre Para Los Ninos became a family affair- just my family, Debi, Julia and John, out for the day. After such a huge undertaking this last weekend it's little wonder that so few were quick to make the trip back down. The weather was gray and chilly and when we arrived kids were doing homework under the guidance of Alejandra. Aracelli and Bianca were taking care of the household and Alejandro, Miguel and Mario were working on the "to do" list around the new addition. Kids ran to the truck and we were warmly greeted with hugs as if we'd been gone for two years instead of just two days. Everyone pitched in and we quickly unloaded a couple of new bikes for the younger kids, donated material for sewing, more clothes and diapers Debi had bought and special snacks for the day provided by Julia. When Toyota designed the Sequoia I don't think they ever imagined it becoming a cargo hauler for a children's home but it sure fits the bill perfectly. Carries our workers in comfort with plenty of power and room left over for everything from chickens to bicycles. I sound like a car commercial!
Judy and Eva share a new bike- thanks Mike!
Sisters, Eva and Sara share a snack of peanut butter celery with raisins- Debi and Pastor Israel chat in the background
Alejandra, Julia and Crsytal hanging out in the kitchen- looking through our new dining window
Jesus, playing with a new fire station and bomberos (firemen)
It feels so much like family at siempre these days that it's kind of like going home each Wednesday. But as in all families, there are challenges. Jesus is just 3 years old and one of our newest kids. Some of the older kids are making fun of him, calling him names because his skin is darker than theirs. He's such a sweet kid and his feelings have really been taking a beating. Keep all of our kids and leaders in your prayers. So many of the normal survival skills we learn growing up take on new dimensions for these kids who've been abandoned and are trying to learn how to live together as family. Pray for Jesus- he wants so badly to be accepted by the big kids. Pray for our big kids- that God would remind them how hard it was for them when they first came to siempre. Pray for our directors as they raise these kids up in the way they should go. Siempre Para Los Ninos is always for all the children- our goal is that the kids would be our first line of love and acceptance to other children as they find their way to our door step.
Standing in the front yard yesterday, talking with Israel, a woman walked into our grounds and greeted us with a friendly "Buenos Tardes!" I didn't recognize her, but suddenly Judy exploded out of the house crying and jumped into her arms. It was her mom. Judy came to us from an emergency call in the middle of the night from another children's home in the heart of TJ. They were packed and had a child that desperately needed somewhere to go- would we take her? Alejandro drove cross town and brought Judy to Siempre. Other than some scary stories, we've not known much about her background. Then, on a Wednesday afternoon, along comes her mother. I think God saves some stuff just for Wednesday's.
Judy, reunited with her mom
When mom's come to visit it's both a blessing and a heartbreak. It's great for the kids to know that they've not been forgotten. It's devastating for them when their mom's walk away and leave them behind. Our workers are left to bring healing to these young broken hearts that have just had to taste the bitter pain and disappointment of abandonment one more time. It's a tough balance and I'm not sure there's enough training to equip anyone to know how to handle the roller coaster emotions that these kids experience. One thing I'm sure of, it was a high point for Judy. One that will keep her going through many dark moments out ahead. Siempre's a place for family and I'm glad her mom found her way to our door.
The upstairs deck and French doors get a good caulking by Miguel
Alejandro finishes up some insulation installation upstairs
The deck and great room upstairs are absolutely awesome areas for entertaining and I know the kids are going to get years of enjoyment out of BBQ's on the deck and hanging out together upstairs. If you were with us- thanks again. If you weren't, I can't wait for you to see it all, you'll be stunned. If you feel like you missed out on some of the work- not to worry- there's plenty left to do. Call Ken at 951-689-5806 and tell him when you can work and he'll give you a job and instructions. He's got a long list that leads us to completion. We may be wrapping this up all summer long!
One of the new down stair's dorm rooms- those are 10' ceilings! Lot's of sanding left to do
Our group photo for the day- that's the front of the new addition
We need some trees, lawn, landscaping and walkways before rains come next winter and turn it all to mud. If you have a group that would like to spend a day, weekend or week on a Siempre project, let me know and we'll hook you up. Kids will be filling up the new addition soon and the closer we are to complete the easier it will be to care for it all.
This Saturday the kids are taking a field trip to Fox Studios generously arranged by a wonderful ministry to orphanages called Genesis. They make sure that orphans have the opportunity to go on field trips and summer camps. It's a real gift to our kids and we're thankful for Genesis and their leaders. Hope your weekend plans are equally exciting. Look forward to having you join us for a Wednesday afternoon to Siempre sometime soon. Thanks so much for your loving support. Because of you we're growing, building and have the opportunity to be a blessing. God is too good!
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.
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.
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Thanks for being part of our growing support system.