Moises, (in the back), Fabian, Oscar & Alexis clown
around for the camera
Happy New Year!
We were greeted with big smiles and hugs all around after
having missed Siempre last week. I had what is planned as my final
surgery on my shoulder that Wednesday morning and as much as I would have liked
to head down for the afternoon, I spent it flat on my back
instead. Everything's cool on the shoulder- 3 more months of healing
until I can surf again... but it's getting closer every day! Pretty soon
I'll be able to hoist those kids around with two good arms. Thanks so
much to those of you that have kept me in your prayers.
Siempre's getting back on schedule with kids finally
off their 4 week winter break and starting back to school. The
community has civic work going on as a back hoe is moving down the streets
digging trenches for new water lines to outlying sections of town and
they're already talking about laying sewer lines- which would be a HUGE
blessing. 30 people on our septic system has caused it's challenges
over our year of growth.
Growing has taught us that the physical issues around the
building are very often the least of our concerns. Kids living through what
must feel like an impossible transition from their old lives into the
promise and hope of Siempre face social adjustments that are often beyond
the scope of our imagining. Last weekend our newest girl, an 11 year
old who was rescued from her life on the streets, led three other girls to
climb out a window in the middle of the night and run away. The entire
caper didn't last long as other kids woke up and quickly told on them and our
leaders had them back safely within the hour. What frightened us most was
they decided to take two of our youngest children with them. Kids barely
awake were handed out a window to waiting 10 and 11 year old
girls. God only knows what they were thinking.
Window alarms from Costco are a quick and easy band
aide to help with the immediate issue of kids sneaking out. The bigger
issue is the one deep within their young, growing minds and much more difficult
to find a solution for. Our leaders do such an incredible job of loving
each kid and every new challenge causes them to question themselves in the same
way a parent wonders if they're doing the right thing. So I spent much of
my day talking with our "runaways" and trying to discover what was up
as well as reassuring our leaders that this is not about them but that it's
about life. In not too long over 20 of our kids will be teenagers at the
same time... I'm guessing the challenges only grow along with the
kids. Keep Siempre's girls in your prayers today.
Ricardo - the last of our genuinely sick kids -we've
discovered is also asthmatic
Araceli and Arturo- she loves every kid... but I think Arturo
holds a special spot in her heart.
Lupita and Daniela share a moment of fun
The little kids are easiest to raise up in the way they
should go. They listen, they want to be loved, they respond wonderfully
and sadly... Siempre's the only home they remember. Krystal, one of our
little girls, recently had an unexpected visit from her mother, who abandoned
her last year. Mom left angry and I'm certain more than a little
heart broken, because Krystal had no memory of her. Sad. Our
leaders do all they can to keep kids in contact- when it's safe -with any
living family members we're aware of. Family is family. But so
often it's dangerous. At Christmas some kids were visited while others
only watched and I'm sure wished that there was someone who cared enough to
come and be their family. I can't begin to imagine the prayers God must
hear from the hearts of orphans. I'm glad He's listening and continues to
protect our work together at Siempre. He's too good.
Our group shot for the day
Stepping into 2006 the need is great, the world so big,
we're so small. Because of you; your work, your prayers, your financial
support - we were able to keep our promises to the kids of Siempre Para Los
Ninos every day in 2005. I invite you to join the solution that's giving
promise to these great kids 365 days a year. They need you this winter,
now, more than ever...
siempre,
Eric M. Denton
951-689-5806, office
951-907-9100, cell
Danny - just showing off
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.
Mail your donation direct and Make checks
payable to Siempre
I'm open to speak to your church, club, group or business
concerning Siempre support.
If you'd prefer not to receive our weekly update, let me
know. No problem.
Thanks so much to those of you who forward
this to your friends, family and associates