What's going on at Dulce Refugio
I know that many people have passed through this orphanage and left their mark at Dulce Refugio. I want to keep all of you informed about what is going on with the kids and the construction process. Please remember to keep us in your thoughts and prayers; I hope you continue to help us out here at Casa Hogar Dulce Refugio. Gracias amigos!
September has been a productive month, but at a much different pace. Now that I don't have one big project, I am dividing my time between multiple smaller projects. It's nice to slow down a little bit and be able to spend time with the people I've been called to serve.
I installed screens for the windows at the new church building. This was the last job on my list of things to do for this project. Now I can say that I have completed my mission in building this church. As I was on the roof and about to put in the last screw of the last screen, I felt a sense of joy come over me. I was looking out over the small town of Cañada Honda and just praising God for using me to do His will and bless this town. I was so grateful that He provided everything we needed to do the job and that He protected/guided us every step of the way. On the roof, I prayed over the town and asked God to use this building for lots of ministry and to see many lives blessed and transformed. To God be all the glory!
We had a big Mexican Independence Day celebration on September 16th at the new church site. It was great to see this event happen because it would've never been possible in the old building. The church used to be a small house that couldn't hold many people, and now we had a party for around 100 people and there was plenty of space for everybody to move around. A Christian "Norteño" band did the worship. We served tostadas and desserts, and there was a costume party for the kids. It was a great time celebrating and seeing all of the hard work pay off!
Now that I have finished construction on the new church, I am freed up to help out a fellow missionary, Chevon. Chevon has accumulated A LOT of stuff over her 23 years in Aguascalientes. Lately her health has declined a little bit and she is looking to clear out most of her things and sell her home. Currently, she has a 2 story, 4 bedroom house and we have a lot of work to do in order to get it ready to sell. I have already hauled out many carloads of stuff, but we still have a lot more to go. Please keep Chevon in your prayers as she needs wisdom to know what her next step will be.
At the orphanage...
I have been replacing lots of skylights/plastic laminate roofs around the orphanage. The old skylights were full of holes and because it is the rainy season, a lot of water was getting into the office and laundry area. Some of the boys helped me lift and put things into place. It's all fixed and dry now.
Old skylight
New skylights
Another Mexican Independence Day party with the kids. This party was on Sept 15th at the orphanage. Mexican Independence Day is September 16th but it is very common to celebrate on the 15th so the people can scream "VIVA MÉXICO" at midnight. The director of the orphanage does a big party every year and it is always a good time. There was lots of food, costumes, and prizes. And as always, I had to get a funny picture with my "elote" (corn on the cob).
One of our boys, Gabriel, was adopted. Gabriel has been in the process of adoption for a while but the wait is finally over. Now he can go home with his new family and start his new life. It was a surprise for Gabriel. The director of the orphanage threw a big party and they led him into the party blindfolded. As they took off the blindfold, he was greeted with open arms by his new parents. It was an awesome moment and I am so happy for Gabriel. We had a group hug with all of the kids and said our goodbyes. I know his new family will be a huge blessing for him.