Strivin' and Survivin'

Things have been a little crazy here. A quick run-down:

-Timi's prospective adoptive parents can visit every Friday, Saturday and Sunday
-Andres also has a couple looking at adopting him.
-Cesar (our new baby) is either extremely happy or completely whiny.
-Magda spent the night in the hospital because she fell out of the top bunk on her head.
-My parents, Jeffy and Grandma came last night and we are leaving for the beach!

Please pray for us, pray for Jaqueline, pray for Timi and Andres' future.

Psalm 91

More to come when I get back on Saturday!

The Parade of 100s of Kids in Uniforms

Today is the Mexican Holiday, "Day of the Flag." I don't know why any country needs to celebrate their flag so often, but I guess it is a very attractive flag. Sometimes I think Americans are patriotic, but Viva la Mexico! :) Lili and Michelle had the honor of representing their school and marching in a parade. We were supposed to be in town at 7:30 am. We were 9 minutes late, but still waited over a half and hour for other kids or their teacher to show up. :) The parade started after speeches given on the Palacio steps, celebrating the Patria de Mexico.


Lili waits in the van while the windshield DEFROSTS!


Lili and Michelle march in perfect formation.


Estefania (Lili's niece) waits impatiently for the parade to pass. She would continually run onto the street, almost getting trampled by serious little drummer boys.


Lili with her sister Trini and 3 of Trini's children.

The girls did a great job. They had to march in perfect sync for over two hours. As Gloria would say, "Wow, I'm impressed."

Our Newest Member-Eduardo

Here he is. Super-cute, huh? He slept through the night, so I like him even more! :) We don't know how long he will be with us, whether a few days, weeks, months, etc.

What should we call him? His name is Eduardo, but because that name is very difficult to say for the gringos here (myself being chief) we need a nickname. A common Mexican nickname for Eduardo here is Lalo. Eddie makes sense. What do you think?

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. Isaiah 60:22

Also, please up your prayers for Jenna. Definitely the "BIG V!"

A Saturday on the Town

I don't know what is more fun than running around with 10 girls in tow. (Besides running around town with Gloria.) Gloria is visiting Ixtlan for a short time as her sister Rosario is engaged to Rudy Troxel! In her place, Heidi Knobloch, (who came to visit for a long weekend) made a great replacement for a Saturday of sightseeing and diversion!


We started the adventure at the old, unfinished Catholic church. The girls pose for a prayer shot...Obviously some not very sincerely... ;)


The work on the church is moving along fairly rapidly. I am not sure who got so excited about renovating the abandoned shell, but things are happening! We watched the fascinating procedure to place stained glass windows in perfect form. It was mesmerizing to watch, but I was sad to see how quickly the work was done because I think that the unfinished church is captivating/thrilling/gorgeous. They also put up some rails and that takes out at least 1/2 of the thrill/terror/you might die aspect...no more crawling out to far windows Gloria! :(


The girls pose while looking through a...future window?


We went to view the animals from the Circo Portugal but I really think we should name it the "Animal Oppression Circus." I decided I would never actually go to the circus when the animals weren't chained down, because I am almost positive that skinny tigers in small cages are just waiting for the perfect time to revolt and eat their trainer, to the horror of the audience.


At the plaza after some rousing rounds of "Pato, Pato, Ganso" and "Papa Caliente" The girls convinced me that the orange trees in the plaza are free game. Magda and Lili shimmied up the trees while the rest of us peered up at the tree, trying to avoid the pelting oranges.


Lili the monkey swings out of the tree after throwing oranges at our noses.


The "fruits" of our labor were nice bright oranges that had the HORRIBLE flavor of LIMES!


Eli peers through her telescope. "Amy, take a picture, take a picture!"


Jaqueline, Michelle, Karla Josie and Lili enjoy chocolate in the park.

Another great day. I love warmer weather and orange trees!

FYI: We have a new boy! 15-month-old Eduardo. More to come...but we have slow internet and I am tired...good enough excuse?

Church Dedication

Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1

The pouring of church foundations last week was exciting for everyone here at CVE. Sunday after church we all tramped through the dust to witness a dedication ceremony. Bill shared Psalm 127:1 on site, we sang a hymn and Bill had a prayer. Then everyone formed two lines to sign as witnesses to the event.


The plaque before we all began to signs reminds us all of Psalm 127:1.


Enrique, a man who has become a dear friend to us here, writes his signature as a witness of the event. Please pray for Enrique, that he may soon make a public decision to accept Christ as his Savior.


Ivet sticks out her tongue in concentration as she writes her name and the names of her boys. Ivet has just recently made a public confession of her faith. Praise the Lord! She attends church with her husband Perico and children Rudulfo and Jesus.


A couple who attend church, Moises and Maria Dolores with their daughter Emilia.


Ruth helps her boys sign.

I am so thankful that I was able to be a witness of what God is doing in this town of Magdalena, Mexico.

What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? Psalm 8:4

In the Business of Broken Hearts

So many of the kids come to us with broken hearts and over time, God heals. However, at times, it feels like our hearts might be breaking too. Praise to the Lord who is in the business of "binding up the brokenhearted."

Today a nice couple from Magdalena showed up at our gates with a note from DIF giving permission for the couple to visit Timi as prospective adoptive parents. A few of the things we have learned from the couple show us that God's hand is mighty and with us, even during this situation. It is difficult to think about Timi not living with us here. He is a part of our family. In addition, to think of splitting him from his older brother, Andrés, is heartwrenching.

However, we find consolation in the fact that God is looking down at us with a smile on His face, because He knows the end. Please pray for this couple that desperately want a child to love in their home. Maybe God will move their hearts in such a way that they will want two children in their home! Pray for Jenna. She has been the mother to Timi and Andrés since they arrived. Pray that God's Will be done. Maybe that will mean Timi stays or maybe that he moves on and we thank God for the time we had to enjoy his huge smile, giggles, cowboy clucks and even his tears.

We don't know the end, but ask for your prayers for God's Will to be done in the life of Timi and that God's Peace would flood Jenna's heart.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Adios Jeff!

February 14th, earlier than the sun, we had to say goodbye to one of our family members here...Jeff and Seth pulled through the gate and as they crossed under the Casa Vida Esperanza sign, a shooting star flew overhead. Maybe a promise he will be back soon?

I am so thankful that God has always provided me with brothers and when I moved to college, some great cousins to take the place. Once again God provided when I moved to Mexico and now that Jeff is moving back to Milford for the time being, I feel very deprived...How selfish, huh? However, I am excited to watch God's non-ending faithfulness in his life.

I was looking through some pictures and decided to post "best of Jeff" moments...not that they can truly be captured in photos.


Jeff's final night with the boys



Jeff and Francisco chilling at the beach


I think this picture is funnier without an explanation.


Jeff, Lili and Michelle, Christmas 2005


The single staff laser tagged a few weeks ago in Tucson.


Jeff with Michael and Timi riding Francisco's bike.


Jeff shows his amazing ability to get himself into TROUBLE and then his talking starts...when you want so bad to be mad at him but just have to forgive based on his non-convincing explanation of "what he really meant."


One of my favorite pictures of all times...Seth and Jeff at Café Crazy.


Jeff and Yaneli


Jeff, Seth and Joel stand as consistent fashion models, even in Bahia de Kino.


Jeff, Andres and Seth walk down the street.

As he said goodbyes to the kids and church and staff, we tried to focus on the fact that this departure isn't forever, just for now. Jeff, now that you are an avid blog reader, Te quiero un chorro. Te extrañamos y si Dios quiere, NOS VEMOS! Please pray for Jeff's adjustment back to Indiana.

Happy Day of Love and Friendship!

Isn't that a better name then "Valentine's Day?" This picture wasn't taken today. It was taken in the summer and 11 year old Francisco is giving me flowers that I picked off the tree earlier that day. I just thought it looked happy. Apparently my roses and Diet Coke are lost in the mail from Dad, so, sigh...I will just be happy with the memory of flowers that have died long ago...;)



Just for the record, Dad and Mom already sent me my Valentine's Day gift.

We also aren't snowed in like all you folks in the Midwest...maybe I will do another post today to give you some entertainment. If the internet last, I will post again!

Countdown to Valentine's Day!

Despite what a few "love grinches" around here would like you to believe...we are suckers for love around CVE...or maybe just for pink and red foam hearts.

I just received a WONDERFUL Valentine's Day care package (THANKS EARNEYS!) and have worked my hardest to spread the enthusiasm for this holiday of amor.


Steph, Gloria and I were posing to show our excitement for Valentine's Day. What better holiday could a cotorra ask for?


Denise gives Yaneli a squeeze. Esqueezame!


Timi and Andres were hamming it up for the camera. In this picture they are both crooning, "aah, baby hearts." I guess they were getting in touch with their feelings. Maybe they could use more male influence in their lives...


Andres is slain by love.


Lupita and Andres with their heart ears.


Here she is, modeling Moises' hat. Sorry Jenna, but you knew this would show up on the blog sometime.


Lili and Michelle smile for the camera while Jaqueline wasn't too cracked up about the whole, "smile for the camera" thing.


The true responses of Steph and Gloria when asked, "How do you really feel about Valentine's Day?" Steph, nice try buy you can't really fool anyone.

10 Points for Aunt Suz -"Clean Closets and Arrows, Frontloaders and water, Birthdays with candles and cake with thick frosting, Little boys peeking...

So I don't really have anything special to blog about, but because we have internet at the moment, I decided to capitalize on the opportunity. (Plus my grandma kindly reminded me to update.) Whenever I feel like I don't have anything to write about, I am reminded of my sister's comment on blogging. Something to the effect of, "Well I am sorry I don't update but I don't have like 100 kids following me around doing cute things!" Point taken Kris.


The boys head to the kitchen in style.


The little boys play during preschool time with Carissa and Denise. Justin Ricketts is the newest student.


We celebrated Lili's 12th birthday on Wednesday. The kids had mercy and her face wasn't shoved in the cake.


Timi peeks at the camera through his legs. Sometimes these kids are so cute I can't believe it. All I want to do is squeeze them...like kittens...I hope you are reading this David. ;)


I know, it has been an embarrasingly long time since I posted that Gloria and I were cleaning out the bodega, it has been done for awhile! For all those who love to organize...ta-dah! The girls' clean bodega! Grandma Hoerr, thanks for your encouragement!


Daniel shoots his rubber-tipped arrow high into the sky.

If you have any ideas for a title for this entry, let me know.

Warmer Weather

It has begun to warm up here in Mexico. I must say that it is about time!


Our resident monkey, Andres, tied a rope in the tree to make his own swing. Notice the new "fauxhawk" he is sporting. Jenna is the best mom ever! ;)

Karla Josie and Lili spent at least two hours on the teeter-totter, perfecting their daredevil version of standing up while teeter-tottering. They were so serious about it!


This great of a trick didn't come without a few fights... ;) Karla Josie yells, "LILI! DO IT RIGHT!"


Denise and Carissa got out the parachute for the little boys preschool time, but because the other kids had the day off, soon the parachute was surrounded and the kids had a great time running around!


Some of the kids hurry to trade spots under the parachute before they are trapped underneath.


Jeff hiked up Timi's pants and we all sat around and laughed...How are these boys ever going to be normal? Doesn't Timi look like Kramer?

P.S. I don't know if I have ever written the words "teeter-totter." Did I spell it right?