We're here!
Monday, Oct. 26, 2009
We're back in Santa Ana. Two things are always certain here. First, things never go exactly as planned. Second, God always has some wonderful blessings in store. Both of these things have been true so far. It's a late night now, so I'll post more later. I head back to the States on Wednesday, while Lisa is here until next Monday. More highlights soon!
John
Getting Ready to Return
In some ways it seems like it was just yesterday we were in El Salvador this summer. In other ways, it seems like so long ago. Now, less than two weeks away, it hits me like the salt-spray from the ocean - we're going back...SOON! We will get to visit the orphanage again. We will see our friends again. We will have the chance to do some more much needed work at the orphanage, and at the associated homes. We have discovered both a men's home and a women's home that are operated in conjunction with the orphanage. Some of the work we will be doing will be at the orphanage, other parts of our work will take place at the homes. In the men's home, about 40 residents need new beds and bedding. We will be exploring the possibilities of changing out the beds and bedding while we are there. We hope to have enough funds to be able to do this. At the women's home we will be doing some wiring and other fix up projects. We will also do some interior painting, as the women's rooms are presently a drab cocoa color. We want to replace that with some lively, bright, cheerful colors. At the orphanage, much remains to be done, as well. We are working on improving the sinks in the washing area for the girls. Also, we will be working to improve an area that an serve as a library and computer study center for the girls. We are so thankful that God has allowed us to go to such a wonderful corner of His world to serve. We are also thankful for the incredible people we have met there. We strive to be a blessing to others, but in truth, they are at least as much a blessing to us - the smiling faces of the girls at the orphanage are always there in our minds. We ask your support in our efforts. If you are so moved, your financial donations are welcomed. We are not ashamed to ask because we are convinced of the urgency of the cause. However, most of all, even above donations, we truly welcome your prayers. Pray for our safe travel, pray for the success of the work, pray for the betterment of the lives of those we have come to know. Also, pray that God will continue to use us as His servants in this fantastic place. When we return, we will again share pictures and memories. ...and thanks - thanks to everyone who has supported us in such a wide variety of ways in this effort in the first year of almasunidas-heartsunited.
In His service,
John
El Salvador Trip, July 2009
God is doing wonderful things in El Salvador and I am humbled and thankful to be a part of His work there!Let me take a moment to share some of the exciting moments I brought back from my trip there in late May.
The work at the orphanage is progressing well.Many repairs have been made since I was there in February.A lot of work has been done and is ongoing to make this place a wonderful home for the girls who live there.
I had the joy of interacting with the girls every day.These young ladies brighten each day I spend with them.It inspires me to experience their willingness to create a better life for themselves.I had the opportunity to do an eye exam on each of the girls.One day, we all went to Pizza Hut for a pizza party.For some of the girls it was their first time in a restaurant.The memory of their smiles will always be in my heart!
First Impressions from our July Trip
I just got back from my first trip to El Salvador. Along with our son, Adam, I was a guest of my wife Lisa, and was able to finally see firsthand the exciting work that she is doing at the orphanage in Santa Ana. How do I begin to describe what I experienced? How do I put into words all of the amazing emotions of these ten wonderful days? How do I properly convey my excitement over the work God is doing there, and the awe and wonder I feel knowing that He has chosen my wife to be a leader in this process?
First, I have to say that God has incredible people working in His plan! He continues to work in so many ways, through a variety of people in this place. First, I was so impressed with the nuns whose life's work it is to love, care for, and raise the girls of the orphanage. Their selfless work is an effort of joy! The joy of their lives and hearts was such an inspiration to me. These wonderful women are immersed in their work. Their lives ARE those girls who so dearly need their dedication. The hand of God is so apparent in their every word, every deed, every smile. Second, there are the military officers and other friends in El Salvador who work with Lisa to coordinate care for the girls and repair of their facilities. These men and women give of themselves in many ways, all of which are "behind the scenes". They want no recognition for what they do, yet work for the benefit of the girls of the orphanage. Each of them has their own job and family, yet they manage to selflessly find time to include these girls in their lives in meaningful ways. Third, there is Lisa herself. Her single-minded determination is such a blessing for these girls. She has taken them wholly into her heart and works tirelessly for their good. To see her in their presence, to see their incredible reaction of happiness each time they see her, is to immediately recognize the presence of God in these efforts.
Not only is God using incredible people, but He is doing amazing things! I know from what Lisa has told me that much repair has already been done to the physical facilities of the orphanage, and I can see in the eyes of the children that He is also at work through the relationships that He is building there. Such a big "thank you" goes out to all who have contributed with their prayers and their finances to help this amazing work take place. Your support is so very vital and appreciated!
All in all, it was a rich, unforgetable experience for me, and I would eagerly go back at the first opportunity, immediately responding with an enthusiastic "yes!", if asked to go again. I would also be very happy to tell you more. If interested in learning more, drop me an e-mail at this website, and mention my name (John) in the e-mail. I'll be happy to answer any questions you have and tell you more of my personal experiences on the trip.
with humble thanks for the chance to serve,
John