Yesterday was exhausting but amazing!!! It was go time for all of the preparations the team has done and I have to say it was the best year yet. Plans were executed smoothly and the stress seemed so much lower. Our team works together really well and people just tend to jump in. No one seems to stand around and wait to be told what to do…even the new team members. I think it’s really awesome!
I was so thankful that we had a lull in the morning. I took advantage of the time and went to see my friend. One night we were here she left the house at night and no one could find her. Thankfully she came back. I can’t imagine the pain and mental illness she struggles with and how hard it must be for the house parents to deal with her violence and attitude.
No matter how she expresses herself, her house parents love her unconditionally. They are patient and kind and demonstrate the love of Jesus with sincerity.
For R’s quinceñera, I sent her a Bible, the fun book labels, and highlighters. I asked her about it and she brought it out to show me and said she didn’t know how to use it. We spent special time putting the labels on the pages and she thought it was the coolest.
She told me she had all the letters I’ve written her in her room so we paused and she brought them out to me. I remembered that I had put Scripture in them so we took some time finding the verses and I showed her how to highlight. She was soooo excited.
The Bible is the journaling kind so I told her she could take notes in it during church and when she’s angry, instead of being violent or running away, I wanted her to try reading some of these highlighted verses to see if they help her calm down.
Please pray for her heart to be softened. She also has an important meeting coming up on January 2nd. Please pray that she would make a wise decision at this meeting. She needs so much prayer and love. I’m so happy that God drew me to her because she is a precious gift.
The rest of the day was spent preparing food and activities and one last skit rehearsal.
If you have a chance to check it out, our lesson was from a children’s book by RC Sproul called “The Lightlings.”
The message of the book - Jesus is the light! - inspired us to have a glow party for the activities.
One of my favorite parts of the trip is bringing dinner to the houses and sharing a meal together before the party. This year was very bittersweet. Caleb and I got to eat with the boys from the house of the parents that left 2 days ago. We love them so much and it was nice to spend this time with them. From my perspective, they seem to be doing ok with the transition, but obviously I only get little glimpses. I’m sure they are suffering from sadness. Please pray for their broken hearts.
The new house parents are really sweet and the boys were being very respectful of them. I’m looking forward to hearing about how the Lord works in their hearts this coming year. One thing they always emphasize here at Casa Bernabé is that God is our heavenly father and he is all we really need. It’s something we all need to hear, but in the context of orphans it takes on a deeper meaning. ABBA!
At 11pm there is a worship service. I love ending the year and starting the next year praising Him for our blessings. The kids sang a song by Chris Tomlin,
It is such a privilege and honor to serve at Casa Bernabé. I always feel that my faith deepens significantly through the light that Jesus shines through the staff and children. If you ever have a chance to go on a missions trip…Go!!!!
Kara the bond between you two is so evident! Your SMILES!!!! you are such a blessing!!!! Will be 🙏 for her, you and her bug meeting Jan 2.
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