Day 3 - Jocotillo

The team went to the small village of Jocotillo today to pass out food at the local church. One of the house parents here has a remarkable relationship with the pastor and community.

Before leaving we spent time praying for God to multiply the food and that the people receiving it would understand that God provided it, not us.

Well, he sure did multiply! The team thinks about 300-400 people were given bags of food! Thank you, Jesus. 

One of these bags will sustain a family for 1-2 weeks! While the team was dividing and packing the food, this beautiful woman was praying and thanking God for the abundance of his blessings, and also for sending our team. How humbling to be prayed over. Thankfully some team members had the opportunity to pray with her as well, for specific needs, burdens, and desires in her life.

Marlon, the house parent with a ministry in this neighborhood had gathered house materials the day before and arrived at the village ahead of the team to build a house for a mother and two children. By the time our team had finished passing out food, the keys were ready to be turned over to this precious mother who was moved to tears. The roof of her former shelter was basically useless against rain and it would basically just rain in their house.

This man in the red shirt is Marlon and he is the most peaceful, gentle, giving man you could ever imagine meeting. The true hands and feet of Jesus.

YOU made this possible!!!! From 10 cent returnable cans!!!! We most likely won’t have the time to build the second house while we are here, but Marlon was able to cross a name off of his waiting list today (and while they were there another person asked to be put on the list). The list grows faster than he can build houses.  

A half of the new salon wall was also constructed this afternoon by these awesome dudes. There will be a window on the upper half.

While the team was at Jocotillo, I was so excited to have the opportunity to stay back and just love on my friend. Unfortunately, most of these children have severe trauma. My friend is one of these girls. She also has very difficult mental health issues going on. When we arrived at the house to help out this morning it quickly became apparent that it had been a struggle before we arrived. The poor behavior choices were so bad that my friend’s punishment had to be not spending time with me today. 

It was heartbreaking. She was crying so hard in the home (I could hear her as the windows were open). It was painful. She needs one-on-one time so so desperately, but she also needs discipline and to learn that there are consequences to her actions. My heart shattered into more pieces as the father of the house poured out his heart about the struggles they’ve had with my friend. She’s almost had to leave Casa Betnabe a few times this year because of putting others in danger over and over again.

The parent shared with me that my friend has become closed to receiving love. I try to put myself in her shoes and I feel so much compassion for her. She is protecting herself. She is 15 now and realizes the chances of reunification with a family member are slim as she’s lived here since she was 5. 

What difficult things these children struggle with. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain. And the house parents that operate not in their own strength, but in the strength of our Father. They arrunyeavy, heavy burdens and we must help them bring them to the foot of the cross. 

Thankfully, the house parents graciously allowed us to play with the other children and they brought us so much joy. Seriously, you can’t even take it when they play with you because they are so adorable and hungry for love and attention.

Every Friday Casa Bernabe has a prayer and praise service on the basketball court. Today was no different. It was beautiful to worship together outside and recognize our need for Him in our lives.

My friend was there and it was obvious she had been crying and I’m sure she felt embarassed to see me. I felt that it was important that she not feel shame. I asked the house parent if a I could talk with her and she said that would be a helpful thing to do. I put my arm around my friend and said, “Te quiero” (I love you). I told her that no matter what she does I will love her and her Heavenly Father does, too.

I also told her that I was really sad that she made those poor decisions this morning because I gave up a team activity to be with her and then I couldn’t. I told her I still wanted to spend time with her and asked her to think about making better choices so that she would have permission to play together.

I really hope that we can spend time having fun together but also praying that this dark cloud be lifted and replaced with the light of Jesus. Whether  I get this opportunity or not I will continually pray for her healing.

To end on a more positive note, each house parent got a turn to “shop” in the newly organized bodega today. They were so so happy! The boys were ecstatic about their new shoes. And I promise you they don’t even know the word “crease” in terms of shoes. (Most older children and teens in the US don’t want to get a crease across the top of their shoe where their toes bend so they all without bending their feet. It looks ridiculous). The girls were especially happy for skirts and dresses. 

Thank you again for your love and support of our family, but more importantly, Casa Bernabe!