Truck Update

We are still unable to get our truck. It is still with customs here. We are at their mercy for determing values, taxes and fees. We are waiting anxiously to get to the end of all this "red-tape" so that Steve can begin to work to provide for our family, for the ministry and for many other families that we are commited to.

If customs values the truck from the Texas Vehicle Registration (like they are supposed to do), then our figures puts us $1,500. short on funding. We will be grateful if this is how the numbers are. But, because of corruption here, we are very afraid that they will try to take advantage of us since this 1998 Freightliner is considered like "gold" here. That is why we are requesting prayer for fairness and justice and asking our friends to stand alongside us to the completion of this huge endeavor. We are tired of the unknown and fighting the corruption (which we already went through with the container, the motorcyle and even the mess in Chile to get the truck from there to customs here, in which the charges were more than double than what we were told and were supposed to be).

We look forward to getting this all over with. And if you say, "Was it worth it", we would say "yes", because we have already seen the benefits from the container and its contents of love. The motorcycle is our most reliable form of transportation. And the truck will help provide income to continue ministry. Thanks for standing with us.

There is no greater love than...& gifts of love!

We all have a love language. Mine is not gifts, giving or receiving.

During the last days before closing the container (the “box of love”), Steve and I were there finishing packing. An amazing sister in Christ came that day with her car filled with very specific gifts and a light lunch for us. What truly amazes me about these gifts was the thought that was put into them.

Throughout a period of 3 months, I had spent many hours talking to this friend and telling stories. Stories of people the Lord has entrusted us to. Specifically I am talking about Nancy (the lady that lives at the soup kitchen and gives of herself daily no matter what), and our adopted family—Mom Natalie and her husband Gabriel with sister Andrea and children Johanna, Walter, Alexis and Uriel. This friend evidently listened to absolutely every detail. She may be the best listener I have ever met!

She wrote a letter of encouragement to Nancy, Natalie, Gabriel and Andrea. These letters were so “Holy Spirit” led it truly blew me away. Then she made gift bags for each person. So much detail was put into these bags. For example, in Natalie’s letter she wrote something to the effect that she was so special to the Lord, refined as gold (I am not sure the exact wording as we already gave the letter to her)—then she had a pair of gold earrings in the gift bag! In Nancy’s bag she had a beautiful bible and an apron that is almost too pretty to get dirty! But all the bags were meant to show the love of Christ and how very special they are to the Lord. Well, of course, the boys were super happy with all the toys, especially the motorcycle toys. And Johanna, she felt so special with her own beautiful box that had a key (her own space for her hair and jewelry that was also given) and could not get over how soft the Barbie’s hair was!

I wish that my friend was here to share in giving these gifts. All I can say is that they were such a blessing to each one. We had kept our adopted families gifts back for Kids Day. Kids Day in Argentina is a huge deal and thanks to our friend, we were able to give beautiful gifts. Since I am not a “gift person”, it was amazing to take part in giving these gifts of love. It was such joy!

It reminds me of the good gifts the Lord gives to us. I am talking about friends. Friends are gifts from the Lord that are there in the good times to celebrate with you. And friends are gifts from the Lord that are there in the storms, helping to take down the sails on your boat and row with you. They are there to encourage you to “press on” in your faith and service to our Lord Jesus. Steve and I are grateful for each one of our friends that stand alongside us in prayers, encouraging words, gifts and finances. Truly the Lord has blessed us. I am reminded of the Words of Jesus, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging and giving. I challenge you to think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love and give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more. I am grateful.

Young Mom, Diapers & No Love

This story is about Estefania who is 16 years old. We have known and worked with this family for many years now. As a matter of fact, you probably have seen in pictures (from newsletters through the years) her sister Rocio that has Down Syndrome. Estefania has a 2 month old baby boy named Alexis. Estefania and her sister Gisel (19 years old), have quite a story. But before I go into their past, let me tell you their present. They both do drugs and drink alcohol, even while breastfeeding their babies. I have been told by other reliable sources in the area that they are "working the streets". Knowing them, I certainly do not doubt it. Gisel has a 2 year old girl named Jasmine and a 1 month old girl named Sofia. They both had their babies in the hospital last week due with pneumonia. I received a text message from Estefania last week, "I am in the hospital with my baby and need help. I don't have any money for diapers. Can you help me?"

Of course, I begin to prepare a bag with diapers, bottles, pacifiers, hats, blankets, etc. All of these items came from a baby shower that was given for the "girls in general" in Texas this past March. Wow! What a blessing these items were and what an awesome way to bring the Gospel in action. Anyway, I went to the hospital and Estefania was so happy to see me and told me, "I knew of all the people, that I could count on you to help me." I silently thanked the Good Lord for all those years of gaining her trust. I told her many things during that hour, basically letting her know she could count on Esteban and I and also God. I told her if she wanted to change, she has help. I also let her know that I have heard many things, I know she is doing drugs, but if she wants a better life for herself and her baby, she does have help. BUT, she has to want that change. She did tell me she does want to change that she does not want this life for her baby. So, we will see. After an hour conversation, I left and prayed.

Now both the girls have their babies home. So, I went to see how they were doing. Estefania was not there, but the older sister Gisel was. In all these years, we have only been invited through the door 1 time, and today was no different. Gisel stayed outside with me while we talked. In the past, we have had more of a relationship of trust with Gisel than with Estefania. I basically talked to Gisel the same way I spoke to Estefania in the hospital, reassuring them that they are precious to God and that I love them so much. I told her that I am here for both of the girls and their babies. That I have heard many stories about them and I know that they are struggling with many different "things". If they want to talk, if they want changes in their lives, we are here for them. They have our phone number. Now, all we can do is pray.

What I do know is that these girls were abandoned by their mom. The mom of 5 children- which includes a girl with DownSyndrome, left many many years ago. That left the dad to do the best he could. And of course, the environment they live in does not help. Through the years, the dad has asked us for help with Gisel. But I believe that dad gave up many years ago with all his children (this man is not a man of good morals or even a believer!). Rocio, the girl with Down, does not even live there anymore. She is living with an aunt somewhere, and basically, the rest of the children have abandoned school, do drugs, alcohol and have babies of their own. They are repeating generations of mistakes, abandonement and abuse.

All of this leaves me in prayer. Seeds have been planted through the years. These 2 girls continually reject the love of Christ, and even our love. I do not think they can grasp what real love is. So, if they cannot understand and accept the love from another human being, how can they accept the love from God who is "invisible" to them? How can they get past their sorrows when they show none, even to themselves? They have been hurt so much in the past, that they do not care about themselves. They are detached, indifferent, and numb, something of a blank canvas. They are absolutely blinded with a veil over their eyes and a heavy, hard heart. When Gisel was listening to me, the majority of the time she could not even look at me in the eye. I know she felt shame, and perhaps a little conviction from the Holy Spirit (since she has heard the Gospel many times from us through youth and camps).

 I pray that God, in His mercy, lifts the veils from their eyes and softens their hearts to see and accept His love through us. I pray that Estefania and Gisel can feel love when they hold their baby and when they hear their baby cry. I pray that thier babies- Jasmine, Sofia and Alexis- are kept safe from all harm. Please remember this family in your prayers. Pray with me that they see their reality and realize that they do not want this kind of life and that they want change...that they want the love of Christ Jesus in their lives. Pray for generational transformation.

Matthew 14:28-31

The story of Peter walking on water. Note: Peter was not putting Jesus to the test, something we are told not to do. Instead, he was the only one in the boat to react in faith. His impulsive request led him to experience a rather unusual demonstration of God's power. Peter started to sink because he took his eyes off Jesus and focused on the high waves around him. His faith wavered when he realized what he was doing. We probably will not walk on water, but we may walk through tough situations. If we focus on the waves of difficult circumstances around us without faith in Jesus to help, we too, may despair and sink. To maintain your faith when situations are difficult, focus on Jesus power rather than yon your own inadequacies. Although we start out with good intentions, sometimes our faith falters. This doesn't necessarily mean we have failed. When Peter's faith faltered, he reached out to Christ, the only one who could help. He was afraid, but he still looked to Christ. When you are apprehensive about the troubles around you and doubt Christ's presence or ability to help, remember that he is always with you and is the only one who can really help.

I had never realized that Peters act was impulsive; but it was. So many times in our lives we have been impulsive, acting in faith. We get scared. And I seem to always here God saying to me, "o woman of little faith". And I think that I am hard on myself. But in all reality, I am a great woman of faith! I just get nervous and scared, just like Peter did. Wow, I am human! God is good and rescues us from the big waves!

Matthew 14:14

14: "Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. " Note: Jesus performed some miracles as signs of his identity. He used other miracles to teach important truths. But here we read that he healed people just because he "had compassion on them". Jesus was and is, a loving caring and feeling person. When you are suffering, remember that Jesus hurts with you. He has compassion on you.

This is one of our major focuses. Before Jesus healed them, he did not ask first how their relationship with God was, he did not see if what their sins were. Just plainly, he healed them from the compassion He felt for their suffering. In this, CWAF wants to do the same.

Emiliano "the pastor"

  Emiliano came over to our house with Vero and Macarena. It was quite an evening. Choripans to eat. I was irritated that Steve had invited them over as I was tired and did not want to get together with anyone. Anyways, God knew they needed to come. They began talking about the difficulities of the barrio. Also how some people are making fun of Emiliano, calling him Pastor because he wont participate in bad things. Vero and Emiliano seem to have a pure relationship, the first we have heard of in the barrio. They spoke a lot about Misa & Anahi and how bad they feel for Anahi. They confirmed that Misa is doing some drugs, not working. But he is making money by doing "bad things", which I assume would be selling drugs, robbery, etc. Anahi for sure is extremely unhappy as Misa keeps her and the baby in their backroom and Anahi feels uncomfortable and is treated badly by Misa and his family. The conversation then led to Jesus. And Steve shared the gospel full force with Emiliano, Veronica, & Macarena. It was a good night of sharing the gospel and really seeing these young people want to walk down the right path, living their life to please the Lord.

Motorcycle Time!

That Friday was an amazing stress filled day! After customs had the motorcycle in holding for over a month, they finally decided to allow us to have it. They gave us the $ amount that they valued it at and we had to pay. Here in Mendoza, the city has "siesta" -"naptime". Almost all businesses close down at 1pm. Most businesses work from 9am to 1pm, then from 5pm to 9pm. But any kind of govt agency is only open till 1pm. 

Anyways, Steve had been going to customs almost every other day. Finally the day did come. Steve called Derek and I at home at 12:30, told us to grab all the US$ and pesos we had, and to meet him in the central (downtown). We had 30 minutes to get him the money, exchange the US$, and get to the National Government controlled Bank. So, the race began!

Picture in your mind a movie showing New York downtown streets with cars everywhere; ok, that is Mendoza downtown! So, Derek and I are in the car and see Steve half a block down in front of the exchange place. I jump out of the car and start running to him with all the money securely hidden in a cosmetic bag in my purse that is practically glued to my side and arm! (lots of robbery here ya know!) So, then Steve says," no! you were supposed to wait in the car so I could pass you the paperwork and Derek could get you to the bank". At the same time, he had already worked out exchanging the money.

Let me explain one moment what is going  on in this country. This country has "disallowed" the buying of US$. Because the US$ is much more stable than this peso & is the "backup" for this country, and people do not trust the banks after 2001 financial fall and the banks/government stole peoples money right out of their accounts!, Argentines that have money typically trade their pesos into Usdollars$. So, the govt recently put a new law out that noone could trade their money. And if a person wants to travel outside of the country, they now have to report it to the government, yet they cannot find any US$ to travel with, which is an absolute necessity. SO, that has created the black market, which the govt is now referring to it as the blue dollar. Anyway, the current exchange rate is like 4.4 to 1, which is constantly changing daily. But on the black market you can get it 6 to 1.

So, Steve goes to the guy that we always trade money with at the exchange house, and the guy asks how much he is trading, and then tells him…"ok, walk out the door, go 2 doors down, ring the bell, tell them your name, and they will take you upstairs to trade your US$ and they will give you 6.25 on the exchange! So, Steve and I go to that building and Steve is "buzzed in and up". Steve hands me the paper, and says hopefully Derek is still there on the street and get to the bank, which is about 3 blocks away. Unfortunately, the traffic police did not allow Derek to wait there and Derek was gone! So, my fat butt starts running down the streets 3 blocks away to the bank to make it before 1pm. I enter the bank, get in line with the paper from customs, and the bank officer goes and begins "barricading" the doors and is closing the bank at 5 minutes till 1pm! So, there I am, with no phone (we have been with 2 cellphones only between the 4 of us since we got back) to communicate with Steve. So, I go to the bank officer and tell him I have to pay this, show him my paper, and tell him my husband is outside and coming and he has to hand me the $. The banker was rude and told me it is my problem, that my husband should have been here on time and there is nothing he can do. Once the doors are closed, noone can enter, period. And he walks off!

So, there I am looking quite dumbfounded in the middle of the bank, holding a paper with no money, no way to communicate with Steve knowing he is outside wondering where I am because I was supposed to be with Derek, and he cannot even see into the bank, it is so "locked down". I really did not know what to do. Then this police officer in the bank comes up to me and says "I see you have a problem, is your problem urgent?" and I said "yes sir, see this paper, we have to pay this from customs today. My husband was exchanging money, and he is surely outside with it." So, the police guy said, "I tell you what, I am very thirsty and would like to drink a coca-cola, so, I will let you look out this side door to see if your husband is there, and if he is, I will let him come in!" Sure enough, Steve was there, pacing like a caged lion! So, we were able to pay! When we were done, we were looking for the police guy to give him 15 pesos for a coca-cola, but we could not find him. I felt so bad, as we really wanted to buy him lunch! From there, miracles kept happening as when Steve went back to customs for them to release his motorcycle, they told him no, because they don't release after 1pm! So, here we go again, or rather, God goes again, making a way.

God continued His favor.  A custom agent said after receiving a signature from someone in charge, told Steve, "well, this must be your lucky day because we never release after 1pm!" Now, because we were able to get the dollar exchange at 6.25, it saved us a lot of money. As it turns out, because of that dollar exchange, the amount we had to pay was exactly the amount of money we had, not one peso/dollar more or less! If we had done the exchange at 4.4, we would not have had enough money. I love how God works things out, and we knew that day that it was God's hand every step of the way! I am convinced that He is the creator of time! I truly don't see how it all happened within 30 minutes! And that I was able to run down those streets to the bank without falling!  And God's favor blows me away! So, now we will repeat this entire process again with the truck!!!