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.
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