Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Hands, Wash Your Hands!!!


Just wanted to let everyone know that we have arrived safely in Texas. Our furniture is still going through customs in Laredo. We were expecting that we would arrive before our belongings and with the situation right now in Mexico we are seeing it as yet another way that the Lord is leading us and protecting us. Although the health situation in Reynosa is not that of Mexico City we are being cautious. The boys are avoiding any eye contact with me for fear that I will make them wash their hands again! That is my new mantra "Wash Your Hands! We have to be cautious!!" You can all rest assured that we are taking this seriously and, most importantly, we are seeking the Lord's protection.

In the meantime, we are staying at the Children's Haven Headquarters in Pharr, Texas. They have a one bedroom trailer that is used for just such purposes. It is cozy and, best of all, air conditioned! But really the best part is that we are situated right next door to CHI directors Betsy and Randall and their three-year-old son Benjamin. They are so gracious and have made sure that we do not get lonely. We've been able to share some wonderful fellowship and meals with them and the boys have taken Benjamin under their wings.

The headquarters, along with the administrative offices, houses a Thrift Store that benefits the children's home. It is run by some wonderful volunteers who have also been more than gracious to us. Today the boys and I had the opportunity to work in the store for a couple of hours and we really enjoyed it. I think this is something we will continue to help with as often as possible. Although, I'm not sure if the boys like working or shopping there more. In just two days Miller has added three new hats to his collection!

On Monday we were able to take the boys to see our rental house in Reynosa and they love it! It was a blessing for us to see their excitement. They have been such troopers through all of these many months and many changes. We are very proud of them and we know that the Lord has very special plans for each one of them.

Another fun thing we did was go to the grocery store in Reynosa. Wow! The variety and the prices thrilled me. I decided, however, that between the peso/dollar conversion and the pound/kilogram conversion that I will have to use my iPod to know how much things actually are for a while. I'll be the slow American girl holding her iPod and a pencil through the store!

I want to thank all of you for praying for us and ask you to please keep them coming. Aside from the obvious health issues, please pray for our belongings to get through customs soon and for us to quickly learn the language. Also, please remember the children and the house parents at the home. Pray for their health as well during this time of concern.

We will let you know as soon as we get to move into our house. Until then, God bless...

3 comments:

Ann said...

Good to see your post! Glad you made it and are doing well! Will be praying...keep us posted on all that happens!

babs said...

WASH YOUR HANDS - GOOD IDEA and the latest sneeze into your elbow. Glad to know you have air conditioning and you are settled in for the wait and are finding things to do to pass your time. Sending many prayers your way. Love to all Aunt Babs

Mary Anne Barthel said...

Tom Koontz introduced me to your blog knowing I am dedicated to CHI as you are. I was happy to hear all about how you "got there". Keep up the great work. My husband and I look forward to meeting you this fall when we get back down to our Texas winter home and we get to see "our kids" at the haven. We are sponsors for Eric Ivan, Jorge Armando and most recently Marita....please give them all hugs from us!...and say hello to Betsy, Ron, Pat and All for us !