We've Moved!

Since moving here we have hoped that one day we would be able to live on site at the orphanage. We have quickly realized that the best quality time with the children is spent during afternoon and evening hours. Last week our hope came true, though temporarily.

Two weeks ago, one of the sibling groups living here went back to their family. There were five children, all of them young. With them leaving there are now only three young children left in the toddler room. Regulations here require that each room have a staff person overnight. Because of this they have had to pay a staff person to sleep in the room with these three kids. By moving on sight we will be taking over this role, helping to eliminate the cost of that staff person. (There are two rooms adjoined. Our family will be in one room and the three children in the other.)

Last year we shared with some of our family and friends that we were looking into adopting a sibling group from LOL. Unfortunately that was not possible because of Belize’s odd rules. Ironically, the three kids that we wanted to adopt happen to be the same kids that we will temporarily be living with. It is amazing to see how God works. Though we cannot be their forever parents we can still play an important role in their lives.

Our days have been long and busy, and we are loving it. We both feel that God has clearly used our past to prepare us for our time here. Our gifts, strengths and skills are being utilized on a daily basis. We are so excited to see how God will work over this next year.

Last week Mark spent time planting some trees that were donated by a friend of the ministry. Digging through the clay is not easy work, but when you get to have such a good little helper, it makes it easier. This is one of the boys we are living with. He loves to help Mark work in the yard. (We cannot show pictures of the children’s faces due to government regulation…FYI.)

Sarah has begun to take over many of the tasks related to hosting short-term teams. We have many teams planned for this year, especially during the summer. She has also helped to create on ongoing devotion series for the children revolving around the fruit of the Spirit. Each month will be spent focused on one of the fruit. This months fruit is Love.

These are exciting times and we are so glad that you take the time to keep up with our lives and ministry.