tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66932820217245362162024-03-13T10:02:24.521-07:00Grace Babies' Home BlogUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger74125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-61719946996203335072014-03-06T08:09:00.000-08:002014-03-06T08:09:58.497-08:00Love is always worth it<div style="text-align: center;">
By Karis Pumphrey, GBH Intern</div>
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This morning I read a blog about foster care. It was written from the perspective of a new foster mom who was answering the infamous question of “how do you do it?!”. Because the most common response to the call to foster is “I don’t think I could do it. I couldn’t love someone so much for an amount of time that I do not know and then let him or her go. I couldn’t do it.” Her answer spoke to me in ways that I wouldn’t have fully understood two months ago.<br />
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“Love is always worth it”<br />
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I work at an orphanage that functions more like a foster home, but is just placed in a country that doesn’t have a foster care system. We see babies come into this home, love them with everything we have, and release them into God’s care - wherever He chooses to place them. When I worked here last summer I saw two babies come into the home, but I never saw anyone leave. While I was home in the fall, I knew of two that went to their forever families. It was sad to see them go, but I was so overcome with joy to know they had a mom and a dad to raise and love them. Since I wasn’t part of the process here, I didn’t fully go through the emotions.<br />
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On January 15 and February 8 my perspective was completely changed. On these two days I actually got to be part of the going home process of two precious pieces of my heart. Amelia arrived at Grace Babies’ Home this summer when I was here, and Daniela has been a part of the GBH family longer than I have. Ever since they entered these doors we have prayed for their forever families. I prayed completely in faith, but my reaction on the days they left made me question if I fully believed they would ever leave because of how much shock I was in. We got the call on January 14 that Amelia would be adopted back into her biological family the next day. On February 7 we got the call that Daniela would be adopted into her forever family the next day. Those were two moments that time stood still and my heart sank. If this is something I’ve prayed for, why am I so surprised, and honestly, so upset that God answered my prayers? You see, God does answer prayers. He always does. Sometimes it isn’t what we asked, and sometimes it’s exactly what we asked. Those two days God answered our prayers exactly, even down to the puppy we prayed for Daniela to have.<br />
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If someone would have asked me on February 8 after recently saying goodbye to the second baby in only a few weeks if foster care was worth it, honestly, I would’ve said no. My heart was so incredibly broken and I’m tearing up even now as I type this thinking back to the pain I experienced that day. Saying goodbye is hard. Actually, it sucks. But after grieving the loss of these precious girls, God opened my eyes. If these babies weren’t here, where would they be? If I didn’t love them, who would? God has a bigger ability to love than we could ever imagine. And I promise you that even after having my heart broken on those days, God has loved on me. I’m reminded of the passage in Matthew where Jesus tells us to care for the “least of these”. These unwanted and forgotten babies ARE the least of these. They’re the ones Jesus was talking about! By being obedient to the call to care for the fatherless, God WILL bless you and He WILL carry you through it. God would not call us to do something and leave us to figure it out alone. Because I let myself love with my whole heart knowing that my time with these babies was limited, God has given me the ability to love even more. My heart is even more full of joy because of the goodbyes. So even though it would seem like constant goodbyes would cause a heart to be calloused, if you let God work through you, it becomes quite the opposite.<br />
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Love is always worth it.<br />
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I’m so blessed to be part of this ministry right now. God is breaking me apart in the best ways and teaching me what He meant when He called His people to care for the fatherless. And let me tell you, I think the fatherless are the cutest kids I’ve ever met. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-13185676680167939362014-02-25T20:22:00.001-08:002014-02-25T20:22:19.354-08:00How Are The New Babies Doing?One month ago Coral Arely and "unnamed baby boy" joined our GBH family. Within the first hour we named our baby boy, Mateo Andrés, meaning strong gift from God. Weighing in at just over nine pounds we knew this two-month-old must have a deep inner strength in order to have persevered through his first turbulent weeks of life. <br />
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Having both arrived sick, Coral improved with care and medication in the first week. Mateo got worse before he got better. Struggling with reflux, and a bad cold that came with a horrible cough, he had our team busy nursing him to health while remaining fervent in prayer. Just in the last few days he has turned a corner and is beginning to look, sound, and act like a healthy baby boy.<br />
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Coral and Mateo are now very comfortable with their new surroundings, routines, and caregivers. <br />
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18-month-old Coral is thriving in an environment that includes constant attention, eye-contact, and communication. Once she learned that we were listening, she started communicating back to us. Though we know her babbling has definite meaning, we gave her the tools of sign language to communicate some basic needs. She is so excited to get a reaction from her signs that sometimes she will do two or three at once.<br />
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Mateo is in a rapid growth spurt. Once he started feeling better and keeping his food down, it is as if he is trying to catch up to his 4 weeks of being premature all at once. He smiles, coos, makes eye contact, and is easily soothed by a warm embrace and tender care. These are all excellent milestones. <br />
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Please continue to keep these two new little ones in your prayers. Though their road to physical and emotional healing has begun, we realize that it is a long one, and only possible with God.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-50065705707032858312014-02-09T11:29:00.000-08:002014-02-09T11:31:56.482-08:00Saying Good-byeHow do you emotionally let go of the babies after you have loved and cared for them with your whole heart? This is one of our most frequently asked questions.<br />
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The short answer is... God's Grace. It is only by His grace that we are able to cuddle them tightly while holding on to them loosely. But as our staff was studying 1 Samuel this past week, we were able to make some parallels between Hannah saying good-bye to Samuel, and ourselves saying good-bye to our babies. The timing of this study was divinely fitting as we had to say good-bye to our precious Dani just a few days later.<br />
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Samuel was conceived after Hannah poured out her heart to God in prayer and made a promise that if He gave her a son she would give him to The Lord all the days of his life. After Samuel was weaned she fulfilled her vow and brought Samuel to the House of The Lord - not with tears and anguish, but with a huge sacrifice, worship, and an amazing prayer that begins with, "my heart rejoices in The Lord". It was through prayer that Samuel came into her life and through prayer that she left him at the temple.<br />
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From the moment our babies enter our doors, we begin praying for their forever family. We know that when we pray these prayers, we pray according to God’s will, as He is the creator of the family and His word states, “God sets the lonely in families.” Based on her recorded prayer life, Hannah's prayers were most certainly not limited to the ones we read in Scripture. She likely prayed for Samuel's future every time she nursed him. Just as her prayers prepared her heart to trust God with her son's future, our prayers prepare our hearts to trust God with our babies' futures.<br />
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Hannah is acutely aware that Samuel came to her by God's strong hand; The Lord had closed her womb and The Lord opened her womb. When she left her son at the temple she could confidently place him back into the strong hand from which he came. When our babies come through the door it is because God's strong hand has defended them and brought them to safety. When He asks for them back, we are confident that they go straight into that same hand.<br />
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When Hannah rejoices in The Lord it doesn't mean that she won't miss her son, or be sad to say good-bye. It just means that her desire to see God's will demonstrated in the future of her son is greater than any sadness she may feel. Similarly, whether He chooses to place them with biological family or adoptive family, we rejoice when one of our babies gets to go “home”. It doesn't mean that we aren't sad, won't miss them, or don't cry. It means that our desire to see them in a family is greater than our sadness. <br />
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I guess that's the long answer;)<br />
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Here are a few photos from Friday when we placed Dani back into the strong hand of her Defender and He carried her to her new family.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We pack a few bags including practical items and sentimental items. Some sentimental items include her dedication certificate, her blessing box, her God's Promises to Dani frame, her footprint, a photo album, her crib toy, artwork, and a few favorite toys. We also include an adult and a children's Bible with a personal inscription inside each one. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dani ready to go and dragging her bags to the door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tio Juan carrying Dani out to the car of the DIF (social services). </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And she is off to meet her new family!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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As a side note: One of the things we told the DIF is that Dani would do well with siblings. Also based on her love for dogs, we started praying that her new home would have a dog. The social worker informed us that her new family included a big brother AND a dog. God is good.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-41261705987502002242013-11-15T20:20:00.002-08:002013-11-15T20:21:47.520-08:00Home For Christmas?Families are God's idea and His design. At GBH we understand God's plan is best. Though we can pour all of our love, time and resources into caring for our babies, we cannot give them the sense of belonging that comes with having a mommy and daddy. For this reason, we pray for "forever families" EVERYDAY for our babies. <br />
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Psalm 68:6 says that God sets the lonely in families. True to His word, God has heard and is answering our prayers. Currently Maria, Daniela, and Jesus are in the adoption process with the social services. It is our prayer that these precious little ones celebrate this Christmas in their new homes. <br />
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Still to be completed are the selection of families, many appointments, and much paperwork. But we know that if it is God's timing and His will, nothing is impossible for Him. Please join us in this prayer; that Maria, Daniela and Jesus would be <b>Home For Christmas</b>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-66580700960200124972013-10-24T11:34:00.000-07:002013-10-24T11:34:58.744-07:00Baby Dream DinnersAll our babies come with a history of early trauma of some sort. One very important component to their healing is nutrition. Appropriate quantities of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, proteins, complex carbohydrates, and fiber are essential to the healing process and brain development.<br />
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One of our missionaries, Donna Werdenie, has spent time researching and understanding this relationship between nutrition, brain growth, and healing - particularly in relation to early trauma. She has carefully planned and constructed meal plans for optimal brain development. <br />
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Using recipes that are both delicious and baby-friendly, Donna spends her Saturdays cooking and preparing meals for the following week. Her ingredients are fresh and organic (when possible). Baby-sized portions are dished into containers, labeled, and placed in the freezer. The weekly meal plan is posted on the fridge where our GBH team can easily read and follow it.<br />
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Someone commented that our system was a lot like “Dream Dinners”. I guess you could call it “Baby Dream Dinners”:) <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-29783242685543573402013-08-21T13:58:00.001-07:002013-08-21T14:13:47.574-07:00Immunizations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many ask about immunizations and what that process looks like for our babies here in Mexico. First of all, health care in general is very different to what we are accustomed to in the States. This is one of many areas we are still navigating through, learning as we go. However, out of necessity we have walked through the immunization process many times and feel like we understand the protocol. </div>
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In the States we schedule our "well baby visits" around a vaccination schedule. Every month to two months during the first years of our babies' lives we pack up the diaper bag and head to the pediatrician's office. There our babies' progress and growth are measured, the doctor addresses any concerns, and nervous moms are reassured. On the way out the door our babies receive their vaccinations, often with a dose of Tylenol so as not to experience any discomfort in the next few hours. Those visits are followed up by a phone call from the nurse or doctor himself, checking in to see how our babies are doing after their shots. </div>
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At Grace Babies' Home, when we get a new baby we work with our Mexican Director, Martin Castro, to obtain the baby's Seguro Social (social security/public health ID number). With that number, we are able to take the baby to the Centro de Salud (public health center), which is located next to the general hospital. </div>
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Once inside the Centro de Salud we poke our heads into the small room where the vaccinations take place to let them know we are there. They immediately recognize us and move us to the front of the list. On this particular day there were five newborns in front of us when we arrived. </div>
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We wait in a multipurpose waiting room in the furthest seat away from the 40 others waiting to see a doctor. This photo is only about 1/4 of the waiting room. The rest was full. We waited about a half hour before they called us in.</div>
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Once in the room the nurses work efficiently to administer the shots and record what was given. A date is given for our return.</div>
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At this visit Santiago also received a TB vaccination in his arm. This is something new for us as this particular vaccination is not given in the States and is followed by a reaction that leaves a nasty scar.</div>
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We understand that around the globe many children die of diseases that are preventable with vaccinations. While our experience is different than in the States, we are
grateful that our babies do have vaccinations available to them.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-37210715981081570702013-06-29T16:28:00.002-07:002013-06-29T16:39:59.972-07:00New ArrivalsTwo of our most frequently asked questions are: "Where do the babies come from?" and, "What is the process for bringing a new baby into your home?' On Wednesday, seven-month-old Santiago and nine-month-old Amelia joined our GBH family. We would like to use their arrival to answer those questions.<br />
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When we have funding and trained staff in place (1:2 baby to adult ratio and $500 committed monthly financial support per baby), we let our Mexican Director, Martin Castro, know that we are ready for more babies. Martin then works with the DIF (Mexican Social Services) to coordinate which babies will come and when. All our babies come through the DIF.<br />
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The DIF will set up a time to bring the babies to us, or Martin will pick them up from the central shelter where they are currently being housed. <br />
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When they arrive we offer a bottle so that their tummies are full and we can start them on a feed-wake-sleep schedule. This all happens very slowly, allowing time to take in their new environment, new sounds, and new friends. </div>
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New babies are given their own white board where we will keep notes of their daily lives for the rest of their stay at GBH. </div>
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There can be up to forty babies at one time in the DIF shelter. For them to keep accurate records and identify them correctly, they wear wrist bands at all times. We cut the bands off and save them in their file.</div>
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GBH Director, Juan Strutton, reads through the file on each baby. If any changes in care are required, he notifies the staff, otherwise the file remains private.</div>
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Babies are weighed and measured. A growth chart is started.</div>
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Babies are carefully and tenderly bathed. Crazy, fun, splashing baths are a ways off yet:) </div>
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We try to get medical attention within the first 48 hours of the babies' arrival. KT is a bilingual pediatric nurse practitioner, who is amazing. She explains anything we may medically be unsure of and helps us get the babies on the road to health and wellness. <br />
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On this particular visit we had a brief lecture on respiratory issues, an explanation on all the meds that were prescribed before their arrival, a hands on lesson in how to work our nebulizer, as well as a written "if-then" plan for step-by-step asthma treatment. Phew!<br />
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Amelia and Santiago arrived Wednesday. They are already showing signs of improvement in their health. As they start to feel better, their personalities begin to emerge. Santiago is generally a happy little guy. Amelia is quiet and very sweet. Both share an undeniable resemblance to the image of their Maker. Thank you for keeping these two new little ones in your prayers.<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-67381669749563105602013-06-06T13:18:00.000-07:002013-06-06T15:03:54.639-07:00For In Due Season We Shall ReapIn January 2012 we had recently said good-bye to our first baby, Natalia, and we were waiting on the social services to send us another baby.... any day. When days rolled into weeks, we disappointingly entertained the idea that perhaps this would be a forty-day time of testing and waiting. Well, we were right about the testing and waiting, but way off on the timing. We actually waited close to ten months for God to bring us our next babies.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very First Bloom - March 2012</td></tr>
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During this time we kept busy putting some finishing touches on the home; one of those touches being landscaping. We were limited to what we could plant because our leach lines run under every inch of dirt around us. So we settled on some giant pots that could be placed around the perimeter of the property. We thought it would be both fun and practical to fill the pots with fruit trees. So, with zero "fruit tree experience", we picked up nine bear-root trees from Costco. Even our friends from British Colombia who helped us plant the trees were skeptical that the two-foot twigs would ever show any sign of life, much less fruit. <br />
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Donna Werdenie, a missionary who lives and serves at GBH, was certain our trees would one day produce fruit. She made index cards with scripture about bearing fruit and walked by the trees several times a day asking God to make them fruitful. During extensive times of prayer and seeking the Lord for the ministry, we began to feel like our tiny little fruit twigs were somehow symbolic of our faith journey at GBH. By spring of 2012 the trees had leaves and flowers. By summer we had a couple very small, uneatable nectarines and pears. This spring most of our trees produced beautiful blossoms and we are anticipating some fruit. Observing the trees change through the seasons and mature over time, we do see a little of our journey in theirs.<br />
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We can only reap what we have sown. We can not expect avocados when we did not plant any avocado trees. At GBH the fruit of our labor are lives transformed by Jesus Christ. Specifically, He has given us a vision for healing. The seeds that we sow are specific to the fruit that we expect to bear. The greatest healing seed we sow is prayer. We pray every day for miracles of healing in our babies. Others include education and training, nutrition, small adult to child ratio, planned sensory activities, and play that promotes healing.<br />
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There is much effort that must be expended before fruit can be enjoyed. Our trees need to be watered. We've had to replenish the soil in the pots several times. They need to be fertilized and sprayed for pests. Branches need to be pruned and weeds need to be pulled. So it is with our faith journey at GBH; fruit doesn't just happen, it requires a great deal of effort. Effort is labor, and labor is most often difficult and unrecognized. For every one smile, giggle, new word, first step, and connection of trust, there have been hundreds of bottles made, diapers changed, sleepless nights, interrupted naps, rejection of homemade food, loads of laundry, spills, and oh-so-exhausting tantrums. Only those who tend the tree, and the Maker of the tree, know the depth of labor represented by a beautiful blossom or savory fruit.<br />
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Bearing fruit takes time. Many months pass with the appearance that nothing is happening, until one day you look out and see that the tree is covered in tiny little buds. Then one day you notice a beautiful little flower. After the tree is in full bloom you begin to recognize tiny little fruit replacing the blooms. Then begins hopeful expectation while you watch the fruit grow and ripen. At GBH, we know what it feels like to watch for many months while seemingly nothing happens. We know the beauty and fragrance of those first smiles. We rejoice over the fruit of our labor when we are eye witnesses to healing. But there is no instant fruit and there are no shortcuts to speed up the process.<br />
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So, as we look out our window and see what used to be tiny little twigs beginning to produce fruit, we rejoice in the similar journey that God has our GBH family on. Through much labor and long periods of hopeful expectation, we too are beginning to see fruit in the lives of the precious little ones under our roof.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-84161087984515195462013-04-21T11:59:00.001-07:002013-04-21T12:10:05.495-07:00Tía Mary <b>Mary Fruin is an amazing, young woman of God. We have asked her to write about how she came to be an intern at Grace Babies' Home and a little about her experiences here. We hope that her story encourages other young women to take this step of faith to come serve God's little ones in this way.</b><br />
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Hello All!<br />
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My name is Mary and I'm an intern at Grace Babies' Home. My family moved to Mexico on March 1st of 2008, with the vision of working with, and helping orphanages in any way that we could. As usual, things didn't really pan out as we planned. God had His own plan set out for us, which did involve construction on orphanages, but was mostly about other things. We've done a lot of construction, on orphanages, churches, feeding kitchens, etc., we've translated for groups (once our Spanish was at a proficient level), we've helped organize groups, we help in Sunday school, we're pretty much a variety show. But after almost five years of living in Mexico, God has directed some of us back to the ministry of caring for the fatherless. Shortly after some of the members in my family, including me, started volunteering at another babies' home, I offered my assistance to Jody, the intern coordinator and a good friend of mine. I started helping out once a week and a couple weeks later, I found myself filling in for the educational coordinator, Donna, while she was visiting family and friends in Jamaica. Well, when she got back I was told that they wanted me to stay on. I was offered a paid job, but lacked the correct visa to work in Mexico, so I stayed on as an intern. I'm SO glad I did!<br />
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My day is usually filled with fun. In the morning I have my alone time or I can go talk to the ladies that are on the morning shift. I usually try to do my laundry, Bible college homework, eat, and do my Bible study in the morning so I don't have to stay up as late at night. At 1pm I go on shift. There's an overlap hour between shifts for a changing of hands, and staff meeting (Bible study, training session, games, and prayer), and then at 2pm everyone else, but Jody (my shift partner) leaves. The babies are down for their naps, and we eat lunch, chat, and sometimes work on our bible study if time allows. After that, the babies get up and the fun begins! We've done so many fun activities that it would be silly to name them all, but some of my favorites are definitely the water table, a walk to the market (usually on Wednesday mornings), finger painting, and a Jello sensory bucket (a plastic bin filled with Jello and toys). Most of our special activities require bathing afterward, so they get a bath most every day. After bath and a bottle, comes bed, and they are all back in bed by 7:30pm. Most days, are very fun. We have rough days, the same as anyone else, but we get through it and start anew the next day.<br />
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Being an intern IS hard... but it's TOTALLY worth it! I'm not particularly good at getting along with people, and guess what! There are people here! But I'm also surrounded by amazingly wise people, that are ready to help me at my beck and call! Being an intern, although very fun, does require you to give up of yourself, and every time we do that for someone else Satan throws a temper tantrum. You can expect it to be difficult because what you're doing is good! If you're thinking about becoming an intern, I would tell you to watch for depression, worry, anger, frustration, and any other sin you struggle with normally, because my experience is that the devil gets mad, and hits you where you're weakest. I don't want to scare you away from becoming an intern though, on the contrary! I want to help you be better prepared for the time when God starts pulling on your heart, telling you to go, and you start questioning. <br />
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God has been so good to me. Through my time here I have learned more about His marvelous creation and His love, the power of prayer, patience, and so many other things. This has been a huge growing experience for me, and I'm sure it will be for you too. <br />
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I would encourage you to start praying about how you can get involved in this ministry, whether or not that means becoming an intern. There are many, many ways you can help. Number one being, PRAYER! I can't stress enough the power of prayer. What a privilege to be able to talk to the God Almighty!<br />
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And as I say a prayer for you, I ask you do the same for me. <br />
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Until next time! May you be truly blessed.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Mary<br />
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="413" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/64501823?byline=0&portrait=0&color=ff9933" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="550"></iframe></center><br />
<b>If you are viewing this post via email, you will need to go directly to <a href="http://gbh.yugo.org/2013/04/tia-mary.html" target="_blank">the blog</a> to see the photos.</b><br />
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</b> <b>If you are interested in serving as an intern at GBH <a href="http://www.yugo.org/content.cfm?id=405" target="_blank">click here</a> for more information and to request an application.</b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-10744341125218558582013-04-18T09:30:00.001-07:002013-04-18T09:35:45.609-07:00Laughter, the Best Medicine<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friends,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This video will brighten your day. Click <a href="https://vimeo.com/yugogbh/jesuslaughing" target="_blank">here</a> to view it. Feel free to pass it on anyone who needs to see the Joy of the Lord in the life of one of His little ones.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-55446865636974552042013-02-17T06:58:00.000-08:002013-02-17T08:02:48.686-08:00Birthday Celebration<i>"So we see that the power of our spoken blessings flows first of all from the abundance of our Creator’s own blessedness – and from His wise and loving intention to bless His children with whatever is truly our highest good. When we verbalize a blessing upon others, we have the privilege of taking part in channeling God’s goodness to them and in directing them into the Lord’s will."<br />
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~ Excerpted from The Power of Spoken Blessings by Bill Gothard<br />
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When we started thinking about Maria and Daniela’s first birthday celebration, we knew it would be the first of many at Grace Babies’ Home and we wanted to plan something simple yet significant. It could not be so extravagant that we would have difficulty matching it throughout the coming years. Nor could it be something so overwhelming that it compromised the girls’ feelings of security in our home. Understanding that the girls would in all likelihood not remember the event, it needed to have an eternal purpose that went beyond gifts and cake. We also wanted to include the multitude of extended members of our GBH family who love the girls and touch their lives through prayer and support. This is when we came up with the idea of creating a time capsule and filling it with written blessings.<br />
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We invited our extended GBH family to send in their written blessings for each of the girls. At the party we took the time to read aloud and speak each blessing upon the girls. Those blessings were then placed in a container that will follow the girls when the Lord moves them on to their forever families. <br />
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The celebration was full of special memories and princess themed decorations. The girls enjoyed their own personal cakes, homemade by Tia Jody and Tia Mary. Their time capsules were personalized and decorated by Tia Donna. Gifts were opened, laughter was heard, and lots of photos were taken.<br />
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It is however comforting to know that while the cakes and decorations are now history, the blessings of God’s word will endure. They will go on <i>channeling God's goodness to them and directing Maria and Daniela into the Lord's will</i> for eternity.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-82096160701841207142012-12-11T22:32:00.001-08:002012-12-12T08:25:35.896-08:00Jesús EmanuelWhen little Jesús arrived at our door, he came with a stack of documents from the DIF that told the story of his first 7 days on Earth. While I am not legally able to share those details with you, the Lord has given me a vision of what those days may have looked like from His perspective and has encouraged me to write it down and share it with you.<br />
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"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13<br />
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This little one’s journey actually began 40 weeks ago at the moment of his conception. For 9 months God formed his little inward parts. During that time a battle for his life was building between the forces of darkness and evil and those of light and goodness. The battle reached its climax on November 29th when little Jesús drew his first breath. In this moment, angels were sent to minister to this little baby and protect him. For seven days this battle waged as our enemy the devil sought to destroy this life, but God was determined to save it as a testimony to His gospel and His glory.<br />
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“Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10<br />
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This battle has been going on since the beginning of time. Satan hates new life and has sought to destroy it at every chance. We see his efforts in Scripture with the decree of Pharaoh to kill all the newborn Jewish boys during Israel’s time in Egypt and again with the same decree given by Herod after the birth of Jesus. Throughout history we have documented evidence of superstitions regarding the destruction of twin babies in native tribes from Africa to Asia. The belief is that one of the twins is an evil spirit and since one can’t know for sure which one is evil, they are both killed. Finally, in what our enemy must see as one of his greatest accomplishments, we are witnesses today to the legal killing of unborn babies through abortion. <br />
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“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12<br />
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Thus, this same well-documented historical battle for new life was waged over our little Jesús. His angels fought to protect him while he slept and traveled. They ministered to him while he was poked and prodded by nurses and doctors. A spiritual battle waged in the heavenlies until little Jesús passed through the doors of Grace Babies’ Home. There his angels met ours and he entered a place of refuge and protection. <br />
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Every day our staff prays together. In those times we call on the Lord to send us a legion of His angels to stand guard over this place and protect its inhabitants. I am sure that these prayers are answered and the peace that our little ones feel here comes from the presence of these heavenly protectors.<br />
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When Jesús arrived at our door he had not yet been given a name. I texted Martin Castro, our Mexican Director and asked what we should do about it. His reply was that we should give him a name. I mentioned this to our staff and to my family. Within about 15 minutes, six of us had all independently selected names. Four of us chose Jesús and two of us chose Emanuel. Thus, through us, the Lord gave this little gift a name: Jesús Emanuel. His name says it all; The Lord who saves is with us. Though only 12 days in length, his entire life is a testimony to that name.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-6926548862544137542012-11-09T07:36:00.000-08:002012-11-09T07:43:37.944-08:00Eight-Week Update On The Girls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nFbz8vGsJw/UJxtuLzgI1I/AAAAAAAAEhM/HyN4AqaS0Wk/s1600/MariaDaniela.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5nFbz8vGsJw/UJxtuLzgI1I/AAAAAAAAEhM/HyN4AqaS0Wk/s400/MariaDaniela.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Eight weeks ago Maria and Daniela arrived at GBH. Everyday since their arrival, our GBH family has worked to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their lives. Some of the time has been blissful, and other times trying. But all of the time it has been our privilege and joy to serve Him by caring for them. <br />
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Please be encouraged that your prayers for these little ones are being heard and answered. We see God’s hand moving strongly in both of their lives. <br />
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Both girls are officially mobile and crawling all over. Daniela is pulling up to a standing position on anything that will hold her weight. They especially enjoy outings to the market in their new jogger stroller. Basically, they eat well, play hard, and sleep like babies (most of the time). <br />
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One of the most delightful things for us to watch is the difference in these girls’ personalities. Daniela is expressive and busy. She is a little ham and keeps our home fun and laughing. Maria is sweet, smiley and more contemplative. They are so different, yet they equally bear His image.<br />
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Please continue to keep Maria and Daniela in your prayers. Pray for their continued healing and development. Pray for their “forever families”. Whether they are biological or adoptive, pray that God would prepare homes that will grow them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. <br />
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There are costs to running our home and caring for these precious little ones. If you feel led to financially support the Lord’s work here at GBH, please consider making GBH your ministry to orphans and becoming a baby sponsor. By sponsoring our babies, for any amount monthly, you become a part of our GBH family. You can <a href="http://gbh.yugo.org/p/partner-financially.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to set up your monthly giving. Thank you in advance.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-33540741588558564952012-10-07T15:42:00.000-07:002012-10-16T14:56:58.301-07:00Three-Week Update On The GirlsThis past Friday marked three weeks that the girls have been in our GBH family. Though it has been a learning process for our team, the general feeling in our home is one of God's peace that passes understanding and joy that remains.<br />
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The girls are sleeping 10-11 hours a night with morning and afternoon naps of two hours during the day. In week two we introduced solids with rice cereal, and they now have three veggies in their repertoire of acquired tastes.<br />
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Developmentally, God's hand of healing cannot be denied in their progress. Both arrived with little body strength and were generally floppy in their necks, torsos and legs. Maria is now bouncing like crazy in the exersaucer and Daniela is sitting up on her own. Both are more and more communicative with their eye contact, facial expressions and attempts at speech. This past week Maria's two bottom teeth came in.<br />
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Thanks to your prayers, Maria is almost completely healed of her cold. Please pray for Daniela. She has a nighttime cough that wakes her up and can frustrate her sleep. Pray for God's continued touch on both of His princesses.<br />
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For those of you who would like to contribute, we are in need of formula, baby food, and diapers. We have created an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/registry/baby/ZN3V51KP0VWG" target="_blank">amazon baby registry</a> list where you can purchase items and have them shipped to our YUGO office in National City.<br />
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Thank you for your continued prayers and support for God's work here at GBH!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniela Sitting Up</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maria In the Exersaucer</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-26795738150014703102012-09-21T08:43:00.005-07:002012-09-21T08:45:53.812-07:00How Are The Girls Doing?<!--StartFragment--> <br />
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A week has passed since Maria and Daniela arrived to our GBH family. Aside from Maria struggling with a bad cold right now, they are both doing extremely well. They are settling in to their feedings, naps and general daily routine. Both of them especially love bath time! Developmentally, they are improving everyday. It is really amazing to watch. When they arrived they had no strength in their legs and trunk, and little strength in their neck to hold their heads up. We had a dear friend, who is an occupational therapist, come evaluate them. She gave us some exercises that are helping to strengthen their core which is helping all other areas. By Wednesday of this week Daniela was able to play in an exersaucer, holding her upper body up and using her legs to push up and down. Maria is a little more behind, but we have seen great improvement in her too. You can pray for Maria, that this cold would quickly pass. It is frustrating her when she sleeps and eats. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniela loving the exersaucer!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maria loving her bath!</td></tr>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-31053964657007623122012-09-14T18:58:00.000-07:002012-09-14T18:58:25.316-07:00New Additions to Grace Babies' HomeTowards the end of October, Grace Babies' Home opened its doors. On November 8th, the Mexican social services (DIF) placed our first baby into our care. Three weeks later, she was adopted into her forever family. As days turned into weeks, we waited but did not receive more babies from the DIF. We were informed that they were putting us on hold while they reworked some of their own policies regarding the placement of babies and worked to create a new system of requirements and standards for orphanages receiving babies.<br />
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On December 21st, we began earnestly seeking the Lord and His favor throughout this process. In daily prayer and Bible study, He was faithful to confirm through Scripture His absolute sovereignty and control over this time of waiting. One of the first Scripture verses He gave us was from <b><i>Isaiah 66:9: "Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the LORD.</i></b> With this encouragement, we took heart. After all the miracles He had already performed to bring GBH into existence, God would be faithful to deliver on His promises to care for the fatherless.<br />
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Meanwhile, we worked with the DIF to meet every request made of us with excellence. This process was tedious to say the least. We would complete a list of requirements with the understanding that we were finished and ready to receive babies. Later we would learn that the DIF had come back with more requirements. This cycle repeated itself over and over. As recent as this week, we attended 14 hours of classes including varying themes from child psychology to the organization and mission of the DIF.<br />
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Yesterday afternoon we received the call that two babies from the DIF would be arriving today. After the call, we began to add up the weeks and months that we have been waiting, praying and preparing for these precious little ones. From December 21st to today, 38 weeks (269 days) have passed. This is the same amount of time God uses to create human life, and deliver that which He brings to birth. His timing is always perfect. <br />
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Please join us as we welcome Maria and Daniela, and worship the One who has delivered them to our GBH family. He truly does, set the lonely in families!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HT9bx2SQb8g/UFPdoSVyKZI/AAAAAAAAEc8/2trxYpEvgLI/s1600/the_girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HT9bx2SQb8g/UFPdoSVyKZI/AAAAAAAAEc8/2trxYpEvgLI/s400/the_girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maria and Daniela</td></tr>
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<b><i>A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows … God sets the lonely in families… Psalm 68:5&6</i></b><br />
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We can’t say “thank you” enough to all who have labored with us in prayer through these last nine months. Your love, prayers and support are what have carried us through to this day. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-46557375431757811042012-05-23T20:50:00.000-07:002012-06-04T08:01:52.272-07:00Baby Home UpdateDear Friends of Grace Babies’ Home,<br />
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I want to give you an update on our current situation with the Mexican social services (DIF), and where we stand in the process of receiving babies. <br />
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We have been working closely with the DIF for several months now. As they attempt to create new policies and procedures around the placement and care of babies in orphanages, we are cooperating with each new demand and requirement they are implementing. While we continue to accommodate those in authority and government positions, we are certain that <b><i>the king’s heart is a stream of water in the Lord’s hand that He channels towards those who please Him (Proverbs 21:1)</i></b>. As well, we are encouraged to know that ALL Mexican orphaned babies will benefit from the tedious process we are currently walking through. <br />
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Though we are still in a season of waiting on the Lord to fill our home with His babies, we can see evidence of His unseen hand moving all around us. <br />
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<ul>Daily time in prayer and the study of God’s Word has knit our GBH team together. Through the study of Nehemiah, James, and now Joshua, we are being made like-minded towards the ways of God and how those ways are to be reflected in His vision for GBH.
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We have had the opportunity to be purposeful in the area of staff development. In April our GBH team attended a three-day orphan conference where we were flooded with the latest information on orphan care. Between the five of us we attended twenty-five different breakout sessions on various topics from attachment and trauma issues to laws and legalities with international adoption.
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After much time and effort, all of our staff now have Mexican Visas, Sentri passes, and are working on Mexican driver’s licenses. When we received the latest list of requirements from the DIF, we were pleased that we were already prepared with nearly everything they were asking for; including visas, police background checks, drug tests, etc.
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As well, we have been working on fine-tuning our own policies and procedures at GBH. During a recent visit from the head of the state DIF, she was pleased to know and see our policies for visitors and volunteers.
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We are also still hosting volunteer work teams. Some of our current projects are: wiring the cameras in the nurseries, finishing the fire sprinkler system, and installing a generator to power the facility in the event of emergency.</ul>
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We are more certain than ever that this time of waiting and preparation is God’s plan. Day after day, He continues to affirm His control over our circumstances, and we are resting in His good and perfect timing. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your continued prayers and support during this time. <br />
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<b><i>Whoever keeps the fig tree will eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master will be honored. Proverbs 27:18</i></b><br />
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Blessings in Jesus,<br />
Juan Strutton <br />
</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-58818552121412062622011-12-28T10:54:00.000-08:002011-12-28T11:52:33.235-08:00When Are You Getting More Babies?<br />
We are excited to answer this question. Over the last week while earnestly seeking God in prayer and fasting, asking Him this same question, our GBH team has heard clearly from the Lord.<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">“Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the LORD. Isaiah 66:9</span></i></b></div>
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From its inception, Grace Babies’ Home has been a work of God. Miracle after miracle, the Lord has systematically and abundantly provided all that is needed to build the structure that will house His vision - orphaned babies being loved and cared for in the name of Jesus Christ. God will be faithful to deliver that which has come to birth.<br />
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The Mexican social services have temporarily put GBH on hold while they work to put some policies in place about placing babies in orphanages. The branch of social services that places babies into adoptive homes has separate interests from the branch that places babies into orphanages. These two parties are working together to form some structure around placing babies that is beneficial to all parties, namely the babies themselves. Grateful for our assistance to their cause, the social services are extremely apologetic for the delay and hope to place babies into our care very soon.<br />
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While we wait, God assures us He is actively working to deliver His vision for Grace Babies’ Home by giving us glimpses of His work on several other fronts. We have four young women who are in various stages of the application process to come serve as interns at GBH. After much prayer, searching, and several interviews the Lord has brought us a local Mexican doctor who wants to serve at GBH. Little by little, the Lord continues to send people who want to sponsor a baby and support the ministry financially.<br />
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Though God will be faithful to deliver that which He has brought to birth, He invites us to labor with Him in that work. In this last week we have been reminded that our labor must happen on our knees in prayer. For those of you who have chosen to make Grace Babies’ Home your ministry to orphans, we ask that you would join us in this great labor of love. Please post the following prayer requests on your fridge or bathroom mirror and commit to praying for this ministry daily: <br />
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<b><i>“Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the LORD. Isaiah 66:9</i></b><br />
- Pray that the Lord will deliver babies to Grace Babies’ Home according to His perfect purposes and timing.<br />
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<b><i>For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37</i></b><br />
- As nothing is impossible with God, pray that Telnor would bring us telephone lines in an unincorporated area, and an additional line would be added to our Verizon cell phone plan. Both of which are important to the efficiency and safety of the daily operations of the home.<br />
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<b><i>“See, the LORD has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship…” Exodus 35:30-31</i></b><br />
- Just as the Lord called by name the skilled men to build the tabernacle, pray that He will call by name a Spanish-speaking missionary nurse to serve fulltime at GBH.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-11803941833467028002011-12-05T07:44:00.001-08:002011-12-06T10:22:10.777-08:002nd Annual TAF Tennis Tournament<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">A little over three and a half years ago, Arianna Kim Hamling left for heaven before even having a chance to take her first breath on this earth. Now in the arms of Jesus, Arriana continues to make a difference in the lives of babies and children throughout the world. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">This weekend the Arriana Foundation hosted their 2nd annual tennis tournament to benefit Grace Babies’ Home. Over 30 people entered this lively and fun event. There were awards, player gifts, and a silent auction. As they looked down on this weekend and the impact it will have on little ones for all of eternity, we are sure that Arriana and the Lord are pleased.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyPp1uQuEMc/TtznDBCMc7I/AAAAAAAADvE/fVcttAV9Gx4/s1600/20430428_CcmdL3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uyPp1uQuEMc/TtznDBCMc7I/AAAAAAAADvE/fVcttAV9Gx4/s400/20430428_CcmdL3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan & Elizabeth Hamling (Founders of TAF) with Juan Strutton (Director of GBH)</td></tr>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-3687515873295780522011-11-30T08:46:00.001-08:002011-12-06T10:28:43.365-08:00Good-bye Natalia<!--StartFragment--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">At GBH we have a sense of urgency in spiritual matters with the babies entrusted to our care. We don’t know if or when they might be adopted or reunited with family. At most, we will have them for a few years of their lives. We can compare this short time with Moses’ mother and the short, few years she had to prepare her son to live in Pharaoh’s home. For this reason, we are careful and deliberate about spiritual training. </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The verbiage above is an excerpt taken from our GBH Policies and Procedures under <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Behavioral and Spiritual Guidance</i>. These words were written long before our first baby was placed into our care. We knew that our stewardship over these babies’ lives would be for a season, and therefore our time with them would be of the essence. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Having said that, when Natalia was placed into our care three weeks ago, we loved her with all we had. We cared for her physical, emotional and spiritual needs to the very best of our ability. Her days were spent being sung to about Jesus, read to about Jesus, and prayed over while being rocked. Being our first baby, she took center stage as the star in our GBH family and lived that role with grace. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When we received the bittersweet call yesterday that Natalia was to be adopted and the social services was on their way to pick her up, we choked back our tears and put on brave smiles. We gently woke her up from her nap with kisses and hugs, and changed her diaper for the last time. We prayed God’s blessing over her life and sent her on her way to meet her new family. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We trust that Natalia’s life is in God’s hands, and that just as He divinely orchestrated her arrival at GBH, He is divinely orchestrating her placement into a family who loves her. Though our hearts are hurting for our loss, they are rejoicing for her gain.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Please continue to pray for Baby Natalia. Pray for a smooth transition and adjustment into her new family. Pray for continued healing as she was just getting over a severe cold when she left. Pray for God’s hand of favor to continue to cover her and protect her. Pray that she would continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As for our GBH family. While the Lord mends our hurting hearts, we are more passionate about our calling than ever. To be given stewardship over precious little lives with no promises as to how long that stewardship is granted, is an opportunity that comes with great responsibility. We are determined that while in our care; these little ones experience the presence of the Living God, the power of His healing, and the depth of His love for them. Please keep us in prayer as we continue to follow this call.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmHXKwcnzJY/TtZeLRVbmRI/AAAAAAAADus/3hwQjx5Gv2U/s1600/IMG_0715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dmHXKwcnzJY/TtZeLRVbmRI/AAAAAAAADus/3hwQjx5Gv2U/s640/IMG_0715.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-73865094665540539862011-11-20T22:36:00.001-08:002011-11-20T22:51:08.642-08:00Tennis Anyone?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our dear friends at The Arianna Foundation are hosting the 2nd Annual TAF Charity Tennis Tournament to benefit Grace Babies' Home on December 3rd and 4th at the Balboa Tennis Club in San Diego. There will be Awards, Player Gifts and a Silent Auction. 100% of your entry fee will go to the Lord's work here in Mexico.</span><br><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">To register or donate, please visit <a href="http://www.taftennis.net/">TAFtennis.net</a> </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The deadline to register is November 27th.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-21650463551133135782011-11-08T13:19:00.000-08:002011-11-08T13:19:06.386-08:00Hello World.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFF-JJj3Vf4/Trmad_AnF_I/AAAAAAAADpU/0yUglgK1T9w/s1600/IMG_6127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFF-JJj3Vf4/Trmad_AnF_I/AAAAAAAADpU/0yUglgK1T9w/s400/IMG_6127.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Meet Natalia, our first baby at Grace Babies’ Home. She is six months old with a head full of curly black hair and a smile that will melt your heart. The very fact that she is here alludes to a life that hasn’t started under the best of circumstances. But we believe that God has brought her to us for a purpose and that He has destined her for greatness in His Kingdom. Please stop now and pray. Pray for Natalia’s healing: physically, emotionally and spiritually. Pray for us as we love her, care for her and try to figure out how to best meet her needs. </span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-34507122345205656192011-10-21T21:03:00.000-07:002011-10-21T21:03:56.969-07:00Grace Babies' Home Virtual Prayer Tour<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">For those of you who are unable to be here for our Open House and Dedication, we have created a virtual prayer tour of the home so you can join us in giving glory to our Lord for all He has accomplished here at Grace Babies' Home.</span><br />
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<center><br />
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<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/30857831?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=fbca54" width="580" height="435" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen allowFullScreen></iframe><br />
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</center>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-88745914492908904942011-09-25T08:59:00.000-07:002011-09-25T08:59:40.238-07:00A Sprint to the Finish-line<div style="text-align: center;">
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At GBH these next few weeks feel like we are in a dead sprint to get things finished up before October 22nd when we plan to host our open house. God continues to bring exactly what we need when we need it, and this weekend was a testimony to that faithfulness. A handful of faithful servants from Westgate Church in the bay area worked long days and often into the night helping to get our facility ready. They worked on various building and carpentry projects, concrete work, finish painting, installing fixtures, sorting donated items, and so much more. God truly blessed the work of their hands.</div>
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<b>PRAY - </b>Pray that the Lord would move mountains to get a truck load of furniture down here that is waiting for proper customs agents with proper permits to move it through the border. Pray for our iron guy, that he would be able to get the fence job done in a timely manner.</div>
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<b>SHARE - </b>Invite someone new to the ministry of GBH to join you at our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=275748149103186">Open House, Day of Prayer and Dedication</a>. </div>
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<b>GIVE - </b>Help us get ready for babies by furnishing GBH with supplies. You can purchase and ship items from our <a href="http://www.target.com/GenericRegistryPortalView?registryType=R&pageName=GenericRegistryPortalView">Target Baby Registry</a>, first name: Grace, last name: Babies' Home<b> </b></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6693282021724536216.post-74212656683679194422011-09-19T19:10:00.000-07:002011-09-19T19:10:04.491-07:00Santa Cruz Bible Church<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">This weekend Santa Cruz Bible Church returned to México to bless us by completing several projects at the Baby Home. The bathing room is now complete along with several bench storage units for the playroom, a new microwave oven in the kitchen, and door hardware on the front doors.. Our purified water system is fully functional and delivering clean water to the bathing room and all of the kitchens in the building. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>CALL TO ACTION</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>PRAY -</b> Pray that all the items on our list of things to complete before our Open House would be completed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>SHARE -</b> Please spread the word about the <span id="goog_353274078"></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=275748149103186">Open House Day of Prayer<span id="goog_353274079"></span> and Dedication</a> on October 22nd from 10 am until 4 pm</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>GIVE -</b> As we draw closer to receiving our first babies, we need faithful monthly sponsors to provide for their constant care. Would you consider answering God’s call to defend and care for the fatherless by becoming a baby sponsor. Click <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_xclick-subscriptions&business=aj%40yugo%2eorg&lc=US&item_name=GRACE%20BABIES%27%20HOME%20SPONSORSHIP&item_number=ID%20610600&no_note=1&no_shipping=1&rm=1&return=http%3a%2f%2fgbh%2eyugo%2eorg&cancel_return=http%3a%2f%2fgbh%2eyugo%2eorg&src=1&a3=40%2e00&p3=12&t3=M&currency_code=USD&bn=PP%2dSubscriptionsBF%3abtn_subscribeCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted?">here</a> to start your monthly sponsorship.</span><br />
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