BIRTHDAYS GALORE!

The month of March brings many celebrations at Love and Hope.  First, on the 8th it's Rachel's birthday.  The visiting team and other missionaries decided to remodel her room.  It was painted, curtains were hung, a futon bought and a mattress on the way!  Then, it was my birthday on the 10th.  We had an ice cream social with the kids.  It's so nice to see how excited they get to wish you a  "Happy Birthday".  Our missionary group went out for appetizers to celebrate and there I was gifted the most fabulous surprise...a day at the Decameron Beach Resort, an all-inclusive package!  I couldn't believe my eyes or ears - it was so wonderful.  I leave on Monday so I'll have to show you pictures.  Next weekend on the 19th will be the best event of all.  Joselyn, the oldest girl, will turn 15 and celebrate the coming of age "Quinceanera".  This year is significant because at this age 15 year olds are considered to be entering into womanhood and into a mature relationship with Jesus Christ.  The celebration resembles a wedding: church service and dinner reception afterward.  We've been planning for awhile now, just got the dress today, and are waiting for our cook to arrive this week to prepare the dinner.  At the end of the month, the girl that I sponsor, Shelby, will turn 14 and this year I will be here to celebrate with her.  In the years past, I would send down a little gift with whomever was traveling.  I look forward to taking her out for something special like my mom would do for me.  My mom has the greatest taste in gifts and I always enjoy what she picks out for me.  I hope I can do the same for Shelby!

The past few days have been noteworthy for counting our blessings.  So here's another entry for the Love and Hope Faith journal...

March 11th.
Every 15 days we receive a wire transfer from our non-profit organization in the US.  They channel the funds they receive to us in order to pay our expenses such as salaries, utilities, groceries, gas, etc.  The past two transfers have been half of what our expenses are.  After paying our bills with the money from Thursday, we will not have enough to pay salaries on Tuesday.  In November I blogged about how I got so worried about expenses but over the past few months I have practiced a different attitude....a faith like George Muller.  On Friday morning I climbed up to the Puerta del Diablo and had a conversation with God.  I told him, with a smile on my face, that I knew he would work things out and I was going to sit back and wait to see who he used and how he was going to provide for this ministry.  I have felt peace through these past few transfers knowing that no matter what we receive, God will always provide.  Well, a day later, the team that was staying with us decided to give an incredibly generous donation.  One that included enough money to pay our wages for Tuesday and supply groceries, gas and other daily expenses for the following week.  They also designated funds for Rachel and the missionaries.  It was so nice for them to think of us!!! 

I never cease to be amazed by how God works out his plan.  I love telling his stories.  It would bring more stability if I knew we'd always get our needed amount in transfers but for now, the not-knowing and leaving it up to God to supplement the difference is just so satisfying, sweet and a wild ride.  I'll take that.  He.is.for.real!