A Prayer for the New Year

As we look back on 2011, as we look ahead to the new year, we thank you for your prayers for the women, teens, and girls of El Callejon.  For the work we hope to do there.  For the joys, tears, struggles, and blessings of the work to which God has called us.

We invite you to join us in praying the following, written by Lord Shaftesbury, a man who fought against slavery, child labor, and other injustices in England in the 1800’s.  Although his words are more than 150 years old, they echo our hearts’ prayer as we look forward to another year of meeting Jesus in El Callejon.

O God, the father of the forsaken,
the helper of the weak,
the supplier of the needy;
you teach us that love towards the race of man
is the bond of perfectness
and the imitation of your blessed self.

Open and touch our hearts
that we may see and do,
both for this world and that which is to come,
the things that belong to our peace.
Strengthen us in the work which we have undertaken;
give us wisdom, perseverance, faith and zeal,
and in your own time and according to your pleasure
prosper the issue;
for the love of your Son, Christ Jesus.

(as found in Hear Our Prayer, A Collection of Classic Prayers)

Christmas Break

Last week we closed up the Social Work site for the year.  We’ll be on vacation for the next weeks, returning on January 9, 2012.  While we’re away, we continue to pray for the people of El Callejon.  We’re also continuing to work on our ideas and dreams for the new year, including our new building! 

Packed up and ready for 2012

As we look back on 2011, we are thankful for what God has done in the lives of those who came to the Site.  The women, teens and girls of El Callejon have been taught more of God’s Word, have had opportunity to learn crafts, share their lives, and see that in Jesus they are precious and loved. 

We are also thankful for the students, leaders, and other outreach participants who came and gave of their time, talents and treasure.  One outreach participant shared that before coming, all the people she knew looked like her.  “Now, when I think of Heaven, I’ll recognize people who don’t look anything like me!”  What a joy to hear how God is expanding our understanding of the vastness of our family in Christ Jesus. 

It was bittersweet to close up the Site.  We’re going to miss our time with the people who come.  We’re going to miss the hugs and the calls of “Daisy” as folks stop by to say Hello, ask for help, or share what’s going on.  We're going to miss opportunities to pour the love of Jesus into their lives, and see Him in them, too.

Jaimy (l) and Franklin (r) up to something...as usual! 
Please pray for these precious ones!

We've got to admit, we’re worried about this time of year, when partying quickly can become violent, with drinking and noise continuing all day and well into the night. 

We ask you to join us in praying for the safety of the people of El Callejon.  That those who claim Christ will be an example of self-control to their neighbors.  For protection for the little ones, who sometimes see and hear things no child should have to witness. 

We are worried, but we will pray and trust that God, who loves El Callejon, will continue to care for His people there.

We are also thankful for a time to rest and be refreshed.  A time to recall all that God has done for us in sending Jesus.  To celebrate with family and friends His work in our lives over the past year.  To plan and dream even more about what He would have us do in 2012.

We hope that as you prepare to celebrate the first coming of Emmanuel, God-with-us, you will join us in praising Him for His faithfulness.  We thank you for being a part of God’s plan to see some from all tribes, tongues, nations and languages before the throne and the Lamb (Revelation 7:9). 

Until Jesus returns, may we be faithful in sharing Him, in our own homes and communities, in El Callejon, and in the world beyond.

More Updates

We wanted to share a few updates with you:

NEW SITE:  please check the New Site page to see the progress there.  Things are really coming along! 

JOEMMY & JAMIE:  Daisy has thought of a way to keep Joemmy and Jamie in El Callejon, but still protect them at night.  Could we build a small bedroom for them, in between their home and their aunt Francia’s home? 

It would have a door that entered through Francia’s house, but no access from their dad’s.  They could still eat with him, but at night, none of the guys he has come around could get to them. 

Hans and Daisy looking at the space.
Francia's house (l) and J&J's home (r)

We know this solution isn’t perfect, but it allows them to stay living in their community in much more safety, with their aunt able to care for them.  In a confusing twist that we don’t quite understand, Francia has told us she is not pregnant. 

We’re not sure if she miscarried, or only thought she was.  She still doesn’t feel she has room, but is open to having their doorway in her house. 

Their dad, too, is okay with this solution.  While it is very sad that he is fine with being shut off from his children, it also a blessing!

Francia's wall (J&J's house is to the right)

Today Hans (Construction) came and looked at where we’d like to have the room built.  He said it was a possibility.  We are praising God!  The cost for building the room will be a few hundred dollars.  We’ll also need to find a second-hand bed and bedding. 

If any of you would like to contribute to this project, please send Kimberley an email so we can tell you the best way to send funds.  We ask that you would continue your prayers for this situation.  We know that they are making a difference.

PLANS FOR 2012:  We've been spending time this week planning for next year.  When things are a little more solidified, we’ll be sure to share them with you so you can join us in prayer. 

For now, we’d love your prayers that we are open to the leading of the Holy Spirit, even when He puts ‘way out there’ ideas on our hearts.  Our God is the God of the impossible, and we don’t want our own insecurities and misgivings to keep us from doing His will in El Callejon.

VACATION!:  All SI-DR sites will be on vacation for three weeks starting next week.  Even though we won't be in El Callejon, the people there will continue to be, so we ask you to join us in continuing to lift them up in prayer.  

While we're away, we'll spend time resting, Kimberley will travel to Visalia (SI's U.S. office) for new staff orientation, and both Daisy and she will be preparing lessons, crafts, and more for the new year.  We welcome your prayers that this time will refresh us and energize us for 2012. 

Thank you, friends! Your interest and encouragement refresh us, and your prayers truly uplift us!

A Wedding and Inspiration

Yesterday afternoon we met Tona and Censio downtown for their civil ceremony.  They arrived together by moto, and their ‘padrinos’ (two witnesses, kind of like best man and maid of honor) arrived on another.  There were two other couples getting married, too. 

When it was Tona and Censio’s turn, the wedding party entered the attorney's office.  The attorney looked at Rosemary and called out to Daisy that her clothing was unacceptable because she had on ‘short pants’.  Didn’t we see the sign? 

(There was a hand-written sign in the lobby, saying no guns, no short pants, no low tops, etc.  We figured it meant the kind of very short shorts which are quite common here.)

The attorney then addressed Rosemary.  You are wearing short pants.  Didn’t you see the sign?   It is likely that the attorney did not mean to be unkind, but Rosemary's head dropped and her shoulders sagged as she was chided. (Rosemary was wearing a pair of knee-length walking shorts which were longer than the skirts of several women there.)

Censio & Tona holding hands
as the ceremony begins!

Thankfully, the attorney allowed the ceremony to go forward!

The ceremony was short, but very touching.  Tona and Censio held hands for a part of it, and both seemed a little nervous.  When it was their turn to sign the register, they both signed their full names without hesitating. 


It was wonderful to see this couple, who have been together for more than 20 years, taking this important step.


Then Rosemary took her turn signing.  At first she hadn’t wanted to be a padrina because she cannot read and write.  Daisy had assured her all she would need to do is sign her name that she had witnessed the ceremony.  Rosemary signed her name slowly, writing each letter carefully.  

Rosemary signing her name.

Once again the attorney called out to Daisy.  She cannot read so she shouldn’t be a witness.  Daisy made her way into the room to talk with the attorney.  Perhaps because it was in the middle of the ceremony, instead of going some place private, the attorney talked with Daisy in front of the wedding party. 

She was concerned that things be done legally, which is understandable.  It was disappointing, however, that she chose to talk about Rosemary as if she was not standing there, able to hear every word.

Legally married.

Daisy put her arm around Rosemary and explained that she was a special part of the community and was important to Tona.  After a few more minutes of conversation, the attorney allowed the ceremony to continue.

Sealed with a kiss!

The ceremony ended with the declaration and a kiss.  Before leaving, after hugging Tona and shaking Censio’s hand, we all made sure to hug Rosemary and tell her how special she is to us. 

Outreach participants sometimes ask us why the people of El Callejon don’t look for a better place to live.  Even those who are sent money from family elsewhere may add onto their homes and buy better TVs and motos, but will typically stay in El Callejon.  For many of us, it seems that any place would be an improvement. 

Thanking Rosemary after the ceremony

But, in El Callejon, Rosemary is a business woman who owns a Colmado (a little store that sells everything from rice to toilet paper to sodas).  She can’t read and write, but neither can lots of women there.  Everyone knows her, her ‘husband’, her two sons, Tule and Franklin, and she knows them.    

Don’t get us wrong!  We are not trying to glamorize the lives of the people of El Callejon!  Rosemary’s life is not easy.  Her ‘husband’ is not faithful, and when she was diagnosed with an STD from one of his dalliances, he blamed her.  Her sister is not kind to her, despite the fact that Rosemary helps care for her daughter.   

Yes, a lot of things in Rosemary’s life are difficult and unfair.  But, it is home, and she knows where she fits into the fabric of the community.  Outside of El Callejon, she is looked down on because she doesn’t have nice clothes or other things, because she is not able to read and write.  Outside of El Callejon she is constantly reminded of what she is lacking, of her state of poverty. 

Congratulations Censio & Tona!

Part of our site’s mission is to help restore dignity to Rosemary and all the women of El Callejon.  We want to see her life improve, but for Rosemary (and many others!) that means staying and working from within El Callejon.  

I doubt the attorney realizes it, but our experience yesterday was actually inspiring, because it strengthened our resolve to continue pouring the love of Jesus into the people of El Callejon.  Sure, at times they can frustrate and disappoint us. They make bad choices over and over again. But, they are our sisters and brothers in Christ, a part of our family, and we love them. 

What an honor to share with them that they are precious and of great value.  After all, Jesus gave up Heaven in order to come for the El Callejons of the world.  We are a tiny part of His redeeming work.  What a privilege, what a blessing! 

Sometimes the Party Comes First!

Forty-eight hours.  That’s how much time we had to pull together a Wedding Reception for four couples and seventy guests.  Sound impossible?  Yeah, at some points it did to us, too!  But, we did it!!

The day was bright and sunny, and not too hot.  With donated paper bell garlands, yellow and white balloons, a recycled paper streamer and pretty gold table cloths, the back area was transformed into a pretty reception venue.

Daisy sharing with the group.

Everything didn’t go as planned.  One of the two couples who were already married had an unexpected appointment and couldn’t make it.  One of our new couples couldn’t get all their paperwork together, and so will need to wait until January to be married. 

We found out late Wednesday afternoon that Nancy couldn’t do the other new couple’s wedding until Friday afternoon.  (More on their ceremony in a later post!)

But, none of that mattered as the couples and their families arrived.  We wanted the reception to be focused on glorifying God, and His work in the lives of these couples.  We also wanted to celebrate their courage in their counter-culture choice to be legally married. 

After Kimberley welcomed everyone and prayed for God’s blessing on the afternoon, Daisy explained how she and Caroline had started helping couples become legally married a few years ago.  God desires that His kingdom comes in El Callejon. 

Fernando encourages the couples.

We believe helping couples commit to each other and their families is important in transforming El Callejon. 

Daisy reminded them that when SI first began ministering in El Callejon, only one couple was legally married.  When she and Caroline suggested marriage to the women, most of them scoffed.  Now several have taken that step, and more are planning to do so. 

After reading I Corinthians 13, Fernando shared words of encouragement with the couples.  (Fernando works with SI as a medical doctor and is also our staff pastor). 

He told them that although a lot of people think marriage is just a piece of paper, it is much more. 

Tona & Censio get glass holding tips from Daisy.

It allows children to see examples of living lives in God’s will.  It also means that the children are ‘legitimized’ which helps them to feel secure and loved.  And, it is a commitment to each other, and your family, saying you will be together in good times and bad.

The couples took turns coming up and learning how to do the champagne glass drink together.  It was a bit difficult, but Daisy was right there to help out! 

Alicia & Alexandri give their glasses a try!

Yoemny & Andre in the traditional U.S.
'cake-cutting' pose.

Toasting the couples. (Elizabeth on far left.)

Elizabeth, the sister-in-law of one of the couples (who’ll be married in January) told the couples that her marriage has been a blessing.  She encouraged them to keep Jesus in the center of their marriage. 

Then it was time for lunch, and what a special lunch it was!  Luz served up big bowls of Sancocho, a Dominican stew with several meats, plantains, potatoes (sweet and white), corn and more, cooked together in a savory broth with garlic, seasonings, cilantro and served with rice. 

Tired, but praising God for His blessings!
(Chelsea, Kimberley, Daisy, Taryn)

After lunch everyone enjoyed cake, which was as delicious as it was pretty!  Lots of pictures followed, and then it was time to go.  Everyone left with full stomachs, and even fuller hearts.

(P.S.  Check back later this weekend, to read about Tona and Censio's marriage ceremony!)

Wedding Planning El Callejon-Style

Last week was Fiestas de Navidad, this week… Weddings! 

Right now we’re in a bit of a frenzy working out all the details.  We have two couples who are planning to get married at the end of this week.  Tona and her ‘husband’ have been living together for many years, and have four children (teenaged and up into their 20’s).  Alicia and her ‘husband’ are both in their mid-20’s, with one newborn son (and the bride has another older son). 

Along with these two couples are two other couples who were married in the course of the year, but never got to have a reception.

In the D.R., many couples get married in a church, but the ceremony that makes them legally married is the civil one.  And, the civil ceremony requires lots of documents, including birth certificates, copies of sedula cards (like a picture ID and Social Security card rolled into one), copies of the two witnesses’ sedula cards, and birth certificates of any children the couple has together. 

Not everyone is able to readily find these documents.  Keep in mind that the people who live in El Callejon have very small, homes without a lot of storage.  And, not all of them understand the importance of keeping important papers in a secure place.  Trying to encourage the women to look for their documents has been a challenge. 

Once all the paperwork is together, it is necessary to schedule an appointment for the civil ceremony.  In the Jarabacoa area, there is one person who can perform that ceremony.  One.  Daisy has been to Nancy’s office downtown more than once in the past weeks. 

Today she and Kimberley went, and although some of the documents are still missing, Nancy told us that if we can get it altogether by Thursday at 11:00, she will perform the weddings!  There’s still more to be found and signed and handled, but we are praying that it will come together.

Along with all of that, we’re trying to pull together the details for the reception at the Site.  Chelsea and Taryn made lovely invitations.  Each couple will be allowed to invite 10 people, along with their Padrino and Madrina (godfather and godmother, kind of like the best man and maid of honor, who also serve as the witnesses). 

When we add in ourselves and a few others from the SI staff, we’re looking at 70 people in our little backyard!  (Yet another exciting thing about our new site will be much more room for wedding receptions!)

There were tables and chairs to borrow, a cake to order, decorations to plan, food to figure out, a small gift for each couple, planning for helping the brides with hair and makeup on their wedding day… whew! 

We also want to make the reception a God-glorifying time, and so we’re inviting the SI pastor to come and share a reflection with the couples.  We’ll also gather around each couple and pray for them as they start this new chapter of their lives.  Even though they have been living together, marriage can add new challenges – as well as new joy in living within God’s purpose. 

We’re all a little breathless right now, but we are trusting God to carry out His plans for this time.  We’ll try and post updates over the next days – and definitely pictures!  Until then, please join us in praying for the couples, as well as for us. 

A Game Called Cupcakes

Friday afternoon we had our final Christmas party with our Little Girls and two Pre-Adolescent groups.  The ages ranged from 6 up to 13, which was a bit of a challenge!  Several of them wore pretty dresses or other party clothes.  When everyone was there, we had more than 30 girls!

Sharks & Minnows

Caroline greeted the girls and asked them why we were having a party.  Jesus’ birth!  Yes!  She prayed for our time together and turned it over to Chelsea and Taryn.  They had the girls play Sharks and Minnows on our grassy yard out back.  Some of the older ones were a bit too ‘cool’ to play, but everyone who did seemed to have a great time.

They also played another game which was a lot of dancing around and being silly.  What a joy to watch these young daughters of our King laughing and enjoying being together at the Site!

Enjoying sunshine and laughter.

Chelsea, Taryn and Kimberley had baked cupcakes at the Base for the party.  We told the girls we had ‘Cupcakes’.  What do you think cupcakes are?  Un juego?  No, not a game.  I know, I know, Biscocho.  You’re right!  It’s cake!! 

At first the girls weren’t quite sure what to do with the paper liner, but once they figured it out, they seemed to really enjoy the chocolately goodness!

Caroline took time to let the girls she was leaving to go back to the U.S.  That was the third time in three days she had to do so!  In the three years she has worked at the Site, these little ones have really grown up.  They love her, and she loves them right back.  We know Caroline will continue to pray for these precious girls as they continue growing into young women.

Singing together... well, almost all-together!

The party ended with the girls singing a few songs, playing another game, and receiving their gifts.  As they left they gave Caroline (and the rest of us!) hugs goodbye.  Is there anything better than hugs from sweet girls?

Cleaning up from the week of parties felt good.  We were all a bit tired, but thankful for time to celebrate Jesus, the reason for all we do at the Site; to remember the past year; and to share a bit of Christmas joy and love with the women, teens and girls of El Callejon.

Next week we are praying we have a different kind of a party… celebrating the Marriage of at least one, and possibly three El Callejon couples.  Please pray that the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of these couples as they prepare to be legally married.

P.S.  Please jump over to our New Site page and take a look at the SI Construction Team's progress!

La Segunda Fiesta

Update on Joemmy & Jami:  Before we share about the second Fiesta de Navidad, we wanted to let you know Daisy (and Joemmy) took Jami to the doctor and dentist on Monday morning.  Francia couldn’t go, and since Joemmy is really Jami’s care-giver, it made sense to have her go along.

Jami being examined by the doctor.

The doctor is a Christian pediatrician, and the dentist is Vanessa, who runs the SI Dental Clinic.  What a blessing to have two women love who Jesus and serve Him with their medical skills! 

The doctor said Jami was very small for his size and has some health issues, including possible parasites.  She gave Daisy prescriptions for antibiotics, and would also like to run several tests to determine what else may be going on.  Gracias a Dios, nothing foreign was in his nose!

Vanessa said Jami's teeth are in bad shape, but since they are baby-teeth, they should fall out before too long.  There is one, however, that will need to be pulled soon. 

Daisy is hoping to get some of those appointments handled in the next couple of weeks.  We are still not sure what long-term solutions are going to be best for Joemmy and Jami, so please continue to pray for them, and for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  Thank you, praying friends!

Fiesta:  This afternoon’s Christmas party was with our group of teenagers.  There are 33 girls, ranging in age from 14 up to 22.  None are ‘married’, although some do have boyfriends.  Like teens everywhere, some are shy, some loud, some are sweet and others are a bit of a handful.  They have hopes and dreams.  And, they are interested in clothes and boys and dancing and laughing and having fun. 

Telephone Charades

Chelsea and Taryn (our amazing Semester Students) were in charge of the festivities.  It has been such a blessing to have these two young women helping us!  Because they are 19 and 21, the teens can relate to them, and seem to really listen when they shared stories from their own lives.  They are both great examples of living a full, rich life in Christ. 

Taryn (front left) & Chelsea (front right)
teach the girls the Cha-Cha Slide. 

Caroline (second row center in purple)
joins in the Cha-Cha!

They played a game called “Telephone Charades” which was more laughing than anything else.  They also taught them how to dance to the Cha-Cha Slide.  Even though the song was in English, the teens caught on quick!  They can move!!

Caroline was able to say goodbye to this group, too, and encouraged the teens to continue living for Jesus. 

Chelsea and Taryn also said their goodbyes, letting the girls know how much they had enjoyed teaching them English, studying the Fruits of the Spirit and more.  They joined Caroline in encouraging the girls to keep growing in Christ.

The party ended with presents and plenty of hugs and kisses.  La Segunda Fiesta was a big success!  Thank you Chelsea & Taryn!!

Fiesta de Navidad (la Primera)

Gorgeous poinsettia growing in El Callejon

Today we had our first Fiesta de Navidad (Christmas Party) of the week, with the Women and Young Women’s groups.  It was a time to look back on all that has happened in the Site over the past year. 

Daisy reminded the women of the many activities, the students and others who have come to share and minister, the things the women have been learning about Jesus, the changes in some of them as they have sought to grow in Christ.

Caroline and Daisy, two amazing Christ-filled women!

It was also a time to say goodbye to Caroline.  In two weeks she, Ryan and sweet baby James will be leaving for the U.S.  As Daisy said, we are crying with sadness because she is leaving, but we know their families will be crying tears of joy to have them come back. 

The women sharing how much Caroline has meant to them.

The women expressed their thanks, commenting on what a blessing she has been, and how much they appreciated her help and patience.  Caroline thanked them for caring for her, allowing her into their homes and hearts.  She told them she is leaving part of her heart in El Callejon. 

Caroline and Daisy have been a wonderful team, complementing each other’s gifts, both with a passion for seeing the people of El Callejon grow in Christ.  Caroline, thank you!  You will be missed, but are a part of El Callejon, por siempre!

Another  special moment was when Daisy presented a small gift to one of the women.  “Some women are concerned with making sure their craft is done right.  They finish and then don’t worry about anyone else. 

"But, there’s a woman here who brings a group from near her home.  When we worked on our Christmas flowers, she took time to make sure that they finished their flowers, too.  Who do you think it is?” 

Elena being thanked by Daisy

Several of the women called out, “Elena!”  And that’s who it was!  Daisy challenged all the women to follow Elena's example of what it means to selflessly serve others.

Like most things at the Site, it was crowded, and somewhat chaotic, with kids from the community peeking in the windows and trying to snatch snacks.  And, as often happens, everything didn’t go as planned.  Our laptop wouldn’t work, the person who was coming with his guitar to sing with us didn’t make it…

But, everyone seemed to have a good time anyway.  There was food prepared by Ramona, a Raffle for some fun prizes, and a gift bag for each woman. 

Each Christmas SI prepares a small bag of gifts for each person who regularly participates in the Sites.  Our women received everything from toothpaste and a toothbrush to a Beth Moore booklet (in Spanish) and a pretty piece of jewelry.  We are so grateful to those who take the time to bring down – and send! – gifts to make Christmas festive.

We ended our time with a few of the women leading us in praise songs, a little bit of dancing and being silly together, and then praying as sisters in Christ.  Please pray for these women, that they will continue to desire to learn more about Jesus, and to be friends and encouragers for each other.

Update on Joemmy & Jami

Thank you so much for your prayers this past weekend!  We know they are making a difference.  Thank you, too, to those of who offered financial help.  Right now we are exploring different possibilities, and if that is part of what is needed, we’ll be sure to let you know. 

Thanks so much for caring about these precious children!  Joemmy did spend the weekend with the other Joemy, and it seems to have gone well.  Despite saying she didn’t have room, their aunt, Francia, did let Jami spend nights with her.  Both seemed their normal sweet, happy selves when we saw them in El Callejon today.

This morning Daisy spent time talking with Francia about the situation with her niece and nephew.  She does love them, and they love her, too.  She still feels she does not have room for them, however. 

So, we’ll keep seeking other solutions, including if there may be a way to keep them in El Callejon.  Over the weekend, both Daisy and I (independently of each other) began to question moving the kids from El Callejon. 

Clearly, we know the situation needs to be improved, but we also know these children have already suffered the loss of their mom.  To lose their home, friends, and community would be another blow.  Please help us to continue to discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance in next steps. 

Joemmy (green) & Jami (yellow) during a
game with the girls.

Doing a bit of ballet together!

Tomorrow Daisy and Francia are taking Jami to the doctor and possibly the dentist, too.  He seems a little nervous, but was smiling and curious about all the goings-on at the Site, as usual.  We wanted to share a couple of pictures so you can see who you are praying for.  They really show the bond that these two have!

Thanks again for your continued intercession.  We take comfort in knowing that we are not alone – and neither are Joemmy and Jami!

Joemmy & Jami

Lourdes lived in El Callejon, with her ‘husband’, Chichi, and two younger children, Joemmy and Jami.  In 2009, she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. 
Faced with a bleak diagnosis, she decided that instead of living in anger and fear, she wanted to rely on Jesus.  She started going to church, became more involved with the Social Work site, and grew in her understanding of the Bible and in her faith.  Jesus called His daughter Lourdes Home within less than a year of her diagnosis.

While Lourdes lived, her biggest concern was for her children.  She had an older daughter who lived out of the community, but she worried about leaving Joemmy and Jami.  Chichi used drugs and alcohol and even when home was not helpful. 

At this time, Chichi continues to live with them.  He is gone during the day, perhaps to a job, but returns at night.  The older sister rarely comes back to El Callejon.

Francia, Lourdes’ sister, lives next door.  She has two children of her own.  She has been helping, on and off, with food and checking on Joemmy and Jami. 

This week we found out that Francia is pregnant.  She is focused on her boyfriend and coming baby and doesn’t feel she has room to take on her sister’s kids.  Others in the community help provide food, but at night they are left in the home with their father. 

Jami is 6, adorable, playful, and terribly small for his age.  He doesn’t like wearing pants, and typically runs around in just a shirt. 

Joemmy is 12, all at once grown up and a little girl.  We’ll walk past and she’ll be sweeping and cleaning their home.  She takes care of Jami, often taking him along to the Site.  She also gets silly just like a ‘tween’ should, and still sucks her thumb, which she’s a little old for.

One of the other women pulled Daisy aside this week and told her that Chichi has been inviting other men to the home to use drugs.  In El Callejon, girls get ‘married’ as early as 13.  Having Chichi’s friends in the home at night stoned or high has us on our knees and crying out for answers. 

Daisy decided we needed to find other places for them to sleep while we continue to seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in what steps to take (or not take).

Francia told Daisy she doesn’t have room.  She then talked with a woman in the community, who is also named Joemmy, and asked if she could take them.  Joemy and her husband agreed to take Joemy, but since she will share their daughter’s bed, they don’t have room for Jami. 

We left yesterday still not sure where he would sleep although we believe Joemy will feed them both.  The Site is reimbursing Joemy and her husband for the cost of the food they will buy. 

Friends, our hearts are breaking, and we are struggling with what to do.  We ask you to join us in praying for Joemmy and Jami, for Chichi and Francia, and for the entire situation.

Please pray that Chichi will give his consent to have Jami taken to a doctor, as right now he seems to have something lodged up one of his nostrils.  (When she asked him if the kids could stay with others he raised no objections.  We are thankful Chichi knows Daisy loved Lourdes and has the best interests of the kids at heart so he trusts her.)

Daisy plans to visit another aunt, who lives around 20 minutes away to see if they can move in with her.  Please pray that God would guide Daisy’s words, and that if it is His will, she will invite the children to live with her.  If that is not His will, please pray that He will help us see how best to help. 

As with everything in El Callejon, the situation is complex.  Taking on two additional children will cost money, time and attention.  Our Site does not have the money to subsidize this, and in reality, that is probably not an appropriate, long-term solution.  “Fixing” things can cause further dependence and even make the situation far worse.  But, these precious little ones in an unhealthy and dangerous situation!

We don’t know what to do, but we continue to cling to the promise that the same powerful and miracle-working God who knew Lourdes before she was born, also knows Joemmy and Jami.  Their earthly father is a troubled man, but their Heavenly Father loves them and cares for them.  May we continue to seek Him as we search for our next steps.

Fleas and Beggars

Last week we had a successful Pulga at the Site.  Before you grab your Spanish-English dictionary and see that Pulga means Flea, and wonder why we’re celebrating bugs, let us explain…

Over the course of the year, folks who come down for outreaches generously donate items like sheets, towels, shoes, clothes and more.  A couple of times a year, several of the ministry sites have sales and make the items available.  These sales are called Pulgas. 

Pulga - Before

Like a yard sale back home, it’s a great place to get very inexpensive stuff.  And, like some of those yard sales, the pulgas can get pretty intense – especially if there is something several people want!

The women start their shopping!

Daisy, Chelsea and Taryn spent last Wednesday morning unpacking suitcases and neatly folding and stacking the items on the Site’s table.  Daisy assured them that this wouldn’t last long!  She was right!  Within just a few minutes of the women coming in, clothes were flying.  Pants were 100 pesos (US$2.63), tops were 50.  Towels were a big seller at 50 as well.

The amount we charge is intentionally small, but we do charge.  Why not just give the women the clothes?  After all, they were donated by teams.  Why should these people with so little be asked to pay for things we were given for free? 

On the surface, those are fair and valid questions.  Students International feels strongly that simply giving handouts is ineffective at best, and can actually hurt individuals and communities.

Poverty is far more complicated than just the need for material stuff.  This can be difficult for those of us from North America to grasp.  The poor need things, we give them things, poverty ends, everyone is happy.  Hmm... If all it took to be happy was material wealth, well, the United States would be the happiest place on earth!  Clearly, it is much more complicated.  

The truth is, we are all impoverished.  Those of us who live in the ‘First World’ can cover it up with our stuff.  But, we are just as poor.  When we come into El Callejon with the attitude that we are the rich ones who have all the answers because we have material wealth, we are fooling ourselves (and potentially hurting those we want to help in Jesus’ name!)  

If we just hand things out, we perpetuate the lie that the only thing the women are capable of is waiting for someone else to do things for them. We also run the risk of become a substitute 'Messiah'.

“Evangelism is nothing more than one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.”  (D.T. Niles)  Until we recognize that we are beggars, we will never understand the true power and beauty of the Gospel, our Living Bread.

And so, we charge a small amount for each item.  Obviously, a few inexpensive shirts and towels bought at a Pulga are not going to restore dignity!  But, they are a part of the large, long-term, slow work of coming alongside the women of El Callejon.  Partnering with them in seeking Christ, the only Source of true wealth.

The end of the Pulga

Thanks to Ryan and Caroline Holloway, who have lots of Pulga experience, things went pretty smoothly last week.  When the last ladies left, we had made more than $6,700 pesos (or around US$180.00).

We will use this money to help supplement the costs for the weddings we are still hoping can happen in December.  Marriage licenses, Birth Certificates, (needed for the license, plus the children’s birth certificates needed to ‘legitimize’ the children), Attorney’s fees, and more, all cost money.  And, for the people of El Callejon, it’s a lot of money. 

We calculated the cost for one of our women today, and it was more than 4,000 pesos (US$100+).  This cost is a big hurdle in a country where legal marriage is already uncommon and considered unimportant. 

Our prayer is that by helping supplement, but still requiring the couple to contribute, like the Pulga, this can be one more way we continue to work together to find our true wealth in Christ alone.