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.

Vale La Pena

How it looked yesterday.

This is a picture of some land in El Callejon.  It’s kind of a mess, it looks somewhat deserted, it is overgrown and just kind of sitting there. 

But, we'll tell you a secret… this land is actually where the new Social Work site is going to be built! 

So, even though right now it doesn’t look like much, one day, Si Dios Quiere (the Lord willing) it will be filled with life and joy and Jesus!

The people of El Callejon are often viewed in the same way as this property.  Their lives are messy, and a lot of times seem to go nowhere.  But… like our land, they, too, can be filled.  Filled with hope, with new skills, with fun and fellowship, and yes, with Jesus! 

The work begins!!

Our new site is going to take a lot of work.  Construction here isn’t like construction back in the US.  Today Hans and his guys were out there with picks, manually hacking the outline for the walls.  After a night and morning of rain, the sun beat down, turning the humid air uncomfortably hot. 

The lines spray-painted on the weeds in front of them seemed to stretch out, and each strike of their picks made only a small mark in the earth.  And, even after this is carved out, there will be many more back-breaking days ahead. 

A lot of times this is how our work in the Social Work site can feel, too.  We struggle and strive, at times wondering if we’re making a difference.           

There’s phrase in Spanish, ‘vale la pena’, which means, ‘worthwhile’ or ‘worth the penalty’.  It’s used when something is going to cause a lot of pain or trouble, but is valued enough to be worth it.  That’s what this site is.  And, that’s what the lives of the people of El Callejon are.  Of infinite value because they are made so by our Savior. 

Our Savior, Jesus, who considered miserable, fallen, sin-filled humanity worth it.  More, He considered obeying His Father’s will worth the ultimate pain, death and separation from God. 

Compared to that, what we do is small indeed.  But, our prayer is, just as this piece of overgrown property is transformed into a place of beauty and joy, so, too, the lives of the women, teens and girls will continue to be transformed as they meet Jesus.    

The majority of the funds to make this possible were given by Christ-followers in the US who have visited El Callejon and shared their lives with the people there.  Thank you for using your blessings to bless us! 

We are so grateful for each person who has been involved to this point, and look forward to being able to welcome even more of you to share in ministry in our new site. 

We hope you’ll check back under our New Site tab often to see updates as we go – and grow!  What an amazing God we serve!!  To Him belongs all the glory!

Monday & Tuesday

Today we’d like to share a few stories from the past two days.  Some are happy, some are not.  They are meant to help give you a glimpse of what we experience when we walk into El Callejon each day.   

LUZ  When Daisy talks to the women about the need to forgive our enemies and those who have wronged us, Luz has always been adamant that this is something she can’t do.  There is a man she hates.  She considers him her enemy.  There are reasons, most of them good reasons, for why she feels this way.  In her mind and heart, she would never forgive him. 

Yesterday when we met with the women, Luz said she wanted to share a testimony: 

Over the weekend, her only son (around 17 years old) fell.  He fell and it was as if he was dead.  He was cold to the touch, he eyes were opened, but just staring, and he wouldn’t respond when Luz shook him and called his name. 

She ran outside and began calling for help.  Over and over again she screamed, but no one heard.  She didn’t want to go too far from him, so continued to cry out from her home, fearful that no one was ever going to come.

Finally, she heard someone respond from far off.  As he got closer, she saw who it was.  Her enemy.  Her enemy, the man she would never forgive, came and brought her son to the hospital. 

Gracias a Dios, her son seems to be doing fine now.  And through this terrifying time, Luz has had her heart softened toward the man she said she could never forgive.  Hearing her tell her story, wiping tears away as she spoke, was powerful.  Luz is a woman other women in the community go to for advice.  When she speaks, they listen. 

NANCI  Nanci is one of our adolescents.  She is rather loud and headstrong and never quite looks like she’s enjoying herself.  But, she keeps coming, and we continue to try and show her the love of Jesus. 

Last night she was in a motorcycle accident.  She got scraped up, and was bleeding from a wound on her head.  She went to a hospital in Santiago where they ran tests.  One doctor said things looked good, but wanted her to wait until other doctors could review things.  Nanci didn’t want to wait and so went to the bathroom, took out her IV, and left. 

When Daisy found out, we headed over to try and talk with her and her mom.  When we arrived in their tiny one-room home, Nanci was on the bed, and her mom, and some of the other women who live close by, were watching TV. 

Daisy talked very sternly about the seriousness of head injuries.  Neither seemed concerned.  It was frustrating to see the shrugs of both mom and daughter. 

Nanci’s head was hurting, but since she had left the hospital before being prescribed anything, she had no medicine to take.  Did Daisy have something? her mom wanted to know.  No.  We don’t have anything for something as serious as this. (We have Advil, Tylenol and other OTC meds but nothing stronger.) 

We left, with Nanci still on the bed, her mom still seemingly more interested in the TV than her daughter’s injuries. 

KEILA  Keila is one of our Little Girls.  She and very pretty, but typically wears dirty clothes, and smells like she is not bathed often.  Along with some of our other girls, Keila came by this afternoon for help with her homework. 

One of her assignments was to compare two kids in a story they had been read in class.  The story was called El Nino Rico y El Nino Pobre (The Rich Child and the Poor Child).  We didn’t have a copy of the story, but Keila had written things like, A rich child drives in an expensive car. 

Keila told us that rich kids will be poor and poor kids will become rich.  We don’t know if that was the ‘moral’ of the story, but sitting in El Callejon helping this precious child listing out stuff a rich kid has was appalling.

Friends, Jesus loves El Callejon.  He is in this place.  We rejoice in small victories, like Luz’s story.  It is a reminder that God is at work in the lives of the people of El Callejon.  That He has a plan and purpose for each one of them.  We are privileged to be a small part of His work in this community among His people.

So, we cry some, we pray a bunch, and we trust that God will give us the strength to pick back up our crosses each day, carrying our burden for His children here.  We invite you to pray with us and for us, that we may be faithful to God’s call to serve Him in El Callejon.

One Hundred & Fifty

At the end of each year, Students International gives a small gift to each person who has participated regularly at our many ministry sites.  Daisy and Caroline had the daunting task of going through the El Callejon rosters to compile our list.  When they were done, 150 names were turned in. 

On average, one hundred and fifty women, teens and girls come to our small site every week.  The list didn’t include folks who came once or twice in the year, but regular attenders.  One hundred and fifty living lives which are not always easy.  One hundred and fifty who are mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins, aunts and grandmothers.  What an honor and responsibility to share Jesus with all of these precious daughters of our King!

Here is a photo of a ‘typical’ scene.  Daisy is surrounded by women wanting her help with their projects (the poinsettias).  Since this is the Young Women’s group, several also bring along their little ones.  (Andres took a dip in a bucket of water and is wet, wet, wet!)  Some of the girls stop by on their way home from morning school to visit.  Oh, and our ‘mascot’ is here, too – one of the many dogs who wander around El Callejon (along with the chickens and roosters!). 

 One hundred and fifty is a lot, but it is not every female in El Callejon.  Because our space and resources are somewhat limited (both materials and personnel) we can only allow ‘new’ sign ups twice a year, in January and in July.  Each year, most of the ‘regulars’ return.  Sometimes someone new will come and stay.  Other times, they try it, and don’t come back. 

Since our first priority is Bible study, and speaking the truth in love, not everyone is interested.  But, our prayer is that those who continue to come will leave encouraged, challenged, having heard more about Jesus and His desire for them to live lives which reflect Him. 

Right now we are praying about, and planning topics for, our various groups for the new year.  We want to share the truth of the Bible in ways which are relevant to their lives in El Callejon.  (For example, lots of marriage enrichment books talk about getting a babysitter and having a date night.  Or, books for teens have examples like worrying about which college to choose.  These are great in North America, but not really applicable in El Callejon.)        

One hundred and fifty women, teens and girls each week.  On the one hand, it’s a tiny part of God’s big world.  On the other, one hundred and fifty growing disciples can have a powerful impact on the entire community of El Callejon.  That is our prayer.  That as they grow in Jesus, these sisters in Christ will be a part of His transforming work in their families and community. 

We’ll be the first to admit, our Site is a little bit crazy at times!  But ministry that matters is not neat and tidy.  It’s loud, crowded, sometimes a little smelly, full of personalities… and glitter! 

We ask you to continue lifting up the Social Work Site, that we will remain faithful to God’s call to serve Him, sharing Jesus in El Callejon.