Visits from ex-residents

Today we were blessed with two visits from women who had previously stayed at the shelter. 

Elsa came to say hello and update us on her life. She has a positive outlook and couldn't express enough how grateful she was to all who supported her during her time at the shelter and have continued to pray for her over the years. Elsa is currently working two jobs, one of those is at a Salon de belleza. Through special donations Elsa was granted a scholarship to study for beauty school during the time she lived at El Refugio. After leaving the shelter, however, she had trouble finding a job that allowed her to continue growing in her skills as a beautician, which is what she loves. Recently she was blessed with this job at a salon. "My dream has now become a reality" she told us today. We're so proud of you Elsa. Keep working for all your dreams and God will grant you the desires of your heart!

Carmen left El Refugio towards the end of March, in which time she had her baby girl. We all took turns holding the sweet baby and getting caught up with Carmen. She has not been able to find a real job yet since she is taking care of the baby and her other daughters. Please pray for her to find a job in order to provide for her family and continue to support her oldest daughter in her studies.

Carmen's daughter (on the right) makes a new friend with another girl currently living at El Refugio.

Board Retreat

Last weekend the El Refugio board members met for a much needed retreat to pray and make plans for the future. We spent most of Friday and part of Saturday discussing goals and visions for El Refugio and praying for God to give us wisdom and direction for future plans and decisions. As you can see from the pictures, Mike was able to join us from North Carolina to participate and guide our discussions. That was a great blessing.

Posing for our group picture (Kim, Jessie, Susan, Rachel, Mike, and Brian)

Jessie helped arranged for us to stay at some missions housing not too far from Antigua, Guatemala. We had beautiful weather and the lodging was perfect for our needs. El Refugio's director, Gladys, was present for Friday activities which was very helpful.

It was a beautiful day for meeting outside. Brian, on the left, is our newest board member along with his wife Melanie who could not be with us for the retreat.

Mike getting some attention from one of the dogs who apparently thinks he's a lap dog. 

Over all, we had a very productive and refreshing time and each of us was able to share a unique perspective with the ultimate goal of sharing Christ and improving the lives of all women from El Refugio- past, present and future! 

Elsa gives sewing lessons

Do you remember Elsa and her son? They lived at the shelter for just over a year and left last fall. Well, we've stayed in contact with Elsa over the months and she has been gracious enough to donate some of her spare time to teaching our new ladies how to sew aprons. Elsa is positive and smiley and it's been nice to see her face around the house again. The informal sewing classes gave some of our current women a chance to practice a new skill in the house or for their future. We're also thankful for the time she took to look over our machines and do some quick tune-ups.

 Elsa, who learned how to sew alongside Thelma in our shelter, shows the new ladies that they too can learn the skill.

Elsa watches as Maritza measures to cut material for her apron using some material donated from some friends.

Thank you, Elsa, for your heart and sweet attitude. You are in our prayers.