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.

Chicken Run

We were blessed with a special donation to purchase chickens back in July. A team had come to build a space for them in our backyard. After months of having them cooped up, it was time to get out and run around a bit. The hens wandered about the yard picking at grass and scraps. 

The children were the most thrilled of all. They couldn't stop chasing and carrying and trying to scare the poor chickens. 

Some of our kids got particularly attached to the hens. 

I can't say the same for myself. The kids followed me around trying to get me to hold a chicken but they were unsuccessful and I had to hide in the office until it was time to put the chickens back in their coop. I was content that we were able to keep the kids busy for another day. Some of them are getting restless during these 2 months of break from school. Pray that our new kids would get along with each other and that they would have a restful yet productive break before school starts up again in January.

American Doughnuts

Last week we picked up a donation of "donas" to share with the women and children at El Refugio. Our director Gladys had been in contact with American Doughnuts, a company that sells... well, American-tasting doughnuts. We sent them our info and they approved us for a weekly doughnut donation. 

Maybe not the healthiest snack, but the kids were sure excited and we eagerly accepted the donation. So, thank you American Doughnuts and thank you God for providing. We will continue to seek other organizations and companies willing to support us with weekly or monthly donations. Please pray with us for God to continue opening doors for this ministry.

Even our littlest got his own doughnut :)

Staff and children enjoying the doughnuts

Baby Shower para Lala

This morning we threw a baby shower for one of our newest ladies, Angelica (Lala) who is 8 months pregnant. She came to us about a month ago and was planning on giving away her baby. With prayers and counseling she has decided to keep her baby, who she found out will be a girl! Praise God! 

At the party we had games with prizes, snacks, delicious cupcakes made by our missionary counselor Nishe and a beautiful time of prayers to bless the baby to come. 

Rosalva directs a game where Lala is blindfolded.

We are thankful for the support of the other ladies as well as staff, volunteers and friends who came and brought wonderful gifts including lots of diapers!!! Those will come in handy very soon!

 Carlota giving Lala a hug and some words of blessing during a silly game.

I finally got on the other side of the camera for a picture with Lala as the party was ending.

Thelma's oldest daughter knitted this precious newborn hat for the baby. So adorable.

More cute gifts from friends.

Please continue praying for baby Deysi Eulalia as she is currently in breech position and only weighs 4lbs though she is due in 2 weeks! Thanks again to all who support El Refugio events, whether here in Guatemala or supporting from afar. Your prayers and donations help make these moments possible.

Despedida a nuestra Ana

Today we had our goodbye get together for Ana, a woman who has been in our program for over two years. We will miss her greatly, but know that God has a plan for her and will be at her side as she transitions into her new place in a different town.

After eating lunch with most of us board members and the shelter ladies, we had a nice prayer time to bless and strengthen Ana before she left. It got a little teary. I know I will miss Ana's upbeat attitude and all of our jokes and sarcasm. It will be hard to adjust with her gone. She has been such a big help to the house administrators, always happy to do a favor.

Please remember Ana and her 3 year old son in your prayers the next few weeks as she adjusts to her new home and life. And if you'd like to support Ana in her continued studies or with a donation to purchase items for her house, please let us know and we will help make that happen.

Rachel

~El Refugio Team