God works in his own timing, and isn’t that the truth.

Since I last updated, the house has gotten filled up. A girl named Vero and her one year old daughter Genesis from a city about five hours away came and is living with us as a time for restoration and to have time to refocus her life. Another girl named Megan is also living with us for summer break to learn and practice her English. Both girls are listening and grasping at God’s word. Right now Evie and I share a room with Megan and we spend a lot of time with Vero and her daughter.

A couple weeks ago, I was sitting on the turf of the soccer field, waiting for softball practice to start with two teenage girls that are in my girls group and older ladies that enjoy softball. One girl, her name is Maria, and her mother were there also. I had been teaching Maria English because she was to go to the United States for a while and spend time with her dad and if she liked it she would start going to school there. When we were all sitting there that day, it happened to be three days before Maria would leave. I asked her mom what she thought about her daughter leaving and she started tearing up. I gave her a hug and told her I would pray for her. Seeing my own mother worry about my trip here and leaving for a while, I knew she needed some reassurance. I started asking more questions and trying to get to know them better, then the mother and the other ladies started asking questions about me. They finally asked me what is my purpose is for being in Mexico. For being here in Mexico for about 8 months already, it’s surprising that this was the first time someone asked me what I am doing here. I told them that I was here to make friends with the girls and show the love of God. Then I told them that if they ever had a prayer request to tell me. Most all of the girls and ladies on my softball team do not come to Bible study or youth group, so I try to make them feel safe and cared for whenever I happen to be around them. Maria had confided in me that she was nervous about her trip to the United States, scared of all the new people she’d meet and being in a new country. During our girls group I made sure to take the time to pray over her with the girls. Now Maria is safely with her Dad in California. Once Maria’s mom comes back to Boca del Rio I intend to talk with her and give her comfort and God’s hope from the Bible. Sometimes it takes situations of need and distress to turn for God for strength.