What's going on at Dulce Refugio
I know that many people have passed through this orphanage and left their mark at Dulce Refugio. I want to keep all of you informed about what is going on with the kids and the construction process. Please remember to keep us in your thoughts and prayers; I hope you continue to help us out here at Casa Hogar Dulce Refugio. Gracias amigos!
December has come around so fast and another year is behind us. I got to close out 2020 just the way I had wanted...finishing up all of the small jobs I had on my list and then going home to spend Christmas with my family.
My helper, Jesús and I prepared all of the dirt for the floor. We had to clear out close to 100 wheel barrows of dirt in order to leave everything level (not the funnest job but it had to be done). Now everything is ready to pour the concrete when we get back from our Christmas break.
I was able to bless a brother in my church. My friend started a business selling food in front of his house and wanted to install a roof to cover his patio. He asked me for help and I was glad to do it. I enjoy welding so I made the structure that will hold up the laminate roof covering, and my helper Jesús painted it. It's always nice to be able to bless another member in the body of Christ.
I installed 7 windows for my dentist. A couple of months ago my dentist filled in some cavities and did all of the work for free. We made a deal that I would help him with some jobs in his new home. As a missionary, I was glad to accept the offer.
We decorated the house for our 1st Christmas in the transition home. The girls enjoyed setting up the tree while I put up the outdoor lights. It was a fun time together and everything looked great.
At the orphanage we said goodbye to 2 kids: Iker & Irene
Iker is a good boy and has been with us for a while now. He had a lot of energy and loved to play. He didn't like to do his chores that much but he did like construction and was always one of the best helpers when I needed a hand. I wish him the best!
Irene was our oldest girl and I believe they located her grandma who is going to take care of her. Irene was quiet but I had a good relationship with her and we talked a lot. I hope she is in a good place and I pray that God will help her in all that she does.
I got to take a trip home and spend Christmas with the family. It was such a blessing to spend time with my parents and both my brother's and sister's families. We celebrated with my brother in San Diego and then drove out to Phoenix to spend time with my sister. I hope everybody else had a great Christmas this year!
While I was home we were finally able to have a small memorial service for my grandma. She passed away in April at the young age of 107 years old but due to Covid we haven't been able to get together for a funeral. We placed her ashes along side my grandpa's ashes and now they are together again. It was a very small service with just family because, as we always joked, when you're 107 you don't have very many friends left to invite. R.I.P. Grandma!
"Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." -John 11:25
After 2 weeks in the US, I returned to Aguascalientes on Dec 31st so I could spend New Years at the church I attend. I took the girls from our transition home and there was a candlelight service and a potluck dinner afterwards. It was nice to get together and thank God for another year (both the good and the bad of 2020) and to also ask God to bless 2021. I plan on serving the Lord as best as I can this coming year and all the rest of my years!
I wish all of you a great 2021 and pray you will seek Him with all of your heart. May God guide you and bless you this new year. Adios for now amigos!
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths."
-Proverbs 3:5-6
