But Ramadan isn't the only new addition to the Niños de la Luz family. Right now is actually the time of year that I get to sit and consider all of the new things that have happened this past year. It's a chance that I have to just stop and reflect on all that has gone on and that is going on. To be honest, it's not easy for me sit down and do this, but every time I do it amazes me how much God is doing that I have not yet communicated! So, here I go! Hang on; it's been an eventful year!
As you know, Niños de la Luz is in three countries now; Venezuela, Dominican Republic and South Sudan. I spend time in each of these countries and am privileged to see first-hand, time and time again, the little lives that have been touched by the brothers and sisters in these countries. God has truly blessed us with an amazing team in each country (5 actually, because we need to include those in the US and Canada who serve behind the scenes!).
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Venezuela |
In Venezuela, despite the difficulty it is to do every day normal things in a c
ountry that is struggling politically, financially and with extreme insecurity, we have three new boys added to our family! Due to the violence in the area of our original property we have been forced to relocate. We are in the process of moving to a new property in the city of Caracas. All of our boys are currently in our halfway house, where it is safer, as we finalize the move. Please pray for the obstacles that we are encountering in the government offices to be lifted, so that we can finalize the purchase of the new property.
The Dominican Republic is going well. This is currently the only county where NDLL is located that we are able to receive work teams. This year we hosted a couple of groups that helped us with
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some much-needed up-keep and some new projects. We also, had a week of training for our staff from Lifeline Adoption while at the same time a youth group from Mountain Brook Community Church did a week of activities with our boys allowing all the staff to participate in the training. Our boys here are doing well and thriving! They are helping us grow with 40 laying chickens, three rabbits and a few fish in an old bath tube. Marcos, one of our tios and close friends, recently got married to his wonderful girlfriend Isa and they live with us on the NDLL property.
South Sudan is the newest addition to NDLL, even though we
are now in our third year of taking boys off the streets and into a safe home environment. We are pleased to announce that we are now developing our newly purchased property! I just returned after spending 6 weeks helping them break ground and take the first steps towards the building the new home! Again, our brothers and sisters in this country are golden! Their hearts to serve unselfishly under the conditions of a country in turmoil are truly humbling. I am honored to be able to work beside them.
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South Sudan |
OK, on another front, we relocated our coffee shop, Vagamundo, onto our own property and it's doing well! It's awesome to see the boys working there and living independently while we are still close and mentoring them in this new stage of life.
Now, on a personal note, we can't forget to mention the two additions to our family as well! Yes, we planned and successfully executed two weddings this year! Our two oldest kids were married, Christian our son, to Moneh Magdalena and Rachel, our oldest daughter, 3 months later to Matt Boddie. All of them are currently living here in the same town on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.
On behalf of all of us in all corners of the globe, thank you for being partners with us in shining the love of Jesus into these little lives.
