September 2009

September 2009

Dear Friends,
It has always been very important to me to teach each one of our children to be givers. It isn't always easy to give, and maybe we don't always feel like it. However, giving to others is one of the true joys in life, and in a big family there are always many opportunities to give!

Each one of our children has had to learn the importance of giving. When Mabel Ann was about 4 years old my mother was too sick to go out and get Christmas gifts for the kids. It was very important to her that everyone receive a gift on Christmas from Granna-as they called her. So she sent Enrique out with the kids and said, "Have each one pick out a gift but don't tell them it will their Christmas gift. I want it to be a surprise!" When Enrique and the children arrived at the toy store, Mabel's eyes lit up at the sight of all the dolls. She had been dreaming of a new Barbie-a special one that came with a horse. Then to her surprise Papi said, "Mabel I want you to pick out a doll for a little girl." "What?" she thought. "What little girl?" she said. "Pick out your favorite doll for the little girl," Papi said. Mabel couldn't bear the thought of giving her very favorite doll to another girl. She ran and picked out the ugliest Barbie she could find. "What about this one?" she said. Papi looked at her with big eyes. "Mabel is that you favorite doll?" Now Mabel had a big decision to make. Tears begin to roll down her cheeks. "Is that the Barbie you would like to give to someone?" Papi seemed disappointed, and Mabel made her way over to the other isle and slowly picked up the Barbie with the horse. "Here, Papi, give this to the girl." It was hard and tears still rolled down her cheeks, but she decided the little girl, whoever she may be, could have her favorite doll for Christmas.

When Christmas morning arrived, the kids were so excited to open the gift from Granna and Grandpa. Mabel ran over a picked up the pretty wrapped package from Granna first. As she peeled away the wrapping, there was the Barbie with the horse! She could hardly believe it! She ran to Papi and asked, "I was the little girl?" "Yes," replied Papi. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she hugged Granna.

Mabel still has that doll, and we laugh when we think of this story. But it reminds us of the great lesson that Mabel learned that day! Sometimes it is hard to give to others, but when we do we will be greatly rewarded!

Recently two of our boys went on a mission trip with my cousin and a mission team from Texas. They worked with indigenous people about five hours south of San Jose. It was such a wonderful experience for them to be able to work and give to others. I believe every child should go on a mission trip. It changes lives!

When we give to others it changes us. When we get stuck in a rut and get down and out, the best thing we can do is get our minds on someone else, and everything around us begins to change. It is truly better to give!!

We have recently sold our house, and we will be moving with all the kids in the next month to rental house. We are preparing to move next year out to the land where we will build the children's homes. We have eight children full time and ten to twelve children on week-ends. Our home has four small bedrooms, and we are looking forward to having more room in the future. We are so blessed by God's faithfulness. Please pray we will find the right house to rent and God will make a way. We are trusting in Him during this transitional period. We appreciate you being so faithful to us during this time. We are so grateful to you!

We love you!

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia