January 2008

January 2008

Dear Friends,

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed time with your family. We appreciate all of you and your love and support during December. We were so blessed to spend Christmas with my Dad and Mom and the family. The greatest gift of all was to have Mom home from the hospital with all the grandkids. The children were so happy to be with her and love her dearly.



When you are in a big family, you all have to learn to work together and do your part. There is never a dull moment and it seems there is always something to do. Just when you think the dishes and dirty clothes are done it is time to start all over again! But more than dirty dishes and dirty laundry, raising children takes time. The time we give our children is so important. Each child needs his own special time, and when you have seven you have to use it wisely. Sometimes it means late night talks or early morning breakfast. One of our older boys always rushes to go to the grocery store with me. It is our special time. I have found out more things on his heart from our rides there and back!



Teenagers need a lot of time and when they open up and begin to talk it is time for me to listen. You never know when you will hear of their first crush or problem with a friend or just a story they wanted to share. It helps us to know what is really in their heart---and after all that is the most important thing---what is in their heart. Enrique recently shared with our group, “It is not what we do but who we are—what is in our heart that counts.” Sometimes it takes time for our hearts to change.



Not long ago Enrique invited five of the boys we are helping, over to play games and eat pizza. When I went upstairs they were laughing and hollering and playing video games. About an hour later the boys begin to ask questions about problems they were going through. They all brought their bibles and begin to read together. Nothing had been planned but when we take time for others that is when God can move and change hearts.



We are so excited about the money being raised for the children’s home. We want to thank all of you who have given and have been so faithful to pray. Our donor, who is matching the funds for the children’s home, has offered to continue to match all money given for the next months. This is such a blessing! As soon as plans for the home are finished we will start building. We are also working on the government permits we need. We should have things done soon.



Just as we have raised our children and the children we are helping, these new children will need lots of time and love. We want each child to be raised with the same amount of love and care. It is not about how many children we can feed and house but the amount of love and time we can give each one. Not only do we want to fill up tummies but hearts as well.



Please pray God will send us just the right people to work in the homes we will build. This is very important as we move forward.



Also we want to thank all of you praying and lifting up Mom! This means so much to us during this time. She is such an inspiration to us all and we thank God for His faithfulness. Thanks too for the ladies who cooked such wonderful meals for us while we were at home. We love and appreciate you all!



Finally, I want to let you know of an upcoming short term mission trip from Covenant Church of Mobile to Coast Rica that will take place June 7th – 14th. If you are interested be apart, please contact Jeff Herndon through Covenant Church at (251) 633-7900.



Love,
Enrique and Charlyn