Monday, April 15, 2019

A Sweet & Emotional Return (to Cancun, MX)

A Sweet & Emotional Return

It's been about 17 months since we moved from Mexico to Noblesville, IN. On March 29 we returned to the site where God gave us a vision to holistically care for at-risk families in the marginalized communities of Tres Reyes and Bonfil. (We now call this the Strong Families Program.) As we were driving to the team house from the airport, many familiar sites, smells, sounds, and people, flooded our memories and welcomed us back to the place where we served for six years. A place where we left parts of our hearts.  
The week was full of hugs, (Mexican) kisses, laughter, and tears. God graciously showed us all that He has continued to do through the staff to empower and strengthen the families in Bonfil and Tres Reyes. We were reminded what can happen when God provides vision and resources to carry out His plan. He loves the people of Mexico (and Haiti, India, Nigeria, Dominican Republic, Cincinnati) more than we do. We are grateful He called us to do this work. And we are also grateful for so many people like you, who partner with us in prayer and financial support. We couldn't do it without you. We hope you enjoy some of the pictures from Mexico.

Praises
  • Our staff and partners in India who are busy implementing the Strong Families Program and principles with 25 families. They also just hired another national staff to help with the program. (We trained in India in February.)
  • Our staff (and the children we serve) in Haiti are safe and back to work, after recent protests necessitated their evacuation.
  • Julie and I are almost finished with edits to the Strong Families Program training materials. We hope to take it to Haiti next.
  • We have been blessed to spend quality time with our kids and Julie's family over the last few months. 
Requests
  • Please continue to pray for Julie's health. Although she's seen a lot doctors, not much has changed. The SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth) infection is not gone. She also continues to try alternative treatments.
  • Please pray for continued safety for our Haiti staff and all the children we serve there.
  • Please pray for commitment and hope for the new Strong Families in India. Pray also for discernment, wisdom, and strength for the staff.
  • Please pray that we receive funding needed to take our training to each of the Back2Back sites. 
  • Please pray for our personal support. We currently have a $700/month deficit.
Humbled and Grateful
Erick & Julie