We've Moved!

The FFHM orphanage in Oaxaca (wa-ha-ka) has always been a place we’ve wanted to visit. It’s much smaller than the Mission in Baja with 50 to 60 children and about 20 staff. We were invited there a year ago, but the time wasn't right.

Now after lots of thought and prayer we have decided to take a three month leave of absence from the Mission here in Baja and head down to Oaxaca. We are so excited to see what God has for us there. We pray to gain a new, fresh perspective as we serve the indigenous children there at the children's home. We are sure it is going to be a wonderful change of pace, and that the Lord will use it to bless our lives as well as the lives of those we are going to serve.

* * *

We arrived in Oaxaca this last Saturday night after driving through Mexico. Our trip was fabulous as we got to see so much of the country and take a ferry ride over the Sea of Cortez. After four days of driving and a pit stop in Morelia, we were happy to reach our final destination, and start getting to know our new home.

After being here a week we are in love with this place. The small community of believers here are so welcoming and friendly that it has been an easy transition. The children so polite and engaging that we know our time here will be a blessing.

Right now our jobs are very open-ended. Here everyone just helps out. If there is a need, that becomes your job. So far, I have cared for four little toddlers each morning so their moms can have a couple hours to themselves. Celina, Luis, Debbie and Tete are so cute, and I have already fallen in love with them. I also am helping out with the sponsorship program. Each child in the children's home has a one or more sponsors who help make it possible for them to interned here. I get to translate letters of correspondence and currently am working on what kind of Christmas cards the kids will send to their "tios."

Ricardo has quickly become the go-to-guy for all the other staff members. This week he's worked a lot in maintenance making minor improvements and fixing little things that get passed by. Because of his musical abilities, he was quickly integrated into the church worship team and played a youth conference last night. He loves doing so much music and having that be part of his "job" or service here. He is also hoping to give some lessons to the kids who live here.

Overall, we are so happy to be here and thankful that we have been so eagerly accepted into the community here. We are excited to continue to get to know the children and staff here, and serve them to the best of our abilities in the next few months.

On the ferry from La Paz to Topolabamo crossing the Sea of Cortez.

In the city of Morelia one evening. It was so beautiful.

Driving through the mountains of Oaxaca to the children's home.

Luis and Celina playing.

Debbie

Tete