Well, it’s been a year since I've posted to my blog, not exactly what I promised when I started. But, I have to say was a very interesting year.
When I last left off I was headed to Mar del Plata, Argentina on a 9 day mission trip. Let’s just say it didn't have the spiritual impact and benefit I was looking for. Don’t get me wrong, being in Argentina was amazing and I’m very glad I went. Working at the orphanage and meeting the pastors and children is something I will never forget.
After flying 10 hours over countries such as Caracas, Peru, Paraguay and Chile for a total of 5,470 miles we arrived in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Then we took a six hour bus ride to Batan but on the way we saw the beauty of Buenos Aires’ architecture and seaside ports. Buenos Aires is rated one of the 20 largest cities in the world.
We arrived at the OBRA PENIEL IGLESIA EVANGELICA Orphanage in Batan which is about a 30 minute ride from Mar del Plata. What a welcome it was with excited children surrounding the 37 Christians arriving from Texas. Language was a bit of a problem but communication methods soon became normal. Our team started each day bright and early with a devotional and discussion about previous day’s activities. On the third day there it was obvious some feelings had been stepped on (that’s a lot of people to work together) so that morning’s devotional was given by an Elder from our church. He reminded us why were there, he shared “JOY”, Jesus first, others second and yourself last. It became the mantra for the week.
Most of us stayed at the orphanage which proved to be somewhat of a challenge. There was very limited hot water, as in none in our room so I learned to take freezing cold showers. Oh, did I mention there was no heat either, the temp dropped to 35 – 40 degrees at night.
I traveled all those miles to become a lifelong friend with a woman from my own backyard. Wow!! I worked with her at Sparrows/Gibraltar but there is something about sleeping on the bottom of a bunk bed that will give you a whole different picture of someone. Now, she is one of my closest friends.
One of the funniest things we had to aware of was the toilet paper was always in a “locked” roller OUTSIDE of the toilet stall. So, if you forgot to get it on the way in you were out of luck!! Most of the toilets didn't have seats either, oh well you learn to adjust!
We set up an eye clinic at the orphanage where people waited outside for their turn. We served over 450 individuals and had to turn away many more when we ran out of glasses. The line would start forming early in the morning and last until late afternoon. The joy of someone being able to see properly for the first time was an incredible experience. Members of our team entertained the children with jump ropes, sidewalk chalk and balloons. As they would leave each adult and child would say gracias and give you a hug and kiss on the left cheek. They were so appreciative of our help. As they waited for their vision check, team members brought them the word of God. There were over 250 who committed during this time. Buenos Aires is the birthplace of the current Roman Pontiff, Pope Francis, who was elected while we were there.
One of our reasons for the trip was to present the drama, Heaven’s Gates/Hell’s Flames. The theater we used was built in the 1930’s seating about 1,500 people in its main floor and two tier balconies.
Each night more and more came forward for the altar call. The last night the front area and the stage were packed leaving Ty speechless at one point. Final number was over 3,000 for the 3 show nights. Thousands more watched over the live internet broadcast, 15,000 emails came through Argentina Ministries FaceBook page, 2,250 was the number of people accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Almost all of their names and telephone numbers were captured. It was glorious sight to see.
Of the 700,000 inhabitants in Mar del Plata only 3% are Evangelical Christians. Mar del Plata is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the major fishing ports and the largest seaside resort in Argentina. It is the 7th largest city in the country.
I took this journey hoping God would give me a better picture of where my life is headed but He decided to muddy the waters a little bit. Upon my arrival back home, I went to pick up my dog at my son’s house. We chatted for a few minutes and then he handed me a picture and said here is your new grandchild. It was a sonogram of baby Kerr. To say that I was shocked is an understatement especially since I had never met his girlfriend. But when he looked at me and said I am ready to be a father I knew in my heart God had finally stepped in his life. I asked him how long he had known and he said a month but he hadn't wanted to tell me before my trip that he didn't want to upset me. After I got over the initial shock I panicked, not only was he going to be a father but I was going to be a grandmother. Oh my…. that was a scary thought.
Long story short, beautiful baby Bruce was born on October 4, 2013, 7.5 lbs, 19.5” long. It’s like looking at Kris in the mirror, so amazing. Mom, Krissy, is wonderful and they have a beautiful home in Pflugerville. I am so proud and my heart is full of love and joy for them. If you happen to want to see pictures of this beautiful boy take a look at my FaceBook page! I am truly blessed. God is so good all the time.
A few months after returning from Argentina I went to Summit 9 in Nashville, Tenn. where Christian Alliance for Orphans gathered 2,500+ like-minded individuals who work toward serving God by helping widows and orphans. This was my second summit to attend, the first was in 2012 at Saddleback Church in California with Pastor Rick Warren. It is three days of work sessions teaching mentor-ship, how to start a church orphan ministry, adoptions and fostering, etc. So significant and rewarding knowing you are being led by the Spirit of God.
I forgot to mention during last year we started a foster/adoption training in conjunction with the faith-based initiative of CPS. We trained and licensed three families in the first 8 week class and recently added four others to this group. So many more families are needed to help these children of God in our area. The numbers are staggering just in Burnet County alone. Another church in the area has recently started a class of their own and we are hoping others churches will join in this plight.
Look for my next blog, I hope it won’t take another year…..
