Chad and Mayra.
Heart Break
We received news while in Guatemala that two of the girls from the Eagle’s Nest had run away. Mayra and Claudia left the house and were gone for a day before they came back full of tears and very sorry for leaving. However, two days later they ran away again in the middle of the day. This time they took Blanca with them and they headed to a city just outside of Tegucigalpa. We learned that they were all doing drugs and hanging out with some gang members. After a couple days Blanca returned and was welcomed back home to the Eagle’s Nest.
Why?
You can imagine our sadness and disappointment upon hearing this news. Both of us were in tears, struggling to understand why. We had poured our hearts into these girls, loving them unconditionally, and now they were gone. We were immediately worried about the girls, wondering about their safety. However, we received news that they are safe and living with Claudia’s grandmother. We are hoping and praying that they return.
Me and Claudia.
Major Changes
When we arrived home from Guatemala, we went to the Eagle’s Nest for dinner that night. Sally, the house grandmother, announced that herself and Sarah, the house mother, are moving to Nicaragua. The home the girls live in will be shut down. With 3 of the girls still living there, this means some major changes for them, the ministry, and us.
The Plan
We know that God is good. And we know that He has a plan for the Eagle’s Nest. This is our chance to rebuild this part of the ministry and start anew. But for the time being, we still have the 3 girls who rely on us and who we are responsible for. And this is where our whole world is about to change.
Quendi
Quendi is 17 and will be 18 in about 6 months. She is no where near ready to be on her own but we need to start preparing her to be independent. She is going to go to live at Alvin’s house with Sarah, a young lady from the US who just moved here in September. Sarah will be like a big sister and mentor her in living on her own with things like budgeting and shopping for groceries, etc. Quendi will finish her schooling in the next few weeks. She really likes the beauty classes she has taken and so we may get her in to a trade school where she can learn to be a professional stylist.
Our sweet Blanca.
Blanca
The plan for Blanca was that she was going to go back home to live with her family. Alvin spent some time talking with Blanca about this and found out that her brother received a 2 year sentence (for raping Blanca) and will be getting out of jail soon. She also said that her dad is a drunk who hits and pushes her grandmother. In light of this it is not safe to send her home.
Kimberli
Kimberli is the newest girl who has only been in the house since May. She is so sweet and loves the Lord. She is 11 years old and had never been to school a day in her life. She is the only one in the house who has not been sexually abused but was abused in the sense that she was used as her mom’s slave. She was the primary caregiver of her younger siblings. We also do not want to send her back to that situation. After prayer and many conversations, we have decided to take Blanca and Kimberli in to our home to live with us. This will take place around the end of November.
At church with, from far left, Quendi, Kimberli, myself holding 12 year old Zaira's baby. Zaira is Kimberli's sister.
With God’s Help
Yes, you heard that right. We are going to be parents to an 11 year old and a 15 year old. We know this is a huge responsibility and that it will not be easy. I have every emotion running through my body right now and we never hesitated knowing that this is what we are here for. We love these girls and are excited to play a larger role in their lives. We covet your prayers during this time as we prepare to bring the girls into our home. These are big changes and there are a lot of unknowns; however, we know God is directing our path. God led me to these two verses which I will cling on during this time:
“In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” ~ Romans 8:37
“Who am I, O Sovereign Lord, and who is my family that you have brought me this far?” 2 Sam. 7:18
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
wow – quite a story! I will definitely be praying for you guys! It id so neat tohear how God is working in your lives, and I admire the strength you have in following the Spirit’s leading!
You two are amazing! We will be praying for the confidence and guidance in parenting and loving two teenagers. We know you can do it! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of you.
isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Love you,
Trav & Al
Chad and Trina!
I am so very humbled when I hear of your strength, courage and willingness to follow the Lord! Your hearts are beautiful! Indeed, it is quite a challenge to take these two young women into your home, however you will be such a blessing and encouragement to them, and in turn, they will learn from your incredibly giving and loving hearts! I see so many wonderful things happening for them through you two! I will continue to pray for you! God bless you and your serving hearts! With God we can do great things that glorify Him!
Always in Christ-
~dori
The 3 of you are the loving family that these girls need. This is all in God’s plan, and, He will be there for you. We will pray every day for all of you for God’s love and guidance to be given when and where it is needed! He loves you, and, so do we!
If I were writing you a letter on paper, there would be marks from tear drops. I am so moved by the extraordinary things you and Chad are doing over there, and this is no exception. You amaze me with your selfless giving, and your devotion to follow God, no matter the task, is a testimony in itself. If only we all had that much faith. I love you guys more than words can say, and I will pray for you, and this new venture, everday.
Wow! What a change of life for all of you. What an awesome thing you are able to do for both of those girls. I will be praying for your family and the girls as you go through this adjustment. My heart just broke when I saw the picture of you holding Zaira’s baby. Our youngest at this moment turned 12 last month. I know through the adoption training that we had this was said of many of the young girls but seeing the picture really hit me. I can’t even imagine trying to raise a child, as a child. My heart breaks for both of these little girls. Please know that every time you come to mind-which is quite often, I pray for you and your family. I will let you know when we get our referral.