This morning we talked about everything we covered over the last few days and what things will look like moving forward; immediate steps VOH will take and also future things to consider; thoughts we can take back home; their visions, dreams, and prayer requests. Many ideas were shared.
We then had the privilege of hearing two more testimonies. First Juan Carlos, Casa 1 Dad, said that it was a joy to be in front of us to share his thoughts. It was one year and six days ago that he first came with excitement to VOH. He found a gift "hidden" in his life -- that he would get to be able to work with kids and teach them in a home. He would be an example and model of a godly man, husband, and father. He thinks it's extraordinary that he gets to be there for the kids when they first come to the home. He has even prayed to be around kids who have been disappointed in themselves. Their behavior might not be right but God prepared him to be a blessing in their life. He has found himself in difficult situations and the kids see that he does not have all the answers. When that happens he will tell them to wait and he will be back in two minutes. In that time he will go back to his notes of what the Lord has taught him and pray. Then he will go back to the child after he has had time to relax and focus on God knowing that the kids often react to what has happened in the past. During the difficult times he doesn't say he does not want this anymore, but it makes him want more because God is using him and the kids need him. He is not here just because he wants to be here or to try something new, because but God has called him to be in the lives of the children and he never wants to leave. He wants to see their future as professionals, sons and daughters of Christ, and see them be a blessing to their nation. He is so thankful to be at VOH to have the opportunity to work in the ministry God has put him in. The children he has here are everything to him. Then Amy shared that she is thankful he is here, appreciates his leadership, and admires his calm and confident spirit.
Then 17-year old Yesenia shared that she went into a government home when she was a year and a half. When it was discovered that she had HIV she was taken to hospice and told she wasn't going to live. After spending a year in that hospital she was taken to a home run by nuns. She grew up there with Jose David who is another child now living at VOH. When José David left the home she cried and said she wanted to come to VOH because she felt like Jose David was "family" though she actually had no family. Later the nuns called Amy when she was aging out so Amy went to meet her to ask if she wanted to come to VOH. She first asked if there were any nuns there, and when Amy said no she said yes she wanted to go. When she saw Jose David here she was happy. With Amy and Todd she felt like it was a big family at VOH. At her previous home she had heard that God never learned about the love of God. Now she is surrounded by people who love her and she has learned to love others. Amy then told Yesenia that she is so proud of her and can't wait to see what she will do in the future with God's help. That they will cheer her on and be by her side. Lastly, Amy told her she loves her and she is so happy that she is part of their family. Later, Amy said that when Yesenia came to VOH she was put in the same family as José David even though Amy didn't know that they grew up together.
After the testimonies we gathered outside and prayed as a group before we individually walk to the grounds and prayed for the future of VOH.
The rest of the day was spent in Antigua having lunch and spending an hour or so in the marketplace.
After dinner we met for a final time together as a team. We shared what impacted us the most over these last few days. Amy shared about the difference it makes in a child's life when they are told they have worth. Todd shared that he was thankful that the team came because they know people are out there, and though it is encouraging to get emails it is good to see everyone face-to-face. He also said that their main goal this year is to make sure the homes and their staff are strong and healthy. They are always about evaluating what they can do better; one of the things Todd is going to do is start a Bible study with all of the male employees. Then we gathered around Todd and Amy to lay hands on them and pray for them. It has been a sweet time together and it was hard to say goodbye to the team, the Blocks, and our dear friend Julio.
We leave for the airport at 5am tomorrow morning and should arrive at SFO late afternoon. We'd appreciate your prayers as we process these last few days and travel home tomorrow. We have more stories to share and hope to do so over the next few days. We appreciate your kind words and prayers. ~Christine & Neil
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