Each January we have the privilege of welcoming the Rockford Christian School for a week. They are an awesome group led by Keith and Karen Christianson who have an amazing love for not only the students that come on the trip, but also an outpouring of love and compassion for the community of Bayona.
Aquilino, Belkis and their two children
Their group finished up two houses, a duplex and a bathroom for a family. One of the houses is for Aquilino, the therapist in our clinic. Previously, he, his wife and his two children shared one bedroom. Needless to say he is ecstatic about his new three bedroom house.
The house before...
The other family to receive a house is a family that had 12 people living in 2 bedrooms -- the parents, the mother's parents and their 7 children as well as a niece. The house was originally constructed with wood and tin. It is now concrete block with a tin roof and has 3 bedrooms and a bathroom inside (the used to have an outhouse). This family is very special as their twin daughters (Nely and Yanely) are incredible 18 year old girls with overflowing joy. They are very involved in the church and teach a children's discipleship class on Saturdays. They dance in the praise dance group and participate in all the youth activities.
Nely, Karen, Nely's mom and grandmother
The duplex was created for two single mothers. Amarilis, whom I have talked about a lot and her four children and Maritza and her three children.
And the bathroom was given to a family who has a daughter, Estefenia, who is deaf and mute.
Keith and the group in front of the new bathroom
The week was great, but Friday when the houses were dedicated and given to the families was a touching day. I so very much enjoy seeing people who love and trust in the Lord receive His blessings. These families have been praying for years for God to provide a better situation for them. And I got to be there to see when it happened! God's timing is so cool :)
Blessings,
Anna
