Dear family and friends,
Life in Colombia is never boring, well not if you listen to the news anyway. There is always latest headlines of shipments of cocaine or arms been found, guerrilla’s turning themselves in or some one going to jail for corruption. Thankfully here in the ministry things aren't quite so “hot” or “dangerous” but listening to the stories of the kids or their parents’ lives here are such a far cry from the norm in New Zealand or most places in the world.
One such story is of a lady who as a young teenager was forced into a relationship with a much older man. With 5 kids and in her earlier twenties she started to rebel and got into drugs. Now a few years later, she has left the man who supported her and instead of protecting her kids from repeating the story, she has gone into prostitution and put her young daughters in great risk.
In this particular case all we could do was pray as the family left the city soon after we made contact with them. At the end of last year an eight year old girl came to live in the ministry. Katrina remembers meeting her in a slum when she was recently born and praying for her, that she would come to know God as her personal savior. That prayer, and that of many others, has brought this girl into the ministry to live. That is the power of God and it is an encouragement to see the fruit of prayers.
Another testimony to God is the story of Nick Viujic from Australia. Nick was born without arms and legs and has one foot. He came to Bogotá recently and we had the privilege of his visit to the ministry’s drop in centre. He then shared his testimony with various prostitutes and others who live in the neighbourhood. Nick also gave his testimony at the school of Alex and Simon. Simon came home excited to announce that he had been chosen to represent his class and give Nick a hug.
We continue to use the skills God has given us in the administration and leadership of the ministry. Carlos had spent a lot of time in getting our ministry’s website updated and redesigned. It still has some work to be done but with its limit structure it has come along way. So check it out at http://www.colombiastreetkids.org/. We would welcome any comments or suggestions that you may have.
Alex and Simon have started swimming lessons. They go once a week for a session of nearly 2 hours. They come home very tired and hungry and cold. It is good to see them advance in their swimming skills. Recently 8 children from one of the residential houses spent the weekend at the farm of Carlos’ parents. They had a great time there. Our family and the kids and staff from the other 2 residential houses joined them for a barbecue lunch and then a swim in the lake. Actually only a few went swimming as the water was very deep and it was cold. Alex badly wanted to get in to show his swimming skills but as he was dressed in jeans his parents won't let him in.
Simon is adjusting well to school and recently got a good report card. Alex hasn't received one yet but has shown improvement in Math and enjoys his music class.
Gabriela continues to learn new words in both Spanish and English. She is not very comfortable (that’s a polite way of saying she cries and yells a lot) far from her parents so goes everywhere we do. She is however very friendly and says hello and blows kisses to anyone she meets. She loves to do things first and to make sure the boys obey; she grabs them and takes them to the door to put their shoes on or takes them to their school bag to get their homework. It is amusing to watch and the boys are generally really patient with her.
Prayer requests:
- Keep praying for Alex and his ability to remember concepts in his school work.
- For Simon’s health. He had lost a lot of weight and recently has been given medicine for his appetite and to get rid of any stomach bugs
- Gabriela that she would sleep well and for her physical protection as she explores more.
- For the ministry as we start an emphasis on strengthen the child sponsorship project and other fund raising efforts.
- For Carlos that he would have the opportunity and time to do some paid translations of books.
- For Katrina for wisdom in her role as administrator of the ministry.
- Please keep praying for a car for us.
We appreciate your friendships and prayers and love to hear from you.
With love,
Paez family
