NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2009
It’s Christmas Eve, feeling very privileged after being prayed for by the girls. I injured my back, the pain was excruciating, radiating from the lower lumbar region right down my left leg and into my calf muscle. I would like to say I was doing something sensible but sadly...no. It’s the result of my mad urge to try out the kid’s roller blades. Yesterday I took 7 girls to the internet (they all have an email address now) and then to the local park. Two of the girls were having so much fun on their new rollerblades (early Christmas Presents) I just couldn’t resist so, I too had a crazy half hour which was a lot fun, but definitely not worth the pain I now feel, and, what’s worse is, I now have to admit that my roller blade days are over.
6pm was ‘knock off’ time for Rocio (our solicitor) she had been a great help, and so busy with the girls, but now she had to go, leavings just me. Only three hours to bed-time, I should make it! I became aware that Farah was observing me closely; she noticed that I was hobbling around, and groaning as I tried to sit down, she asked what was wrong. When I told her, she straight away asked if she and some other girls could pray for me. Of course I thought this was a good idea. I was ordered to sit on a chair in the centre of our living room as all twenty children gathered around me. They were definitely ‘in charge’. Talk about ‘role reversal’…….I felt so strange……their little hands placed on me. Farah commenced with her heart-felt prayer and Mery continued praying fervently until the tears flowed and she couldn’t pray anymore. With this, Jessica started off strong but soon became teary too. How could I not be touched? This time their tears were for me! I felt humbled, and at the same time honored……this is what it feels like……...wow!.......... Its quite powerful to have someone pray for you (me), with tears………real tears. Such sensitivity from young tender hearts, I felt so good all over.
turned 8 years old. Due to
the traumas she suffered last year, she has to repeat the school year, but she is recovering and is emotionally settled,enjoying the love and safety that HopeHouse offers.
The second Christmas Party was provided by Jaime Dugand & family and much enjoyed by all. Jaime is from Columbia and has been in Peru for four years, he is committed to
helping HopeHouse and has been blessing us on a regular basis । Jaime and his wife Jaquie comes to visit HopeHouse every month bringing with them food supplies and lots of goodies for the kids, not only this but they spend time with the girls getting to know them on a more personal level। Often the girls have been spiritually fed when Jaime visits, as he shares the word and we have a time of praise and worship together। The girls love the Dugan family dearly.
Abby is
growing up !
She has been with us since she was just 3yrs old.
The third party and live entertainment was provided by Compassion the children had an abundance of gifts this year and were truly grateful.
Roger and Elverson at the airport excursion, excited by the aeroplanes and of course the ice cream.
ESTEFANY is 14 years old and has been with us for
5 months; she is a bit on the wild side, a stranger to discipline so she is finding it
hard to adjust to the structured environment. Please pray for Estefany.
REFLECTIONS - 2008
FEBRUARY 2008
· First trip to Atlanta to attend the annual NCM fund raising Banquet proved very successful, raising sufficient funds to complete the building which was previously begun by the HOP. This new building provided the Bonners with separate accommodation within the grounds of HopeHouse.
Other projects which were initiated as a result of funds raised were the construction of a new Youth Church Building, and a soccer field, close by, both of which are currently in the finishing stages.
The vision of HopeHouse Two is still alive; much talk and building plans of the proposed new orphanage for boys has been drawn up. We continue to pray and wait on God, his timing is perfect.
Also, provision of the sum of US $1000.00 a month for the period of one year has been given to HopeHouse, which has meant that the living conditions and nutrition of the girls has improved by 100% .
While in Georgia, Greg and I had the pleasure of trekking the Appalachian Trail for 10 days straight. We would highly recommend
this excellent trek, such a variety of absolute majestic countryside and wonderful wild life। It snowed while we were there………the icing on the cake for us………Fantastic !
RELAXING , BOOTS OFF,ON A CLIF EDGE
MAY - AREQUIPA· Greg and I were invited to Arequipa to
attend an APEC conference (The Digital Economy forum for women).· Unfortunately we were kidnapped by our taxi driver and three thugs ,blind folded and taken to some place where we were held for five hours, robbed of everything we owned, plus credit cards which we were forced to give our pin numbers। It was a bad experience but with a good outcome.…we were set free ! Our God never lets us down.
JUNE 2008 – SEPARATE RESIDENCE
· The current semi-built house for the Bonner’s was finally completed; all the basic electrical appliances were purchased by NCM। (TV, fridge, cooker, washing machine and coffee maker) and the Bonners moved in. Thank you NCM and thank you David Gutiérrez who donated a CD player. We love our new house!!
· NCM teams arrived, this time smaller groups, but we were still blessed immensely.
SEPTEMBER 2008
· Health scare for Greg, diagnosed with an Arrhythmia and Hipertensión; now controlled with medication.
NOVEMBER -
· Second trip to Atlanta, proved worthwhile financially, and very insightful regarding the people and the culture of America.
· Again the opportunity a
rose for another magnificent trek in The Great Smokey Mountains section of the Appalachian Trail. Though this time a few bruises were sustained, and a few anxious moments due to BIG BLACK BEARS ! it was a great trip. We can’t wait to go back.A ´concerned looking´ Greg !
DECEMBER 2008
Health scare for Greg’s mum who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and scheduled for surgery by the time we heard about it। Greg was able to fly out to Sydney to spend a few weeks with his mum। Unfortunately for us it was over Christmas, but we survived…।just ! Thankfully Greg’s mum is making a good recovery. Thank you for your prayers ।
PRAYERS ANSWERED
- HopeHouse will be full to capacity, with 17 girls, 3 boys and one more girl expected to arrive this month। We have also reached our full potential, with a complete
Multidisciplinary team and sufficient funding to provide the needs of children and staff। - Wilhelm Oberle continue to fund the wages, albeit at a reduced rate।
- Most of the girls/boys we have are more likely to be permanent rather than transient at HopeHouse।
- We found a specialist for Patty, unfortunately Patty ran away from HopeHouse on a number of occasions, and finally the psychologist recommended that she should be returned to a higher security facility।·
- All the girls/boys were placed in the local public schools। We continue to have two girls attending an accelerated learning school।
- God has been with us all through the year, keeping the girls and us safe from dangers which could have proved to be fatal। Praise Him ! May we continue to be led by Him in every decision we make।
PRAYER REQUEST
1. Fruition of the vision for HopeHouse Two
2. Direction and guidance for the Bonners as they reach the end of their four year term in Peru
3. Estefany, that she may find the Lord and know the depth of His great love for her
4. Our staff would feel that they belong to the family of HopeHouse, and be blessed in all their efforts
5. Funding for rewiring of the refuge
6. Funding to replace gas cooking with electric cooking for safety in the refuge
7. Protection of all from electrical dangers or gas explosions
8. Funding would continue in spite of the economic situation, more than anything else, so that the Kingdom of God may increase
posted by Bridget and Greg | 12:16 PM
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