The desires of our hearts!

These have been eventful days in Guatemala…the political situation is climaxing with elections right around the corner and the Hague looming seems to just be compounding the problems and uncertainties. It is such an odd situation as anyone on the streets would tell you that adoptions as we all know them are on the rocks, policies changing and in very monumental ways that will effect so many, including the children, yet, the courts are smoothly continuing to process cases…almost feels like an oxymoron. A large hogar right outside of Antigua was raided and the children removed, rumors of hotel lockdowns, foster mothers stopped by police, children taken and a myriad of other rumors along those same line are flying, the papers and news are speaking of it all and with all honesty, it is hard to even keep up and to be able to weed through what is true, what motives are and how this effects all of us and most of all the children. Many if not most families who are living here fostering their children through the adoption process are house bound, as there is just too much uncertainty in the air and Americans are not feeling safe walking the streets with their Guatemalan children, unless the adoptions are complete. Madi and I don’t leave the house without all of our papers, for this very reason. In all of this, ministry needs are increasing…is that even possible…and could I just say, there is nowhere I would rather be. It is like walking through hard times with your dear friend, it only serves to bind your hearts and break down superficial walls as you allow each other into the hidden parts of your heart and lives and this has so served in the same way for me to bind my heart even deeper with this country, the ministries I work with and the children we love and are honored to serve…..most days, I can’t imagine getting on a plane and going home, it rips my heart up to think about it…but, then there is this family of mine and there is no way Madi is not going to be apart of the love they are counting the days to shower on her. Like Peter said one days when we were talking on the phone and I was telling him how that with all of my heart I just wanted to stay in Guatie, how could I leave and yet with all of my heart I want to come home ( talk about a walking contradiction) and he said “Mel, Madi needs us” I love that and he is so right…she does.. we do and when the time is right I have no doubt that Maid and I will be running off the plane into the arms of our famiy....

… yet, our hearts will always be here as well and we will be counting the days until we can come back....He has given us the desires of our hearts and these have been the sweetest days of my walk with the Lord…I just love Him!

I have to say that my sister Mary’s visit was hands down, perfect in every way and I am so crazy about her and proud of who she is and just plain love being with her….we had so much fun and Madi of course fell in love with her…but, who would’t?

We also had the treat this week of our dear friends the Nelsons…well, two of them, Gabrielle and Tim who brought a team down from the church they pastor to serve at Casa Bernabe…come over for lunch! Tim and Mary are two of the people I love most in this world, they have mentored me and have just become my brother and sister! Tim and Gabrielle( their oldest daughter) came for lunch and we had such an amazing time….it is always just electric when we all start talking, sharing and praying the Lord has laid the same passions on our hearts and time with them is never long enough! Next time in Michigan, Guys!

And last but not least…..a very happy birthday, to my good friend, Sharon! We celebrated in style at an Argentinean steak house here in Antigua and it was just so special to able to celebrate Sharon’s life…she is my hero and I tell her that all the time…Sharon and her husband Greg have become the adoption champions of Guatemala…Sharon has lived in Antigua with their daughter Bella for over a year as they have persevered through a very difficult adoption process and their steadfast love as a family for their darling little Bella is a beautiful testimony to anyone who knows and loves them!! Happy Birthday, Friend!!!

This is Sharon and their oldest daughter, Irene!

Oh and by the way…Madi is only getting cuter, more fun and adorable as the days go by…for any of you who had been wondering! :-)

With Aunt Hannah!!

Playing with Alex in Hermano Pedro