Being 'mom' for a while

God has a huge piece of my heart wrapped up in these boys. Yes, I pray about being here more often than once or twice a year. Or longterm for several months at a time. But for now with my scholarship / job contract commitment, I know God wants me to be a full-time RN for at least 3 years. After that, we will see where He leads.  

Isaias, Jose, Jeremias, Franklin, Melvin, Enil, Gelsin, Ever

This trip I'm here with the boys for a little over 3 weeks and am here to give Lisa some time to get away and relax while I take her place and take care of the boys. It is nearly impossible for her to take time off because every day presents a new problem, unforeseen interruption, errand that needs to be done, or trip to town (which is over an hour away) for something we can't buy locally. But! Now that I've been here a few days & Lisa has had a chance to work on an extremely long to-do list, we're getting ready for her to leave for a while and have a mini vacation away from the house.

Prayer requests while Lisa is gone:
-The boys will be respectful to me, the other people helping me out, and each other.
-None of the boys will run away from home.
-The boys will have a renewed appreciation for Lisa when she returns home.
-Me and the people helping me out will work well as a team.
-Safety for everyone and the properties.
-Wisdom and patience for dealing with conflict and discipline. 

The view of the jungle and ocean from the future home. 

Isaiah 43 was the passage the boys and I discussed during our first nightly Bible study this week. This chapter has been on my heart the past few weeks for what's going on in my life personally, and the boys had really great insight and thoughts during discussion. Below are some of their favorite verses they shared.


Isaiah 43:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze...

...Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland."


One of my favorite worship songs by A Jesus Church that's been on repeat lately:

"Deepen my heart"

if ever my love grows cold if ever my faith is weak if ever my heart grows numb to your gift that draws me near
deepen my heart

deepen my heart, deepen my heart deepen my heart for you the broken and lost your kingdom has come deepen my heart for you