Beloved Sons -- A Mother's Reflection

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  Matthew 3:17

How beautiful are the words of God.  How beautiful when read and reflected by former street boys.  While Casa G was under renovation, the boys lived in our home.  Each evening we read the Bible together.  I loved hearing them read.  Their voices resonated deep into my heart and my ears. 

Over the past weeks we experienced the sweetness and growth of living life together as family.  Laughter and lively discussions around the dinner table, conflict resolution, homework done listening to Christian rap, laundry lessons, chore lists, bedtime prayers.  I (Debbie) was blessed with hugs and besitos morning and night.  The boys demonstrated respect, gratefulness and a willingness to serve.  Every day provided opportunities for learning, by all of us.  The weeks drew us closer together. 

One week ago the boys started the transition back into Casa G.  It has been fun to watch them take ownership and pride in their home, working hard to clean, sort and put things back in order.  Although I was truthfully glad for the respite from so much activity, the silence in our house made it feel very empty. 


Celebrating Alejandro's birthday while boys were living in our home.

Three days later the boys were back in our living room for our usual Tuesday night dinner and devotions.  Once again the boys’ voices resonated in our living room as they read God’s word together.  The boys were animated and engaged as we discussed Matthew 4:1-11 and how to combat temptation through being secure in our identity in Christ Jesus. 

At the end of our time I challenged the boys to listen to the voice of their Father and not what they might say about themselves or what the world might say about them.  Just as God spoke to His son, Jesus, He speaks to them because they are His sons.  “You are my beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”  No longer called street kids.  Rather, sons of the King.

Pancake fest!

Last Saturday morning’s sunshine was muted by clouds hanging over Quito, but the clouds did not mute my joy.  Today we were going to bring God’s sunshine to the girls at the safe house through a special pancake breakfast.  We stuffed our car and the rooftop with tables, a cook stove, and all the fixings for making pancakes with delicious toppings.  Our team plus Juan Miguel (Casa G house leader), my husband Phil, and Desi’s husband Miguel, squeezed into the car. 



On the way I prayed for God’s presence to come and reflect His incredible love to the girls.  I was excited that Juan Miguel accepted our invitation to bring his guitar to sing worship songs.  Phil, who had had a 1:30 AM run to the airport, told me he would share a short message of encouragement, but he was still waiting on God for direction on what to share.  It was going to be awesome, I thought. Even if none of us shared through our words. Our plans were to love, and serve and just be with them.

Janoah, Desi and Miguel's one year old daughter brings joy to everyone!

Once inside the patio, the 18 girls quickly gathered around.  Nearly all of them expressed their excitement that we were there through the smiles on their faces.  We stood crowded in a circle to make introductions.  Each girl told us her name and then thanked and welcomed us for coming.  Phil explained that part of our family’s tradition is that he makes pancakes on Saturday morning.  I bragged to the girls that my husband and best friend is an awesome pancake maker. 

Phil asked the girls how many had eaten pancakes before.  Two raised their hands.  We had planned to do some games while Phil cooked the pancakes, but the minute he started cooking, they rushed to surround the table.  They wanted to watch and learn how to make pancakes!  I sucked in the tears that stung my eyes.  Phil told us later that he was impacted by the reality that the girls were just that, girls, little girls.  I can’t describe how stinkin’ cute they were, just having fun and being girls. 

 

 

Our Casa Adalia team:  Kathryn, Debbie, Desi, and Neila. 
We missed Kristin who was busy with an event at their church. 

I have no idea how many pancakes Phil made and were eaten that morning.  A lot!  With fresh strawberries, whipped cream, chocolate pieces, sliced bananas, caramel, peanut butter (another new taste for them), butter, and jellies of several kinds.  The girls waited patiently for seconds, thirds and even fourths.  

After the pancake fest, we gathered for a short time of sharing.  God not only gave Phil a message of encouragement, he gave one to Miguel and Juan Miguel.  There was such a sweet presence of God’s love.  There were also many tears.  A thirteen year old girl had just arrived days earlier.  She was sitting next to Phil while he shared.  Her stoic expression never changed,… and the tears never stopped pouring down her face.  We ended our time singing again the words, “You saw me when no one else saw me.  You loved me when no one else loved me.  You have given a name.  I am your daughter, the apple of Your eye.”