Hugs from heaven!!

Oh no, You never let go through the calm and through the storm, through the high and through the low, You never let go.

Today I found myself singing worship songs at the top of my lungs because my heart is so full of thankfulness…and because I am the only one in the house.  Last night Phil, our daughter Danelle and her husband Nate (they are here for two months!), our newest Casa G team member Sonnet, most of the Casa G boys and team, and friends from a local church left at midnight on an old school bus to go and minister to the village of Chuwitayo.  Phil’s cell phone had been ringing over the past week from several members of the village who are super excited about their expected arrival.  I stayed back because I am… well, I am just pretty much worn out.  I also wanted to finish writing Christmas thank you letters, actually now New Year’s letters to send with someone heading back to the U.S.  One little Christmas letter hardly begins to express our gratefulness for God’s provision for us and for the ministries of Casa Gabriel and Casa Adalia through His people.  I am so humbled by the goodness of God!!

I was also singing because of the joy of hanging out with our daughter Chelsea this morning via Skype.  If you haven’t heard the exciting news, Jonathan DiLallo proposed to our Chelsea on December 29^th while they were visiting us in Ecuador.  If you are interested, check out our facebook phil-debbie douce “Chelsea says, “Yes!” on top of the world”  to see pictures.  

Today Chelsea told me that God was hugging her from heaven.  Her friend Lydia talked her into going to a bridal shop this morning that was going out of business.  It was a cold and gloomy winter morning, and she was trying to get over being sick.  Chelsea came out of the shop with a dress and wedding veil that are more "perfect" than she imagined possible, to the sun shining, and to the certainty that God was smiling down on her. Isn't it fun to know that Our Father cares about details like wedding dresses?!  Her Jon said, "Jesus really is your best friend!"

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Well, I won’t lie that I also grieved a bit in the midst of such elation.  To not be there in person for your daughter when she is trying on wedding dresses stinks.  Lydia wanted to surprise Chelsea by having me (and her sister Danelle) on Skype once they reached the bridal shop, but when she tried calling, our stateside phone had gone out, and she couldn’t reach me.  Thankfully, I was able to see her in her dress later when she reached home and after we got Skype working. It was kind of blurry, but maybe that was because of the tears in my eyes at the joy of being blessed by such a beautiful, sweet daughter who has such an incredibly grateful heart.   

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.”

 

Soul Adventure

Recently we were asked the question, “Where would you vacation for one week that would give rest to your soul?”  My answer was to sit by the ocean.  Phil’s was to go to the jungle.  Phil and I smiled at each other because the third week in August, that is just what we did.  And since I didn’t take any pictures, and Phil hardly ever blogs, the words in this blog describe my experience and the pictures describe Phil’s.  Hopefully, it doesn't feel confusing as you see and read about contrasting experiences simultaneously.  You will most certainly get the idea that our souls find rest in very different places.  J

Phil went on an exploratory jungle adventure, something he had dreamed of doing for years.  Because he is such an amazing friend, he decided that his getaway would be even better if he knew I was enjoying a getaway as well. 

 

When Phil and I first talked about the possibility of me doing this, it sounded heavenly.  An entire week to rest, read, reflect, pray, sit by the ocean, and not take care of anyone?  So Phil asked our friends and family (our daughter-in-law’s parents) if I could stay in their little condo near the beach in Tonsupa.  Phil would drive me there the day before he left on his jungle adventure and then he would pick me up when he got back to Quito.  About a five to six hour trip each way.  That’s true love!

Seven days is the longest I have been alone in what, maybe thirty years?  When Phil was getting ready to leave me and head back to Quito, I had a moment of panic.  Trying to act like I didn’t mean it, I said, “Ummm…Don’t leave me!” 

 

Soon after he started his way back to Quito he got worried and called from his cell, “Were you serious?  Because I will cancel my trip, and we could have a great time spending the week together at the beach.”  I told him that I was only half serious.  This would be good for me....

 

And I most definitely wanted him to experience his jungle adventure with Rani Borman, a friend and fellow MK who grew up in the jungle!

Well, it took me a good three days plus to get myself oriented.  At first the fridge didn’t work, and I had to walk several blocks to purchase ice.  The gas stove didn’t work, so I had to ask the guard for help.  And there was no internet.  That actually could be a good thing for solo time, but it freaked me out. 

The day before I had spent five hours hanging out via Skype with our girls and our son Tully during Tully’s pre knee surgery and post surgery.  I know that in reality I couldn’t really support them from another continent, but somehow not being able to talk and encourage by phone or Skype felt like I was downright abandoning them.  How could I possibly relax on the beach when they needed me?! 

 

 

Phil and I had searched for an internet café in the coastal town before he left, but the only place we found was tiny, hot, noisy, and filled with adolescent boys playing video games.  I could hardly understand what Chelsea or Tully were saying that day when we called.  I told myself that surely I would find a better place that was closer to the condo…I never did, and I was thankful we had found the one.

After spending five dollars my first day on a short, spotty international phone call, the $1 per hour internet access was a steal.  My problem was figuring out how to use the beaten up Spanish keyboard.  I spent five minutes of dripping sweat just trying to find the @ key.   I nearly interrupted the ten year old next to me playing his video game, but it looked like an intense moment for him.  The connection was also very slow, just like life is slow on the coast.  By the end of seven days, I started to get the hang of it all and enjoyed the slower pace.

Not having a car, I thought it would be great to have a bike to ride.  No matter that it had been years since I spent any time on one.  We brought my bicycle, the one I had never ridden, a $35 dollar bargain from missionary friends.  It was soon obvious to me that there were no other 50 plus foreigners riding a bike.  In fact, I didn’t see any other foreigners the entire week, and NO other ladies riding bicycles. 

On the first morning I was excited to get some exercise and decided to ride on the beach to the point away from all the people.  A young man told me, “Don’t go further.  It is dangerous.”  I took his voice as a warning from God to avoid being robbed of my tiny backpack and immediately turned around to ride the beach back into Tonsupa.  After my grand adventure on day one of riding for an hour and then carrying a five liter container of water I had purchased on my back, I couldn’t ride for three days.  Who invented such a tiny, hard seat?? 

The main road into Tonsupa was busy, full of cars, people, motorcycles and taxi motorcycles.  I tried using the standard arm and hand signals to warn traffic when I was turning or slowing down.  But I am not sure anyone else had learned those signals.  At least my arm sticking out let them see me…and probably wonder what  I was doing.  Once hearing a lot of commotion, I stopped to look back and was horrified to see that a large dog had been hit by a car.  I decided to keep using my hand motions. 

 

Staying alone made me cautious about getting food poisoning or dysentery from beach food, experiencing a sting ray puncture wound or jelly fish stings, being robbed or getting into a bike wreck.  It took me several days of being on the beach to brave purchasing fresh squeezed orange juice and fruit.  I was all the more cautious because one adolescent boy stood and picked his nose while holding the cut watermelon he was selling.  Another vendor tipped over one of the plastic fruit cups he was carrying on a tray, caught most of the fruit in his armpit, put the fruit back into the cup and walked on his merry way. 

It took until day five for me to decide that if all the people I saw swimming in the ocean hadn’t complained of jelly fish stings, I could probably join them.  The ocean was delightful and refreshing. 

By Friday night I was very ready for Phil to return.  I began to worry when he didn’t call because he was supposed to be back in cell phone range.  I finally went to sleep praying for him with the cell phone lying next to me.  I was relieved to hear his voice the following day and disappointed to hear that car trouble would delay him from getting to Quito until late Saturday evening. 

It was a sweet surprise and reunion when he arrived at 9:00 AM Sunday morning after sleeping only a few short hours.  We ate breakfast at little beach restaurant, walked holding hands along the shore, and shared stories.  Solitude.  A beautiful gift to the soul.  I would definitely do it again.  But I have to admit, life is also fun when it is shared. 

Final reflections…Somehow having a whole week alone seemed like I should be amazingly fruitful, that I should become more spiritual and grow in my ability to be an intercessor.  What really happened is that I eventually had some sweet moments with God, but first it took lots of just being, sitting, walking, reading and even sleeping. 

 

God was patient to sit or walk or read with me until my mind and heart was quiet and ready to hear His voice in the fragrant breeze, see His power in the waves, take joy in His image displayed in others, and sense His love for me when I did nothing more than sit in His presence and be with Him.  Just be.

Be still and know that I am God...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Mother's Reflection -- Build your house on the Rock!

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  Matthew 7:24, 25

 

Recently, we took the Casa G boys camping at the beach.  Besides having fun together, there were three important goals – to put into practice what we have been learning outside our normal context, to build deeper relationships with one another, and to build a closer relationship with God.  These were met beyond our expectations.  I don’t remember a more peaceful trip with the boys that so readily demonstrated the discipleship training principles of Casa G -- love, respect, and service. 

Three little brothers, between the ages of 12 and 13, came with us.  Dario and Jackson’s brother, Jason and Jesús’ brother, Joel, we know well because they often spend the weekend at Casa G.  But none of us had spent much time with Anthony’s little brother Mateo.  He left four messages on Phil’s cell phone asking if he could come.  He always finished with, “And God bless you!”  Phil presented the question to the boys knowing that adding him could change the dynamics.  They all were in favor and responded unselfishly, “I think it would be good for Mateo.

Several delays leaving Quito meant that we arrived in the dark to set up camp.   Although we finally ate dinner around 11:00 PM there were no complaints.  Jackson said that arriving in the dark added to the challenge.  In fact, I didn’t hear one complaint the entire week.  Two of our recent graduates, Juan Miguel and Ricardo Gustavo were not able to come, but Jesús stepped it up as the big brother and leader of the house, giving instruction and encouragement not only to his little brother Joel, but to the rest of the boys. 

 I loved seeing the interaction of the three brothers, Jackson, Dario and Jason.  All of them have quiet personalities, but I heard them laughing frequently, and the older brothers always included little brother in every activity.  Once during a quiet time, we heard Jackson read his Bible aloud to Jason and Joel who couldn’t find theirs.  Mateo, our “wild card” was respectful, happy, and thankful.  At every meal he told me, “God repay you.”  Funny.  I just smiled and said, “You are welcome.”

After we returned from camping, all of the boys took time to visit family.  Jesús , who has just returned, shared at lunch yesterday  about how incredible his visit was .  This is the first time we have heard him talk so positively about visiting his family.  He told us that his mom was joyful, and he really enjoyed that she read the Bible to the family every night.  He said that he and his stepdad got along much better.   

The transformation God has done in Jesús and his willingness to forgive and give grace has been the catalyst for reconciliation.  Jesús went on to share about the pastor’s message at church regarding building your house on the rock.   He said, “Our house is going to be tested to see if we have built it on Jesus Christ.  You need a good roof, the right materials, and a strong foundation  for the trials that come.”   

We have been so encouraged by the spiritual growth of this young man who has put into practice God’s truth and is choosing to build his house on the Rock.

Over the past few weeks the winds, rain and floods have been beating against the Douce house.  Friday night, three armed men came into our house with intentions to rob or do harm.  God used our boxer (and Phil) to scare them out of the house.  Phil looked at me and said, “Someone was praying for us tonight.”  Indeed!  We found out that our sending church, Christian Fellowship of Columbia, MO had prayed for us during a corporate prayer meeting that evening. 

 

Three weeks ago the front tire of our car fell off and we skidded down a busy street in Quito on the axle.  We were so thankful it didn’t happen the following week when we were driving along mountainous curves to the beach with a car full of people and pulling a packed trailer.  Last week Phil had his briefcase stolen out of the car and was in another car accident which put a hole in the radiator.  Phil and I (and even some of our kids) have been hit with a number of physical ailments, some still lingering.  

In every situation we have seen God’s hand of protection and provision.  Each time we were given another opportunity to bless the Name of the Lord and put into practice the truth that our confidence is in Christ.  He is our hope and our anchor in the storm.   And when we trust Him, standing firm in the mighty strength of God, our house built upon the Rock will stand. 

www.etsy.com

There is a song I remember singing as a child about the wise man building his house on the rock and the foolish man building his house on the sand.  The third verse says, “So build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ, and the blessings will come down.”  According to Matthew 7:25 what “blessings” are we promised if we are obedient and put into practice the Word of God?   When the rain and the winds and the floods come, our house will not fall.  I definitely want that blessing, don’t you?

 

Please pray we would be faithful to live out the reality and power of the Gospel, intentionally building God’s Kingdom with Jesus Christ as the foundation.  (Ephesians 6:18)  We are so thankful to be joined together with you!

CASA ADALIA -- Be strong in the Lord!

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Ephesians 6:10-12

 

Last Thursday, during an extended Casa Adalia meeting, we were informed that there are currently  53 girls under the age of 18 who have been rescued from the sex trade and have been placed in a juvenile jail, not for any crime they committed, but because there is nowhere to send them.  These girls are caught in a seeming political conflict that is not likely to be resolved anytime soon.

Desi said quietly to me, “I know we said we will only take six girls to start with, but I think we should take more. “

I understood the reason behind her comment.  The tremendous need of these girls weighed heavy on me.  And as I listened to the people gathered in the circle debate about how we might best work together to open a house for the girls, the weight of responsibility as team leader, the complexity of legalities, and the amount of work still ahead overwhelmed me.  I thought to myself, “I can’t do this.“  I felt like Moses who told God, “O Lord, please send someone else.”

Well, it is true.  I can’t.  We can’t.  YET, GOD CAN!  He graciously reminds me that He is able and mighty.  He continues to give me and our team faith to press forward.  Although the enemy tries to discourage us, we are standing firm in God’s power and grace.

God is building a formidable team equipped and ready to take on the challenges that will come with providing an aftercare home for these precious girls.  We have added two new team members who are dynamite additions.  Neila Roman is an Ecuadorian Christian counselor with a passion for sharing Jesus and reaching the marginalized.  She is joining our team fulltime the end of this month.  Kathryn Kieft is a fulltime missionary with Youth World International.  She has been serving as administrator for Youth World’s short-term team department and is excited that God has opened the door to also join the Casa Adalia team and serve in an area of her heart’s passion. 

Two other Ecuadorian women, one a Christian social worker and the other a lawyer, are in the process of figuring out logistical details for how they can work with our team through their foundation.  They also bring professional expertise and personal experience in working with girls who have been trafficked in the sex trade.  Please pray for wisdom in this process and for our growing team to quickly develop in relationship and working well together.

Over the past few weeks we have been experiencing a spiritual battle as we press on with opening a house for the girls.  But where there is a battle, there is victory.  Please pray we would be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Pray that we would be diligent to put on the full armor of God and stand firm.  Thank you so much for rallying with us in prayer!

For His glory in Ecuador,
Debbie Douce
Team Leader ESME – Casa Adalia

Due to security reasons, we cannot show pictures of the girls' faces.  This shot gives you a glimpse, however, of some of the girls we have ministered to.  God who created each one for His glory sees each face. 

Grief mixed with joy

We can deal with the ambulance if God is in it.  We can stomach the ICU if God is in it.  We can face the empty house if God is in it.  He is.  (Max Lucado)

 

When I arrived at the girls' safe house Tuesday morning, we were met with several shouts of "Awesome!"  Two weeks ago I taught them the word and its significance in Spanish when we played the "Awesome Game."  I told them several times over that they were AWESOME.  And they are.  They have overcome the unspeakable.  Thirteen girls.  One girl, who was never given the opportunity to learn to read or write, dictated during our journal expression, "I don't want to be here.  I want to go home."  Most of these girls have no idea how long they are staying at the safe house or what will happen next in their process.  They are waiting without seeming direction.  I was told they are waiting to testify.  Many times we enjoy their smiles and laughter.  Other times they look at us without expression, or maybe with a sadness so deep there is no expression.

Two nights ago Phil and I mourned the loss of Ronan, God's precious gift to our nephew and his wife who carried him for just 23 weeks in her womb and later held him for a few precious hours upon her chest until he entered eternity.  His father said, "I don't understand it.  But even as I am filled with sadness God has given me joy.  Joy to know our tiny son is with my mom in heaven.  Joy because I sense God's love and provision through the staff at the hospital and through people who have encouraged us.  More than anything, I want Ronan's older brothers and sister to learn that there is no fear in death."  Tears rolled down my face as I listened.  He told us that a family in the same hospital experienced the opposite.  Their baby lived, grew strong and went home with his family, on the very same day Ronan struggled and breathed his last on this earth.  And yet, knowing this, our nephew experienced the miracle of joy and gratefulness even as he grieved.

Today my beautiful niece and her husband have returned to another continent to visit their two adopted daughters, daughters who because of failed process outside of their control, were never allowed to leave their birth country and experience a new life with their parents.  I can hardly fathom the depth of love which would return these parents to hold their girls, knowing fully that they will experience the deep loss and pain of saying goodbye, again... 

Like my nephew, my niece, and the girls, I have found that God miraculously allows me to hold both grief and joy in my heart, even in the same moment.  Because He dwells in me.  He who endured the cross for the joy that was set before Him.