2021 has been a challenging year for our Home. Much of what we are dealing with is related to the ongoing pandemic. The border only opened in November after being closed 18 months.
There have been very few visitors to our Home. Without visiting groups, our children have not had the blessing of playing with visitors— no VBS, craft projects, games, etc. We also have had almost none of the painting and construction work projects that we desperately need. Visitors also love bringing fun food for our kids; this hasn’t been happening much either.
Our children have not left the grounds of our Home— for school, church, events, etc. except for health issues. On Sundays, we have a Bible lesson for the kids. Children continue with remote learning. We have a converted schoolroom and have added extra internet for the kids’ online schooling. Children use laptops and tablets. Last year and this year, we have used Giving Tuesday funds to purchase needed devices.
Our children are healthy, protected and sheltered. Most of our staff are vaccinated. In Mexico, just as in the US, the COVID vaccination is highly controversial. Accessible, high quality health care in Mexico is not readily available. This is the reason that the children have not left the grounds. Our kids have video conference visits or phone calls with their families, and not in person meetings. The goal is to protect the entire El Sauzal family, both children and staff.
Omar and his sister Jennifer came to our Home in June of 2020. Their dad was fighting drug addiction, and their grandma and aunt struggled with being able to raise them. 11-year-old Omar is an amazing young man with a servant’s heart. He looks out for the other children and helps willingly with the chores and other heavy tasks. Omar also loves cooking in the kitchen. He cares for his sister and the other kids as though they were his siblings. We are fortunate to have him with us.
Every child God brings to our Home is a blessing. We learned this powerfully during our time without children. God always has a purpose. Will you help us continue the work of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord by praying and giving? Help 2022 be a year of change at our Home.
May the favor of the Lord rest on us. Establish the work of our hands—yes, establish the work of our hands. ~Psalm 90:17
