Tamales!
There is allot to learn from a tamale! To start with tamales are one of my favorites, but like many foods it has to be done just right. There are bad tamales, very good tamales, and hot tamales. I will only be able to open up one valuable principle that is within this tasty treat. Tamales are so much like we are. Husks that we would just throw away are used to put this wonderful combination of ingredients inside. I believe God's design was used when tamales were invented. If you were just to look at this food you may never want to know what is inside, but you need to open it up putting that outer shell to the side later just getting rid of its temporary home. Then you get to what the tamale really is. Such a wonderful combination of things that are inside.
Are we any different? Do we reject many because of what we see on the outside? This is our work at Casa de Ninos. Getting to that taste inside. You may get you fingers messy, and it is usually hot to the touch, but there is a very pleasant tasty surprise inside. Our body is just that outer shell that will one day be discarded. Our relationships need to focus on the inside.

Picnic fun!

As we are still without regular house parents for the girls Irma and I spend more time being with them. They love going on outings so we try to do that as often as we can. All of our kids have been through very hard circumstances and that comes out of them if different ways; they compete for attention; have a hard time receiving love; use pinching or pain to get attention; silence; crying; and other ways. They need love and attention like everyone, but do not have the God given parents to do that for them. Irma and I do a pretty good job loving them in the way that their parents should have.
God bless and have a wonderful day!

A moments notice children can arrive at our doors. These cases are complex and often times on the verge of a legal mess. It is necessary at times to avoid revealing any details of the children. These children do exist but in essence have no real identity. Lack of parental guidance, abuse, and abandonment leave children in survival mode.
It was very interesting this day as my wife and I were watching this boy. As he was new to our home we instructed him to play in areas where we could see him. After he left that defined area twice we sat him down for 5 minutes and explained the importance of obedience. After the 5 minutes ended he was free to return to play in the large open area that we have. To our surprise he did not want to play or even get out of the chair after we told him his 5 minutes were over. Rebellion, payback time, pain, not knowing how to respond to good discipline, or just enjoying not being abused. We were not sure of his reasons but after 15 minutes or so he was off to play.
When new children arrive the effects of bad or no discipline, and abuse are very evident. We work hard at that challenge of showing love, and teaching the importance of obedience. Pray with us for these children. Support the work we do here. The children need us to be there for them.

One of three new girls that just arrived at the Casa is seen here with Irma. One thing that has happened many times before but is both touching and sad. Irma talking to the girls and asking about their mother. The oldest girl says that mom is never there or always out, but the youngest quickly saying that we don't have a mother. The oldest sister was so quick to respond saying that Irma can be your mother. From that point on the little one has been hanging on Irma every opportunity that she can. It is a good feeling to see them give that confidence so quickly but sad to see the desperation or great need of love. Big shoes to fill.

Irma and I took the girls to the park this day. This is something that they love to do. Getting out, doing something different, or just breaking the routine. I am the one behind the camera. We spent the afternoon walking around the park having spontaneous moments of fun along the way.
I liked the bubbles in this picture as it made for a cute photo, but I could see much more in what was obvious. Bubbles can be like dreams or thoughts. Many times we dream about things but only dream. Bubbles will drift away or pop and they are gone. Our dreams can be similar to that. I know that I dream allot and don't see most of those dreams come to life, but what really spoke to my heart was the children here that dream much about their home or what they would want to come of their lives, really wanting that dream to be real. They seem to be caught in that dream world unable to get out on their own. Pray for the children and for us to have the wisdom to guide and love them through. Dreams can come to life if we really believe, and begin to walk toward our dreams.