ADDING IN JOY

​ "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life"— 1 John 1:1

On our 5,000 mile trek to and back from the USA I had extra time to think and meditate, especially on some of the all day driving parts. The disciples lived with Jesus and we have their writings about that time to inspire us today. I don't know about you but I have thought about my life and wondered how much of an impact I have had on persons around me. Children that have been in our care have been affected and hurt by those closest to them. I believe that we are called to have a powerfully good effect on those around us. As it says in that same chapter one of first John, "that your joy might be full" I want to be adding joy to lives around me.
Blessings to you and have a wonderful day!

On the road!

My wife and I left Tepic about a week ago on our journey to the USA. We will be making many stops along the way, and on each of those points where we get out of the car God will have interesting things for us and blessings that He has planned for our trip. In Mercedes Texas Irma had an opportunity to share at a quickly organized womens meeting, and now in Houston with my nephew Adam we sat to hear a message preached by the NFL Football legend Mike Barber. Tomorrow we climb back into our little car driving to the Dallas area where we will be with more wonderful people, and expect exciting things!
Pray for our trip and eventual safe return to Tepic in mid July.
Blessings to you all!
Russ and Irma

Unsolicited time out!

We never know what life brings us so it is always good to make the most of each and every day that God so graciously gives to us. I spent about 6 weeks away from Casa de Niños which is not alot of time, but still it seemed like a long time.
My back had about enough of not being taken care of and kinda stopped doing its job of supporting my body. I had some visits at home from the Casa kids, but it was so nice getting back to the Casa getting a warm welcome with hugs and all. I really did feel missed. Investing time in others is indeed a wonderful investment!

Out for our Monday morning date!

Irma and I work together in Casa de Niños but struggle to have time to talk so we do try hard at taking these times out to be together. Life and work have been full this year but we enjoy serving the children and lives that God sends to us. We are thankful that we can take these times out to reflect, laugh, and eat a meal that we don't have to cook or clean up after.

I can say after 19 years together I love these times with my wife and best friend. We love what we do and are thankful to God for allowing us to do this work. Our thanks to you as well for supporting us and being God's channels of blessings.

Non-Depreciating Love

My wife and I have had several opportunities to care for babies each in a unique set of circumstances. These are cases that we cannot give too many details because of the legal situation that surrounds the innocent child.
The little one that we have been caring for these last 6 months will possibly be returning to her parents soon. It does not seem like the correct direction that the welfare agency is taking but we trust that God is in control and has been using this time to do some solid work in the hearts of her parents.
I sometimes in these situations have thought why invest so much time into a life that I know will be taken from me and placed in an environment that I would not choose, if the choice were mine. Better maybe to just let life take its course and not get involved. If I were to make an investment of my hard earned money and time I would like to have much to do with that decision process.
In the case of this little girl my wife and I have invested in her our whole heart, and much of our time. We have seen many of those so wonderful special moments such as forming words, especially mama and papa, seeing her take her first steps, getting those bursts of joy when we appear, laughter, and the heart touching hugs.
I have come to the conclusion that investing Love is indeed something that we can give to others and it will never loose value, but rather grow and grow into an excellent investment. Soon we may never see her again here on this earth but we know that we will always be somewhere there in her heart.
Many blessings to you all and have a wonderful Springtime!