These last couple years have been stretching... Last year, was more stretching financially... We had trouble accessing El Jordán monies here in Bolivia and it caused stress for most of the year... This year, we have been stretched in another way. In March, El Jordán´s administrator had to leave for several months and then off and on for the rest of the year because of a family situation (his father had a brain hemorrhage which he never has recovered from and Melvin has to look after the family farm and also be on call for his mom and younger sisters). This left a heavier burden on myself and the whole team.... At the end of August, one of our workers, Tania, passed away unexpectedly, leaving another hole in our team.... Tania helped with the babies on the kids´ floor, made snacks, helped in cleaning and organization, and was a teacher and guide for our ladies in the baking area.... It has been a difficult season for all of us, workers and students alike.... and yet in all, we can give testimony to God´s faithfulness. Our team has had to come together even more. We all have had to learn new things and teach new things....
Now we are already on the last day of the year.... As we move into 2025, here are some prayer requests:
- We need to find a replacement for Melvin, who needs to have the flexibility to look after his father´s farm and his dad.... This is a big shoe to fill....
- We need to look for a replacement for Tania (kids´ program, baking/teacher expertise) and possibly look for a replacement for our social worker (who is indecisive whether she will be able to help us this next year or whether she should dedicate herself fully to the ministries her husband is involved in.)
- For a much needed break for our family in this week before Keiden and Marlee start their second semester of school...
- Wisdom as there are always so many needs around us, and we want to see with God´s eyes and answer with His heart....
- We have seen growth and maturity in quite a few of our ladies this year.... this doesn´t come without a spiritual battle. Could you cover our family, team, and El Jordán families with your prayers?
Thank you so much for being a part of this ministry. Some of you have been alongside of us for almost 3 decades.... In September of this year, it will be 30 years since I arrived back to Bolivia, looking for God´s direction in my life. Whether decades, years or months, we appreciate your support, prayers and care for us... We ask for God to bless you richly and keep you... and shine His face upon you and bring you PEACE.
With limited time, I do better at answering WhatsApp messages rather than e-mails... SO if you have WhatsApp, I would encourage you to join our El Jordan News Group. My phone number is +591-776-90452. ...and better yet, maybe you can come on down for a visit! Do you love kids? (you can help us out for 3 - 6 months with our children´s program) Do you love baking? Maybe you would like to come alongside some of our ladies as we give them opportunities to bake/sell their products... Maybe you can just come for a month to help us clean, organize and paint.... Maybe you can come for a month and get my update list all set up on my computer! We would love to have you!
Thank you for your patience with us....
Happy last day of the year!!!! and Happy New Year!!!! Lamentations 3:22-24: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Amen!
love from,
Corina for all of us - Marco, Keiden (15!) and Marlee (12!)
WhatsApp: 591-776-90452
El Jordan: www.KidsInBolivia.org