Yard sales are no joke!

Well, what can I say? The yard sale went well. I was hoping to see more people donate because of the cause. Instead there were many who were trying to bargain. They wanted to pay 50 cents instead of a dollar. I guess I'm not used to having yard sales. On a good note, we did a little over $250 so we are getting there!

I have come to realize that I dislike hosting a yard sale. It's a lot if work! Setting up, talking, talking, talking (ok I'm good at the talking part) and cleaning up. I'm super thankful for my mom because she did a lot for me. She set up some stuff on Friday and on Saturday afternoon she helped clean up. She is such a trooper. My friend Iris came to help me set up Saturday morning and someone who is following me on Instagram, Lillian, wanted to come and help me out. Both came at 7am and leafy about 10. I thank God for people who give of their time to help others. 

I sold this bike for $30. I should have not given in and waited, but it had to go. The tired were flat and as you can see there's  no seat. 

I ended the evening with a a few friends at a concert in Irvine, Fishfest. Third Day, Audio Adrenalin, Phil Wickham, and Casting Crowns were a some of the artists who played. My friend Alfredo gave me a ticket :) it was my first Christian concert an I had a blast! 

There was this one woman, +Kristen who spoke about her experience with adoption on Haiti. All I could think about was little Diego. I miss that little guy! Kristen talked about having a focus and I smiled thinking that my focus is getting to Guatemala and living at the Hogar. The money that I am fundraising is going back to the Hogar, but I need to start brainstorming as to how I will be fundraising for myself to financially support myself so I can move out there. I need guidance and support. As for now, I will keep praying and spreading the word. 

Yard sale for An orphanage in Guatemala

In a few hours there will be a yard sale at my house. The proceeds go to buy diapers when we arrive in Guatemala. I say "We" because a friend of mine called me a week ago and finally bought her ticket after a few months of her saying she wanted to go with me. I am beyond excited to share this special moment with her. 

Why do I feel insecure? It's just a thought, a negative thought. Will people come? Will people donate? Will people buy? I need to constantly remind myself that God is on the side of these children. He will be victorious for them. 

There's a lot of good stuff that was donated, such as a coffee table, chairs, toys, clothes, a bike (without a seat), strollers and even a large oil painting. I am so blessed to have such a great support system. My mom and sister helped me put up signs late last night, friends donated A LOT of things and someone whom I have not met personally (met her on Instagram), will be coming to help. Thank you Lord! So we shall see what God will do with this 

“Look at the nations and watch— and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told."(Habakkuk 1:5 NIV)

These were taken today (my mom helped set up a day early and sold $40 worth of stuff)

Family found? Diego

I have written before about the love of my life, Diego . I got word yesterday that my sweet little boy from the Hogar in Guatemala has a court hearing because his aunt was found. My question is, How?? Wasn't he found in a septic tank? My heart broke into little pieces knowing that he might leave the Hogar prior to me getting to Guatemala. I cried and prayed for God to be in control. I begged and pleaded to be able to see him before he left, but his court hearing is a week before I depart for my trip to Guatemala. I leave it in His hands, He knows my desires and I will have faith that He will make something happen.

It’s almost a miracle to think that a family member was found. It's easy for me to be selfish and want him for me, but God has an amazing plan for this little guy. I believe that with all of my heart. So July 23rd is the big court date. I need to prepare my heart to be ready if he ends up going home with his aunt that day. The picture to the left is when I met him and the picture to the right is a year later. He has gotten so big and I hope and pray that I will be able to keep in touch if he is placed with his aunt.

God, I give you my broken heart so you can restore it. 

 

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. (Psalm 42:11 NIV)

Quinceañera in Tecate, Mexico serving the poor

Yesterday we had the privilege to go to Tecate, Mexico. We do this every 4-6 weeks to serve the poor. 

The boy's orphanage was doing a mini carnival to fundraise money for the orphanage. As a group we contributed by buying cans of sodas so that they could be sold. 

There were many vendors who were selling very delicious food. They donated their time and resources for the cause.

A few people left to the girl's orphanage to help decorate and the rest went to the village. We sorted the clothes, toys and food that were donated. Over 45 buckets of food were passed out. 

Afterwards we all went to the girl's orphanage to celebrate a quinceañera. This is a very special moment in a young girls life as she is now become a young woman. Her dress was made by a friends mom, someone donated money to have someone make the food and many other things were donated to make this occasion possible. The smile from Angelica's face could not be any brighter. She had this beautiful glow as people were congratulating her, getting ready and dancing the night away. 

It was another great event in Tecate, all the glory to god for the things He makes happen because all we do is allow Him to use us as His tools. 

"When Helping Hurts"

I am super thrilled because I just ordered a new book. When Helping Hurts: How to Alleviate Poverty Without Hurting the Poor...and Yourself. Author: Corbett, Steve
In on a super strict budget because I am eagerly paying off what I owe to make the move to Guatemala permanent. I still have long ways to go, but I have this renewed faith that I cannot explain. The support of friends have been pouring out like a refreshed waterfall after a drought. I have a prayer, a new dream in my heart and that is to be ready to move in 2014. Where I stand at this point, it is not possible. HOWEVER, God says that anything is possible through Him. I believe it! All I. The name of Jesus! I do not have an ounce of doubt. The mountain has already thrown itself in the ocean. I am beyond thankful to my new Monday night prayer partner, Nuhit. I have not had the chance of meeting her personally, but I know that god has connected us to build our faith in Christ. 

I think a lot about the children at the orphanage, the young girls who will be helped, but most importantly I think about God and the things He will do. The things He will change, how He will change and transform me to the woman He has always intended me to be. Am I still scared? Uh, YES! BUT I Stand before Christ and I say, "be my guide, be my light when I am in the dark, be my love when I feel alone, be my all when I am in need" I trust Him. He has not disappointed me thus far and according to what I have read in the Bible, He will not disappoint.