Praise be to God

Updates...

The little boy who we thought might be taken at any moment:
Our AWESOME new social worker jumped into fight mode to protect our little ones. They left this morning to travel the hour to the town where the family lives. She visited with the family, talked with them, and took pictures of their home to turn in to the courts.
We had been told by the family and by two aunts, who had traveled here late last week to warn us, that they had been given the new order to take the kids out. After interviewing the family our social worker realized that they did not have any order to take the kids out. They had the order given to them a year ago placing the kids in protective services for exactly one year. The family thought that as the year was up, they could simple take the kids away.
That is not how it works, and we were able to turn in our report of the families inability to care for them before they even tried to talk to the judge about getting them out.
We were also told by the Peruvian social sstem that the kids have actually already been declared abandoned, and that the court just simply forgot to communicate that to the family or the orphanage (ignoring the ridiculousness to focus on the good). That means instead of worrying constantly that they'll go home and be abused and pleading with God for His portection, I (we) can begin praying for a forever family for these three precious children. This means that soon they will be put on the waiting list for adoption... and until the family comes for them, they will be safe and sound here in the orphanage.
This is a beautiful blessing from the Lord. Thank you for your prayers.

The one we were afraid would never have a forever family:
We were able to sit down and talk with the two workers from MIMDES yesterday. After reviewing the file and talking about the characteristics of this sibling set, they concided that there was a possibility they could go positively in adoption. Her exact comment was "I came here decided that there was no way they were going in adoption. I thought they'll just go with the grandpa or stay there forever. Whatever... But you all convinced me there might actually be hope. I think they might actually get to be adopted."
They met with the older two siblings. I wasn't there, but I was told that it went very well. We have two weeks to turn in reports and letters from the kids. Then a final decision will be made.
I am hopefull and positive. I think there is a VERY strong probability they will get put on the list to be made available for adoption.

Now there are six more kids here at our home to pray that a family comes for them....
"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18"

I am amazed at the speed in which God the Father worked and answer our petitions. My heart is blessed and encourage, not only by the faithfulness of a God who protects the "least of these," but by the outpouring of love, support and prayer I recieved yesterday after posting.
Thank you to every one of you that lifted my boys and their future up to the Lord.
"Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Mt 18:19-20

Heavy Heart

I have started writting a new blog 3 different times... They're saved, unfinished, on my desktop.

But today, my heart is heavy with concern... and cannot wait to post a well thought out reflection on all that has happened in the last few months.

Instead I will only share my concerns, so that you may join with me in prayer.

Some of these are legal things, and I can't share all the details or names. But here are the situations that have left me overwhelmed by the need for God's intervention today:

I have a boy who is here in the albergue because of abuse. He is young, and was badly abused, along with his two sisters. The home environment has not changed. The mother and uncle (who both live in the home and are supposedly the primary care givers, but in reality the main sources of abuse) are both mentally handicapped. As an attempt to begin receiving child support (money) have appealed to take the children home. The judge granted this appeal – to a mentally handicapped man who is on record for abuse. We, here at the orphanage, are trying to react and stop this, but in reality they could show up ANY minute and take those three home again.

I trust God, but I DO NOT TRUST the Peruvian system to protect these children. I am afraid. Please pray that we can get the judge to reverse his decision and keep these children here – safe.

One of my little guy's has been struggling with what I can only describe as depression. He is only 4, but has already been through so much. His mother is dead, and the night she was shot he spent in the desert in her arms as she died. His father is in prison. His aunt and uncles come to visit, but not regularly. But because of these visits he can not be put up for adoption. He is sad. He needs a family. He needs healing. Please pray we can love him and minister to him effectively. Pray for healing.

Today the Peruvian (irresponsible) agency in charge of deciding kids fate - Do they go in adoption or not – will come to talk with one of my boys. Based on the discussion they make today they will decide whether this child (who has been in the albergue for over 4 years already) will stay here for the next 11 years or have a chance at a forever family. They have already informed us of their desire to remove him (and his brother and sister) from the adoption list and leave them here until they each age out because of past situations in the family. One wrong comment from the kids about loving their mom and they buy themselves 10+ years in an orphanage. Pray that God be in that meeting – guiding the mouths of those children and the hearts of the Peruvian officials to a decision that is actually BEST for the kids, not just easiest.

There are so many other needs and reasons to pray for my boys... and all the kids here

(like the fact that we've had two of our girls test positive for tuberculosis in the past week).

Today, I ask that you please lift these up in Prayer. God is bigger than the Peruvian government... And he has a plan for each of these precious children.

Sometimes....

Well we have been parents for 5 and ½ weeks. It has been quite a time. It would be impossible to fully describe the first month. It would be impossible to even fully describe a day. So I will just share what happens sometimes…… and how it makes me feel…

Sometimes the kids misbehave, lie, throw fits, scream, slam doors, hit, bite and kick.

Sometimes we punish them and it seems too harsh. Sometimes we punish them and it doesn’t seem like enough to get the point across. Sometimes we don’t punish them and try to teach the Grace of God…

Sometimes I lose my patience. Sometimes I don’t give them that 10^th hug of the day they want cause I am too busy serving lunch. Sometimes instead of using the teachable moments or just playing with them, I am just lazy. Sometimes I feel like I fail.

Sometimes they are so funny. They say the most ridiculous things. They do the most ridculous things. Sometimes they make me laugh so hard.

Sometimes they have questions that I don’t know how to answer. What is the wind, why their mother didn’t come this week, and If I am their mom now. How am I supposed to respond?

Sometimes they tell stories… about their mother not wanting to see them anymore, when the truth is their mother died, and they just don’t understand what that means… Sometimes they tell about their mother saying she isn’t going to come visit, and isn’t going to be their mom anymore, like that is normal. Sometimes they break my heart. Sometimes I cry.

Sometimes I have no clue how to react to the kids or what to do with them. Sometimes I feel lost.

Sometimes, I want to throw a pity party for myself about how hard it is. I want to write home to complain about the hours, the stress, the lack of money, the exhaustion and all the pee I have to deal with. Sometimes I lose my focus, and this becomes a job.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed. I clean something… and in less than an hour it is already dirty again. Sometimes I do more laundry than I knew to be humanly possible. Sometimes I feel like all I really am is a maid. Sometimes I hate it.

Sometimes, I slip away “to hang laundry”, put my headphones in, and find my re-focus. I find my 5 minutes to worship my Father. Sometimes I hide, all by myself, amidst the drying sheets and blankets, and thank Him for His love, mercy, grace, strength, patience, and faithfulness as he parents me. Sometimes I am deeply grateful to get to go hang laundry.

Sometimes I love my boys so much I am not sure I’ll ever be able to leave them.

Sometimes I think that If I can’t find five minutes alone my head is going to explode.

Sometimes I look at them and see the effects of their parents’ poor choices. Sometimes I see their scars, their flat heads… I see how small and short they are. Sometimes I get angry. Angry at “parents” who didn’t/don’t value my treasures. Angry at “parents” that still lie and emotional damage my boys. Angry at “parents” who are selfish and immature.

Sometimes they truly feel like my sons. Sometimes they ask for another hug and kiss good night.. Sometimes they ask me to sleep in their bed with them. Sometimes they yell “Buenas Noches, Papa. Buenas Noches, Mama” and I suddenly don’t want it to be bedtime anymore just so I can spend more time with them.

Sometimes they come running to hug me from across the field. Sometimes they come and hug me, just cause they want to hug me. Sometimes they overwhelm me with their love for me.

Sometimes I am grateful for this opportunity. Grateful to get to love and be loved by these boys. Grateful to teach and learn from these boys. Grateful they’re in my life. Grateful they are my boys.

Always, I am blessed by each and every one of them, by my amazing husband, and by the God I serve.

Prayer Requests:

Jose Luis: Pray for his future and the possibilities of getting a forever family.

Alejandro: He has been throwing a lot of fits lately. Pray for wisdom and patience for Oscar and I as we deal with him, and that his anger will diminish.

Jhon: He can be extremely shy in large groups. He will be starting school this March. Pray for this transition.

Jorge: He can be quite a tattletale, and indian giver. Pray he learns to be a friend.

Pedro and Pablo: Their father is not in a healthy state, and when he visits it causes more pain than joy. Pray for protection.

Juan: Pray for peace in his heart and life as he fights the demons of his past.

Paul: He will possibly be returning home to his mother. Pray God works His will in his life. It has also been a huge struggle for him adjusting to having a male authority in the house.

Edwin: Pray for a forever family for him. He has been waiting so long.

We're going to be PARENTS!!!

That's right! Oscar and I are going to be Mom and Dad....

to 9 little boys at the orphanage Hogar de Esperanza.

(so... no, we're not pregnant and no, we're not adopting.... yet.)

Starting mid November we will take over as live in care-givers for la casita "Los Tesoros de Dios" (the Treasures of God). We are SO EXCITED about this opportunity to Love and guide the boys. This casita has 9 boys all 9 yrs old and under. We will live with the boys 6 days a week, and be responsible for them - education, cleanliness, spiritual growth and emotional needs. The task at hand is quite large, and a bit daunting, but we know that God has a plan and a purpose to work out both in the lives of the boys through us, as well as in us through these boys.

Each of these sweet treasures has his own story... which hopefully further down the road I will become a more faithful blogger and share parts of them with you. But for now enjoy the following pictures of our soon to be kiddos...

Edwin - 9 yrs old

Paul - 8 yrs old

Juan - 8 yrs old (with Oscar)

Jorge - 6 yrs old

Pablo and Pedro - 6 yr old twins

Jhon - 3 yrs old

Alejandro - 3 yrs old

Jose Luis - 3 yrs old

We know this is going to be a challenging (and exhausting) adventure, but we feel confident in God's will leading us here at this time. Prayer will be VERY needed for us over the next few months. Here are a few requests we have:

1. That we would be a light in each of these boys' lives, showing them the Love of God so that they may come to know Him (or know Him better).

2. Strength, Energy, Wisdom and Patience necesary to parent these little boys.

3. For our marriage as we face the new challenges parenting in the albergue will present - lack of privacy and liberty, added responsibility... and the ever present cultural differences.

4. For each one of these boys as they adjust to this new transition. They've been with the same madre for 4 years, so this will be a big change. And for the salvation of each and every one of them.

We are so grateful for your support and prayer during this time.

Oscar y Samantha Alday

Updates from the Aldays

It has been a LONG time since I have blogged. Years
actually.

I will make no promise to improve on this… but I have some
information to share, and this seemed the most effective way to do so….

First the basics:

Oscar and I are well. After the honeymoon travelling we
spent time in Chiclayo with Oscar’s family. We’ve also spent time in the orphanage.
We helped plan their 10^th anniversary celebration. Now we are back
in Chiclayo until the end the month. Then we are going to the JUNGLE! with a
few of the volunteers from the orphanage. (3 years later and I finally get to
go to the jungle!)

Oscar, Heydi, Marita and I after going out to church and lunch together on Sunday at the albergue.

Now the real reason for the blog:

The Visa. As many of you know our plan was to have a
religious wedding ceremony in Peru and then return to the states together with
a fiancé visa and have our legal ceremony.

That is not what is going to happen. The story of why’s and
how’s are long and difficult. So for now. On this blog. We’ll leave it at that.
The plan is cancelled. Someday we’ll get together for coffee and I’ll tell you
the whole story. But not today. Not here.

Oscar and I will be attempting to get a temporary husband’s
visa for him soon. But the ugly truth is we haven’t been able to start the
process yet, and once we start it, it will still take 6 months. There are lots
of hoops we have to jump through before we can start the process… So Oscar and
I won’t be in the US until June 2012… at the earliest… and that is probably being
optimistic.

This reality has not been the easiest for me to accept. I
wanted a wedding that I got to plan and pick things for. I wanted you all to
meet my husband. But I walk in faith knowing God has a plan I don’t yet
understand. If we are in Peru for now it is because He has something to accomplish
in and through us here. (More on that in the next blog – I will promise you one
more… but just one. And it is more exciting than this one!)

Anna in Peru

My sister, Anna, came back to Peru with me when I returned. It was so much fun to have her here for a week. I have to be honest and say, I was a little nervous, we tend to argue like sisters a lot, but we had a wonderful week without a single fight.

She tried lots of new foods - which I am very proud of her for.

We took a day trip with my friends and the volunteers to a town about 2 hours north of Trujillo called Pacasmayo. It was a blast. One of the most pure fun days I've had here. We played on the bus. Walked along the longest pier ever, that was anything but solid ground. (The boards were so weird and spaced out ... it was like an optical illusion to walk along. Everyone thought they'ed loose their flip flops, but no one would take them off because stepping in fish guts isn't that appealing either. Luckily there were no foot issues... yet...) We swam in the Pacific Ocean. (Anna's first time.) Then they played football on the beach. Then Nikki's toe and Walter's toenail collided... Then we went to the hospital and got Nikki three stitches in the bottom of her toe. Which may sound like a bad part of the day, and granted I wasn't the one in pain, but it still managed to be fun. Nikki's reaction to pain it so laugh. She was sitting on the examining table laughing. And she may be the only person I know who can eat cake while getting stitches done. (That was my third taking time someone to the hospital... all three times have been adventures, but this was definitely the best time - I will spare you the details and simply say that no one else but the current patient's blood was involved - so it was pretty good.) After the hospital we went to dinner. We had a big family mean where every one ate all they wanted off a plate and then passes to the next person. It was delicious. Then we jumped on a bus and headed back to Trujillo. We lucked out and found a mini micro (small bus) that was finishing up for the day... they brought all 9 of us all the way back to Salaverry for a great price - while blasting our favorite cumbia music and flashing the very cool blue interior lights - our very own rolling party mobile.

I am so glad my sister got to come down and meet my friends and family, enjoy the delicious food, have fun and see why I love it so much here. I think instead of asking me when I am coming home again she may start asking when she can come back to Peru again.

Back Home

I will be the first to admit this particular short coming of mine - I have been a terribly lame blogger - it is true. I know it. I had this whole theory about people, relationships and experiences being more important than my computer... and then a dear friend reminded me that it wasn't just my computer - it was my friends and family back home waiting on news... former volunteers and people associated with the albergue.... and others that had a genuine interest in my life in Peru and the things happening at Hogar de Esperanza that I was choosing to ignore when I made no time to update my blog. Valid point, and with that in mind I will try to do better. So here I am - it is sunny Saturday afternoon blogging time.

I originally came down to my Hogar for August 2008 - April 2009... but lets get serious. This place is too beautiful, the children are too wonderful, the workers are too fantastic, the volunteers are too amazing, and the experiences are too fabulous to leave after such a short time. I have been able to extend my time serving here in Hogar de Esperanza until next March (2010).

I came home to Virginia for a 3 week visit in April. It was a wonderful time of reconnecting with friends, visiting with family, worshiping the Lord in English, and eating a lot of mexican food.

I got to have sleep overs with old friends... and shop with my sister... and eat meals with lots of people who love me... it was a wonderful time.

The three weeks felt like a short time to get to spend with loved ones, but like an eternity to be away from the albergue. Things in the Albergue change so much, every day... nothing is ever the same. While I was gone children left, new workers came, and volunteers came and went. Sarah and Nikki, two of the long term volunteers filled in for me while I was away. I am so grateful to them for all of their efforts while I was at home relaxing. I took them out to dinner as a thanks, but I feels that falls quite short in repaying them for all the extra things they had to do while I was away. They are both quite remarkable women. I am very grateful for them.

I am also grateful to be back. It was sweet to be back in the land I am from, but there is some thing about being in Peru is just perfect for me... so for now, I am quite happy to be Back Home.