please pray

Friends, these are two photos of Fernanda. The first was taken in February 2007; the second upon her graduation from middle school, June 2009. I am sad to share the news that Fernanda has left Casa MAMi. She arrived for the first time in 2003 or 2004, from the streets, on drugs. She has been a leader, a reader, a musician, and a Christian. She has helped care for the younger children, assisted Margarita with the office and, as an adolescent, has been either the best or the worst influence on others.

Elma has been in Houston for several weeks with her daughter, a mother of two, who has medical problems. We have talked several times. The other day, Elma informed me that when Fernanda entered high school this fall (age 15) she began to ask to have a cell phone and more money. She desperately wanted to have more freedom and to fit in with other students. When they went to pick her up one day at school she was not there. I do not have up to date information on her whearabouts. Since she has been at Casa MAMi she has been taken home to her mother ( not a stable person) three times, and returned to Casa MAMi by the DIF. Elma is currently in touch with the DIF and they are hoping to put her in a Christian home for older girls. Fernanda has always been one of my favorites so I am very burdened for this.

I expressed my hope that the ministry would perhaps develop programs for the older girls that gives them freedom and responsibilities. Elma said that she had been talking with Fernanda about a part time job. I am sad that Fernanda is acting impulsively and perhaps taking dangerous risks. One teacher said that 'she was friends with the kids who sell drugs'. Please pray that she will hear the voice of her Savior and not go down the path of her mother. Other prayers for older girls and the need for good mentors would be answered. Thank you!