January 2012

Casa Hogar MAMi in Reynosa continues to help many children and families. Elma reports that over 50 parents attended 'parenting school' on Friday evening. A maquiladora (factory) made a gift of $30,000 recently, with the stipulation that it may only be used for food. When the food is purchased and a receipt is presented, Casa Hogar MAMi is reimbursed. This will continue until the funds are exhausted. This is a huge blessing.

Elma doesn't know for how much longer the ministry "Love Never Fails International" will continue its support. A little over two years ago they adopted Elma's project as their primary international focus and began sending $10,000 per month to cover expenses. Apparently this level of support is becoming more and more of a burden. Elma, in her typical way, is confident that God will continue to provide through someone, should these devoted givers change their support.

The pure water system that our church, Advent Presbyterian of Cordova, TN, installed in October 2006 has worn out. Men from our church plan to return and install a larger system, as well as a smaller unit for the boys home. I do not think the date for this trip is set.

I asked Elma about the violence. She said that so far, in January, there have been no incidents, and that in December there were two. The police have been replaced by soldiers, and they are everywhere~!

I asked her about Fernanda and Anastasia, two of my favorite older girls from years past. She said that Anastasia went to live with some family and that Fernanda is in another casa hogar, but she loves to visit Elma. She tells Elma 'thank you' and that she appreciates how hard she worked to help 'clean her up'. She said, "no matter how hard I try I still curse and say horrible things, I can't help it!". She is working hard in school and plans to go to college. I will never stop praying for Fernanda, she is a strong girl with a strong will with a terrible upbringing to overcome.

My family and work life have kept me very busy for the past two years. I have not given much time to this ministry but THANK all of you who continue to send donations, even when no one asks or reminds you. The wonderful friends in McAllen have tea parties and other events every fall to raise funds for Casa Hogar MAMi. They send gifts for special needs such as school materials, English lessons for employees, clothing, music lessons, etc.

Elma, her residents and staff pray for all donors and appreciate your gifts and prayers. If you wish to send coats or clothing, I suggest you let Elma know to expect the box on her doorstep. (She is having her sister watch for the box I FEDEXED down there on Friday). Her home address is: 105 N Sixth St. Hidalgo, TX 78557 and her phone number is: 956-821-5025