pictures, at last!

The miracle of a new life never ceases to amaze me. LORD you are good!




Baby Selah Grace, 1 day old. Born to a scared young girl of 13 years old who had been raped by a 70 year old.

 

By grace, placed in a Christian home to be loved and cherished as she deserves.



Your life is in God's hands little one.



I just LOVE this photo of her, at just a day old! Beautiful!



Go girls!



7 year old Luviana has one false eye and is almost blind in the other, but nothing stops her from climbing and exploring. She is one brave little angel!

Five of the younger children having dinner together :)

13 year old Ruby weighs about 19 lbs and is not yet able to walk. She loves to sing and listen to music. She sure knows how to enjoy Praise and Worship with us!



Hang in there Luviana!!




Luvniana and Somari having fun!



Holy Spirit

RAIN, Rain, rain!!

After months of no rain in our dry season here in Nicaragua, we celebrated the first heavy rainfall this Rainy Season!! (Yes, it did rain a little a few days ago, but ended all too soon.) (Oh yes, and the outrageously curious hail storm a couple of weeks ago!! hmmm, explain that one with temps up to 103 degrees?!)

Well, last night we had a great, heavy downpour. Hallelujah!!! I was up at the orphanage in El Crucero, and the children were so excited! There has not been a supply of clean running water at the home for about two months now. We have had to fill up buckets and barrels from the end of the street, or drive down to get it in town by the barrels. After going to flush a toilet for so many weeks with nothing happening or turning on the taps for a shower with no results it was such an extravagance for the children to go outside last night and enjoy their first shower in ages! (They have been bathed in the mean time!) It warmed my heart to see their excitement as they went out with their shampoo - they were all smiles. I wish I had been able to capture it with my camera; it was a truly precious sight!

On the subject of rain, and my prayers for The Holy Spirit to reign/ rain down on us, I woke up this morning with a longing to see The Holy Spirit. I have an image in my mind about how God The Father looks, and of how God The Son, Jesus, looks, but The Holy Spirit, hmm, I wasn't getting a picture at all. I confess to actually doing a Google search for descriptions of The Holy Spirit. There were several responses posted, but there was one that caught my attention. Below is an excerpt from it, and a photo I'd like to share with you that gave me a mental image of The Holy Spirit. Mighty and Powerful, flowing freely, cleansing, refreshing, and providing life. As we move into our Rainy Season, I pray for an outpouring of The Holy Spirit, a harvest of Souls for God's Kingdom, a revival in the church for God's people. I will be reminded of this with every drop of rain that falls.

"God described the restoration of His people using the language of rain to illustrate the work of the Spirit: “For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants” (Isa. 44:3, NIV; cf. Eze. 39:29; Isa. 32:15; 44:3). In Joel, after announcing the coming of the early and latter rains, God added, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions" (Joel 2:28, 29, NIV). "

Praise be to God! May your will be done, not mine. Amen!

technical difficulties...

Well my friends, I have tried to sit down and write an update for so long now, without success thus far. It has been one thing after another. 


We have had several power outages again recently and lots of problems with internet access.


There was a really bad accident at the bottom of my road last night. A semi truck was flying down the hill without brakes and ended up crashing into a shopping strip mall. As I drove by shortly after the accident, the mess was indescribable, mangled cars and lamposts/powerposts knocked down, sidewalk all cut up, a dreadful mess! We learned this morning that 6 people died.  News reported that the driver of the truck had just called home to tell his family the brakes were not working and he is quoted to have said, "I am going to die tonight, I have no brakes on this truck!" SO sad. We have been praying for his family and the others who lost their lives in this tragic accident. One of the 3rd grade students told me that God would find a way to make something good come out of it. Yes LORD, we pray for your goodness, grace and mercy to shine through. May it be a reminder to us not to take any chances in our vehicles. If something needs fixing, fix it! It is not only your life at stake but the others around us at the time. Don't gamble with life.



Now my trusted friend, my laptop, is failing me. It keeps shutting itself off mid word and not saving anything in memory!! Yikes!!!!!!!!!!    I have re written some emails 3 times before finally getting a shortened, snappy version of my intended message sent out. Will send this out asap just in case!



My heart has been to share news and photos of what has been going on around here these past couple of  hot and dusty months. Alas, all the pics are (temporarily I hope) lost in the darkness of my dead laptop, which I shall call Lazarus for now. I do believe it will come back to life long enough for me to get all my pics back!



Last Saturday, I went up to the orphanage in El Crucero again to cook our famous spaghetti dinner for 35 people. It went well, even with the challenges of no running water. Makes doing dishes afterwards a little challenging, not to mention cleaning all those spaghetti hands and faces afterwards! 



The weekend before, I went straight after work at 2:30 pm and spent the weekend up there so that the house mum could take a weekend off to go on a ladies retreat. Thank you LORD for faithful friends who came up with me to share the workload. Many hands make light work, and more fun!!!! One of the young girls, Joselyn, 14 years old, was released from hospital that day after having a c-section. She had been raped by a 70 year old and got pregnant. She did not want anything to do with the baby: Selah Grace,a healthy little girl at 5 lbs 18"long. Selah was taken immediately by a Christian family from USA who will care for her here in Nicaragua. Joselyn slept with me the 1st few nights incase she needed anything. She did remarkably well, obviously bathed in prayers. Thank you to all you faithful prayer warriors who cover us all in times like these. I truly believe it makes a difference.



Our next prayer is that the water problem is sorted out up there soon! It is hard looking after 16 children without running water. And 4 of us came back with a nasty 24 hour stomach bug. Thank goodness we all made a speedy recovery and that the children were OK.



13 year old Ruby had another seizure last week. She spent the night in hospital and was put on medicine for epilepsy. Praying for recovery for little Ruby too. I want to include pics of her, (I hope I can add them later.) She is 13 years old and weighs about 16 lbs. She cannot walk and her legs are so thin. She doesn't seem to want to eat much either, is really only fond of her gallo pinto, (beans and rice) so it is a challenge to get her to eat! Ofelia was the same when she first came to Managua too though. Almost 4 years old with the appearance of a 4 month old baby. She had been discarded as handicapped and the authorities said she would never walk, and doubted if she would even survive. Well, you should see her now! She runs around and climbs up on everything. I told Ruby she would be right there with her soon!



LORD God you are so awsome. I thank you that you allow us to be even a small part in the lives of these children. That we can be co-laborers with you. I see your hand at work all around me. Even in the difficult and challenging circumstances. You are always with us, you have promised never to leave us or forsake us. I truly believe your Word Father God and stand firm on it's truth.



As the moments rapidly pass by, with the ever increasing threat of blackout, I shall end here and hit the publish button. I hope it gets to you wherever you are. I want to keep in touch as best I can,
hugs and blessings galore,
love always in Christ xxx

3rd Grade Field Trip to Orphanage in El Crucero.

HOW DID WE DECIDE ON EL CRUCERO FOR OUR FIELD TRIP???

God did..........

The Miskito Coast, also known as the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua came up in a social studies class last October,
which led us to talk about the Miskito people, culture and community,
which led us to talk about the orphanage in El Crucero who cares for neglected, abused and abondoned children from Waspam, the Atlantic Coast.
The 3rd graders asked if we could go and visit them one day, one day, sure, one day...... but we got busy with stuff, school, life, Thanksgiving, Christmas, vacations, life......

BUT, the 3rd grade never let up, their hearts had been touched by the stories of some of the children who lived in El Crucero. They did not forget. They kept asking, we realised they were serious, their teacher, Ms. Gina finally made it happen. 

One of the parents who came with us made this wonderful DVD for us all to share... 

http://gallery.me.com/kdoutt#100428

Many lives were touched by the trip. Go God!!

Ancianos Coronados

Covenant Kids did a wonderful job today with their ministry to over 75 older folks at Ancianos Coronados, Managua. They opened with praise and worship, then prayed over each person present, shared Valentine cards that they had hand made, and finished by serving a lunch with special Valentine cake dessert. Hallelujah and Amen! I am so proud of you warriors for Christ xx
It was a truly amazing day filled with the presence of The LORD, 5 folks gave their hearts to The LORD in response to the children's prayers!

Jesus loves you!

A friend loves at all times. Proverbs 17 v 17a

Our kids at Covenant church made Valentine's Cards for the old folks and hand delivered them with love.

This is Jairo and his little sister. Jairo was so polite and chatty, he took me to introduce me to his father! What an honor.

These very special people really touched my heart. Grandma Dina with her granddaughter Dinita. When I asked Dinita what she wanted to be when she grew up she didn't stop to take breath before replying: "I want to be a Pastor!" (but in spanish!) Dinita promised to pray for my grandchildren, how encouraging! Thank you Father God! I went to bless, but got blessed in return more than I could ever have asked or imagined.

Seasons Change.

So quickly, seemingly overnight, the landscape has changed; back to yellows and browns and lots of dust! We are well into the dry season once again. I used to wonder why the folks here would water the dirt, now I totally understand. The land is so dry that when the blustery winds blow, they pick up the surface dust and hurl it high into the air. Beware the dust clouds and the heat. When I get home at night I can feel a layer of dirt and dust on my skin, in my ears and on my face. And the hottest is yet to come; March and April usually beat all the records!

I can hardly believe I was in ice and snow and sub zero temperatures just a couple of months ago celebrating Christmas with my grandbabies in England! I treasured those moments hunting down the fattest icicles, making snowmen and just enjoyed being cold! I knew it would have to last me thru dry season here!!! I dream of those cold days now. Of course, I know there are folks out there wishing the temps would rise too. We are a contrary race. The grass always seems greener on the other side. As I get older time seems to go faster! I have truly learned to treasure every moment, we never know what tomorrow will bring. Enjoy the moment, the here and now. This is the day The LORD has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it! With that mindset, I feel more pressed to go and share the Good News of Salvation and God is providing me with many opportunities to speak and share, both publicly and in private.

I hope you have time to scroll down through the pics, and as you do, reflect on God's goodness and love. May all we do bring Glory and Honor to His name. Thank you for your continued support with prayer and finances. Your encouragement has been priceless. Thank you! God Bless!

Did you know cashews grow on trees? (I didn't!!) See the cashew in the pod at the end of the fruit? I find this tree fascinating, especially since it grows so well during dry season. God has all things planned to perfection!

The grass has disappeared, but these die hard soccer fans at NCA continue to play despite the dust and high winds!

I am so blessed by all the smiles from the precious students here at NCA, Nicaragua Christian Academy!

Fun with some 3rd graders. Every Friday they can take a day off from wearing school uniform. We have theme days, this one was animal Friday! One of them insisted I wear her hand made bunny hat! OK........

A 4th grader found a wounded bird on the playground and wanted to take care of it. This reminds me of how God holds His children, all of us, in the palm of His hands :)

California Gold Rush!! We had the 3rd graders re enact the gold rush. They had So much fun. More pics posted on fb..... they keep asking me if we can do it again!!!

Celebrating 100 days of school. We are so grateful that we can come to school every day and learn. Thankful for all the resources we have here at NCA. There are many children here in Nicaragua who do not even have the basics for a good education. Many of them are sent out to work, or have to stay at home to look after younger siblings while the parents go out to work.

First graders enjoying their 100th day of learning!

Thank you LORD! All the credit to you for everything.

James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

We love you LORD.

MORE Good News from Los Cedros...

At last!!! Halelujah!! I am so excited to let you know that the adoption for Michael and Gabriel was approved this week!!!! Praise you LORD! They were adopted by a loving Christian couple from Germany. Thank you, thank you to all of you who helped support us through these challenging years with your blessings of prayers, encouragement and finances. We really could not have done this without YOU!! It is so rewarding to see the fruits of our labor.

Gabriel, me and Michael 2011

Gabriel, me and Michael 2011, getting heavier!

It was wonderful to celebrate the finalisation of the adoption with the ladies who helped care for these little angels since their birth and up to this point. God is good!

Michael, me and Gabriel 2009

Michael, me and Gabriel 2008

Baby Gabriel and I 2007