Finding Hope

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”  Is 43:1a

At this moment many of you are enjoying the sweet days of summer—planning vacations, enjoying week-end visits to the cabin, going to Family Camp and spending time with family. There is something wonderfully restoring in this time of year. Here in Brazil, even though we are going in the opposite direction weather wise (ever day is a little cooler than the last), we are seeking that same rest and relaxation form the Lord. Praise the Lord, it isn’t dependent on the sun shine or the thermometer, but on the work of the Holy Spirit!

Last month had more than it’s fair share of excitement here in the Miriam Home. In the June newsletter I told you about the Three Musketeers who arrived on our door step. Just two days later we had to Nicole to the hospital. She became stiff as a board and didn’t seem to see anything (her eyes were open, but didn’t focus, or follow objects). We were so afraid that it was something like meningitis, but the cause was simpler (but no prettier), she was going through a withdrawal crises. Her mother had been breast feeding her, and through her milked shared every drug and drink she had taken. Nicole was in the intensive care unit for three days, and in the weeks since she has become a different baby. She is showing her own little personality, playing with the other children, cuddling with the house moms, happy to eat and in just three weeks she has already grown. The one thing Nicole still doesn’t do easily is smile. She is a serious little girl - and in her short life time she has experienced plenty to be serious about! But we know that the joy of Lord is Nicole’s strength, and His Holy Spirit is reaching out to this young heart!

On the other end of the spectrum we have Daisy and Larissa. Both are 17 and are the oldest members of our family. Considering that these girls have been living in the Miriam Home for months now (for Daisy it is actually years, since she lived here before) because their families were unable or unwilling to care for them, they are doing pretty well. Larissa attends one of the best private schools in Campo Mourao, on a scholarship because of her grades. Daisy just received a two year contract to work with one of the biggest companies in the city and will be receiving on the job training in office work and administration.

Of course, it is difficult to be a teen-ager and not have problems. Larissa has set her own limits and bounders for years. She has been frustrated by the fact that while she is in the Miriam Home she is not allowed to date, that she has to share her room with two other girls and that they are responsible for cleaning the room every day.

Daisy’s problems are very different.  Daisy has a real love for the Lord and a desire to serve Him. Because of  extreme abuse as a child she also carries  a great deal of fear around. While she is very excited about her job  she has also been intimidated. A new job, surrounded by people she did not know, doing jobs she had never done before. What if they didn’t like her?  What if she couldn’t do what they wanted her to do? They are the same fears all of us face but for Daisy they were nearly crippling.

Another, old fear popped up when Daisy was told she would have to appear before the juvenile judge. Her maternal aunt was requesting custody,  now that may sound like a good thing but Daisy has lived with her aunt before and knows the woman’s intentions (she tried to involve Daisy in prostitution). Daisy knew the judge wouldn’t force her to go to her aunt, she also knew that Surai and Silvio (the administrator and director of the Miriam Home) were working with the judge on her behalf, but all that she knew was not stronger than the fear she felt.

It is natural that Larissa and Daisy, being the same age, are best buds in the house. Unfortunately, for a awhile instead of encouraging each other they were affirming the fear and frustration each was experiencing. For several weeks both began spiraling downward in depression, acting out in ways that put them in serious danger. Just three weeks ago the girls reached a point of crises and Praise the Lord, they decided to return to the hope of the Father. Day by day we see them opening up to talk and receive counseling. They are taking part  in activities in the Miriam Home and at church and are finding a true source of joy once again!

To read the rest of Jonni’s July newsletter, please click here.