Betrayal and Love
Now that is a catchy title, don't you think... This is really a continued story of the orphanage in Los Algodones, Mexico. Mike and I are back at Pilot Knob RV Park in Winterhaven, CA - by Yuma and yesterday, we had an opportunity to go visit . All is well and the house definitely feels like home... but there have been some changes.
When Mary Lou and Jack decided to begin an orphanage in Algodones, they teamed up with a friend of 11years with whom they had worked on many outreaches to Mexico. As a native of Algodones, she not only would serve as a good interpreter for legal work but she knew how the governmental system worked. This is where the betrayal comes in... it seems that on all legal documents, she put herself as lead director and MaryLou as "President of Visitors" which basically means nothing. Shortly after the orphanage officially opened, she had people on the street begging for donations. When MaryLou got word of this (she has an amazing network in Algodones), she enlisted the help of others and immediately severed her relationship with Maria. Can you imagine how it must have felt to experience that betrayal and loss of longterm relationship?
Anyway, when this relationship was severed, with it went the name Bryan's Home (and the beautiful logo) as that is what was legally registered in only Maria's name. This is where Love comes in... MaryLou says that as soon as that door closed, God came at her with so many ideas, she could hardly believe it. Out of what could have been the end, God granted a new and even better beginning. The home is now not only an orphanage, but a daycare. The mayor of Algodones tells MaryLou that the need is great for daycare as many children are left alone. Within a day of putting up this simple sign, two girls were signed up and little Jennifer was a fulltime resident.
These three enjoyed playtime together on the new (donated) mats.
Dalia (house Mama) and MaryLou pose in the kitchen - Dalia made a meal for us that was absolutely fabulous.
MaryLou gave the two school age girls a real treat - a ride in a car to school. They go to school from 1 to 5 pm. They are usually walked to and from school by Dalia.
These two created a little "play casa" within this safe new home.
The fellows assembled a bookcase
and put together bunk beds (donated).
It was a wonderful feeling to watch kids at play and hanging out at this very safe and secure home. Rest assured, all of you who have given us money or sent checks, that money was not compromised and is being well used. And also know that Mike and I are so committed to this mission that we have decided to workamp for 5 months next winter at Pilot Knob. We want to be able to help more and we want to be able to welcome all of you who decide to visit!
Now, if anyone has a new energy efficient refrigerator or knows of where, in this area, to get one, please let us know. The house has a very old fridge that uses way tooooo much expensive electricity. Have you priced new refrigerators lately - wow! Thanks for whatever you can do to help.
When Mary Lou and Jack decided to begin an orphanage in Algodones, they teamed up with a friend of 11years with whom they had worked on many outreaches to Mexico. As a native of Algodones, she not only would serve as a good interpreter for legal work but she knew how the governmental system worked. This is where the betrayal comes in... it seems that on all legal documents, she put herself as lead director and MaryLou as "President of Visitors" which basically means nothing. Shortly after the orphanage officially opened, she had people on the street begging for donations. When MaryLou got word of this (she has an amazing network in Algodones), she enlisted the help of others and immediately severed her relationship with Maria. Can you imagine how it must have felt to experience that betrayal and loss of longterm relationship?
Anyway, when this relationship was severed, with it went the name Bryan's Home (and the beautiful logo) as that is what was legally registered in only Maria's name. This is where Love comes in... MaryLou says that as soon as that door closed, God came at her with so many ideas, she could hardly believe it. Out of what could have been the end, God granted a new and even better beginning. The home is now not only an orphanage, but a daycare. The mayor of Algodones tells MaryLou that the need is great for daycare as many children are left alone. Within a day of putting up this simple sign, two girls were signed up and little Jennifer was a fulltime resident.
These three enjoyed playtime together on the new (donated) mats.
Dalia (house Mama) and MaryLou pose in the kitchen - Dalia made a meal for us that was absolutely fabulous.
MaryLou gave the two school age girls a real treat - a ride in a car to school. They go to school from 1 to 5 pm. They are usually walked to and from school by Dalia.
These two created a little "play casa" within this safe new home.
The fellows assembled a bookcase
and put together bunk beds (donated).
It was a wonderful feeling to watch kids at play and hanging out at this very safe and secure home. Rest assured, all of you who have given us money or sent checks, that money was not compromised and is being well used. And also know that Mike and I are so committed to this mission that we have decided to workamp for 5 months next winter at Pilot Knob. We want to be able to help more and we want to be able to welcome all of you who decide to visit!
Now, if anyone has a new energy efficient refrigerator or knows of where, in this area, to get one, please let us know. The house has a very old fridge that uses way tooooo much expensive electricity. Have you priced new refrigerators lately - wow! Thanks for whatever you can do to help.
posted by jf and me | 9:38 PM
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