People who give...

Mercedes, TX

We started our NOMADS project on Monday.  What a desperate need there is in this area.  We are so impressed with the Mercedes United Methodist Church and their outreach to the community both here in Mercedes and across the bridge in Mexico.   I am distressed to see the condition of so many of the homes here in Mercedes.     Some  are so deplorable I would not even post the pictures.  

One sweet lady that has been helped is standing "tall" with three of our crew.  Note the window on the left. This is what she had on it to keep unwanted out.  Our crew replaced the boards with more suitable security. She could not have been more grateful.

Another place we've worked is a trailer that should have been trashed 20 years ago. A young woman lives there with her four children age 6 to 13.  All five sleep in one bed.  There is no gas hookup for her stove.  The electric coming into the trailer is a household extension cord connected to an outside pole.    Her sliding front door was off the track, with no handles and no way to lock from the inside.    The door has been fixed and other outside repairs are being done.  We've also given her a smoke detector and fire extinguisher.

We are working around the church and at two other homes.

Today we celebrated over in Mexico.   A young couple felt they were being called to build and run a "safe house".  So many children there are abandoned and/or abused.    With help from many churches, organizations and private individuals their dream has come true.   They will eventually house 20 children at this home.

Six years ago they took in an infant boy born to his 12 year old mother.   We've been told that according to Mexican law if a child enters first grade without a father listed on their birth certificate they can never be adopted.    This child is in kindergarten.  After years to struggling, yesterday he legally became their son.   They are taking on the challenge of another child they will be fostering.  He is 7 months old and blind.   There is a small chance one eye can be saved.   Funds are being raised for his surgery and hopes are high that he will one day have some sight.

This young couple is truly inspirational.    I introduce to you Yolanda, Felix and their son Joseito.

So today we did celebrate.  The official opening the Safe House and the legal uniting of this fine family.     And we were treated to the BEST Tamales I've ever eaten thanks to Yolanda!

How fortunate we are to be able to live of our dream of traveling and able to help a little on the way.