In my rant on life yesterday, I forgot to mention our new, young mom, Natalia. She's now had her little one for almost two weeks. It's been tough for her, I think...at least in some ways. She's eighteen, and the idea of a baby wasn't quite in the plans. So...she's adjusting. But she has a great heart, and she really loves her little girl, so I'm confident that with a little help, she'll do great.
She took a good first step today. She and I met with my friend Corina, who works with families coming off the streets in her centre El Jordan. The staff teach the girls (and now guys) some basic job training and life skills. As much as I've been happy to help Natalia, working with young moms isn't really a part of our ministry profile. =) We've talked with her about the importance of her becoming self sufficient eventually. We want her to feel supported and encouraged, but also understand that caring for her life and the life of her baby, is her responsibility.
So tomorrow afternoon she'll be starting cooking classes and a Bible study. I think she's excited. =) A little nervous for sure, but she really enjoyed talking with Corina. I don't think it'll take long for her to feel a part of the community there. Which is something she really needs. Her parents died a few years ago, and both her brothers are still on the streets (I think she was sad tonight, that they haven't tried to contact her to see how she's doing). She's definitely become a part of our family here (the guys LOVE having the baby around), but it's time for her to expand that family to include people who are better suited to help her.
Please continue praying for Natalia. Like I said, she's a good kid with a great heart. But this has been a huge adjustment for her. Truth be told, she was completely unprepared and she has a ways to go. But I think she's willing. She's certainly open to learning and growing, and she's been reading the Bible Maribel gave her. El Jordan will be a good place for her.
Thanks everyone. Next time she's here, I'll get a picture of her with her little girl to post here. The little one's a cutie! Not all babies are you know... =)
She took a good first step today. She and I met with my friend Corina, who works with families coming off the streets in her centre El Jordan. The staff teach the girls (and now guys) some basic job training and life skills. As much as I've been happy to help Natalia, working with young moms isn't really a part of our ministry profile. =) We've talked with her about the importance of her becoming self sufficient eventually. We want her to feel supported and encouraged, but also understand that caring for her life and the life of her baby, is her responsibility.
So tomorrow afternoon she'll be starting cooking classes and a Bible study. I think she's excited. =) A little nervous for sure, but she really enjoyed talking with Corina. I don't think it'll take long for her to feel a part of the community there. Which is something she really needs. Her parents died a few years ago, and both her brothers are still on the streets (I think she was sad tonight, that they haven't tried to contact her to see how she's doing). She's definitely become a part of our family here (the guys LOVE having the baby around), but it's time for her to expand that family to include people who are better suited to help her.
Please continue praying for Natalia. Like I said, she's a good kid with a great heart. But this has been a huge adjustment for her. Truth be told, she was completely unprepared and she has a ways to go. But I think she's willing. She's certainly open to learning and growing, and she's been reading the Bible Maribel gave her. El Jordan will be a good place for her.
Thanks everyone. Next time she's here, I'll get a picture of her with her little girl to post here. The little one's a cutie! Not all babies are you know... =)
5 comments:
So good to hear. Knowing she's connected with Corina and El Jordan is awesome. Have you told us the little girls' name yet? (does she have one yet?) Thanks so much for the update though - I'm glad she's doing well. And the comment about not all babies....so that means when you first saw mine, you thought.... ;)
Moe
Naw from what I remember, Will was cute too. =) But Yimy and I saw a baby the other day that looked like an alien. Serioulsy. Not cute at all. But he made you smile, so I guess that counts...
Couldn't resist the baby comment Ken....having worked in obstetrics in the past we used to refer to some newborns as FLK's (funny looking kids)...sometimes it was a wondering about the presence of some type of syndrome.....but other times..well you just needed to look at one of the parents!!!!
Ha ha Sue...thanks for the backup. It's true right? =)
Oh man, you guys are hilarious. LOL Just use this: When you come across a FLK (good one Sue) just exclaim with all the love in your voice "You are SO PRECIOUS!" Because it's the truth. Every child is dearly precious. And you dodge the "Isn't he cute?" bullet.
On a more serious note, Ken I don't think you really know how much you affect my life still. Even when you are not addressing me directly. Thank-you for that.
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