Sunny Glen Children's Home, San Benito, TX

On the last day of February, we left Alice and drove to San Benito.  It was a straight drive south toward the border of Mexico.  Traffic was light on our side of the highway but we saw many campers and RV's of all types returning north.  Winter is almost over in TX so some "snow birds" are returning home but not all of them.  Every RV park we have passed is completely full.  The park I can see from our window now, has campers parked as far as you can see.  This area, near Brownsville, is a favorite winter home for many people who are blessed to have means to leave the cold weather for a few months. 

We arrived at Sunny Glen Children's home early in the afternoon.  This is the campus where 6-8 brick homes are located that house the 20-25 children that live here with house parents. 

The director is away at this time taking cancer treatments at M.D. Anderson.  We pray that his treatments will be successful and he can return to his duties overseeing this lovely home for children.  With his permission, we are parked at the rear of their property where they have camper hookups for Sojourners and people like up that need a place to stay.  With the RV parks completely full, it might have been difficult to find another location.   We were warned that this area is not safe and told we should not park at a church building where we are islocated from other people.   The personnel at Sunny Glen have been so accommodating and gracious to us.  We are grateful for every opportunity provided us in each city.

Last Sunday, we were saddened to learn of the death of Paul and Rachel Cold's grown daughter, Gennie.  No one should have to suffer through the death of a child.  Our hearts were touched because we love this family in Fayetteville, GA so very much.  May God bless them in the difficult days ahead.

We went to the San Benito church on Wednesday night.  It was the congregation that began this children's home but over the years the members have moved elsewhere and it's a small group now.  We have appointments for Ron's sermon/report at two different congregations on Sunday. 

The weather has been like summer.  Grass is green, young leaves are on the trees and birds are singing.  Well, birds are always singing and at dusk they are everywhere (as I wrote about the grackles in a previous blog).  You can probably see them on power lines in this picture above.   We were leaving Sam's Club after getting a few groceries and gas.  It was late in the day and the grackles were beginning their nightly ritual of finding a roosting place. There were hundreds of them flying over our heads in the parking lots and lighting in the small trees and on power lines.  Texans are used to it but it is a sight for us to witness.

This week has been busy with computer work.  We have not ventured out because of the workload and the apparent danger in this area.  Local news reports that beaches are vacant during this spring break time for students due to the dangerous situation.  Every nights' news reports more drug busts and the capture of illegal immigrants. 

We stopped at a Chick-fil-A and felt like we were in Puerto Rico.  This area is primarily  Hispanic so we are in the minority.  They all seem very well-educated and nice. We heard very little English spoken.  It is the  criminal aspect of those coming from Mexico that creates the many problems here. 

Ron is giving the RV a facelift today.  Our RV is 10 years old so the cheap beige carpet was worn out.   He noticed that newer RV's have tile floors instead of carpet.  He removed all the carpet, which was a job in itself, especially cutting it from underneath the sofas, which can't be moved.  Today, he is laying tile and it's looking so much better.  Each week after vacuuming, I had to spot clean the carpet but it was so worn, it never looked good even though we removed our shoes inside.  I will take a picture for the next blog segment.

God continues to bless us with good health.  Ron and I both have some back issues but we have not been sick with a single cold for over a year.  I used to get a very bad case of bronchitis every winter but I have escaped it this year.  I helped Ron moving the trailer for the car when we arrived on Monday and pulled something in my back.  It has been mild pain but noticeable all week.  Due to Ron's back problems with the E-coli in 2004, he has to be careful to avoid a flare up.

Our travels are probably boring to my readers.  It's not exciting like our trips to China but it is a very necessary part of our work.   We are meeting so many wonderful people and making contacts that will provide funds for the work to continue on even when we are no longer able to be a part of it.

If you work hard enough and enthusiastically enough, sooner or later the effect will bring forth the reward.

A week or so ago, a man came up to me after Ron spoke.  He said, "Could you possibly get Ron to be a little more enthusiastic about his work?"   Ron's passion for our work in China comes forth in every presentation.  It never gets old for him to report on the blessings God has provided us.  It touches my heart every time I see the pictures of the children we are helping.  There are many tears from women, children are glued to the screen and men tell us afterward that they have never before been so touched by a missionary's presentation.  Ron does not make it worse than it is, but for people to see the changes in the lives of the children, it brings joy to everyone's heart and tears to their eyes.

Success is one thing you can't pay for.   You buy it on the installment plan and make payments every day.   We travel on from city to city making the installment, telling others how they can serve HIM by helping with the work in China.

We continue to work every day, putting forth the efforts within our ability to make the payments necessary for the work to continue.   Please keep us in your prayers.