Return to El Salvador…..Finally!
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning! Great is Your faithfulness!”
Lam. 3:22-23
I can testify to you today that this truth has been played out in our lives powerfully since we left El Salvador in March for a ‘short 4-week trip’ to the states. When El Salvador shut its borders and its airport, David and I had no idea how long we would end up being apart from our home, our work, and the people we serve with! As you have all lived 2020 along with us, you have all experienced this unending drama and had to “roll with the punches!”
Again, I can testify that God has provided for us over and over and over during our stay in the states. Not only did He provide for us, but He faithfully provided for Hope for Families and the families of all our young women. He carried our staff through unprecedented times, giving wisdom and guidance they so desperately needed.
We have seen all our young women in the Hope House mature and grow throughout the quarantine when they were literally under military lock-down for 6 months. They were not able to go home on the weekends to visit their families, but had to stay in the home, studying and living together under exceedingly difficult conditions within the country. But, by the grace of God, they did it! And not only did they survive, but they thrived! We rejoice over the awesome staff and the wonderful young women that God has brought to us. We are truly blessed
that time, we could have attempted to return to the country, but, for various reasons, we decided to delay our return. Two weeks ago, David returned to the country. (After two failed attempts at receiving his COVID-19 test results within the required 72 hours window from test to leaving the country, and two missed flights.) Then, Saturday, I returned to El Salvador. However, we did not tell the staff nor the gals that I was returning. We decided to surprise them DURING our foundation Christmas party! What a blast to watch their reactions when I suddenly appeared as David was about to start giving out the Christmas stockings to our gals. It was mayhem, joy, and lots of tears! (See video below).
I am still pinching myself…”am I really here?” My heart is full. It is ALWAYS hard to leave our children, grandchildren, moms, and all our family. And without question, we KNOW the God had us in the states for so many reasons during this time. We experienced many sweet times with our kiddos, grand-kiddos, and our families. We were able to spend precious times with dear friends. But to be back in the trenches, alongside our great staff and precious gals after so much time, has been simply wonderful. SO MUCH JOY!
David and I and all our staff want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS to you, our dear friends and family! May God bless and draw you close to His heart during the celebration of the Savior of the World…Emmanuel, GOD WITH US!!! And OH! How we need You, Jesus!
With love,
David and Kathy
We want to thank all of you that have already contributed to our year-end giving request. Because of your generosity we have been able to raise 80% of our goal! If you are is still looking for an opportunity to give for this year, you can help us reach our goal to purchase a much needed van. You can send a donation by check to Hope For Families at P.O. Box 65606, Vancouver, WA 98665, or you can click on the button below to give online.
Blessings to all of you!