First Haircut

So today Guillermo received his first haircut by his cousin Clarissa. Clarissa is an awesome hairstylist and cousin...so we are so thankful Clarissa was able to cut his hair. After looking at the pictures it was a much needed haircut:) Thanks Clarissa! We love you!

Before....

After....

Yeah! No more Elvis side burns and rat tail/mullet:) He looks so handsome with his new haircut.

24 weeks

Last Friday (March 23rd) Guillermo turned 24 weeks. He's almost 6 months! Yikes! I guess he still seems like a newborn baby to me...he still doesn't sleep through the night. He wakes up every 3 hours....some would say let him cry it out...I've tried that, but he screams like someone is hurting him until he eats!! We also continually try feeding him cereal and now I've tried some other baby food...and he just laughs and thinks it's funny....he doesn't get the whole swallow concept. ugh! It can be frustrating...but I guess it won't be long and he'll be on his way! Here are some pics.

My guys

These two are a joy to me. I am so overwhelmed with how the Lord has blessed me. I don't deserve any of it, but He gladly gives it. Thank you Jesus. I am forever grateful.

22 & 23 weeks old

So Guillermo turned 22 weeks old on our way to Mexico (Saturday March 10th)


and 23 weeks old on our way back from Mexico (Saturday March 17th)


More pictures of our Texan/Mexican friends:

Carmen, a friend from church in Texas.

Rosie, one of the workers at Casa Hogar in Mexico.

Juan a friend from Mexico that lives in Texas:)

Juan with his whole family...his wife Nora and their 2 adopted kids, Daniel (1 year) and Caleb (almost 4 years).

Eduardo

This is Eduardo.

Eduardo lives at Casa Hogar, a children's home in Mexico. Francisco and I sponsor him. I have known him since he has arrived there 3 years ago and every year he has something to send back to Francisco. He loves Francisco even though he only knows Francisco by pictures and phone calls.

His father left him and his brother at Casa Hogar and told Teresa (The pastor's wife) he didn't want them anymore and that she could do whatever she wanted, sell them, give them away, etc. They were standing there listening as all this was being said. Eduardo says one day they are coming back for him. But, that is just a false hope that he clings to. They are not coming back.

We pray to make an impact in his life. Once a month we will be able to call him and talk to him on the phone.

He is very excited that we will be his "sponsors".

**There are only 7 kids out of the 25 that live there who have sponsors. So when a kid is sponsored they are super excited. They feel blessed. Please pray for Eduardo and the other children there as the workers try to raise them to walk with the Lord.

We feel privileged that Guillermo met his "big brother" and we pray they will be able to see each other often as Guillermo grows.

Culture shock

So Guillermo and I just got back from a trip of a lifetime! Last Friday (March 9th) we decided last minute to go to Mexico with a group from Parkview Church that was going for a mission trip to Casa Hogar, a children's home that we have gone to for 3 years now, building relationships and also building a home for these children who have been abused, abandoned, sold, etc. They have become like family to Francisco and I and so I thought what better time than now to go there and meet my in-laws.

So, my mission was a little different this time, but one that I will never forget. My in-laws live in San Luis Potosi, Mexico which is a bout 12 hours from the border. So they made the trip by bus and we also came by car (24 hours!) to meet them for the first time. Francisco and I will celebrate our 2 year anniversary in August and I have only communicated by telephone with my in-laws, so we both felt it was time to make the trip since the opportunity was presented.

I would do it all over again. Guillermo was superb. He survived the 24 hour car ride (which in the end was 48 hours!) He hardly cried which surprised me. Since he is only 5 months, he was the perfect age to travel with...he can only roll from his stomach to his back so it was nice I didn't have to worry about him wanting to get out and run around. He went with the flow, enjoyed the warm weather and overall was very content. I praise the Lord for the opportunity and time we had with them.


So my friends, I present to you....

My in-laws!

Guillermo chatting with his grandma Guadencia

Guillermo with his grandpa Jacobo

This picture is special to us because there was no way Francisco's parents could come to the wedding, so Francisco asked Wayne and Marla Ross to sit in as his parents. Francisco has always called them his "adopted parents" so it was so neat that they were able to meet something neither of us dreamt of. Francisco's parents repeatedly told Wayne and Marla that they entrust their son to them. I think it was reassuring that they were able to meet a couple that cares very much for Francisco.

I wanted to share this photo because I'm not sure why, but Guillermo started making this face while he was in Mexico. It cracked me up! He hasn't done it since we have returned. Not sure what that was all about.

We stayed in the little girls dormitory and they absolutely loved him! They would wake up and the first thing they would say is, baby. Where's the baby? There is only one little girl missing in this picture other than that from left to right they are: Monsaret, Priscilla, and Reyna. Priscilla and Reyna are sisters along with Lupita (who is not pictured) they have 2 brothers who also live there which totals to 5. Priscilla told me that her mom just didn't want them. They are beautiful both inside and out. It was an honor to spend time with them.

This is Pastor Osdy and his wife Teresa with Guillermo. They are the heart behind the children's home. They are special to us. They came to Iowa to marry us and have been a huge part of our life for the last 3 years. My dream is to someday work side by side with them. It would be a great privilege as their work for the Lord is sacrificial and not in vane. I hope to someday have half the heart they do for not only saving and rescuing children from them streets, but making sure they know Jesus and strive to have an education and a life of opportunity. I love them.

**The reason for my title culture shock is because it truly was a culture shock meeting my in-laws. I am not sure I have experienced culture shock before, but their lifestyle is just completely different from ours. They didn't know how to turn on the shower....they don't have one. They don't even have a toilet. I now only see a little glimpse of what Francisco talks about when he says I don't understand what it's like to be poor. He's right.

HELL

I can't remember how I stumbled across this link in the blogger world, but I am so thankful I did. It is a quick read (one page article) and very eye opening.

I know there's a hell. I believe in Jesus and his word where he plainly states that there is a heaven and a hell. But, this article really opened my eyes to the pain and suffering that will be had by all in hell.

I think it is easy as a believer to dismiss hell because I am going to heaven, but after reading this I realized I don't wish for even my worse enemy to be in hell someday.

I think the general population use the word "hell" too lightly and the thoughts of "it won't be me going to hell" cross the minds of far too many people who don't even proclaim the name of Jesus.
The thought that disturbs me most is the "good people", people who strive to make a difference here on earth and who do good works, but don't believe in Jesus and proclaim him as their Savior are going to hell. It isn't about being good or bad...it's about having a relationship with Jesus Christ. Which leads me to another thought....we all deserve hell. Scary thought, eh? For me that thought is disturbing and even makes me cringe inside. But, that reality makes me "relieved" and so incredibly thankful that Jesus died to save us from hell...so that we may spend eternity (FOREVER) with him in heaven.

I realize the urgency of spreading the gospel which is so easy to forget when I get comfortable in this place called the world...that is neither the home of believers nor non-believers. We are all just passing through. The question is where are we going to arrive?

If you read this article. I am interested in your thoughts on it. And anything else you have to share about this topic.

http://www.grace4u.org/Topical/doct_hel.htm

Day at grandma and grandpas

So on Sunday we decided to go to my parents house for the day. It was nice to relax and we celebrated Francisco's' birthday with them. It was a nice day.

I think he is a little too small for the high chair still.

He likes when people read books to him:)

Playing cards. He got really excited to see all the different colors. He was eating grandpas cards instead of helping him win the game.

We love grandma and grandpa.

21 weeks

So last Friday (March 2nd) Guillo turned 21 weeks. Here are some pictures of my sweet pea.

Birthday Fun

On March 1st was Francisco's birthday! His first birthday being a dad:) We had a good day. Sometimes I think I have more fun with birthdays than the actual person who has the birthday.
When I got up in the middle of the night (or morning) to feed Guillermo I decorated the house and his truck.
Then after he got off work...he got ready and we dropped Guillo off with some friends (Thanks Eli and Lucas:) and we went out. Then after picking him up we ate a big dinner that I made for him. Guillermo slept through the whole dinner which was nice.
We ended the night with some cupcakes and a movie.
I thought it was a fun night, but then again I think all birthdays are fun! Here are some pics of the day...

Happy Birthday Papi!