Abraham Project Blog
We are extremely grateful that a local swimming facility called Aquanautas has provided free swimming lessons for one of the boys in our homes. Jefreson's instructor has told us that he has natural ability in the water. Jefreson loves going to the pool and showing off for us! Thank you Aquanautas for giving Jefreson a helping hand!
Today we received two sisters, Jimena and Scarlett. Their case was an emergency due to the fact that they were in a high risk domestic violence situation. Since the girl’s arrival, they have been in lots of trouble at home and in the daycare. House parents, Esteban & Gabby have their hands full! The girl's mother is having to go through treatment for domestic abuse victims before she has any hope of recovering her daughters.
On July 22nd, Magiel left the children’s home with his adoptive parents, Carlos and Roxanna! Magiel arrived here when he was only 5 months old. We thought he would be with us a short time, however, his case got stuck in the court system and we have worked hard to get it resolved. Magiel would pray for parents and grandparents. In God’s infinite mercy, He not only gave him what he asked for, but also gave him a great grandma! Thankfully, 4 years later, he has been placed with a family who will love him and give him the opportunities in life he deserves!
Yamil arrived here from the province of Puntarenas on the Pacific coast. He was already placed in a Catholic institution, but they asked to have him moved because he didn’t fit their profile. Supposedly, Yamil’s teacher told them that he had a slight mental retardation (she diagnosed him without a proper evaluation or exams). Armed with that information, the other home asked to have him removed. Yamil’s biological mother is unstable and has presented a number of problems that have jeopardized the boy. In November 2012, PANI began the judicial process to declare Yamil abandoned. Unfortunately, his mother has appealed the process along the way, prolonging the final outcome.
Summer internships are HUGE around here. We were privileged to host 11 young people over the course of the summer that came to serve. We have come to admire these kids because they are willing to raise funds, leave home for a number of months, and give selflessly of themselves. We are very aware that they could be doing a number of other things (like: working a summer job, spending time with friends & family, etc...). We are so grateful for the quality interns God has sent our way!
This morning we received a brother and sister in our homes. Kevin (9 yrs.) and Maria (6 yrs.) have been living with their father who is constantly drunk and inattentive to their needs. Their mother has abandoned the children and is living elsewhere. Kevin has taken on a “parental” role with his little sister in that he keeps their meager home clean, he cooks for her, and makes sure they go to school. Upon arriving at the A.P., he seemed subdued and frightened. Maria is much more extroverted and seems pretty happy to be here. Please pray that Kevin and Maria will feel the love of Jesus in this place and come to know Him in a personal way.
We count it a privilege to receive each child here at the Abraham Project homes. The work our house parents do is invaluable. They receive each child with open arms, helping them know that they are unique and loved. They provide a home, education, food, and lodging, but above all, they share the good news of Jesus Christ with them. Our tíos will never know the extent of their mission and ministry on this earth, but we are confident that they will hear those words, “Well done good and faithful servant.” With that said, we are happy to have our most recent newcomer. God brought us a special delivery. Jennifer came to us straight from the hospital. She was only 19 days old! She is the youngest of six siblings who have been neglected and physically abused by their mother. The father has some of the older siblings and a couple have been adopted. When she arrived, Jennifer had visitations with her mother. However, they have since been suspended due to the fact that her mother stopped coming to see her. We are hoping she can be declared abandoned soon and adopted by a good family!
The kids in the homes are in full swing at school. Isaac and Roberto have made excellent grades this year with the goal of getting exempt from their final exams at the end of the year. Great incentive! The brothers ran for student body President and Vice President at school this year. They promised to help fix the leaky faucets in the school bathrooms. Steve told them that if they won we would see about getting a team over there to fulfill their promise. After the voting process was over, the boys did not win. However, the experience was invaluable and a great learning opportunity for both of them.
Anthony and Sol have been our challenges this year. Both have brought home multiple notes from their teachers complaining of incessant talking in class, standing up without permission, disrespecting the teacher, and so on. Anthony is super smart. He just doesn’t apply himself at school. Sol is making a huge transition from kindergarten to first grade, that alone can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, both have spent a good deal of time in consequences with Tío Steve. Please pray that they would see the importance of a good education and straighten up and fly right!
Sharon and Angela have been tutoring diligently in Math. They girls made excellent grades on their last round of exams. We’re so proud of them for their effort and hard work.
Last weekend, the children in Gaby & Esteban’s house went on a field trip to the beach. Our psychologist and social worker accompanied them. Our social worker is a member at Hotel Condovac and was able to get the kids and the tíos in to use the facilities for the day. The trip was a memorable experience for the kids. Everyone come home nice and tan with lots of neat stories.
Once again, thanks to all our supporters for conscientiously giving to the kids. We know that your gift is a sacrifice and do not take it lightly. God sees your diligence and we trust that He will reward you exceedingly for all you do!
Over the years, we have had the privilege of hosting teams from a ministry based in McKinney, Texas called Joshua Expeditions. Joshua Expeditions brings high school students down in order to enjoy the host country and serve at a local ministry. This past week, we hosted a Joshua team from Pennsylvania that got down and got dirty. Among their “chores” was cleaning out a gutter outside the project. The owner of the lot never cuts the grass and it has overgrown into the gutter. With rainy season here, the gutter has gotten clogged up with debris. These kids worked hard to unclog that mess and did a lot of other things around the A.P. They were a tremendous blessing!
Today we received, into the children’s homes, a sweet baby girl. Jennifer is only 19 days old and came to us directly from the hospital. All the kids in the home were excited about our newest addition. She is the youngest of six siblings (some are with their father and others have been adopted). Her mother is physically abusive towards the other siblings. We are hoping she will be declared abandoned so that she can be adopted by a good family soon!
Good News! This morning Ericka, Luciano, and Angelly went to “audencia” (hearing with a judge). We are thrilled to report that everything went super well and they are now formally adopted by Micah and Sara! Knowing their past and everything they have endured, we couldn't be happier! We can now chalk this up as our second U.S. adoption! *Yoo-Hoo!*
Last go-round we shared that there was a potential family in the U.S. for Ericka Luciano, and Angelly. The family was contacted and affirmed their desire to adopt the siblings. The case worker for the kids came out and gave them the good news that their parents would be arriving in Costa Rica on April 2nd. Needless to say, the children were elated! They have already been talking via SKYPE with their family and have learned that their adoptive parents have 2 children of their own! Luciano is thrilled that he will no longer be the only boy in his family. He’s going to have a brother just about the same age! We really do feel like the Lord has already been preparing the hearts of these kids for their transition to the States. Our psychologist, Marcelle, shared with us that days before their case went before the adoption council (back in January) that Ericka went to find her and told her that she needed to talk to her urgently. Marcelle told her that she would give her an appointment for the following week, but Ericka told her, “I need to talk to you now because I’m leaving soon.” Ericka didn’t know that her case was being heard by the adoption council that week, nor that the adoptive family would even accept her case. She just had that intuitive feeling (the Holy Sprit) that she was leaving soon! That same weekend, Gabby (the house parent) told us that Angelly had shared a dream with her. She had dreamed that she was getting on an airplane with her new mother. All this, before anyone even knew that there was a family waiting in the wings! We truly feel like this family has been handpicked and that the Lord has already, supernaturally been preparing the kids for their transition!
Micah, Sara, and their children arrived in Costa Rica on April 2nd. The following day, the adoptive couple came out to the project to meet their new kids. Ericka, Luciano, and Angelly were outside waiting for their parents to come. When they did, they embraced one another. The reunion was very sweet. It’s amazing to witness God’s inconceivable love for these kids, in that He has provided them with exactly what they needed … a new family!
Anthony and Aislinn’s case will be going before the judge on May 18th. Not too long afterwards, a date to receive the judge’s decision will be set. We hope the case will be resolved in favor of the children soon. Please pray for a quick resolution on behalf of these kids.
We are so proud that Isaac, one of the pre-teen boys in our homes, is the newest addition to Comunidad Crisitana El Faro’s worship team. Last year, he tried out for a spot and made it! He has attended all worship practices, and has demonstrated responsibility and diligence in this area of ministry. On any given Sunday morning you can see him in the choir. He has also begun taking guitar lessons and is enjoying learning how to play that instrument. We are confident that by developing his talents, God will use him mightily in the future!
God’s word promises in II Corinthians 6:18: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters.” Over the years, we have learned that as much as we fall in love with each child that comes through our doors, nobody loves them like their Heavenly Father does. Each little person here has a destiny, and ultimately it is His responsibility to make sure it comes to fruition. So we rejoice when our kids ask Jesus into their hearts, when they get adopted, join the worship team, or make good grades in school. He promises to be their father. Like any good father, He demonstrates active interest in every area of their lives. Our kids can say with confidence,
“His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
Teams are always a blessing around these parts! We've already hosted a number of groups and are gearing up for the busy summer months ahead. Our short term groups have blessed the children’s homes with pajamas, flip-flops, school supplies, homemade meals, and spring cleaning! We are grateful for these tangible acts of kindness!
Stephen’s mom, Connie Thomas, has been visiting the Abraham Project for a number of years. Each time, she teaches ESL in the daycare center. Connie incorporates many teaching tools in order to make class fun and interesting for the children of our community. In this way, she teaches the children basic skills and knowledge of the English language. She also uses God’s Word as an important tool in her lessons. She is a gifted teacher who truly has a missionary heart.
Lexi’s back! She returned to Costa Rica this month (March) and will be serving as an intern here at the A.P. until May. Lexi is always available to do anything we need around here. She has been helping Miss Connie with her ESL classes and has been a huge asset to the team!
Today, Esteban and Gabriela received two new kids in their children’s home. Let’s just say that our house parents have their hands full! The siblings are pretty rambunctious. They have both thrown big, ole’ hairy fits, but with lots of love they are adapting to the ways of the home. We are happy that Joshua and Brittany are here. We know that whatever their circumstance, God is more than able to make a difference in their lives!
Today we began paving the parking lot at the Abraham Project! For those of you who don’t know, when the project began back in 2002 there was only a dirt road leading to our place. A few years ago, the main road leading to the A.P. was paved. After many years of battling dust during dry season and mud during rainy season, today we rejoice because our parking lot is getting paved! God is faithful!
We want to start by sharing a couple of updates. In our October newsletter, we had mentioned a sibling group of three that had been declared abandoned. At the end of November, a case worker from the Office of Adoptions came by to visit the children. She wanted to get to know them a bit so that she could begin the process of “promoting” their case internationally. The meeting went well and the process began. When we returned from our trip to the states, we were informed that the Adoption Council would be meeting on January 17th in order to review their case. Fortunately, there was a family in the U.S. interested in their case. Why do we say, “Fortunately?” Because the oldest sibling is 12 and it’s a “combo” pack of three children. In our experience, it is very difficult to find families that want to adopt more than one child at a time, not to mention, one that is a pre-adolescent. Needless to say, we are thrilled that there is a potential family waiting for them. The Office of Adoptions has contacted the family and we are awaiting word as to when the family will be coming to C.R. to finalize the process. We continue to pray knowing that God cares infinitely more for Ericka, Luciano, and Angelly than any of us ever will! As for the other case of Steven and Maria José, we regret to inform that they left our home on November 27th after some “back & forth” with the PANI Office. The office that had the case was from the Province of Alajuela about 2 hours from here. A judge had granted the parents visitation rights (mind you, this was a domestic violence case). The visitations started out just once a month, but their father insisted that the judge grant them two per month. The judge granted the request. Since the visitation was “supervised,” that meant that a social worker or psychologist from that local office had to come here to supervise the visit. That was the big hang-up. Basically, the PANI office didn’t want to do their job. We tried negotiating with the office so that the kids could stay here. We asked them to supervise one of the visits (like they were already doing) and our psychologist would supervise the other. They rejected our proposal due to the fact that it was just to far to come and they weren't agreeable to supervising any of the visits. They told us that they would begin looking for another children’s home to move them to. They found a place just 25 minutes from the Abraham Project. Steven and Maria José had been with us for five months and had adapted well to the environment here at the project. We were very sad they had to go just because someone didn’t want to be inconvenienced. As hard as it was to see the siblings go, Psalms 72:12 promises, “He will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them.” We are confident that He is more than able to keep Steven and Maria José wherever they are.
On a “happier note,” on December 17th (while we were away) Silvana was adopted by a wonderful Costa Rican family. Many of you remember her, she came to the A.P when she was only 3 months old. Her Costa Rican parents have a 5 year old biological son, so Silvana is the “baby” in her family. It’s interesting to note that she left just days before Christmas. We’re thrilled that she and her folks received the “gift” of family this holiday season. We are sure it was an incredibly meaningful time for all of them!
Every two weeks our house parents shop for all the food, school snacks, and fruits and veggies the kiddos will need in the homes. It’s an activity that takes up most of the morning, but from time to time one or two of the kids tag a long for fun. Groceries in Costa Rica are not cheap. The average Costa Rican eats a simple diet of chicken, pork, rice, beans, vegetables, fruits, and pasta. Fish is popular, but it is expensive. The supermarkets look like the ones in the USA. They tend to carry a lot of the products that cater to North Americans; however, you can expect to pay a premium. The grocery bill for the children's homes is close to half our budget each month!
“They will call him Immanuel” which means, “God with us.” (Matthew 1:23)
Recently, we had the opportunity to encourage one of the boys in our homes who has struggled with fear for many years. Since arriving at the Abraham Project, he has received Jesus into his heart, attended the Baptism class at our church, and has been baptized. However his struggle with fear is very real to him. We asked him if he ever prays when he feels scared. He said, “No.” We began to realize that he had not yet fully trusted Christ to take care of his fears for him. He wasn’t convinced that Jesus would help him. We reminded him of the life he once had: no education, poverty, hunger, and neglect. We shared with him that God brought him to the project because He cared so much for him. Coming here was a gift that God gave him. We wanted him to know that Immanuel lives in him, and He is so faithful to take good care of him. This will be a lesson that he will carry with him for the rest of his life. It is one of hope, confidence, and love and it will bring great comfort.
We are grateful for the privilege of instilling this important concept in our kids. God is with them and He is for them. The children in our homes have been able to see Immanuel, “God with us” in a practical, powerful way. Here’s what they have to say:
● “Jesus died for my sins. God has a plan for me.” ~ Isaac
● “My tíos care about me because they help me with my school work.” ~ Ericka
● “My tíos love me.” ~ Angela
● “As I get older, I learn to respect others and value the things I have.” ~ Roberto
● “I love it here.” ~ Sharon
“Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord.” (Nehemiah 8:10)
This holiday season may our hearts go out to those who will not enjoy a blessed Christmas Day. Look for the opportunity to share with those who have nothing. There is nothing more inspiring than giving to those in need and seeing the difference that Immanuel, “God with us” makes in their lives!
FELIZ NAVIDAD Y PROSPERO AÑO NUEVO!
As we move forward in our ministry, specifically considering Phase II (four additional children’s homes), we would like to hire a consulting firm to help us develop a strategic plan. Basically, the idea is to have someone analyze our current operations and make recommendations for the exponential growth that we will be experiencing in the future. We have already chosen a Christian consulting firm to do the work. It would be a one-year coaching process in which they would assist us with implementing the strategic business plan. The only thing left to do is to raise the $7,500 needed to hire the firm. If you would like to donate, see instructions below for giving. All contributions should be marked for World Hope Outreach in the check’s memo section.
For those who desire to contribute financially, mail to the following address:
Cornerstone International, P.O. Box 192, Wilmore, KY 40390
Please make checks payable to Cornerstone International and note in the memo section “World Hope Outreach”
Thomas Family Contact Information:
Phone #: (956) 287-3131 Email: sgthomas@ice.co.cr
Lexi and Cait arrived in September to begin their intern stint at the Abraham Project. The girls did “A little bit of everything” around here…literally. The girls worked with Jason, our short term mission coordinator, facilitating our last team of the year, they painted, washed dishes in the cafeteria, cooked dinner for the children’s homes, babysat, mowed the grass, and so much more! Cait & Lexi have definitely left their fingerprint on the hearts of everyone here at the project!
