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“to be on pins and needles” (American & Australian) to be anxiously waiting to see what is going to happen
It’s Day Nine and counting since Grandson #2 was due, and we’re still waiting. We sure are anxious for him to get here. Of course, Renaissance Man and I are thoroughly enjoying our time with Little Man and his parents, and the thought of two little guys to love on is a blessing almost beyond what we can imagine — and certainly more than we could ever deserve!
But ironically, tonight, even while I’m surrounded by all things “boy,” my mind is being tugged at by girls. Some of you will remember when I told you about the Very BEST Tablescape Ever. If not, I hope you’ll go HERE to read about it.
You may also remember last Easter when I told you HERE how I’d seen resurrection power at work with government officials in Brazil, and how one of our programs was saved from closing by God’s intervention. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, or if you’d like to refresh your memory, I hope you’ll read that post, because I’m about to tell you the next part of the story …
We left off a year ago with a Brazilian government expressing its desire to cooperate with Hope Unlimited for Children on behalf of the state’s children. They even asked Hope to propose how we might adapt our highly-effective model of transformational care with at-mortal-risk children for use with children in the state’s recently-condemned children’s prison system.
I left you feeling a bit like Esther, with Hope Unlimited for Children seeming to be positioned in Brazil for such a time as this. Americans and Brazilian friends alike looked out at the children’s prison across the valley from our own Hope Mountain campus … and wondered what God had planned.
Well, to a great extent, a year later we’re still wondering what God has planned … but what a year it has been! In all honesty, funding of our Hope Mountain campus continues to be a difficult struggle, and even after God’s miraculous intervention last April, we’ve had the “time to close that location” discussion more than once. Of course, working with governmental bureaucracy has been a tedious process as well … and yet it is very obvious that God still has plans for the children in Vitoria, Brazil who most need Hope.
During the past year, representatives of Hope have visited prisons, researched, networked … and prayed. Oh, how we’ve prayed. For wisdom. For the children. For God to make a clear path — one way or the other. But one thing that keeps surfacing in discussions is the longterm hope of many who have been part of the Hope family for much longer than we: the desire to work with girls in Vitoria as we do at our Campinas location. For the past 12 years now, we have only worked with boys in Vitoria … and yet there is nothing available in the state — nothing — for the girls who are at risk. Many of Hope’s faithful supporters have dreamed of seeing this in Vitoria …
Last week, across the valley from our Hope Mountain campus, the girls in the Girls’ Prison rebelled and burned the prison. The headline in the local newspaper read “Welcome to Hell” … and an article outlining the horrendously inhumane conditions in the prison followed. One paragraph jumped out at me: The UFI (Female Incarceration Unit), along with UNAI (Initial Care Unit), is in the “basement” of the boys prison at IASES. It is a structure totally inadequate for the care of adolescents. It has always been an unhealthy place. It is not trashed because of the last rebellion, but because it was born outside the parameters already established by the laws for children’s rights. It is one of those structures that arise as a temporary solution and ends up lasting forever.
State officials, desperate to find a solution to their problems, immediately contacted Hope to see if there’s a way for us to get involved sooner rather than later. Things are happening quickly, and it seems God may be opening up doors for us to minister to both girls and prison children, all at the same time. As Hope’s CEO and co-founder said, “Would not that be a unique confirmation of His leading in recent times?”
And so we wait … on pins and needles … to see how this will play out. To see what God has in store for His precious daughters, many who are not hardened criminals but victims of a culture and circumstance beyond their control. Young girls who currently live without hope.
As Easter approaches, we once again celebrate our RISEN Lord and the power that brought about His resurrection. We call on that same power to continue influencing governments … and directing our steps … and protecting the children. Once again, we strive to be available to be used as God desires on behalf of His little ones. And yet again, Renaissance Man and I invite you to make the journey with us. I can only wonder what discussions and decisions lie ahead over the next few weeks, and I ask you to pray for clarity of purpose for the Board of Hope as they meet next month.
A pink tablescape in Vitoria? Perhaps one day …
I’ll be joining Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch, Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence, and
Pink Saturday at How Sweet the Sound.
Happy Easter to all!
You are such a blessing to these children. God is definitely with you in all the struggles you are going through in trying to take care of these less fortunate children. Grandson #2 is so lucky to have you. 🙂
~Lisha
p.s. I found you through Lori’s blog at bleak2unique. I’m your newest linky follower! if you want you can linky follow me back at onehouseonecouple.blogzam.com 🙂
How wonderful that you are intertwined with these lives of these children. God has been there right along and will carry you through. What a blessing..and what a wonderful post. God bless you, xo Diana
Wonderful! What a blessing!
The wheels of government turn slowly, but I’m glad you are patient and kind-hearted enough to wait them out. I also hope that the young women can find a way to hold on until justice is done to give them the hope and resources needed to carry on full, productive lives. Best wishes to you, yours, and your “adopted” family this Easter!
Easter blessings!
May God richly bless your mission. Have a joyful Easter. He is Risen Indeed! Ginger