September 9, 2008

 

I would like to update you on what is going on at "El Refugio". I plan to include a few personal stories to help you understand the need in a more personal way. During our time in the states, the shelter was open for business and received women and their children almost on a daily basis. Some women only needed a day or two to get their lives in order and to have the time and freedom to make the necessary decisions for their futures, while others came through the doors needing much more.

 

We are very excited to have Nidia, a Christian psychologist trained in counseling women and children. She has committed to coming to the shelter every Monday morning to spend time with each woman and each individual child. She also has a group session with the ladies at the end of her personal sessions. It has been an incredible blessing for all involved! Due to our financial situation, she has decided to charge us only for the gas she uses to come to the shelter. We are so thankful for Nidia!

 

We are also happy to have a young lady who has volunteered to work with the kids one afternoon a week. Karina, is a single woman who loves kids and lives to encourage. She plans weekly activities with the children, healing them through love and play!

 

At this time we have four ladies in the shelter: We are changing their names to protect them and their children.

 

Dahlia, who has no contact with her husband and has two boys (Christian and Cesar Julian). She came to us seeking safety and shelter. Her extended family, like many, will have nothing to do with her since she left her husband and his abusive ways. Christian is now attending school a few blocks away, which has been a huge blessing to Dahlia. He loves school and learning. Thankfully, with the school year nearing it's end (October), the school is allowing Christian to attend for free! 

 

 

Rosie, who entered the shelter for safety's sake, has two boys, Elvis and Daniel. Elvis is also attending school with Christian. Rosie survived her husband's brutal attack for which he is now in prison. Like Dahlia, her family will have nothing to do with her, either, because she turned him in. We are planning on taking her to meet with Mike Kadera, a fellow missionary dentist, in hopes that something might be done with her two front teeth. They are both dead and brown from the many beatings she received by her husband.

 

 

Melba, who is divorced, has been at the shelter for only a few days. She came to us for a different reason. Her seventeen-year-old son was being courted by a neighborhood gang. When Melba put her foot down and said he would never be allowed to be a part of this gang, the gang retaliated by threatening the life of one of her younger boys as payment for her refusal. Her older son has since gone into a home for teenage boys, since he was too old to be allowed into our shelter. Melba hopes to find an apartment nearby so that she can bring her family back together again in a safe place. She had to flee her home immediately, leaving everything behind. She does not plan to ever return to that neighborhood.

 

 

The last woman to enter the shelter since our return one week ago is Maria. She has a 4-month-old son, Diego Emilio. It turns out she became estranged from her family when she took up with a young man who had deep emotional problems. Now she sees the need to get away from his destructive nature and has no one in which to turn to. Nydia is helping her work through all her emotional problems in hopes of bringing her to a place where reconciliation with her family might be possible. 

 

Through all these different issues, God is present healing and restoring lives.

 

Pamela and Karla, who oversee all the day-to-day operations, have been a constant presence to these ladies; teaching, mentoring and loving each one where they are.

We are thankful for the two teams that came down this summer through Emmanuel's Heart. The painting of the bedrooms, new draperies in each room, clothing, shoes and new porch roof were wonderful gifts to El Refugio, and for those entering through it's doors.

 

We are also thankful for HOPE Bible Mission who has been graciously donating Bibles to the shelter. Each woman who comes through the door has the opportunity to obtain her own Bible. What a gift it has been to the ladies, even those who can't read yet! It gives them a promise for a future, one which will allow them to read the word of God by themselves.

 

If God is tugging on your heart to become involved, please don't put it off. You can begin today by giving financially to the needs at El Refugio.

 

Be assured that 100% of your gift will be given to this important ministry. We ask only that you designate your gift to PWM when you send in your donation.

 

Please send your check to:

Emmanuel's Heart
1126 Fern Street
Walla Walla, WA  99362

 

We thank you in advance for your support!

 

Dr. Mike Soderling, M.D.

 

These photos were taken at the groups first ever dentist appointment. Unfortunately it won't be their last. I have a better understanding of two visits a year from this whole experience.

"their first ever trip to the dentist" to cover all these shots.... "and it won't be their last either" to end it......

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