May 1, 2009

 

Weaving Hope Update

 

 

April proved to be another fruitful month at El Refugio. Early in the month, Doctors without Borders contacted us regarding a woman they had examined in El Gallito in Zone 3. This is a very dangerous area of the Capital. Many police won’t even venture into it. Maria was a victim of a gang rape by drug addicts and needed protection, which brought her to our doorstep. As it turns out, her abuse history dated back to when she was nine years old. She grew up in the Quiche’ in the 1980’s, a time of extreme violence in the civil war here in Guatemala. Though her first days at the shelter were very frustrating for her, it was through her time with Nidia, our counselor, and Pamela that the darkness began to lose its hold on her. When our team from Northbrook Church visited El Refugio mid-month, it was Maria’s story that touched their hearts. It was the first time, outside of counseling, that she was able to share her story, though not completely. Much healing still needs to take place in her life. She did share, though, that she was now experiencing sleep without the constant nightmares and wore the smile to prove some areas of victory. The ladies and kids have been reaping the rewards of Maria’s presence with wonderful meals. She is quite the cook. She even prepared iguana, at Mike’s request, for the Northbrook team. I will admit that not everyone tried it.

 

 

 

 

This past week we received Maribel and her daughter, who is only 15 days old. Her story is a bit tragic for me due in large part to the lies and deception that plagued her life. She grew up in a very moral and religious home. She began dating a man who would become her husband. He filled her with stories and dreams and she fell for it all. As their relationship grew more and more serious, his patience wore thin. One night he raped her and followed it up with a proposal to her parents, though the parents were unaware of the rape. They gave their blessing and the wedding took place. It was because of the shame that Maribel agreed to the wedding, but the abuse intensified after the wedding, while the baby girl was growing inside her. Once the baby was born, she escaped and sought help from the government, who contacted us with nowhere else for her to go. Her family lives in San Marcos, a region close to the Mexican border. Her family will be coming to get her in the next week or so. On Monday I took most of the ladies and kids to the dentist, leaving Maribel and her daughter at the shelter. This gave Maribel the opportunity to receive counseling from Susie, another counselor, who was now free to spend the whole morning with her, since everyone else was with me. That first session has already born fruit, and we are hoping that she will receive one more session before leaving with her family.

 

 

Through this we continue to give thanks to the supporters who are standing with us. Please continue to pray for the financial situation at El Refugio and how you might partner with this aspect of our ministry.

 

 

May the Lord bless you,

 

Chris and Mike