“…I bring you good news that will cause GREAT JOY for all the people. Today in the town of David A SAVIOR has been born to you...”
Merry Christmas, Beloved Friends & Family!
We realize that for so many of our dearest friends and family, 2011 has been a year of not-so-good news, struggle, and for some… extreme sadness. We pray that in this Christmas season you are able to take courage, find hope, and ultimately experience GREAT JOY. The angels are still proclaiming this good news for all people; a SAVIOR has been born! For those of us who believe, the birth of our Savior not only brings purpose to our earthly trials and tribulations, but GREAT JOY when viewed in light of our glorious eternity with Him. Alleluia!
For us, 2011 represents a year of harvest. After so many months and years of sowing into the vision of Grace Babies’ Home, in May our family moved into one of the missionary residences on the second floor. By mid-October, we had finished up construction of the first floor. In the beginning of November, the Mexican social services placed our first baby into our care. In many ways it feels good to be finished building, in other ways it feels as if the hard work has just begun.
Baby Natalia stole our hearts. In her waking moments we all fought for a chance to hold her and play with her. For the three weeks she was in our care, we loved her as if she was our own. Then in His perfect will and timing, God found her a new home with a family that will love her. In the short time she was in our home, we saw great improvement in her development, in her health, and even in her appearance. It was amazing to witness God’s transforming and healing power at work right in front of our eyes.
We continue to stand in awe of God’s faithfulness to complete the good work He has begun in our kids. Lucy is very much a young woman, and we have come to depend on her responsibility, capability, and wisdom. Sam as well, is more man than boy. His sensitive nature has matured into a roll of protector to his sisters and even his mother. Joe Max’s boldness with the truth is constantly bringing conviction and repentance to our home. Lily’s ability to see things that need to be done and then do them well, helps our home to run efficiently.
As we look back on a year of witnessing God’s faithfulness, bringing to fruition His vision for GBH, we feel as if we’ve just scratched the surface in witnessing God’s power. We can’t wait to watch His faithfulness at work in the lives of once broken, once wounded, once ignored babies. In just a few short weeks we’ve already seen glimpses of this healing power in Natalia’s life.
Thank you for jumping in on this journey when it was just a dream. Thank you for sticking with it when it seemed to go slower than we would have liked. Thank you for walking with us in these new unchartered waters of loving the least of these.
With All Our Love,
Juan & Alicia
 |
| Merry Christmas 2011 - The Strutton Family |
