Week 8 - The 3rd posting

Uggh!  I was very frustrated during the past several weeks because I had no communication with Marybel.  I was beginning to wonder if we had wasted a lot of energy and money, but then I would remind myself of incredible number of 'coincidences' that occured weeks earlier.  I'm still convinced God has a reason for us meeting her.

On a very bright note, a 7 year old girl from our church heard about Genesis, Marybel's daughter, who needed money for a hearing aid.  She asked those who she invited to her birthday party to bring money for Genesis, rather than gifts!!  She raised about $110!!  I've also had several follow up with me, asking how is Marybel.

Today, I finally got a text from Marybel.  She said that Ever would be deported back to El Salvador, Jose was in a Boys Home for 18 months, her car did not work, and she lost her job.  I was blown away.  I asked her to call me.  She replied, "Please wait a few minutes."  After she called me, she explained she had been crying and was trying to gain her composure before calling me.

She was very sad, and confirmed not only all the things from her text, but that she's been unable to get her tax refund, her cell phone had been disconnected until this past week, her checking account is overdrawn,  she was in the hospital several days because she had been so sick, and that her mom was recently beaten badly by her husband!  It was a bit hard for me to understand everything she was sharing, and quite frankly, I was in shock.

It was an overwhelming situation, but I started with one thing at a time.

Unfortunately, she's had no transportation since about 4 days after leaving us.  She is walking everywhere.  An axel is broken, and another mechanic advised her that the engine and transmission were very bad.  It's clear to me that Jim should not have sold us this car, and I feel bad we wasted so much money on it.  I told Marybel I would talk to him and ask him for our money back or to tow the car back and work on it much more.

I then told her that I would pray and think about this more, before calling her back in the next 2 days.  She said her cell phone would be disconnected again by then, so I paid it for her over the phone. 

She shared that her tax refund will provide about 3 weeks of expenses, but that's it.

I shared with her that she's not in this alone, and somehow, we would help.

My prayer tonight is:  God, give me the wisdom to know what to do, and please provide for Marybel and her children.

I know there are many who probably think I'm crazy for even continuing to help, but I just don't think it's an accident that we met.  

I know I can't take care of everything for her.  Ultimately, God needs to take care of her.  But I know He chooses to use believers to team up and help.

So, here's what's needed:

1) Transportation - I will try to get Jim to give us money back to put towards another vehicle, but I wonder if there's someone out there who might want to just donate a vehicle to her.

2) Money for the short term needs.

3) A job - somehow, she needs real employment.  I will try to learn more about her skills.  She is GREAT with people and very responsible, but that's all I know.

4) Hearing aid -- the monthly payment for Genesis hearing aid is about $250. 

5) Jose and Ever.  There may not be anything that can be done.  I don't fully understand yet why and how Jose ended up in the Boys Home, other than I know he missed a lot of school. 

If someone reads this and can help even in a small way, please let me know.  pfsdean@gmail.com