How do I even start?

Update! I found I was misinformed - it was Miriam's sister, Mitzy, who passed away.  She was 3 years old. 


This was good news only to Sarah, who didn't lose her best friend. Apparently after Miriam recovered from chickenpox her little sister came down with it.


It's a different child, but the same sorrow.


Miriam died last night.

She was 6 years old.

The doctors prescribed bad medicine.

She was out of school for a couple of weeks because she had chickenpox.  But she was back in class with my daughter, Sarah, on Monday.   After school Miriam's mother and father were hosting, in their very humble baptist church that he pastors, a VBS put on by a visiting church group.

So thrilled was Sarah to be romping around hand in hand with her best friend.

At the surprise baby shower for Sarah's and Miriam's teacher today we noticed that Miriam and her mother were absent - but it wasn't dwelt on.

Then later at the VBS I was talking with the youth pastor's wife . . . she told me the news.

And I grieve.

I'm actually surprised at how my heart hurts for Augustina - Miriam's mother.  I came home and just sobbed on my husbands shoulder.  Then I asked him to tell Sarah - which he did, and she came out of the room all red eyed and we hugged and cried together.

They have two younger children than Miriam - the youngest has down syndrome.  And they are a humble, poor, family.  How does a Pastor continue after burying his daughter?  How does a mother function?  If you remember, would you please pray for this family?

I'll be hugging my kids a little tighter tonight - that's for sure.

Cousin Update

Jason is currently still at the scene of the accident, detained by the highway patrol. What we know of what happened:

Jason was pulling a trailer behind his car; the trailer broke loose on the Rosarito highway in the path of oncoming traffic. One oncoming car hit the trailer at very high speed, spun off the road, flipped, and that driver was killed instantly. Several other cars were also involved but sustained only minor or no injury.

Being involved in a car accident is considered a felony, and in cases where someone is injured or dies the offending party can at time be in jail up to 10 years.

Several friends are already at the scene, including our brother Oliver and his wife Gissel (my Uncle's assistant) who also happens to be a lawyer. She is working to resolve the situation and push paperwork as quickly as possible and with the best possible outcome. They have been able to speak to Jason, who is reportedly “fine, but shaken”. Other friends are organizing cash withdrawals and wire transfers to have bail ready when the time comes for that.

My uncle said this is the third instance of a death during his visits to the Huicholes in the Sierras of Mexico in the past several years so this battle is as much spiritual as it is legal and emotional.

It will most likely be several hours before we know what needs to be done to have Jason released. It doesn’t help that today is Cinco de Mayo, a national holiday, so the powers that be are not in their offices.

We expect Jason will have to remain under arrest for at least a night or two.



Please pray:

For Jason’s speedy release and the finances to make it happen
For the case to be moved to the city of Ensenada, where Gissel has more legal recourse (rather than Tijuana where they currently are)
For the family of the victim
For Jason, detained, and Rigel, waiting – and for the rest of us


We are thankful for Jason’s safety in all this, thank you for standing with us

More prayer needs

This post is being typed by a friend. Michelle (and family) had gone stateside a few days ago to visit with their family etc... And before they were able to return home to Mexico her husband (who as many of you know is on dialysis) was complaining of pain in his ribs. He thought it was from coughing but it hurt so bad that he went to the hospital ER. He ended up being admitted and was found to have pnemonia. But not only that, her youngest, their baby boy, also has pnemonia. Michelle and kids have gone back home to Mexico and the baby is taking medication. Her husband is still in the hospital stateside the last that I heard.

Please be praying for them.
Be praying for Michelle...for God to give her the rest and strength when she needs it.
For the kiddos and the home to be covered in peace....that passes understanding.
For the deaf ministry, because it is being hit so hard right now. That the Lord will turn EVERYTHING aroung for His glory and purpose.

Urgent prayer requset for Virginia

This is an urgent prayer request that is being posted by a friend of Michelle (via my computer since hers is still not working).
A dear friend of ours, Virginia Suarez (deaf pastors' wife) had been sick for a few days and on Sunday morning she passed out and has only woken up once since. She is still in a coma at this time. The Doctors say that she is dehydrated and that her sodium and potasium levels are very low. They had originally diagnosed her with diabetes but they just rediagnosed her with menengitis. As you can imagine this has really shaken up their family. Her husband's mother is visiting for the holidays and is able to be the mediator at the hospital and make sure she is getting the best care. She will be having a neurologist come and check Virginia in the morning and if she is not getting proper care she will be asking for her to get a transfer to a better hospital.
We covet your prayers for her.
1.For her to wake from coma and for the doctors to effectivly treat the correct problem.
2. That she would be getting the best possible care.
3. For the family, her husband Carlos and the two kids. For their peace and comfort during this time.
4. For their financial situation. They do not have any insurance and do not have the resources to handle a situation like this.

Thank you so very much!
Sorry I could not get the links to work properly, but you can find more information about the Suarez family and their picture on Michelle's ministry blog. http://www.bajacompassion.blogspot.com/