“Abby....looks like the door was prayed open at Lily
House. My government contact says we can "intervene" but Carmen needs
to know that the Dominican Social Services will be doing an investigation. They
will come by to meet her, get her mother's info. and try to help her find her
papers so she can start school...
We will begin pouring the Word and our lives into her
life as soon as she arrives. She can move in Tuesday morning. If you can tell
her to be here as close to 9 am as possible. Thanks!! Praise in seeing God
work. The authorities could have easily said "no." They have before.
Erica”
That morning, I had read Psalm 140.
Verse 12 says, "I know that YHWH will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
and justice for the poor." --Psalm 140:12. That's exactly what God had done, in causing the Dominican Social Services to waive the requirement of finding her birth certificate as a condition for moving. It had seemed such a difficult task...but nothing is too difficult for God! Tears of joy streamed down my face as I thanked Him.
That night, I went searching for Carmen to share the news. But I didn't find her at home, or in any of her usual spots. I knew if I got up early enough the next morning, I would find her in her tiny apartment room sleeping. Before bed, I wrote back to Erica:
That night, I went searching for Carmen to share the news. But I didn't find her at home, or in any of her usual spots. I knew if I got up early enough the next morning, I would find her in her tiny apartment room sleeping. Before bed, I wrote back to Erica:
Wow, thank you so much for the news Erica. Thank you
so much JESUS! …I will tell her tomorrow morning if I can find her! I looked
for her tonight after work but did not find her. God bless you!!!
The next morning, I practically ran to Carmen’s house
to bring her and Andre breakfast. I couldn't contain my joy.
To my surprise, when I told Carmen that she had permission to move in without the birth certificate,
“OK.”
She didn't seem nearly as excited as me. But when I
asked her if Tuesday would work as a good day to move in, she said it would.
Yet, in spite of my joy, I began to pray that Carmen
wouldn't change her mind. She had said it was a beautiful place, and when we
visited I thought I saw hope glimmering in her tired eyes. But I knew that the
safe house would be a culture shock for her at first—and the decision to go, or
stay after arriving, had to come from her heart. Still, I had prayed for so
long, had turned over so many leaves, had gotten so excited about
everything…and I didn't want things to turn out any differently than I so
desperately hoped they would.
November 25th, 2013 was destined to be a
historical day.
The night before, drunk with anticipation, I wrote to
Erica: “See you in the morning Lord willing! Please continue to be in prayer!
Thank you for accompanying us in this process and presenting such a welcoming
attitude to Carmen!”
I wrote another email to my friends and family who
knew of the case:
Please intercede for Carmen's move tomorrow. Lord
willing, after many tears and prayers, we are boarding a bus at 8 AM and heading
off to the Lily House, a new home where Carmen can take Jesus' offer
at a new and abundant life. I am so thankful for the opportunity God has given
me to get to know Carmen, and see His mighty hand working to deliver her.
What is impossible for humans is possible with God!
I covet your prayers, especially today, but in the
future as well. Please stop what you are doing if possible, and pray through
this list for 5 minutes. I can't thank you enough.
-Pray for firmness in her decision and desire to
change, and no wavering or desires for the old life
-Pray for every chain to be broken and every wound to
be healed
-Pray for hope and not despair
-Pray for the Spirit of Adoption and for Carmen to
feel the pleasure of the Father welcoming back His prodigal daughter with open
arms and love
-Pray for discernment and compassion for the staff as
they begin to get her in school and counseling
-Pray for friendships to be formed with the other
women at the lily house, as Carmen will be leaving friends behind in
Santo Domingo
-Pray for her 14 year-old childhood friend, Andre, who
has accompanied her as she lost the baby and couldn't pay rent for several
weeks, who may feel he is losing a friend
-Pray for child sponsorship so Andre can go to school
as well...
Thank you my dear brothers and sisters!!!!
I got up early to prepare breakfast for Carmen, Andre,
and me. I packed enough money for my bus fare to and from Juan Dolio, and Carmen’s
fare there. Finally, I packed my Bible.
At 7:15AM, I stood outside of Carmen and Andre’s door
and knocked.
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