She's Finally Dancing.

Sorry I haven't updated in a while...the internet is so janky here. This is my last time with internet before we start our end of the year technology fast. We have only two more weeks left in Mexico and I can't believe it is almost over. We have finals next week...and then classes are done. The last week is spent debriefing and deep-cleaning..oh so fun! It has been so amazing here learning everything that I have. I will miss it here so much, but at least I have Mt. Hermon to look forward to. Its going to be a whole other growing experience for me and I am stoked to learn about God and his flawless, unblemished, and amazing character. Thanks for supporting me, and I can't wait to see all your beautiful faces at some point in the near future. Now for some bittersweet news...

Last Friday, eleven year old Rosa from Casa Gabriel passed away. The was a chicken pox epidemic at the orphanage, and Rosa contracted them. They spread to her brain almost right away and she went to be with Jesus. She was the youngest of the four sisters that I have told you about before. She had the biggest smile and I played with her specially every time I went. We got to the point that she recognized me when I came and would get mad if I didn't play with her. She was so precious.

She loved Jesus so much. I asked her about it one time and she gave me an enthusiastic "YES!" by nodding her head vigorously. She was just a little girl, but had a huge heart. It is amazing to think about how many lives she touched, even though she was only eleven. There are hundreds of people that come and go from Casa Gabriel every year, and Rosa was everyone's favorite. Think about it...I know that I am walking away from Casa Gabriel a different person, hopefully a better one :) And she played a huge part in that...she showed me Jesus in a totally new and radical way. How many more people has she done that for, just by laughing, smiling, singing, and loving Jesus the way she did. Nobody expected her to go...it was a huge shock. But we can all rejoice, even though we'll miss her, because a little girl who has never been able to walk or talk in her life is now doing both in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Savior. How beautiful is that? Renny, the director of Casa Gabriel, said that she was sure that Rosa was dancing circles around him...like she would have if she had been born without a handicap. What a beautiful God we have, One who restores and rewards those who have suffered here on earth.

Today, us Ventaneros went to Casa Gabriel for the last time. We had a celebration of life for Rosa. Her three sisters let off balloons with notes tied to them from all the kids. We got to help them write them, since most of them can't write. Those who are cognitive seemed pretty upset. All those kids there are so precious. The parents of the sisters, who have been regular visitors to Casa Gabriel came to the celebration. They really love their girls and it was so sweet to see them there, comforting their other children. They just didn't have the means to take care of them by themselves while still working in the fields...please keep this family in your prayers because Shelly, the oldest was very upset today and wouldn't even smile. Ellie and Sonya are the other two...just to see the three crying today, I can't even tell you how touching this story is. Just to see them interact together...

As the balloons were let go, all the children at Casa Gabriel yelled up "Adios Rosa! Adios Rosa!" And there is one boy named Teddy, I know I told you about him before...He yelled "es en cielo!" She's in heaven! Then he named another girl from the Casa that had died a while before. It was the sweetest thing...they really understand it and were truly happy for her. That darling girl who is now enjoying everlasting life with the Father. Its an amazing story. Praise God.

I love you all and I hope that Rosa's life has touched yours in some way...even though you haven't met her. I'll introduce you in heaven! It'll be amazing to see her again with her new body.
Love you all so much.
I'll write again in two weeks!
Please keep us all in your prayers as everything is drawing to a close.
THANKS!
Mikaela