WHITE STONE MINISTRIES

These photos tell the story of our first few weeks in Manto Coahuila.

When we asked to take over the Home, we had to bring the children into our own for a few days while the previous directors moved out. We knew the children had been living in some terrible conditions, but when we moved in, we were overwhelmed with the horrible condition of the Home.

The Home and the adjacent buildings and grounds were in terrible shape when we arrived. The odors of feces, urine and rotting trash greeted us. The refuse, the bugs and the general atmosphere were almost overwhelming.  In Mexico, the sewage systems are not able to handle paper waste so "used" toilet paper must be put into small trash cans next to the toilets. These cans were full to overflowing, so one can just imagine that smell. Aside from the trash, toilets had been left full of feces and urine. Also, at least 5 leaks, some major, had been left unattended and a putrid water smell and mildew smells blended with all the other "aromas" making it almost impossible to breathe inside. The grounds were covered with trash and litter as well. We could see that it would take us weeks of cleaning to make the house liveable...but we didn't have weeks. Because these children are under the authority of the Mexican counterpart of the U.S. Child protective Services, we had to move into the Home immediately to comply with their law.

Most of the furniture was gone. The TV and DVD player and most of the childrens' decent toys were gone. The kitchen was almost bare of utensils, pot, pans, plates, silverware and glasses, but at least the beds were still on the premises so the children had places to sleep the first night we were in the Home.  Anna and I really didn't even know where to begin to start cleaning and sanitizing.  We took over so quickly, we didn't even have a chance to send out emails or letters to folks to see if anyone could come and devote some time to help us. The property is located in an area that does not have telephone service and there is no internet service available either.  It was very clear that the clean-up was at least a 3-4 week job for Anna & I, especially given that we had to take care of the children at the same time. All that Anna and I could do, was to thank God for the opportunity to serve Him and these children and to thank Him for strength and patience to turn this pig sty into a home while simultaneously ministering to the children.

God knows our needs even before we prayed and he also knows our limitations...so just like a loving Father, He had a plan. God saw this situation ahead of time and he didn't need a phone line or the internet to arrange for help....