The Van Opstals and Lar Feliz

Pancakes and bracelets--

2011-10-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

During the holidays, a week ago, one of the little boys from the baby house went to stay with his mom. During that time, there was a violent episode where the mother was at risk of being hurt. When we heard, we were worried for the little boy, as he was always one of the quiet ones who took a while to open up for us. One time when the children were singing, he looked out so shy and the tears filled his eyes, and he couldn't sing a word. After the holiday, when he came back to Lar Feliz, we knew that something had happened that had made him upset because he became sullen and hardly smiled or laughed like before. Then one morning a Canadian volunteer and myself decided to make the babies American pancakes for breakfast. He was very curious and sat on a stool watching everything that we did. Finally, he was able to taste the maple syrope, and we finally heard his old funny laugh. Later in the morning we were braiding strings to make bracelets for them, and he choose his favorite colors and wanted one for his ankle too. Now, he is laughing and smiling again.

The Three Blessed Churches in a Row

2011-09-05T17:02:00.000-07:00

When I first noticed that there were new churches being built down the road from our house, I found it odd that they were so close together. The three buildings are all built alike only are painted different colors with different names on each one. It almost looked like a three for the price of one church sale. I wondered how it was all going to work, would they all have to sing the same songs at the same time in order to avoid an overlap in sound? It was a baptist, pentecostal and Assembly of God church. The past year, we were able to visit these different churches and found the services to be very good, and the members to be very friendly. It also seemed that the pastors of the different churches were friendly to each other. At the end of the services everyone greeted their brother from not only their own church, but from the other church next door as well. What I noticed most of all after driving by the past few Sundays was how each of the buildings were absolutely full, and it was even difficult to find a parking space on the street! One time, Paul made a joke and said that he was going to build a fourth church next door to the other churches, to which the one pastor laughed and said, "God bless you brother!" Psalm 133:1-3--How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity...For there the Lord bestows his blessing."

The trees of love--

2011-08-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

At the project we have several large mulberry trees that are completely filled with berries. They are called "amora" trees, a word very similar to the word "amor" which means "love". At almost any time of day, one can see all the children of all ages as well as adults picking all those berries off of the trees. Whenever a child is missing, we can usually find him picking berries, as much as he can eat. The babies come to the trees at certain times of the day, and come back covered from head to toe with the purple juice, and each have purple little hands. Like the berries on the trees, the children of Lar Feliz are looking for love. Many times, they know exactly where to find it, and who has it, and who doesn't. They can tell right away when someone says they love them, but are indeed false. Most of the children have been let down so many times that they are really careful. Once they have found the person who truly has love for them, they keep coming back to him or her again and again. "...Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."

She is a sweet little beautiful friendly child.....

2011-06-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

It has been a hard couple of weeks that passed, but I want to write again the stories that God has placed on my heart. It was a Saturday morning, and we were preparing to go to the square in Holambra with our worship band. Paul received a call to come quick to see one of the little girls who had been with us in the baby house, but since had been returned to her mother. We were waiting for news while we were at the square, she arrived with Paul and Jeremy. She had bruises on her little body, and when I approached her the first thing that she told me was, "my mom and my grandma say that I am ugly." She was returned to us at the project during which time, she cried for around two weeks. It was one of the saddest things that we ever saw. One time when we went on an outing a waitress from the restaurant saw her crying, and we were all taking turns holding her, and the waitress started crying too. The child had touched her heart. Today after a month later, she is laughing and smiling again, playing and giving hugs. She is a sweet little beautiful friendly child.

A child raising a child

2011-05-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

A seventeen year old girl without a mother or family close by, gets pregnant and has a beautiful little girl. She is brought to the baby house at Lar Feliz because she is unable to care for her by herself. Suddenly she has ten mothers, the monitors, telling her what to do, when to do it and how. She is still a child who still has so much to learn about life and how to make the right choices. She is fighting to keep her baby, but some days, she is losing the battle. We are trying to teach her a little bit each day, also through our examples, how to care for her precious child. Yesterday was one of the better days, when I saw her preparing her child for an outing and also to see how she is helping out others as well as herself. We pray for her the victory.

May news and prayer request..

2011-05-18T12:27:00.000-07:00

Holambra, May 2011

Dear friends and family,

10 years!!! It is hard to believe that
Last week it was the 10th anniversary of Project Happy Home. It is unbelievable when I think about all the things the Lord has done during these 10 years.

We started with nothing but the blessing of the lord and He just opened the flood gates of heaven!!

We are so grateful for what the lord has been doing among our kids. Since two months we have a new music teacher and the lord has just done miracles through him. We now have a rap gospel band, and two worship band, one with girls and one with boys. Even Jill and Elisa are involved in the worship.
Every Friday night we hold a short service
And it has been wonderful!

The Transitional home for the youth has been going really well as well. We have 10 youth living there and they all are working, studying and participating in maintaining the home. We have been working with them on their monthly budget and I am really encouraged how things are going. We are preparing men and women to make a difference in the world! God is good.

About one month ago we received 5 boys from a town about 30 minutes away. In their hometown they are known as the most broken down family in town. The boys were sent out to steal etc. Their living conditions were terrible. At first the judge sent 4, because the fifth one didn´t have a birth certificate. The brothers told us that he was 10 years old and hasn´t gone to school for one day in his life. We kept calling the court house to ask when the boy would finally come. We just could think of the fact that a 10 year old boy on the streets without education and proper care. Finally he came with a birth certificate. Strange was that on now they gave him the same date of birth as his 12 year old brother. Now we will have to have him undergo some medical exams to find out his real age. He loves going to school. We are so excited!
Pray for these 5 boys; Maicon, Vagner, Igor, Bruno and Lucas.
The last two months we have been renovating the home of the teen-age boys. We have added on a beautiful bathroom, renovated the locker room (see picture)
Now we are going to put new tiles in the whole house and then on the 20th of June we have a company come in with volunteers who will be painting the whole house, putting up curtains and paintings. They will also donate new beds and mattresses.
What a blessing!!

Finally I would like to ask you to pray for Paul´s sister and family. Joke has been a missionary in Cambodia for a long time, started having some heart troubles last month. Her insurance flew her to Singapore and they ended up putting stents to resolve the problem. She still has a lot of medication to control her heartbeat etc and to get a rest she decided to go to Holland for a month. Some of her daughters live in Holland and one of them is called Anna. Last week Anna suddenly got very sick and for the last days she has been on the IC in a coma on life support. Today they found out that she has a tumor on her ovary and this tumor is producing poison which is making her very sick. Tomorrow they will be doing emergency surgery to remove the tumor. Then she will undergo treatments to purify her blood of the poison the tumor was producing. The surgery is dangerous because of the deadly situation she is in right now!! Would you pray with us for a miracle from the Lord?

We will write more later about the family!! God bless!!

Paul, Jill, Elisa and Jeremy

If you want to support us financially monthly or with a one time gift then you can make your check out to The Gospel house Church and send it to:
The Gospel house Church
14707 Alexander Road
Cleveland, OH 44146-4924,
Please include a separate note saying the gift is for The Van Opstal Familie

Painting nails

2011-04-16T08:27:00.001-07:00

Many of you remember when I worked with a ministry in Amsterdam called “Shining Lights”. The purpose of this ministry was to evangelize all the different prostitutes who were working in the infamous Red Light District by giving them free manicures and serving them coffee and tea. Most of the time the women would open the doors for us for a free manicure, and we would be able to share the gospel with them and pray with them. As we would do their nails, we would hold their hands in ours and we could pray for them silently. I think there were very few times in five years that I didn’t have a good conversation with more than one woman about Jesus. With the baby house little girls, I also started the habit of doing their nails, just a little bit of quality time for them and making them pretty seems to leave a lasting impression that they remember always.

Holidays.....

2011-03-10T18:02:00.000-08:00

Holidays can be a difficult but rewarding time for all of us. This year for Carnival , as a family, we didn’t travel to the beach, spend time partying or barbecuing with family the way many Brazilians celebrate the time, we worked . Many of the children of the project get to go out and visit with family members or friends, but there are still those who get left behind. For those that do get left at the project, we love to go in and do special things to make a special memory. This year I was able to take three children who were left at the baby house to ride horse. One day, we were able to take all the children left at the baby house to visit one of the monitors, who is recuperating from surgery. She and her husband were so happy to have us that they made us a barbecue and gave some ice cream for dessert. I saw such contentment on the children’s faces, and realized how God blessed the little things that we do. They didn’t feel left behind or forgotten, the same way that we are not left behind or forgotten by our Heavenly Father.

The two women who couldn’t get along

2011-02-24T17:57:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when working with different personalities, it just doesn’t go well for some strange reason. Last year, I could not find a solution for two women who were working with me at the baby house. Each of the women has strong personalities, one was evangelical, and the other woman was a devoted catholic. Both of them seemed to have a lot to give to the children. I told them to work it out. The Catholic woman never complained but kept working with all of her heart. Finally the evangelical woman decided not to ever talk to the catholic woman and asked her co-workers to do the same. There was an incredible amount of tension in the house at the time. At the end, the evangelical woman stopped her time of working with us. Later I got to know the catholic woman, and one time while I was at her house, she told me that working at Lar Feliz was God’s gift to her. She was never able to have children of her own, and she loved each one of the children of the baby house. She said that she had been so lonely, and when she first moved to Holambra, she had no one to talk to. She said that she had gone to the shopping mall just to find someone to talk to. The other women who worked together with us at the baby house went to her and asked her forgiveness for how they had treated her. Now the love is flowing in the baby house in a special way, and this woman also can see more of God’s love.

Playing house....

2011-02-20T03:16:00.000-08:00

-- I have noticed while working with our children at Lar Feliz is how much they love to play house. They make houses under trees, and bring their toys and sit and play. They build houses in the trees out of cardboard and pieces of wood. One day we were making pictures with the babies and I drew a house for one of the quiet little boys. I drew a picture of him and his brother and sister at a house when suddenly he let out a squeal of delight I will never forget. He was so happy with the house and laughed and smiled into his hands. It was the first time that I heard a sound come out of him. This week, I am making a doll house for them out of a cardboard box that we found while we were going for one of our walks. I am quite sure that it will be something that they will all love.

Making something from nothing

2011-02-15T14:15:00.001-08:00

This morning with the babies, it was priceless--arts and crafts time! One of my most favorite things to do is to give each of the children a blank piece of paper, and just let them color whatever they want. What makes it even more special is when I pass out some scissors and glue, together with little bits of scrap paper. The babies and toddlers sit working on their masterpieces for a good long time, cutting up little bits of paper, that would normally be thrown into the trash, and pasting them on the paper to make a beautiful collage. It is one of their most favorite things to do. Things that one would normally throw away, I save for one day that it can be created into something beautiful, and usable. It is the same for us and parts of our lives, things that we wish we could throw away, or never have done, we can give them to God and he uses the different pieces to make a beautiful complete picture

Do you remember me?

2011-02-08T04:30:00.000-08:00

I looked into her green eyes and I asked, "Do you remember me?" She replied, "No," but had a smile on her face. She was in the baby house when she was very young, and had gone to live with extended family, but it didn't work out. She returned to Lar Feliz, now four years old, having suffered again. Her dark blonde curly hair was extremely damaged and was beginning to fall out because of stress, the doctor told us. She was moody and would hardly let me go home in the middle of the days, when I went to pick up Elisa and Jeremy from school. She bit and pinched the other children, causing them to not like her. Slowly this all began to change. When we would put on a video with kids dancing, she would sometimes dance the whole time with a big smile on her face. She is a crackerjack, she likes to tease and laugh with us and the other kids. She loves to make pictures, ride horse and swim. Now she is a happy little girl again, she is peaceful, obediant, but full of life and joy.

FITS......

2011-02-02T02:59:00.000-08:00

Our babies are actually toddlers now, and one thing that we experience a lot with them is the temper tantram, or fit. It is something that goes along with the age, but I have also found with our kids that it can be even something more. Sometimes when I had to go home in the middle of the day, or when things didn't go like they wanted it would start. What I do is to just hold them firmly in the time out chair. At times I have been bitten, spit on and kicked until they are able to calm down once again. It seems that all of their pain, pressures, and dissatisfaction with life in general seem to come out at that moment. At first it was shocking and hard. but through patience, I found to be firm with love was the best thing for them. After the fit would pass, they would come to me, crawl up into my lap, hug me and let me hug them too. God is like that with us. Sometimes when we are mad and have our fits, we strike out at Him, but he patiently waits for us to return to his lap, where he can love us and we can love Him.

The Baby who never smiled

2011-01-23T15:51:00.001-08:00

We received two sisters, one of two years old and the other six years, who came from a home of sexual abuse. The two year old came to us at the baby house and reminded us very much of a little doll. Her eyes had a blank frightened stare all the time, she never smiled, and whenever we put her down , as soon as her feet touched the ground, she gave quiet little cry that was actually more of a squeak. Only God knows what all happened to her, and all of the pain that is hidden behind those eyes. Our monitors worked with her, cut her long hair that was in terrible condition, gave her gentle baths, which seemed to be something that she had never experienced. We held her, even though she was old enough to walk, as it seemed to comfort her. A few weeks after she came, when I arrived at work, I saw her laughing and running in the grass with her bare feet. Every day, we see a little bit more of her smile and personality. She is like a gentle little flower that blooms more and more every day.

Birthday party///

2011-01-17T14:31:00.001-08:00

A week and a half ago it was a special day. It was the third birthday of one of the little girls who had stayed at the baby house who came when she was a baby. She had gone home to live with her mother and step father. We were invited to share her special day. The Brazilian women that I work with were excited with preparations, ordering a birthday cake, making candy, sandwiches and bringing presents. They were like an unstoppable train of love that continued with determination. We all loaded ourselves up in the van, all of the babies in their best clothes and shoes, and set out only to get lost around three or four times. We finally found the right exit when the rain started pouring down. We were slipping and sliding on the muddy dirt roads when we finally found a small little house with the happy family inside. It was good to see our little girl happy with her mom once again. We shared some smiles and tears and left part of our hearts behind as we left to go back home. Getting stuck in the mud, one of the women got out and pushed, and I was in admiration of the other woman who drove with nerves of steel. We made it safely home with laughter and songs in the van. It was most definitely a memorable Saturday afternoon, and I remembered once again the courage of the women I work with and their love.

Our wilderness--

2011-01-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

On New Year’s Eve, we were invited by friends to the first farm where we first experienced Brazil. As we drove up the long overgrown driveway with tall trees on either side, we saw the small houses that had long been abandoned. The farm was in Guedes, our first wilderness experience in Brazil that would make or break us. When we arrived at the top of the first hill, we saw a table filled with blood, they were butchering a cow! Our friend, the caretaker of the farm waved a greeting to us, and we saw that they had many family members with them there to celebrate the day. We went further up the drive to the house where we first lived. It was a primitive house with no glass windows, nor floor, where we had found a poisonous snake, our first year. Even though it was the most difficult, painful time of our lives, we knew that God had called us to stay in Brazil. While we lived on this abandoned farm away from civilization, we found something precious. It was a friendship with the couple who were caretakers there who to this day remain friends. They were as poor as could be, and lived a simple life, but held such joy in their hearts not found in material things. The love of Christ flowed from this couple to the four of us, at a time when we didn’t understand any Portuguese, and didn’t know the ways of the culture. They are devoted to Christ in small and faithful ways that made a big impact. After we went home that new year’s day, we all four of us felt such a gratefulness for what we have now, and what we had learned during those difficult first years, our wilderness time.

Oh what a year!

2010-12-31T06:55:00.001-08:00

It was a good year, it was sometimes bad. We had some great victories, and we were also just barely able to avoid some catastrophes. God provided in every way imaginable, and we remembered always to ask and to thank Him, giving Him the glory. We hired new workers, and unfortunately we had to fire some too. We lost some good friends, but we were able to meet some new ones, hopefully they will stay friends forever or at least for a very long time! We built and we renovated. We enjoyed the animals together with the children. We played and we laughed, we cried tears of joy and sadness. We said goodbye to some children going to homes with families, we said hello to some coming back after again not working out with their families. One thing we hope will remain the same, that Lar Feliz will always be a place where children, workers, and visitors can find the warmth of Jesus precious love.

2010-12-21T08:04:00.001-08:00

We want to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a 2011 filled with blessings from our Heavenly Father!

A KING WAS BORN, TO DIE AND RISE AGAIN SO THAT THOSE WHO ACCEPT HIM MIGHT LIVE AS ROYALTY.

Dear friends and family,
Last October Jill and I have officially been working in oversees mission for 20 years!! When you read it like that you think, unbelievable, that is a long time, but when we look back it all passed so quickly!
Below we quickly want to list all we have been involved in the last 20 years;

In Amsterdam we worked with YWAM (Youth with a Mission) for 9 years and were involved in the following;
• Personnel department
• Ministry with the addicts and homeless
• Part of the team ministering to the prostitutes in the Red light district, helping them decide to stop what they are doing and where possible help them go back to their native country. (Jill)
• Street Evangelism (Summer and Christmas)
• Building management
• PR for YWAM Amsterdam, we traveled all through the states to share about the work in Amsterdam.
• Discipleship training school staff, during these 6 months we took a team of 14 students to “spy out Brazil”.
• Drama and Dance team (Jill)
We have been in Brazil now for 12 years and the first few years we were involved in the local church as well as a local prison. The 1st of May 2001 we founded “Projeto Lar Feliz”, a shelter for children living in risk situations. These situations can be; living on the streets, (sexual) abuse, abandonment, parents who have addiction problems, orphans. During the last 9 years at least 1000 children have come and gone and have all heard about the love the God has for them.
At the moment we have 55 children living on the farm that has been donated to the ministry. They are divided in 4 houses, according to age and sex. Last April we also opened a home for young people we need some extra help learning to live on their own. Right now we have 6 young people living there.
Important to mention is that we 40 Brazilians working for Lar Feliz. So apart from helping so many children, Lar Feliz also helps to pay the bills for all these 40 families.
When we look back it is so very very clear that God has been with us all this time and has carried us through all the happy, but also difficult times. Without Him we could have never done what we did the last 20 years.
Most of you also know that during these 20 years we have never received a salary and many of you have been involved directly or indirectly by faithful monthly support.
A couple of years ago I was talking with a friend about the fact that it is very easy to take for granted all those people and churches that have been so faithful. We want you to know how much we appreciate your support and give you at the same time all the freedom to stop if that is what you feel led to do.
There might also be people that would like to be financially more involved, please feel free to write as to find out more.

Like written about, we pray a wonderful end of the year for all of you!!
Jesus is the reason of the season!!

Greetings,

Paul, Jill, Elisa and Jeremy

If you want to support us financially monthly or with a one time gift then you can make your check out to The Gospel house Church and send it to:
The Gospel house Church
14707 Alexander Road
Cleveland, OH 44146-4924,
Please include a separate note saying the gift is for The Van Opstal Familie

Christmas...

2010-12-17T14:22:00.001-08:00

There is a lot of talk always about Christmas and even some who believe it should be cancelled because it is not the exact day of Jesus birth. Working at a children’s home, one gets to see all over again how Christmas can be through a child’s eyes. We have always taught that Jesus is the reason why we celebrate, so why not celebrate? Why not use this time of year to give while remembering how God gave his only son to us. Last night, we brought the baby house to a pizza restaurant, then to our house for Christmas cookies and then on to see the Christmas lights in the square. The babies were excited all day to get to go out, to be invited to our home, and it struck me how humble the Lord’s life was in the beginning, how there wasn’t even room for Him at an Inn. These children also were abandoned mostly by their parents who had no room for them in their lives and homes. To see the joy in their eyes at the smallest gift is to realize the joy of giving and celebrating Christmas, the Lord’s birthday.

From Rags to Riches

2010-12-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

For the second time this month, another little brother and sister from the baby house were adopted by a loving couple. They came to us with only the clothes on their backs, no toys or shoes, and they now leave as the child heirs of a wealthy family in Brazil. I loved them while they were here with us and watched them grow. The little boy loved to fly kites and laugh and tease, and the little girl was always sweet loving and quiet. They will live in a wonderful place with a wonderful family, living the life that God has for them. I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, probably better for them not to see the tears in my eyes!

USA meets Brazil

2010-12-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

As many already know, last week for the first time my youngest brother, together with his wife and daughters came to visit us in Brazil. For months we were looking forward to this event, and we were planning all along what we could do to show them the best parts of Brazil. He was surprised when we came to pick him up in a “hippie Volkswagen van”, but everyone was quiet at first noticing the difference of the big city of Sao Paulo and small town USA. The traffic was crazy; it seemed that there were people everywhere starting with the airport. They said how hot it was, and it was hot especially after leaving the cold snowy climate that they were accustomed to. We saw Pedreira and Serra Negra, beautiful places to see, and we cooked at home a lot. They liked some Brazilian food with the exception of banana candy which my brother thought resembled hundred year old rotten brown moldy bananas! We took them to the project, and they fell in love with the kids. We went swimming; they got suntans, some mosquito bites, and lost a soccer game with the unfair advantage of not being used to the afternoon sun, and having fewer team members. The Brazilian team seemed like they could run forever and they could too. It was a very fun week, the only hard part saying goodbye.

A little life....

2010-12-03T02:17:00.000-08:00

A woman was a drug user and had two children from different fathers. During the pregnancy of the second child, she continued to use drugs. When he was born, he had problems with breathing and as a result he nearly died. When he was brought to Lar Feliz, he was barely alive. Our nurse on staff went with him through many doctor visits and sleepless nights to help him get the right medication that he needed. He survived. Now nearly two years later, we are observing other things about him. He is growing into a tall and strong boy, but doesn’t seem to understand the consequences of his actions to a point that he puts himself and others into danger. He has in the past picked up heavy objects throwing them onto the head of another child. He climbs to the top of a very high place and tries to jump. When walking with a group, he always tries to run away, and a few days ago while he was running a truck came down the road, but I was able to catch him before anything happened. We give him lots of love and discipline, but are starting to feel that he needs something more. We place him into the hands of Jesus, and ask everyone to pray for this little life.

Thankful....

2010-11-29T02:02:00.001-08:00

Yes, I am thankful! During Thanksgiving Day, it is essential to take the time to thank God for all of our blessings that He has so mercifully given to us. I am thankful for my family, for all of them near and far, who are always close in my heart. I am thankful for my mom who raised us in good times and bad. I am thankful for all of my brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins, nieces and nephews, who are dear to my heart. I am thankful for all of our relatives in USA, Holland, and even Romania who made me a part of who I am today. I am thankful for Brazil where God placed us, and for all of the wonderful children and people who God has brought into our lives. I am thankful for friends who pray and help during the heat of the battle. I am thankful for my Brazilian, and Chilean, Columbian friends who share every holiday with us, and help me to not to get too homesick. I am thankful for Paul, a wonderful husband, and for Elisa and Jeremy who are amazing children. I am thankful that Christ hung on a cross for me to give me a better life.

A beautiful sound...

2010-11-23T12:09:00.000-08:00

After working in the baby house this past year, I have realized that one of the most beautiful sounds that exist in this world is the sound of a child singing. In the baby house, there are sometimes crying screaming children who have arguments with one another. There is also the sound of the T.V. and monitors talking with each other and the children, but when there is a peaceful moment, maybe in the shower or when walking down the dirt road together that a child sings. Sometimes, they all sing together a little Brazilian song that they had learned, or they make up songs about their day. For me, it is one of the most beautiful sounds for it shows to me the happiness inside the heart of that child.

finding head lice!!

2010-11-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

With the arrival of a new girl at the project, we have to be on the alert of head lice. When she arrived her hair was full of very large baby carrying head lice. It was terrible to see, but one must remain calm and caringly diligent. As hard as we try, it is almost impossible to keep the lice from spreading. We have heard of every modern and old fashioned remedy known to man, including green tea and mayonese, putting tea tree oil in shampoos, which has a terrible smell! Before coming to Brazil, I had never once had head lice growing up. Our first year in Brazil, I had my first experience. It was a terrible itching burning sensation, and I went to the hospital not knowing the cause! Now when the new children come in with head lice, I don't worry about it very much, but continue to show love and hugs to them, and hopefully we will get the problem taken care of very soon, so as not to keep it spreading!

Searching for mangos....

2010-11-05T03:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the most perfect of days are made up of small events. Yesterday, we had not much planned for the baby house and the monitors took the babies for a walk to look for mangos. It is the beginning of mango season here in Brazil, and we not only have a tree at our own house, we have many at the farm. However, the one tree in particular that was already giving fruit was of another farm close by. I had always heard that there was a law in Brazil that if a fruit tree’s branch is out on a public street, that anyone is free to come by and use the fruit, but for us, the neighbour was glad for us to come and pick the fruit from this tree. All of us monitors and children alike were able to walk further to our farm and eat the fruit. A mango ripened from the tree really has such a wonderful taste. At the end of the morning, we walked back to the baby house, some children tired for the journey, but all of them with yellow faces and hands from eating the wonderful ripened mangos from the tree.

A better life...

2010-11-02T17:06:00.001-07:00

Some of you may remember D., one of the busy little boys of the baby house. One day, I was walking with him on the dirt road coming back from a visit that we had made with the whole baby house. We were walking along and he had started to cry for some reason, and I carried him, after which he became calm and happy. I held him, and it was one of those precious moments when he was sharing with me as we went along. He told me, I see my mom over there and she is calling me! He pointed over to an empty field. I did not say much to him as in fact his mother had recently died. I knew that he was missing his mom. A few weeks later, the Lord opened the door for D. and his older sister to be adopted by a marvellous couple. On the day that they left, I met the couple and saw that the children were so happy. As they were held by the couple, they never wanted to leave them and stayed by their side the whole time. It seemed as if they had known each other for much longer than only a few days. The couple saw them and immediately loved them, and the brother and sister recognized that love and left with them without ever looking back. We are so happy that they have a new life, a better life.

Family visit....

2010-10-29T02:38:00.000-07:00

As many of you know, we had a visit from Paul’s brother and his wife, Jaap and Helga and their daughter Melanie, last week. They came from Holland for the first time to see Brazil. We took them around to many places, our favourite restaurants and towns, including a crocodile farm, a wonderful day in Pedreira. I realized once again why we fell in love with Brazil, seeing the different aspects through their eyes. It was so fun having them visit and see what all we have been doing over the years. God is good!!

HELP.... I NEED SOME HELP!!!!

2010-10-28T02:43:00.000-07:00

My husband gave me a job that causes many a brave, strong hearted man to run away in fear, and to be speechless without any words. How does one obtain peace and harmony with ten different women working in one house? This year I had to settle countless small arguments and sadly some very serious disagreements. How many eggs to use in a birthday cake, where to set the sugar, what is best to hang on the walls, whether or not to lock the bathroom doors on the outside, where to put the children’s dressy clothes are just a few of the points of disagreement that I dealt with this year. A few times we were able to achieve love and forgiveness, but other times, there were terrible fights that led to broken relationships and sorrow. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and pray for the peace of the baby house at Lar Feliz!

Teacup...

2010-10-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday all of Holambra had a water shortage because cleaning the water tower. We discovered this when on a Saturday morning we got into the showers and found only about 5 or 6 drops of water coming out. It was when I was standing under the shower that I remembered one of the sayings of my Grandmother. She used to say that every woman should know how to take a bath in a teacup! When I was a child I didn’t understand the meaning of this at all. Did she mean that every woman should stay so thin as to be able to fit on top of a teacup without breaking it? Now I grasped her meaning. My grandparents raised ten children on a farm and were poor but very happy. They had one bathroom to share with seven daughters and probably at times had a shortage of water. She must have learned how to use what she had to get by, even if it was only one cup of water to use to bathe with.

Paul's birthday...

2010-10-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a day to remember! At Lar Feliz, we celebrated Paul’s birthday. It was all planned and meant to be a surprise; even some of the children spilled the beans, and told! Anyway, the evening started slow, and I was worried that many of the staff would not be coming, but right on time, before Paul, everyone came in and filled the room. Elisa made a funny slide show. I did an interpretive dance, and the children of the project did some worship songs and finally ended the program in a rap fest that caused everyone to stand and dance simultaneously. There were special moments to be remembered: one of the difficult way-word teen girls spent all her money on a huge fruit and flower basket for Paul. As well, one of the little boys of the baby house who has been having all sorts of different difficulties broke out dancing like Fred Astaire. The little girls did a beautiful interpretive dance, and Rosangela, our teacher prepared a colourful, artistic painting with writings made by the children. Paul had a wonderful time, and God poured out his blessing and joy upon us all.

Even after living in Brazil.....

2010-10-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Today as I was walking with Charlie, I saw a beautiful sight. In a tree, close by some homes I saw a Toucan bird. He looked strangely out of place on a cool rainy day in a residential area with people, but also strangely at home. He was in no hurry as he was sitting in the tree and flew to another tree. Charlie and I stopped and stared at him for a few minutes before we continued our walk. Even after living in Brazil for nearly 12 years, the nature here still takes me by surprise and amazes me.

Cuteness......

2010-09-30T18:05:00.000-07:00

Some people wonder how I can survive in the baby-toddler house, but there are very many reasons. The babies are so sweet and open in their affection. Almost every day I am called “beautiful”, especially if I ever happen to wear a dress. I was told that I smelled wonderful and have beautiful lipstick. The boys say that I have a beautiful car, keys and cell phone. They say that I can fix anything and make anything fly, get any shoe on any foot. Every morning I am greeted with many warm strong long hugs, and when I leave to many kisses goodbye and sometimes tears. Today for example, I left without kissing one of the little boys goodbye and he got up from his chair at dinner time, calling my name until I would finally come back and kiss him goodbye. Air kisses didn’t count, I had to go all the way back and give a real kiss and hug

New found friendship

2010-09-30T03:55:00.001-07:00

We discovered a new rehab home located in a town close to us in Pedreira. Whenever we have had teams come in the past, we always brought them to a rehab in Cosmopolis, but this home recently closed. Through the closing of this home, we discovered new friends, Marcelo, Americo, e Renato who always welcome us and any teams or volunteers to visit their work in Pedreira. Last week, we brought our volunteers from Holland, USA, and Canada to sing some songs and see the work that our friends are doing with drug addicts and street people. We all sensed God’s peace and his presence when we were visiting, and our Dutch volunteers commented on how nice the men staying in the program were. We saw the animals that they care for and even brought home with us one of the baby bunnies which will eventually be given to the baby house to care for. As Marcelo once told me, this friendship is a gift from God!

HAVING FUN.....

2010-09-27T03:56:00.001-07:00

Having fun—what do you get one you take three volunteers from Holland, a crazy Canadian, and a nice American girl? The answer is a very nice group of people who are currently working for us at Lar Feliz. Having these volunteers enables us to do more fun activities with the children. We were able to take the babies on more outings, and we have been able to do paintings, and swimming as well as horseback riding. One morning the Dutchies made some homemade clay based of flour and salt and water. It was a big hit with all of the children. Travis is working as one of the project’s coordinators and has been a blessing by praying with the children and helping in many areas. He has a long-term calling for Brazil and Lar Feliz and was granted a missionary visa for one year. Ruth will be with us for a month and every day she will be in a different area helping out. We also have a lot of wonderful times together enjoying funny stories and good food. What a blessing it is to have this group come and serve with us!

A friend disappears.....

2010-09-26T07:17:00.000-07:00

He was the godfather or sponsor of two of our little girls who were orphans. He was an exceptionally good sponsor who never forgot a birthday or holiday, and he gave them wonderful presents. The little girls adored him immensely. One day without very much of an explanation he stopped altogether also breaking the contact with all of us. The oldest of the two girls took this change really hard, even though it is part of life that friends come and go. She became very depressed for months and even began to do destructive things to herself and to others. She went to a youth retreat, and Jesus did give her peace, and she began to get better. When D. who had grown up at Lar Feliz, heard this news, he told me not to worry. He said that these girls were his family, and he would be their brother. He would check on them, and he would pray for them. Sometimes in this world, friends come and go, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother. Now the two little girls are growing more happy and beautiful every day. Last week, they decided to give me a book of theirs and some of their clothes that didn’t fit anymore for the babies at the baby house to use.

I understand now.....

2010-09-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

We had been having a hard week at the baby house with some of the little boys. There were some changes in staff, and as a result some of the babies were constantly fighting and breaking things. We kept at disciplining them, as well as taking time to talk to them. Sometimes it is hard for adults to understand what is going on in their little minds; and then came the day that we were to go together with the baby house to the Expoflora, a Dutch flower festival in Holambra. It was a perfect day, a time where not one of the children even disobeyed. They watched everything carefully and went on the rides, clapping their little hands and laughing. Later that week, I had some time with three of the little ones who each told me that they missed their moms. My heart broke for them, but I also understood more why they do the things they do.

WATERMELON

2010-09-11T06:01:00.001-07:00

It was a hot sunny afternoon, and I went by the baby house to see how everything was going. We had some new monitors, and I wanted to be sure that everything was going okay. It was snack time, and someone had bought the babies a nice big watermelon. I have seen watermelon eaten with a fork and knife, but I guess the best way to eat it was the same as the babies did: Roll up your sleeves and dig in. The babies were eating every bite, asking for another piece, the juice of the watermelon dripping down their faces and arms. They were strangely quiet as they were concentrating on eating, taking out the little seeds too. I have to confess that it was the best delicious tasting watermelon that I had ever seen, but never tasted!

Lar Feliz in the tree business!!

2010-09-07T05:43:00.000-07:00

Lar Feliz, as some of might remember, starter a green house with native tree starters last April. We have several goals we want to accomplish with it, the most important one would be teach the children, no matter what age, to take of God's creation. We are growing native trees who will be used to replant where trees have been cut down. God told us all the way in the beginning to take care of the earth and Lar Feliz wants to be part of that. We also want to teach the children that in order to maintain yourself in life you will have to work for it. Most all of the children come from families who do not work and get mostly everything donated by the government. We don't want to hand out fish, but we want to teach them how to catch the fish.

Thirdly, the sales of the trees will help pay the bills of Lar Feliz. Holambra holds a big flower festival every year and we were able to put our trees in the big plant store. Pray for good sales...

We could really use your prayers the next couple of months. Like the end of every year we need to raise quite a bit of money to close the year 2010 off with all the bills paid. These trees could really help with that, so right now we are making all kinds of contacts in order to sell them for a good price. Pray with us??

God is faithful

2010-09-06T04:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Paul brought me to the hospital to see the doctor about my cough. Since working in the baby house, I have struggled with getting sick very often with colds and flu. Also, the dry weather here plays a part because of all of the dust in the air. The doctor said that I have allergies and put me on breathing treatments and medicines. Already it has helped a lot. It feels so good to take a deep breath. It will certainly help my work go easier not to mention playing the flute. God is faithful.

GOD'S 26 Guards

2010-09-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

GOD'S 26 Guards

Here's a message that will bring you chills.

Have you ever felt the urge to pray for someone and

Then just put it on a list and said,

'I'll pray for them later?'

Or has anyone ever called you and said,

'I need you to pray for me, I have this need?'

Read the following story that was sent to me and

May it change the way that you may think about prayer and also
The way you pray.
You will be blessed by this....

A missionary on furlough told this true story while

Visiting his home church in Michigan .

'While serving at a small field hospital in Africa ,

Every two weeks I traveled by bicycle

Through the jungle to a nearby city for supplies.

This was a journey of two days and

Required camping overnight at the halfway point.

On one of these journeys, I arrived in the city

Where I planned to collect money from a bank,
Purchase medicine, and supplies, and then begin
My two-day journey back to the field hospital.

Upon arrival in the city, I observed two men fighting,
One of whom had been seriously injured.
I treated him for his injuries and at the same time
Talked to him about the Lord.

I then traveled two days, camping overnight, and
Arrived home without incident....

Two weeks later I repeated my journey.
Upon arriving in the city,
I was approached by the young man I had treated.
He told me that he had known I carried
Money and medicines.
He said, 'Some friends and I followed you in to the jungle,
Knowing you would camp overnight.
We planned to kill you and take your money and drugs.
But just as we were about to move into your camp,
We saw that you were surrounded by 26 armed guards.
At this, I laughed and said that I was
Certainly all alone in that jungle campsite.
The young man pressed the point, however, and said,
'No, sir, I was not the only person to see the guards,
My friends also saw them, and we all counted them.
It was because of those guards that
We were afraid and left you alone.'

At this point in the sermon,
One of the men in the congregation jumped to his feet and
Interrupted the missionary and asked if he could tell him the
Exact day this happened.
The missionary told the congregation the date, and
The man who interrupted told him this story:

'On the night of your incident in Africa ,
It was morning here and I was preparing to go play golf.
I was about to putt when I felt the urge to pray for you.
In fact, the urging of the Lord was so strong,
I called men in this church to meet with me here
In the sanctuary to pray for you.

Would all of those men who met with me on that day stand up?'
The men who had met together to pray that day stood up.
The missionary wasn't concerned with who they were,
He was too busy counting how many men he saw.

There were 26

This story is an incredible example of how
The Spirit of the Lord moves in behalf of those who love Him.
If you ever hear such prodding, go along with it.

Nothing is ever hurt by prayer except the gates of hell.
I encourage you to forward this to as many people
As you know.
If we all take it to heart,
We can turn this world toward God once again.
As the above true story clearly illustrates,
'With God all things are possible'.

More importantly, how God hears and
Answers the prayers of the faithful.

After you read this, please pass it on and
Give God thanks for the beautiful gift of your faith,
For the powerful gift of prayer, and for the many miracles
He works in your own daily life... And then pass it on.
Who says God does not move on the earth today?

I asked the Lord to bless you as I prayed for you today.
To guide you and protect you as you go along your way.
His love is always with you, His promises are true, and
when we give Him our cares you know
He will see us through.
So when the road you're traveling on seems
difficult at best,
Just remember I'm here praying,
and God will do the rest.

Please don’t touch the flowers!

2010-09-02T04:10:00.000-07:00

Please don’t touch the flowers! Today we are having a babies’ day out and bringing the whole baby house to the Expo-Flora, a Dutch celebration with culture and flower expositions. Our babies are used to nature walks, and it is quite a wonderful time always whenever we walk though the path to the animal farm. All of them like to pick the flowers and collect leaves that we put in water when we get back home. The big test today will be if we can keep their hands out of all of the beautiful flower that are on display, but I am sure that it will be a wonderful time!

O HAPPY DAY......

2010-09-01T03:38:00.001-07:00

O Happy Day—Yesterday, the whole baby house had to have the pictures taken for an identification card necessary for Brazil. I took the kids in groups of five together with another monitor into town to have them done. So we went, each of them all clean with their best shorts and shirts on, teeth brushed, hair combed. One of the things that they most love to do is to go for a ride in our car. They squeal with delight whenever we go over a bump on the dirt roads and ask me to turn up the music as loud as possible. The little busy boys kept messing with everything that they could see from the ceiling lamp to the photographer’s expensive equipment. But when it came for the time to smile and say X, they all did make a pretty picture.

Three small children......

2010-08-31T03:47:00.000-07:00

Three small children were brought to us from a town nearby. For weeks they were all very quiet and didn’t say hardly a word, but later we discovered many different behaviour patterns that were somewhat strange. After looking into their backgrounds, we discovered that at one time they were all happy with their Mom though they don’t know their father (or fathers). Then one day, she had a new lover who didn’t want her little children. She brought them to the courthouse to give them away, when this was refused, she decided to start abusing and neglecting them so that the children would be taken away from her. She locked them out of her house, she let them go without food, until finally, and the three were taken away and given to children’s services and taken to Lar Feliz. During the time that they have been with us the past year, she never came to visit or showed the least bit of interest. Then a few months ago, we discovered that the mother had been murdered. She was stabbed in the heart by her lover, the man who she gave up her children for.

Family...

2010-08-27T04:43:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, Elisa and I went to Sao Paulo to pick up three volunteers arriving from Holland who will be working with Lar Feliz. One very special person who came to work with us is our niece Evelien, together with her two friends and colleagues from school. What a blessing it was to receive her, and what a fine young woman she has become. Sometimes the hardest thing for us here is to be away from family, but God sometimes surprises us by sending our family to us.

Smiling Faces...

2010-08-24T03:59:00.001-07:00

Al. and his sister went home! Some of you may remember the story of the little boy who when he first came to Lar Feliz, he couldn’t stop crying. When Al. first came to us at four years old, we noticed from the first the types of abuse that he had suffered. Sometimes it seemed that the only way to calm him down was to take his hand and walk around the farm with him. At this time his grandmother began to be involved and visited both the children on a regular basis. These visits really helped the two children to adjust, and finally they began to go to her home on the weekends and holidays. We saw a lot of change in both of the children as they grew and learned with us for about a year. Last week, after a visit to the grandmother’s house from the social worker, the judge was able to give guardianship to the grandmother. With lots of hugs for all and smiling faces, it was a happy day for both of the children when they were able to go home.

Waiting on the rain...

2010-08-23T03:39:00.000-07:00

The call came on our free day that Lar Feliz was out of water. It is one thing when a small family is without water for a day, but it is quite something else when a family of 64 children and many workers are without any water. Water , water that is needed to cook, to give baths to the babies, to brush teeth, water that is needed to clean the floor, wash clothes as well as water to drink. It has been 50 days since the last rain, and there is not a cloud in the sky. The water well has run dry. We need the rain. For now, we must call the mayors of two different towns and ask them to bring us some water. One of the songs that the Brazilians love to sing is “faz chuver” meaning “let it rain”. Let in rain, Lord, let it rain!

Love....

2010-08-20T04:00:00.001-07:00

It has been a while since we have written the blogs, but we are starting again. The stories of these children need to be heard. It was a simple birthday party with only one present for each of the twins and a chocolate cake. They had just turned three, and were standing on their chairs with excitement as everyone sang, including Pastor Paul. R. and R. came to us when they were only three months old, and abandoned by their mother, no knowledge of their father. The time has passed quickly by, and we have watched them grow for three years. We pray that soon the door will open for them to have the love of a family and to be adopted by special people chosen by God. Until that time, we love them with the love that God has placed in our hearts.

He knows our heart....

2010-05-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

For the Last year our choir "Lar Feliz" has been practicing every week! Every Wednesday the same time we try to gather all the kids and have them sing their hearts out. Last Saturday they sang during the service, and you know what? It actually sounded GOOD! Especially the girls , but it was such a pleasure to hear them sing praises to the Lord. I do have to admit though that some voices were, well... what can I say?

But for me, the proud "Father", it didn't matter. I saw their excitement and joy and that was all what mattered. I can just imagine the Lord loves every sound that we try to make for Him. Every sound or everything we try to do for Him. He knows our heart!!

LAST SUNDAY.....

2010-05-13T03:29:00.001-07:00

Last Sunday we went to the big shopping mall for Mother’s Day. We were having a wonderful time, when suddenly on our way to the shoe store to get new tennis for Elisa and Jeremy, we heard chilling cries and screams from a woman in the center of the mall. She had lost her three year old son, and was pleading for someone to help her. We, along with a massive crowd around us, stood frozen, not knowing exactly what to do. The woman’s heart-wrenching cries paused for only a moment while the police came on the scene to help. When we then went on to the shoe store, I could still hear her cries, but could only pray for her. Later, I thought of the verse Mat 2:18, “ A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.”

2010-05-11T02:27:00.000-07:00

Holambra, Mei 2010

Dear friends and family,

Even though we keep in touch with many of you through email, face book
and other ways, it has been a long time since you have received an official newsletter.

So we decided to get started.

The Lord has been so faithful to us and to Lar Feliz. As a family we are doing well. Jill continues to coordinate the baby/toddler home and that requires a lot of work and patience. She also is part of the worship band in our church and gives flute lessons to two students a week.

Elisa is the 2nd year of Brazilian high school. She has to do lots of studying and reading. Apart from that she does gymnastics in and out of the water twice a week. She has been suffering lots of head ages lately. We took her to several doctors and on the 14th of may we have an appointment with a neurologist. We want to ask you to cover that in your prayers.

Jeremy is doing well in last year of Brazilian Elementary school. A parent committee is busy organizing a big graduation party and a trip of 4 days as well. He loves to play basketball at school. He really is into his x box, which we are trying to moderate a bit. Here is Brazil it is hard to find a good sports club, something Jeremy would need. You can pray for that as well.

I went to Holland for a week in April to be at the wedding of my sister Anja. The time went by fast, but it was great to see family and most of our friends in the Sunday service. My church had organized a lunch after the service so many people stayed to talk and catch up.

Lar Feliz..

Many things have been going on here with Lar Feliz. After the huge project of building the new
home for the babies and toddlers, this year again there are many projects. After dreaming for
many years about a home for 18 years and older, this dream finally came through. We were
able to rent a big home we started our transitional home. A place where young adult receive
support in finding their way to adulthood. Living with us they will have to work, study,
pay a bit of room and board and help in the house hold chores. Right now we have one
young man living there; Paulo. The exciting thing is that the there is also room to start a
bi-weekly youth group.

Another exciting thing happening is our green house project. Some of you know that about 5 years ago we got a big green house donated. Back then we tried getting it of the ground, but didn't have the means to continue. Now we started the project again and are growing native trees. Apart from it being a workshop for the kids it will hopefully bring in a little money for Lar Feliz.

This weekend 15 of our teen age boys went to a retreat of one of the churches helping us. The left on Friday night and came back on Sunday night. When you ask how it was they will answer; Tremendous, it changed my life!! If you ask them what exactly they did while they were there they will answer; if you want to know then just go the next time!!! Pray with us that this time will have been an encouragement for them to continue with their walk with the Lord. The girl will be going in two weeks, please keep them in your prayers as well.

Last week one of our boys that have been living with us for 8 years was adopted by a wonderful family. How exciting to see this happen.

This coming week we will be starting the renovation of the home of the teen-ages boys and after that we will do some smaller projects in the other homes. Some of the labor will be paid for by a local construction company but we will need to raise about 15.000 dollars to pay for all the materials. You can keep that in your prayers as well!!

In July we will receive a team from Calgary, Canada led by Pastor Gordon. Please pray for them as they prepare their stay here.

Finally I want to thank all of you for being so faithful to us and the ministry. It is hard to believe that this year we will be here in Brazil for 12 years!! Pray for strength and energy because as you might imagine, it is not always easy doing what we do!

We are always looking for people to partner with us in prayer and financial support, like we all know prices are going up and the value of the dollar and Euro are going down. If you want to get involved please drop us a note and we can talk!!

May God bless all of you!

Paul & Jill, Elisa and Jeremy

+551938024587
paulvanopstal@hotmail.com (email and Facebook)

If you want to support us financially monthly or with a onetime gift then you can make your check out to The Gospel house Church and send it to:

The Gospel house Church
14707 Alexander Road
Cleveland, OH 44146-4924,

Please include a separate note saying the gift is for The Van Opstal Family
(all gifts are tax deductable)

When she came home from preschool.....

2010-05-10T03:31:00.000-07:00

When she came home from preschool, I noticed that she had wet her pants. V. and her brother have been at the baby house for almost a year. When they first arrived, we were all amazed at how quiet they were, but as time went on we could see through their behaviour how much they had suffered at the hands of their mother. Through time, with lots of love and patience, we worked with them teaching to love and trust adults again. We see so much progress and yet, once V. started preschool, she slipped back into some of her patterns like wetting her pants and continually disobeying her teacher. Every day, I send her off on the school bus with a friendly wave, and every day she promises me to try to do better at school. One of these days, I feel certain that she will do better, but for now, we continue to hope and pray for her.

WATCHING OUT FOR OTHERS.....

2010-02-19T02:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, as I was walking Charlie along a slippery sloped path, I slipped and fell on my hand leaving a slight scratch. I put on a band-aid and went on in to work. The babies all noticed the scratch and were all asking me if it hurt. Some of them also showed me their owies and where they had fallen down. Sometimes it is good to notice the wounds of others around us and to take the time to empathize with them. We need to help each other up along the path and to be child-like in our love and care of each other.

HELP A SNAKE....

2010-02-12T08:47:00.000-08:00

This morning when a girl was cleaning my (Paul's office) she suddenly screamed and said; there is a beast!! I went to look and yes there was a beast, a snake! It wasn't that big, only about 15 inches, and it turned out it wasn't poisonous but we were all screaming and yelling. here in Brazil the snake is called a "Cobra Cega" a blind snake. This little incident made me think of how it goes in our lives. Everything is going well until a little" snake" shows up and we lose sight of what we are doing. My prayer today is that i will be able to keep my eyes on the Lord and that little snakes will not be able to take my eyes away from Him.

TIRED BUT HAPPY....

2010-02-11T01:41:00.001-08:00

Everyday I come home from work very tired, but with a happy heart. I am tired because of raising 15 babies and toddlers, and happy, because of the wonderful moments shared with them each day. They are growing and healthy. Eight will be starting preschool at the end of the month. 6 have been potty-trained in the last month. They are learning to talk and love. They take our hands and tell us all their stories. They pile onto our laps whenever we sit down on the couch or in the grass. They are delighted with every new thing. Yesterday after eating their yogurts we let them play in their sandboxes and washed the plastic yogurts cups to use as shovels in the sand. As I left to go home to make Elisa and Jeremy lunch, and I saw all of them happy and playing till their hearts content, it gave me such a grateful feeling

a little gift can be a huge blessing.....

2010-02-04T01:53:00.000-08:00

Jill's first day at the project after her trip to America was just wonderful. She had bought little presents for all the babies and toddlers, and wow, they were so excited. The sunglasses were a big hit. It is amazing how excited and grateful the kids were with those little gifts. That makes me think how we can bless people with little tiny gestures. A birthday wish on Facebook, a phonecall or email. Who can I bless today? who can you bless today?

Blessings and prayers....

2010-02-03T02:12:00.000-08:00

A big blessing to Lar Feliz is always the many prayers, support and gifts towards the children. A group of our friends sent 4 boxes with a gift bag for each of the children last November. Unfortunately until now only 2 boxes have arrived and customs decided to keep 2 for investigation. We filled out all the paperwork so hopefully one of these weeks they will be released. Since the time was passing by and we have high temperatures in Brazil, we decided, with permission of our friends, to open the bags and just divide the contents with all the kids. It was such a blessing for them to receive all those american goodies. Pray for our kids. Boy do they need it. Pray for us too, boy... do we need it!!

THE GREEN HOUSE PROJECT....

2010-01-19T06:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday in the blog I mentioned that we will be opening our greenhouse again. About 5 years ago were donated a wonderful big greenhouse of 10.000 square feet. But because of a lack of funds we ere never able to get it of the ground.
Last November we started talking to some people in Holambra we really wanted to help Lar Feliz get this project started. To make a long story short; hopefully by the middle of February we will have the greenhouse fixed and will start the production of native trees. There are a few business men that together with the rotary club of Holambra are helping us to get it all started.
Every week we will receive 4600 starters of trees that we will have to replant in a milk box. Then after a period of 6 months we will sell them back to the company who donated them in the first place.
We will have two adults working in the green house and all the kids will work there several hours per week as a therapy. This way we are hoping to prepare them better for the society by showing them that in order to accomplish something you have to work for it. It is wonderful that Lar Feliz will be able to teach the teens with this project about not just making money, but also taking care of the world we are living in by using used milk boxes as plant pots, and planting trees in aras where they are cut down.
The picture shows a little bit how it will take place!!

Back to work!!

2010-01-18T05:17:00.000-08:00

After being "Of the air" for a while, here we are again. Jill and the kids are still in Ohio and will be traveling back to Brazil this coming Thursday. I got back last Wednesday and it was so nice to see all the kids and staff again. Apart from some minor problems, everything is relatively calm at Lar Feliz. The babies and toddlers asked me if Jill is still in the plane. The must believe that Jill has been in the plane every since she left on December 14th. We are going full speed ahead we the preparations of opening the Green House again. A place where we will be taking care of starters of native trees. What an answer to prayer. We are also in the process of opening a transitional home for youth from 18 to 21 year old. 2010 is going to be a year with many new challenges. Pray with us for His plans to be done during this year!!

WHITE HAIRY MONSTERS...

2009-12-16T02:39:00.000-08:00

Today the lady who helps in our house came running in to the living room. "Pastor" she asked; Did you see the report on TV yesterday about the "white Monsters"? Since I worked late yesterday I denied and she went on to tell me about the plaque of white huge worm type bugs covered with hair. If you picked them up you will get burned. But to make the horror story complete she told me that the "monsters" are in our mango tree. Come and look she said with big scary eyes. And indeed when I went to the mango tree there they were; Eating away the leaves on the tree and I finally understood why a couple of months a go we had so much young fruit growing in the tree and now it was all gone.

When I thought about it for a while I was reminded of how it often goes in our personal life. To bear fruit we need to stay close to Our Heavenly Father and walk in His ways. Often "White Monsters" show up and if we let them they take our focus away from God and we stop producing fruits .My prayer for today is that I would be aware of those "White hairy Monsters" in my life and that I would have the courage to deal with them and get rid of them.

It is the last few days....

2009-12-12T08:24:00.000-08:00

It is the last few days before the kids and I leave for the States. Yesterday, I explained to all the babies that I would be gone from them for many days while I visited my family in America. I showed them pictures of a map and where the project was, and I pointed to where I was going, and that I would travel by airplane. I also showed them pictures of my family and the snow. They were all quiet with wide eyed interest, and were especially happy to know that I would bring them each back a small present. The baby house, now with 17 babies and toddlers, has seen so many good changes since the time when I began my focus there, thanks be to God. Our kids are much calmer now and are affectionate and obedient. The workers are doing a superb job, and the new house just seems to overflow with love, consideration and kindness. The babies, who have already seen such pain and trauma in their young lives, are now growing and blooming in the light of the Father's wonderful love.

Lar Feliz news....

2009-11-26T06:11:00.001-08:00

The last couple of weeks we have been busy trying to find a place for all the kids of Lar Feliz during Christmas and New Year. The number of kids this year is very high, so it is a little harder to find a place for all. So far we have about 22 kids who still need a place.
Today is Thanksgiving in the USA. We have so much to be thankful for; health, family, friends, a roof above our heads, and above all we have the love of Jesus for all of us.
The next couple of weeks, we have a lot of things to do before we go to America. Jill and the kids will be going on December 14th and then Paul will be following on December 22nd. Before that we still to to raise about 20.000 Brazilian reais to pay all the bill until the end of the year.
Some children will be going home for the whole school vacation in order to see if things have improved until the point that they can go back home.
So during this time we would really appreciate your prayers for the children. Pray for God's blessing over their life's, pray for them to have a strong desire to obey and follow their Heavenly Father.
We also would like you to ask to pray for C, he is a little boy of 9 that we gave a prayer report about about 6 months ago. A woman wanted to adopt him and was so happy about him and wanted have it all done so quickly. Well, C. is coming back! We are so sad and upset about it, because it will be another rejection for this boy!! Please pray!!

Only Jesus can give happiness...

2009-11-23T05:22:00.000-08:00

It is so sad to see how many young girls throw away their lives by living with guys starting at the young age of 13! Even more amazing is that parents allow that to happen.
Lately we had two girls come in, ages 13 and 14. The 14 year old had been living for 10 months with a 20 year old guy and the 13 year has been living with a guy who has already beaten her up several times.
Our desire here at Lar Feliz is to show these girls that they our loved by their Heavenly Father. He accepts them the way they are. He wants to give them unconditional love. They don't have to do nothing in order to earn that love. God will not beat them up, but wants to give them rest and take away their burden. Only Jesus can make them happy!!

kite runner.....

2009-11-22T12:49:00.001-08:00

One of the little boys of the baby house, M., was sitting with a sad face one day when I came in the afternoon. He had a flimsy piece of paper in his hands with some string. It was a makeshift kite, but he told me that it was broken and it wouldn’t fly. I poked a hole in the paper and tied the string, and I told him that it would fly, but he just had to run with it. I took the kite in my hands and began to run around as fast as I could, and the paper fluttered in the wind. M. began to smile, but not only smile, but he started to laugh. His face lit up when he realized if we try, we can make even a flimsy piece of notebook paper fly. After that day, he is always one of the first of the children to greet me when I come, and many times, he asks me to fix things, always trusting that I will know what to do and make things fly.

Good year!!!

2009-11-16T05:19:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to let you know that on the 17th of October we opened the new house for the toddlers with a huge party. It is wonderful to see the 18 children playing and running in the new house. With help from many people and businesses we were able to buy all new furniture etc. It really turned out to be a wonderful home. For that we thank God!

Today we have 77 children living with us at Lar Feliz. Before we were able to receive children from all towns close to us, but today the need is a lot higher so we are only able to receive children from the towns: Jaguariuna, Santo Antonio da Posse and Holambra.

Our plans for the year 2010 are; activating our green house growing native trees partnering together with the Rotary Club of Holambra. opening a home for youth ages 18-21 in order to help them settled in more in society, continue to improve the farm where we offer therapy with animals to the children; renovating the "former baby house" and moving our class rooms and computer room to there and then finally turning the former class room in a little "Lar Feliz" shop where the children can spend their pocket money earned with little jobs and good behavior. We are hoping the buying some of their own things will teach them to take care of their possessions more.

Our ministry grew a lot since it got started in 2001. Today, Thank God, we have many friends and partners who give monthly to help us maintain Lar Feliz. Did you know that 80% of our monthly spending are paid by the towns who have children living with us. This means that 20% of our monthly costs, plus unexpected bills and construction needs to be paid with donations given to us in and outside Brazil.

In total we spent $84.470 to build the new house for the toddlers. Or to be precise, we are still paying some of the bills. Until the end of the year we need to raise $13.235 in order end the year with all the bills paid.

We know that at the end of the year there are many organizations asking for donations. With this letter we just want to make our need known and ask you to pray for Lar Feliz. Then if there is anything that you would like to do, please let us know.

When we look back to the year 2009 we can only stand in awe again because the year is filled with miracles the Lord has done!!

Blessings,

Paul & Jill

God does beyond what we hope or imagine

2009-10-28T02:52:00.000-07:00

God does beyond what we hope or imagine. The opening of the baby house was a grand day. We had a record number of friends and well wishers who came to encourage and support our work. After being in the new house for a little over a week, my workers and I don’t know how we survived living in the small house that we did with the number of kids that we had, and with such primitive conditions. All of the babies are very happy now, and even to the point of great excitement. Sometimes God prepares things for us and blesses us in such a way that we are truly overwhelmed with His kindness toward us and those we love. If Paul and I had tried to build the baby house on our own, we wouldn’t have gotten very far, but God provided many friends and finances and excellent workers to make the baby house a dream house which we rightly named, “esperança” which means “hope”. Until the end of the year we still need to see 15.000 dollars come in to pay of all the bills for this Hope House. Pray with us

MONDAY MORNING

2009-10-26T16:50:00.001-07:00

Monday morning! I arrived at the baby house to prepare the babies to come down to the dining hall for a time of singing and prayer. Things were running late, and the monitors were still giving the morning showers. I was trying to locate all ten pairs of shoes and turned back around to find the babies had for fun removed some of the plastic plates and cups from the kitchen cupboards and had opened up a box of tea and had passed all the tea bags round, wondering what on earth those were used for. Finally, after some shuffling, we got them ready for the singing time, which they seemed to enjoy and at least sat quietly throughout. We then walked to the other farm to see the animals and ride horse. Miss Liberty, the horse seemed to be somewhat lazy this day, and I had to really force her to ride one more lap for one more baby. On returning home, more showers, then meal time and one of the small girls again refused to eat. Every day the same thing happens and today again she refused to eat even a bite. We brought her to her room and later after all the others were in bed for naptime, she decided that today she really would like to eat. I talked with her and promised her more visits with her older brother, and she ate two whole bowls of food! It was a good Monday morning.

Saying Grace In A Restaurant

2009-10-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Somebody sent me this story today, I thought it was too beautiful not to share with you..........Last week, I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, 'God is good, God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!'

Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby, I heard a woman remark, 'That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!'

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, 'Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?'

As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, 'I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer.'

'Really?' my son asked.

'Cross my heart,' the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), 'Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes.'

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did something I will remember the rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, 'Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good already.'

"Lar Feliz supermarket"

2009-10-22T02:47:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we had such a nice opening party for the new home for the babies and toddlers. What a difference for those 16 children and 10 staff.
Lar Feliz has been filling up. Last Tuesday another 4 kids were brought to us, which brings the total of children and teen-agers to 78!! Wow.
We are introducing a new activity at Lar Feliz. So many kids have been asking for a job, but the laws for children working in Brazil are very strict. We came up with a system that they could apply for little two hour jobs on the project. They had several choices; working in the baby house, with the animals, gardening, in the kitchen, cleaning the offices etc. All these jobs will pay the a little money per month. the classroom and computer room will be moving to the former baby room and the former classroom will turn into; "Lar Feliz supermarket" This will be the place where they can spend their money on some candy, ice-cream or pop but also on other things like clothes and hygiene products. All the children receive their hygiene kit every month, but some of them do not take care of it very well and then before the month is over ask for more. With this little store we hope to teach them that nothing is for free and it costs time, effort and money to get what you need or want.
With Lar Feliz filling up, we need an extra dose of wisdom, patience and love. Will you continue to pray for us all?

A DREAM COME TRUE?

2009-10-16T03:23:00.001-07:00

The baby house is coming together, and it is looking like a dream come true. The colors of the interior and exterior, the layout, the playground equipment, the newly laid grass, the beautiful kitchen and spacious veranda: all things are coming together in a beautiful way. Today we will be moving the babies’ clothes and belongings. We pray and hope their new home will deeply touch their little spirits, and give them a profound knowing that they belong in this world, and are chosen and made by God.

Today....

2009-10-13T14:39:00.001-07:00

Today is our 19th wedding anniversary. On Saturday, October 10, Paul turned 40 years old. This weekend in Brazil is celebrated everywhere, the Day of Children. I would like to thank God for Paul, for the friend that he is and my partner and husband. I also thank God for how he has used Paul’s life to touch the lives of many children here in Brazil. It is an incredible blessing to see God move in our lives to help these needy children here. Without Jesus, we would never have made it this far.

All things are possible....

2009-10-09T03:56:00.000-07:00

One of the saddest things that I have seen in my life is seeing a small child who at a young age had already been sexually abused by his parents. Working with these kids in the baby house has been a wonderful painful experience. These children have many different behaviour problems as a result of this abuse. Problems in interacting with other children, eating disorders, aggression toward the workers and other children, the list goes on… One day one of the little boys began to cry, for no apparent reason, and had lain down in the dirt, wanting to stay and be left alone. It was in the hot sun, so I scooped him up in my arms, though he was kicking and screaming, and I carried him inside the house where his cries eventually stopped. Slowly with time and the Lord’s healing work of love, we see those children change, have brighter smiles, give hugs, say they are sorry to other children, and learn to love and be loved. All things are possible with God who loves us.

nature walks....

2009-10-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

Whoever likes to spend time in the garden must realize how Adam and Eve must have felt, to walk in the presence of God. My extended family always had gardens, and my uncle told me that he could feel God’s presence in his garden. Whenever I take the baby house to the woods for a hike, their little natures seem to transform. They are calm, they look everywhere with delight and wonder, and they always find new treasures. They use sticks to practice horseback riding; they find little seeds from trees that are like money, big leaves, and long blades of grass they use to tickle someone’s ears. No matter how often we go, it is always a nice time when we go for a walk in the nature.

Princess....

2009-09-29T06:44:00.001-07:00

Like we have been writing before it has been very hectic lately. Right now we have 70 children living with us and 4 more coming. Lately we have been receiving more teen-agers. One of those teenagers is a 14 year old girl. Like always we do not mentioned names, so let's call her Princess. Her mother has several kids from different men and none of them are living at home. When Princess was 12 years old she already went through an abortion. She lived together with a guy in his forties and now after many battles with her mother is living at Lar Feliz. As you can imagine it will take some adjustment on her part to live in a place where there is structure and where there are rules to live by. We have had quiet some problems and fight with her already, but deep down we see the willingness to change. So pray with us that Princess will become a real princess.

last day of the Dutch festival in Holambra

2009-09-28T15:36:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day of the Dutch festival in Holambra. Paul’s parents decided to come out one last time, amidst the huge crowds of people, to see their grandchildren dance. Words cannot describe the wonderful feeling that came to us as they saw the old fashioned done by children of all ages, including teens. It was the meeting of two heritages, the younger generation bringing back what was once a lost and forgotten tradition in the Netherlands. All of this was happening, across the seas, in a little village in Sao Paulo, Brazil. All of our hearts were filled with a new joy and understanding that bridged the gap of time past.

busy busy busy

2009-09-25T13:09:00.001-07:00

We have had a busy few last couple of weeks. We are in the final stages of the new babyhouse. The grand opening will be on the 17th of October. It is looking really nice. We have 75 kids living at Lar Feliz right now and we have room for 65. On top of that the social services are asking for 6 more beds. So... you can imagine that it is very hectic. Three kids came back to us who had left us to go back with their mother last December. So those moments are always sad. knowing that somthing we worked so hard for, didn't work out.

wow what a day!!

2009-09-16T04:22:00.000-07:00

Wow sometimes there are days that you would like to erase and act like it never happened. Yesterday was one of those days. Like you know it started of with my car being stolen. I spent 4 hours trying to sort everything out, and now we will have to rent a car until it is solved. Then I had to be on the phone for at least 2 hours to resolve problems with the company of our mobile phones. They have been charging us hundreds of dollars to much and even agree to that, but keep cutting of our lines.
Then there were also some problems with some of our teens. It was like it didn't stop. When I got home and laid down on the couch I fell asleep and Elisa said it looked like I was dead.
Today I woke up and the mobile phones of the project are again not working. The regular phone line is working, but you cannot hear nothing but of a terrible noise due to a post that fell over down the road. But then I watched this little video on you-tube and I felled the Lord stirring within me and the desire to just look to my Heavenly Father and be like Him and expect it from Him. So I guess yesterday was good day after all!! The video is a bit strong at times, but at the same time it helps us to reflect!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHeN9PTZTTA

MY LITTLE RED CAR IS GONE...

2009-09-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

This morning I had a surprise waiting for me. I (Paul) always park my little red car on the street. Two cars in the garage is a bit tight so it was just easier that way. This morning at 6;45 am I took the kids to school in Jill's car and came home again. Later on Jill went for a walk with Charlie our Golden retriever and when she came back she was surprised that I was upstairs getting ready. "I thought you were already gone since your car is not there" I couldn't believe and went to have a look; Car gone!! I called the office just to see if I did not borrowed it to someone and forgot about it (even though I had the key in my hand!) but no, somebody had stolen my little red car. I lost almost the whole day filing a police report, letting the insurance know and many other things. What will come out of this? I don't know! Can we learn something from it? No clue yet, but I will keep you updated!!

tears and prayers...

2009-09-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday night. like every Saturday night we took the kids of the project to church. It was a nice service, with a special worship time. I had two kids on each side. A brother and sister. They both were holding on to me so tight and suddenly I noticed that they both had tears running down their cheeks. when I asked them what was going on they both said they were missing their mother. Ever since they and another brother and sister came to the project about 3 months ago, their mother had not visited them. They feel abandoned and don't know why. Again i was reminded why Lar Feliz (Happy home) was started. Together we prayed for their mother right there and then and I was happy I could remind them again of their Heavenly Father who will always be there.

new baby house and a meeting...

2009-09-12T06:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday afternoon we had a meeting with the staff of our baby house. In those meetings we talk about how everything is going. we see if there are any problems and we also tell everything we feel is going well or things that need to be improved. Jill had bought them all a nail polish. all different colors, just like all of them are different people. We used that to explain that even though we are all different, we can work as one as long as we communicate. share our feelings, happiness and frustration.
we also took them in the new baby house and gave them the grand tour. It will not be long now before we will move. The opening date is scheduled for october 17th. How exciting!! Here is a picture of our baby house staff in front of the new baby house!!

USING THE INTERNET....

2009-09-10T03:44:00.001-07:00

At Lar Feliz we have a little computer room where we were able to hook up internet just recently. Last Sunday I opened it up and all the teens, or those who have good behavior, were allowed 30 minutes on the computer. It really is amazing how excited they get about using the internet. When we think about our daily lives, internet has become a tool we cannot do without. It keeps us in touch with friends and family and it tells us what is going on in the world. Often we take it all for granted and complain when it is not fast enough.

Well last Sunday I was sitting there and I noticed that 2 brothers, sitting back to back, kept looking back every once in a while. When I went over I noticed that they were using MSN messenger to talk to each other. It made me think a bit, even being in the same room, they included each other while using the computer. I bet that is what God wants of us, to be include in everything we do....

FLYING ANTS AND A PLANTS THAT CUTS FLESH....

2009-09-09T03:49:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning, we had a short time with some sun, and I and the babies and the two monitors set off on a morning walk. We decided to walk on the path the leads to the top of the hill at the greenhouse. Once we reached it, we entered in, and it was a fascinating sight for all of the babies to see. Suddenly, the two monitors cried out after being stung by some huge flying ants. We looked up and to our dismay, above the doorway where we entered, was a huge nest of the attacking flying ants. We quickly whisked the babies out of the greenhouse, and on the way back down the hill, I saw what I thought was some nice long blades of green grass. I picked some for each of the babies as they always enjoy touching flowers and plants, and was trying to use one as a whistle when I noticed that my lips where bleeding. My monitor laughed and told me that it was not grass but was in fact another plant that cuts flesh. We quickly took the blades out of the babies’ hands and went back to the baby house, and we laughed all the way home. What we thought would be a quiet morning walk turned out to be an adventure.

MANY NATIONS AND CULTURES WILL WORSHIP HIM BEFORE HIS THRONE

2009-09-07T16:07:00.000-07:00

Today in Brazil, we also had a holiday, the Brazilian day of Independence. While I was at the Expo-Flora watching my kids do the Dutch dancing, there was a pause in the program when the national anthem was played for all to hear. In Holambra, the Dutch village where we live in Brazil, we have many Dutch friends who have immigrated to Brazil from their home countries. Just before the playing of the national anthem, one of those Dutch immigrants made a speech with a strong Dutch accent about how Brazil had embraced them and helped them when they first came. He told how he was very grateful for Brazil and Brazilians and that he had chosen to become Brazilian. As Christians we are members of a new unshakable kingdom including many cultures and languages. Each one reflects the beauty of His heart, and we are embraced and welcome when we enter His kingdom

a jar filled with chewing gum...

2009-09-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

Many of you who have been to Lar Feliz know that often it is not easy to change the life and behavior of the teens. We say many times that if a 10 year old child comes comes in, we need about 10 years to undo all the wrong teaching and influences. Last week we had again something happed...
4 boys decided that they would take the school bus but that instead of going to school they would go around to ask people for money and food and then use that money to go to a town about 40 minutes away and find a place to live.
They left on a Thursday and were found the next day. When asked why, they have no clear answer. One boy said that he is just so restless. You have to feel bad for the kids. Their parents often don't do anything to change their lives and that leads to the child having to stay longer at Lar Feliz. Even though we try to do anything we can to make it as comfortable as possible, we can never replace a family. So when the 4 boys came back, and the only thing carrying with them was a jar of chewing gum, I had to get mad and give them a discipline. But I had to keep in the back of my mind that time when I was about 11 and, together with a girl from class, had gathered some apples, a little Barbie frying pan and some matches. one day instead of going to school we decided to run away and go to Belgium. we didn't get very far though and I remember sitting on my mother's lap promising I would never do it again.
Pray for our kids, pray for us for wisdom, love and understanding. But above all pray that our teens will have this real encounter with their Heavenly Father. He can and wants to fill up all those empty places in their lives.

This week........

2009-09-02T05:18:00.001-07:00

This week we have had some wonderful weather, and we were able to have some very fun times with the babies. We did our weekly horseback riding and visit to see the animals, and yesterday for the first time this year, we took them swimming. In the pool was a ledge where they all could stand and splatter around in the water. It was fun to see the different reactions. Some of them dove in head first and needing to be rescued and one little boy to our surprise would not even put one toy in the water. In our Christian life, when the Holy Spirit is moving, some throw all caution away and dive in like a child does, while others keep a distance, and still others do not enter in at all.

Little Miracle...

2009-08-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

God created everything in such a wonderful and mysterious way. This Saturday our ostrich laid it first egg and this morning one of our ponies had a baby foal. Looking at all this it is impossible for me the imagine that there are people who say: There is no God! Here is a picture of this little miracle. We named him Alex, after a wonderful volunteer from Holland!!

FINALLY ..A SUNNY DAY!

2009-08-27T05:38:00.000-07:00

Today, we finally have a sunny day in Brazil. It is nice that the babies can finally play outside! Malachi 4:2 says, "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall." We pray for continued emotional healing for some of our children that they can walk and live in the freedom that God has for them.

ANOTHER RAINY DAY....

2009-08-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

Today the baby house survived another rainy day, playing inside, and doing a little bit of art work. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring some sun so that we can ride horse at the other farm. God continues to amaze me with how much grace He has poured out on Paul. There are so many difficult situations that can come up with the adult who work with the children. Sometimes adults are more complicated than the children, but God continues to pour out His wisdom. Whenever, we don’t know what to do in a certain situation, we wait on God to move and act, and He always does.

NICE SERVICE.....

2009-08-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight, even with the cold rainy evening there was a good turnout at our Brazilian church. I have always been so impressed how warm and loving the people are, always hugging and greeting everyone who comes in the doors. The sermon quoted from Romans, “if God is for us, who can be against us” and also encouraged us to walk with God and to enjoy more of His presence. On the way out, we see all of our friends that we haven’t seen through the week, more hugs, and “God bless you” until we reach the door and it is time to go back home. In Brazil, everyone calls everyone, ”brother” in church, and it gives one a nice feeling that you are among family and friends when attending there.

“If God is for us, who can be against us”

2009-08-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

“If God is for us, who can be against us” is a verse that in Brazil is quoted and memorized over and over. It is a verse that got me through some difficult times when I had to remind myself that God is for me. It is during those difficult times, however, that I learned to walk alone with God. When you learn to walk alone with God, you really learn to walk with God. When you are in a situation where no one seems to have good advice, or seems to understand what you are going through, it is at those difficult times that God speaks his truth and reveals His dreams for your life. And those dreams are almost always higher and bigger than anything you have imagined for your life thus far.

Turning the other Cheek

2009-08-20T15:29:00.000-07:00

Turning the other Cheek—this day was a challenge at the baby house as it was the third consecutive day with rain. This means that the babies have to stay cooped up in a small living room with barely enough space for a few meagre toys to keep them occupied. When it was time to put the toys away, one of the little girls refused, grabbing the Barbie clothes out of my hands, then unexpectedly slapped me across the cheek. I carried her to the room for her time-out, and after she apologized she came back friendly and ready to play nicely. Next, her little brother was throwing toys and hit one of the other children. I picked him up and carried him to the next room for his time-out, when he suddenly slapped me on the other cheek. Jesus says to turn the other cheek, when someone slaps you or insults you and to not to return evil for evil. Sometimes when working with these little precious ones, we have to have patience beyond our own human nature, but at those difficult moments, Gods grace kicks in and we are able to continue to love.

MAKING MESSES

2009-08-19T14:59:00.000-07:00

Making Messes—Sometimes our cleaning help at the baby house must sigh when she sees me coming. With ten toddlers, activities can become pretty messy. If one messy baby decides to leave finger prints on the clean table, there are sure to be at least five other handprints on the table during paint time. Walking through muddy manure on the farm, leaves lots of footprints on the cold cement floor of the little baby house. When we decided to plant a container garden, the babies loved putting their whole arms into the black dirt while taking the little plants in and out of position. At the end, they were so dirty; the monitors took each one directly into the showers. It seems the messier the activity, the more fun that it is for the babies, and luckily, they clean up with soap and water.

two kids who need love...

2009-08-18T17:44:00.000-07:00

V. and her brother D. came to the baby house some months ago. When they first came, we were all amazed how quiet they were. Slowly we began to notice different behaviours that caused us concern. Sometimes it would seem that V would do things on purpose that she knew to be wrong. Then when we would give her a time out, she would scream and shake and cry hysterically. We discovered later their family history. It seemed that their mother had decided one day that she didn’t want them anymore and began to mistreat them so the social worker would come and take them away. She would leave them on the streets alone. She would let them go for hours without food, and left them in dirty clothes. Finally, the social worker took them away, and so began their lives in different homes until they came to Lar Feliz. Please pray for these two whose emotions need to heal. They have come a ways with us, but there is still more healing to go.

DO NOT LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED.....

2009-08-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

In John 14, it says several times "do not let your heart be troubled." "Trust in God, and do not be afraid", "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, I do not give as the world gives." Sometimes in our busy lives at Lar Feliz, it is easy to loose one's peace. Working with people and so many difficult situations to resolve is a real test to guard our minds in the peace of Jesus. But Jesus tells us not to be troubled. The world brings tension and dissension all around, but in the midst of it all, we can have a promised peace offered to us by Jesus. Whatever situation you may find yourself in today, look and hold unto the peace.

TELL IT ALL....

2009-08-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I stop by the baby house unexpectedly in the afternoon after nap time or the evening. When I come into the living room, they all cluster around to meet me and tell me all of their news, now that our babies are learning to talk. They tell me if they had to say sorry to one of the other babies. They show me their new shoes. They show me where they got bit by a cat. They tell me all things of great importance to them. Sometimes, we need to come near to our Heavenly Father and tell Him everything, what we need, what we are doing, and what is new in our lives.

GETTING OUR TEENS READY....

2009-08-10T11:59:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that we have a lot of kids and teen-agers living with us. From the age of 14 we try to prepare them for a job. Often that happens by giving them a little job here at Lar Feliz and paying them a little something. The teens think about the money, but we think about getting them ready for when they leave.
We have about 4 teen-age girls working in the kitchen, where they are learning how to cook. We are also talking to some business men about turning our green house into a place where we will grow trees and they will be send out all over the state. How exciting!!

SUNDAY MORNING...

2009-08-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

I am so glad to tell you that our two teens F. and D. have calmed down a bit. Sometimes we do not know how to resolve some kids behavior. But prayer is so powerful.
Some of you have been praying for us and thinking about us when we had to go to court last Friday. In about one month we will hear the verdict.

NEED FOR PRAYER....

2009-08-07T05:05:00.000-07:00

Today we have a prayer need. We have a worker who worked very good for us and seemed to enjoy her work at the baby house. She has since left and has decided to sue the project for thousands of dollars. She is pregnant and is unable to do the heavy load of taking care of the babies, so we offered her a new position of doing laundry during the day shift. She decided to refuse this job, and rather than work, take the easy way of making money and suing a Children's home to get enough money to live by. Unfortunately, this is something that takes place regularly in Brazil. Please pray for Paul and our lawyer as they go to trial today.

THE BABIES ON ANOTHER OUTING....

2009-08-06T04:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had a fine sunny day, and in the morning, I and two workers, with the 5 Dutch volunteers took the whole baby house out to the park for an outing. There were 12 babies and toddlers in total, and what a joy it was to see the babies have this nice experience. They enjoyed playing on the playground, walking alongside the lake. The kitchen manager, Sandra made a fabulous picnic lunch which contained little sandwiches, cakes, cookies, chips, and Pepsi, all special treats for them wrapped up in a basket with love. Those babies thought they died and went to heaven it was so nice. All of them played really well and listened, and then went back home to Lar Feliz where they took very long naps. God, in his love for us, prepares wonderful things. Most of those times when we receive his goodness, wrapped in love, it is beyond what we imagine or dream.

HELP...I NEED SOME HELP.....(THINK OF THE SONG)

2009-08-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Today we received a visit from a children's shelter located about an hour away from here. They wanted to know how it is done. When I look at our problems with some of our teenagers I think; WHAT? look how it is done? This week we need your continued prayers for F. and D. Two teen-age boys going wild this week. Look at the picture and you know that there are days that we need a lot more prayer!! pray for our staff too.
But in general we thank God for such wonderful kids we have and pray for Him to move mightily. We have purchased the material for the Alpha course and are hoping to start it soon. The ALPHA course is a course for those unfamiliar with Christianity and it will present the Gospel in a real clear way.