Visiting Maria

Maria (on the right in the family picture) is the wonderful girl who works for Lia and Nico. Last Saturday she invited us all to her home to help celebrate her sister's 15th birthday.

Getting there was a bit of a challenge! After a bumpy trip on the "main" road, we had to turn down a lane way that was really narrow. It would have been alright except that both sides were lined with barbed wire fencing! We were just able to squeeze through with our pickup, but taking the corners was quite interesting.

Maria lives with her Mom and Dad (who sadly drinks a lot), her three younger siblings (only two in this photo) and the seven children of her older sister. Sadly, just over a year ago, Maria's sister was brutally murdered by her own husband. It has been a very difficult year for Maria and her family.

Five of the older sisters children. The baby was just over a year old when her mother was killed.

Maria's brother and her Dad (when he is sober) are in the middle of building an "addition" to their house. The boys are standing in Maria's parents new bedroom.

All the kids love Maria. She is very cheerful and has a beautiful smile.

Maria's family had a very small piece of property. However, thanks to some help from friends in Canada, and Lia and Nico, they were able to buy the lot next to them. Now they have more room for the kids to play as well as room to plant a garden.

Today may be the last day we see Maria! She has an opportunity to get a good job working for a family in the city. Sadly (for all of us-especially for Nico and Lia since she has been like part of their family for many years now) she has to start her new job on Saturday. It is a difficult move for Maria because her mother depends on her very much, and yet it is difficult to get a good job in town here and Maria helps to support the family.

How we pray for Maria as we go our separate ways! Please, let us all pray that she will continue to seek the Lord.