Thank You, St. Paul's Chapel

One of the churches from the States that is the most involved here at NLCH is St. Paul's Chapel UMC from Red Lion, PA. They bring groups down twice a year, and because of that, have a lot of people in their church and community who knew Chepe and have been grieving right along with us- even if it has been from thousands of miles away.

Because so many folks there knew Chepe, they decided to have a memorial service for him last Sunday. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, we even got to be a part of the service with them. They set up a laptop with a video camera in their sanctuary, so we could see and hear everything that they did to remember Chepe. Using our computer and camera, Kendon was even able to say some words to the congregation.

It was a very good experience for us to feel connected with these people as Juan, Kendon, Wendy, Ian, Kara and I were able to participate with them in giving thanks to God for Chepe's life.

Our New Groups

We were set to start a new study in our discipleship groups with the older kids this week, so last week we re-opened it back up to all of the ones who had not participated with us for the last few months. We've got quite a few more kids now, almost more than we know what to do with, but that's certainly a good problem to have.

We can see the Lord's timing in relation of these groups with Chepe's death. The most obvious example is with Chepe's brother, Juan. He had not participated in our groups before, but told us last Wednesday that he wanted to join. Of course none of us had any idea that his brother would die on Saturday. He came tonight and participated, although he didn't say much. That's not unusual for Juan, though.

Another of our older guys, Eduardo, had not been a part before, but called us late last night and asked if he could come and join tonight. He was there with Chepe on Saturday, and he is the one who fell in the water, got caught in the undertow and said that he was afraid he was going to drown. At dinner he said that he feels like God has given him another chance and that he wants to do more things to please the Lord now, and that joining our group could be part of that for him.

Also Pablo- he has participated with us from the beginning. He is one that we always heard was "on the edge" since we came, not one who ever expressed much interest in living completely for the Lord. Yet we have never seen that part of him; he has been faithful to our group and we've loved having him a part- he really seems to be seeking the Lord. Tonight he said that Chepe's death initially made him very angry at God. Now, though, he says that he understands God has a purpose, and that all of this has made him reflect a lot on his own life, and that now he wants to know God better.

I was talking to one of my heroes, Stu, the other day, and he said to us something like, "God knew that this was going to happen, and that it was going to happen at the same time that He has you all are there ministering to those kids." I hadn't thought about it before- what a privilege and what a responsibility. (We had a meeting with Kendon this morning, and without knowing about our conversation with Stu, he said the same thing, almost verbatim. Seems like it's something we should pay attention to.)

Another story from our group tonight- Alex went to work in the city today, and while walking to his work from the bus, saw two men who looked pretty shady and whom he thought he'd better avoid. He walked on the other side of the street from them, but one came over and ended up robbing the only Q.10 that he had. For some reason, the other guy apparently felt a little sorry that now Alex didn't have money to ride the bus home, so he walked back over and gave him Q.1.50 for the bus fare.

Unfortunately for Alex, Q.1.50 was only enough to get him halfway home, and he didn't have any money for another bus to get him back to NLCH. He said it was very embarrassing, but he started asking people for money. He said about six people all told him they were sorry, but they only had the exact amount they needed for their own bus fare. Finally Alex just got on a bus without having the money to pay. (Riders don't pay as they enter- an attendant comes around while everyone is riding to collect the fare).

Alex said he didn't know what he was going to do when another man came and sat down next to him and said, "Hello, Alex, how are you?" Alex asked him how he knew who he was, and the man said that he had done some work at NLCH. He said that the man's face looked vaguely familiar, but that he couldn't place him. This man said that he normally doesn't have to ride the bus in that part of town, but that he was on a special errand for work, and of course- he paid Alex's fare.

I've heard stories about angels... who knows? At the very least... God is faithful to these kids; they are His. The rest of the world may call them orphans, but in reality they are sons and daughters of the King, who is always watching out for them. I'm thankful the King has us here too, and curious to see how He is going to use the tragedy of Chepe's death to do more good than any of us could have imagined.

Facebook Group in Memory of Chepe

For those of you who use Facebook, a friend of ours has set up a group in memory of Chepe, full of pictures, stories, etc. Click here to visit or join.

The Ultimate Blunder

Last night Daniel and I were talking with Ruben about how he has only slept three hours in the past three nights. He and Chepe were roommates. We talked with him about how strange it must be for Chepe not to be there. A few minutes later, some of the boys asked about playing cards. I turned to invite Ruben and I said, "Chepe, do you want to play cards with us?" It was one of those times when the words come out of your mouth and then you realize with horror what you have said and you just freeze. I wished so badly I could grab those words back before they were heard. Ruben just gave me a sad smile, I put my hand over my mouth, apologized and then corrected the invitation. I can't believe I called him Chepe!

Positive Update

Last night, we walked over the boys' side of the property and found Juan sitting on a bench with Herbert, Michelle, Ruben and Rony. They were talking and laughing. It was so good to see Juan smiling and joining in on conversation. He has many good friends here supporting him.

We played cards in the comedor with Pablo, Edgar, and Osvaldo. For awhile Ruben and Jon joined in which was encouraging as well.

NLCH Family

I am continually amazed by Kendon and Wendy. Their hearts were grieving as parents who lost a son and yet they continued to be strong, making many decisions, greeting the overwhelming number of visitors, and comforting the other children that were hurting -- looking especially after Juan. Their presence was a comfort to me as I know it was to all of the children and staff here. Your prayers were uplifting them and carrying them through, so thank you again for praying.

After the burial, Kendon called all the children from the Home together and spoke with them for a few minutes. The prayers of so many of you were especially obvious to me during this time. I could hear God speaking through Kendon as he gathered the children together as a family, told them how much he loved each of them and how they were all in this grieving process together. He told them how it is the custom to bury a body but that the body was only a body, Chepe was not there in that grave but is with our Lord Jesus. He spoke to them about how there are two things guaranteed to all of us: that we have been given life and that one day we will die. We do not know when; only God knows that hour. Death is a natural part of the life cycle. He talked to the children about how Chepe was a blessing to the Home for each day that we were able to spend with him. He also then talked to them about while we are glad that Chepe is with Jesus, God gave us emotions and it is okay and normal to be sad, to cry, and to miss our dear friend. He mentioned how people mourn differently so it is perfectly fine to cry at any age and regardless of gender and that it is equally okay not to cry -- that doesn't mean that you don't miss Chepe as much as those who are crying. He told the children that we would all come back to the cemetery when the grave stone was put in and we would continue celebrating Chepe's life and memory. It was such a precious time for me to watch as Kendon and Wendy parented that group of 48 children and they all drew together as a family. I was reminded of how thankful I am to be here and be just a small part of the NLCH family. Thank you for being a part of that family as well.

Pictures from Today's Services

The funeral was held in the teacher's lounge, where the visitation was held last night. Chairs were set up in rows with many more rows of chairs outside on the sidewalk and a speaker projecting the service for those outside to hear.

Josue and Sammy watching the service through the window.

The pallbearers carrying the casket from the teachers' lounge to the hearse. I was impacted seeing the picture on the right which captured the grief of Chepe's friends. Ramsis, Jon and Ruben from the Home served as pallbearers. The others were friends from school.

Loading the casket into the hearse.

Waiting to walk to the cemetery -- there was a huge turnout

Juan and his mother in the hearse.

Beginning the walk to the cemetery, following the hearse.

Funeral procession through the streets of Villa Neuva.

Funeral procession entering the cemetery.

Entrance to the Las Gardenias -- the private burial section of the cemetery.

Pictures of the private burial section of the cemetery. You can see Chepe's burial site (there is a green canopy) on the far left side of the left picture. In the right picture, you can see over the wall in the distance the red roof of the three story apartment building on the new property at the children' s home.

Kendon and Wendy walking with Jon.

Carrying the casket from the hearse to the burial site.

The crowd at the burial site.

It is the custom in Guatemala for the father to say a few words at the grave site. Kendon paid a wonderful tribute to Chepe speaking of his big, beautiful smile and obedient nature, among other things. In the picture on the left, you can see Juan and his mother standing by Kendon.

Sonya (one of the home mothers) comforting Emely.

As mentioned before, the custom in Guatemala is to stay at the grave site as the casket is lowered into the ground and covered with dirt. This was an emotional time and many students threw flowers and notes into the grave. Flowers also were placed on the top of the burial site.