quick update.

I'm loving how God is creating this community!  Nothing has been predictable...  It's exhilarating to rely on Him to pull this thing together.  More than ever before in my life, I'm learning that relying on God wholeheartedly is something that takes some serious discipline and constant prayer.  It'd be easy to just do things my way and make decisions that make the most sense, but I'm not the boss.  I've had several opportunities to move some folks in who would have helped with the rent and other expenses, but God made it really clear that that wasn't part of His plan for this place.  Instead, I'm moving in people who I will have to help support with money that I don't really have.  It doesn't make sense, but God said to do it... so here we go!

Tomorrow, my cleaning lady and her two teenage daughters are moving into our community (which currently consists of me and the two dogs).  They need to escape a really bad situation with the husband/father, and I have the space to offer them right now.  They have nothing and no money, so we're praying that God multiply the fish and the loaves.  The girls are sweet but troubled because of the situation they've been living in.  They need a lot of help, guidance, and support...  They've been dealing with some depression and are starting to get mixed up in some pretty dangerous stuff.  They're not street girls, but people are people.  And right now these are the people God is bringing to Casa Koinonia.

I'm still working with Zulma and her two babies, but she has chosen to rent a room with her boyfriend for the time being.  They're off the streets, but it's not the best situation.  I'm still spending much time with her and the kiddos, and I'm really just waiting for the next big crisis so I can scoop them up and bring them here.  Be praying about this.

Also, I'm probably going to have to start doing some fundraising.  Honestly, even though I drag my feet when it comes to communication and fundraising, God has been providing for this community house is some pretty insane ways...  And we have money to finish up Carolina's house out in the campo thanks to a wonderful church in Kentucky!  I could not be more excited!  More about all of that soon...

My friend Ken and one of the guys from his house in Santa Cruz came up for a visit and brought us some living room furniture!  We also picked up some ceiling lamps, which the guys installed, and a washing machine for the community house (check out the photo albums!)  I'm kind of going with the "if you build it, they will come" mentality, and I'm praying like crazy for some more volunteers.

There's a lot happening, and honestly, I'm having to make some difficult and somewhat unpopular decisions that affect people's lives...  But I'm holding tightly to the Bible as my guide and moral absolute and praying that God's voice be loud and clear.  I'm trying to take a backseat here and let Him be in control of all that happens...  Please keep Casa Koinonia and all the people who's lives are connected to this community in your prayers.