“Was your mom always an alcoholic or did she start drinking as a result of something?” was the question I posed. Her answer broke my heart. She explained that her alcoholic father was very abusive and had tried to strangle her mother many times with her very own braids. Her father, after going off to the jungle to work, was later reported dead. I learned that her older brother began to financially support the family, but he later died as a result of an epileptic seizure – the epilepsy a result of shock treatment police used to force a confession. She then shared that her younger brother had been sold by her mom when baby trafficking was on the rise. Her comment was, “If I would have known he was going to be well fed and happy with his new family, I would have wanted my mom to sell me instead.” These circumstances brought about the problem her mother and another sibling currently have with alcohol. She now earns money to study, to pay rent for her family, to buy groceries and to pay other bills as well. She sells postcards in the Plaza de Armas and arranges flowers for events at her church. Although she arrived in our lives due to an unfortunate series of circumstances, I am thankful I have had the chance to meet her. She is returning to her home this week after blessing our lives.
When my life crosses paths with people like this, I am reminded that God has so much in store for our lives. Even though we may go through difficulties, He has a purpose and looks to fulfill His perfect will. Please continue to pray for this family and so many others like them.
The problems which our ministry was facing at the end of last year are still in existence which has brought about some changes for this New Year. Please continue to pray for the ministry of Dream Center Peru. Pray also for direction in my life and for continued opportunities to minister here in Peru.
This next month will be a month of travels!
Blessings,
Gretchen
