Beautiful pain

Two weeks ago I met little July. The newest little one in my house. Two years old with big beautiful eyes. Two days ago, I met her elderly grandfather who stopped by to hug and kiss on July. He asked me over and over again to take good care of her because she is the only thing he has left.

Her story breaks my heart. Her mother was raped and gave birth to little July at the age of 12. Two years later, her mother killed herself. And the grandfather brought little July to Casa de Esperanza knowing that he could not care for her the way she needs to be cared for. His love for his granddaughter amazes me. 

Beautiful July is slowly starting to open up. She smiles and laughs more and comes over every few minutes for a hug or a kiss. I love it when she starts singing in her little voice. 

When I look at her my heart breaks. It breaks for the young mother that had no hope. It breaks for the grandfather who gave up who was most precious to him so that she could grow and be safe and cared for. My heart breaks for little July who has gone through so much at such a young age.

But I am reminded of God's love for us in all of the pain and hurt. There is much sin in this world but God is with us in it. We only need to cry out to Him. There is HOPE in Jesus. And life.

Just as July's grandfather gave her up, God also gave up His son. He did it for OUR good. So that we could have life and be safe and be cared for. And that no matter what we go through, we are never alone.

It's painful. It's beautiful.

This life isn't easy. There are things that we cannot understand. But we can trust God with them.

Many blessings from Bolivia. 

~Lily Fluharty

I'm back!

Andres

Here I am, once again writing from Bolivia!!! I have been here for almost 2 weeks and it has been absolutely amazing.

I flew in and jumped right into a taxi where I arrived at church just in time to hear the kids singing and to get tons of hugs and kisses. Peniel just leaned against me and murmured "Tia Lily" over and over.

I moved into the Quinta where I am in charge of 9 kiddos...

My newest little one- July

Febe- Just turned 6
David-5
Andres-5
Elisabet-5
Ismael-4
Juanes-4
Javier-4
Peniel-2
July-2

It can be a big chaotic but it's amazing to be back. The kids and I are slowly starting to get back into the routine. There were several Tias who came and went when I was in the states so were working towards consistency. With 9 little ones, consistency means God giving lots of grace and patience. But He is soooo good! I don't deserve it.

The boys being all gangster ;)
Samuel, Antonio, Miguel and Carlos

I am in La Paz for a couple of days for my visa. Please keep praying that everything will go well! much love and hugs from Bolivia!

~Lily

Here I go!

And here it is... the last blog post in the states...

Casa de Esperanza here I come!

Extremely excited to get back to the kids, a little nervous to travel, sad to leave my family, happy to hear "Tia Lily" so very soon and at rest because I know God is with me through each second.

Excited to see these little faces on Sunday! Plus 62 more!

Juanes

Peniel

Lily

Please continue to pray as I head out in the morning, travel all day and arrive Sunday morning before jumping on death road and arriving in Caranavi Sunday afternoon. 

Blessings and love to you all! God is so very good and it is amazing how He leads and open doors. It is all grace!

Much love in Christ,

Lily Fluharty

In my suitcase...

Heading back to Casa de Esperanza in Caranavi, Bolivia in 2 days.

My room is a mess right now with things to take, things to leave and things I am not sure about yet.

It's usually pretty crazy the packing process.
I'm scared of having my bags overweight.
I'm scared of forgetting something I will NEED in this next year.

But here's a few things that are for SURE going into my suitcase...

1. Pop rocks

Bringing these down for the kids. They have probably never had something like this.

2. Lucy pants

I love these super comfortable pants that last!

3. Lice comb

Some people get grossed out by this but it's part of living with 65 kids... and it's really not as bad as people say... :) 

4. Books in Spanish

So excited to bring down some spanish books for the kids. Thanks to everyone who donated! Such a huge blessing!

Today is packing day and tomorrow is my last full day in the States. Saturday morning I fly out bright and early to arrive in La Paz, Bolivia early Sunday morning. Then it is a 5-6 hour drive on death road to Caranavi. A long day of traveling but well worth it when I get greeted by hugs and hearing "Tia Lily" on Sunday afternoon. Cannot wait.

Love and blessings to you all! Please be praying for all travels to go safely and smoothly and quickly ;)

~Lily Fluharty

I head back

This Saturday I head back.

Head back to 65 beautiful children.

Head back to lots of hugs.

Head back to mountains.

Head back to speaking Spanish.

Head back to kisses.

Head back to tiny smiles.

Head back to hearing "Tia Lily".

Head back to rice and potatoes and more bolivian food.

And on Sunday I will be back.

Been an amazing few months in the States back home with family and friends.
Worshiping at church has been such an encouragement every Sunday. As well
as being amazed as I continue seeing God open door after door.

I am so excited for another opportunity to continue loving these precious children.
Thank you for your support and also for your prayers. I cannot do this alone
and it has been amazing to see God at work. These precious children wiggle deep
down into hearts.

I will have more updates before I leave Saturday morning.

Please be praying for safe travels, that my visa process will go quickly and smoothly
and for more open doors to share God's love with the kids.

Love to you all!
~Lily Fluharty

Missions Video

Here is the missions video that I am so excited about. God is
working mightily and my prayer is that many people would see
this so that their hearts could be filled with a love for these kids.
They are too precious and beautiful to be ignored.

~Lily

Check

Time is ticking down. I am about to head back to a loooot more time in Bolivia.

It's been crazy not having a set return date. It's a scary thought but at the same time
it's very cool to trust God with His timing and plan.

Miguel Angel

I look at videos and pictures of the kids and every time I look at the clock I change

it to Bolivian time in my mind and picture what everyone is up to. Maybe they are
just waking up or getting ready to eat lunch... and my heart bursts as I think that in
just 16 days I will be there alongside them!

This summer has literally flown by. I feel like I just arrived home and unpacked
and now I am beginning to stick things back in suitcases and checking off the
checklist of things I can't forget to bring.

Kisses from Juanes

Every time I check an item off the list I think of a little face that I am closer to seeing.
I miss being called Tia Lily.
I miss singing together at lunch with all the children.
I miss tiny hugs and always having at least one little one on my lap.

I am so excited to see God continue to work.
Love to you all!
~Lily