Heart's Cry, Children's Ministry

Orphanage Hunt near El Valle

Posted by Misty on 22 May 2010 | 0 Comments

After we were able to rule out the available properties in Chiriqui area, an opportunity arose near El Valle (an area about 2 hours from the City). We had visited many areas around there before, but nothing seemed to be available that was within a reasonable price range. Then, we were contacted by a land owner that was interested in possibly working with us to buy his land. We were so excited, as this land was perfectly equipped to handle handicapped children. The land owner was handicapped, himself, and had done a fabulous job equipping the entire property for handicap accessibility (which is amazing to find in Panama!). He was originally from the US, and all his property was up to code for wheelchair accessibility.  It seemed perfect!  See the photos below of the 2 hectare property.  It was beautiful! And we were going to be able to move in right away with another family and several orphans... 

 But... that was not to be. The owner ended up selling the land to another person for a higher price. However, in the process, we met an amazing person (pictured below with his amazing dog) whom we hope to continue our relationship into the future. He is also a poet, and he just hit it off with Matt. In fact, if you check out the song under Matt's music: One Step at a Time, this song was written by the land owner and Matt put it to music. It's a touching song, and applies so much to our daily lives!  

 So, while the site in Chiriqui and the other in El Valle was not the right location for a potential orphanage, we continue to wait on the Lord. IF this is His will, then He will provide the location and all the details. 

I was reading in Numbers about the Israelites and how they "traveled and camped at the Lord's command wherever he told them to go." (9:18) And how, no matter whether it was 1 night or 1 year, they moved as soon as the Lord told them to do so. While we don't have a pillar of fire by night and cloud by day, the Lord still speaks to us clearly. He tells us when to move and where to move to, but also when to stay. This passage really struck me, as I just want to be obedient to the Lord, following Him wherever He is leading. In this way, I hope to emulate the Israelites in the wilderness... just minus all the whining and striving!