The Marriage Was Never Supposed to Happen--Except God. . .

Nine years ago, when we moved Casa de Esperanza to San Pedro, one of our residents met a remarkable young woman who lived in the neighborhood.  This began a friendship which grew into love and has cuminated in marriage.  Theirs is not only the love story between two people, but a love story authored only by God.

When I met Osmi in 2013, he had been sent to Hermano Pedro to die.  (To learn more about Osmi's history click here)  He had been misdiagnosed, could only move his one arm a few inches and was on a feeding tube. 

After moving in with us we got what we believe is a correct diagnosis, but one which does not explain the extent to which he has recovered since 2013.  By the time he came to us, Osmi could sit up in his wheelchair, move his arms a limited amount to feed himself and do simple tasks.  He has continued to recover mobility and strength, completed not only elementary school but graduated junior high as the Guatemalan equivalent of valedictorian.  He since has gone on to complete high school.

The doctors cannot explain his recovery since his diagnosis is a progressive disease which does not improve with time.  Since moving in with us he has shared what we believe is the explanation.  While he was most critical, a  group of short term missionaries came through Hermano Pedro.  They prayed with him and prophesied that his "sickness was not unto death." From that point on he has gradually improved to where he is today. . .strong enough to marry the woman he loves.  I guess sometimes miracles happen slowly.

We never considered the possibility of one of our residents marrying.  Actually, it was controversial among some members of the mission community that I would allow him to "date" (he would spend Sundays with Alejandra and her family).  I realized, though, if I believed what I said about self-determination for our residents, I had to honor their wishes even in the area of girlfriends.

As their relatioship grew and Alejandra and her family became more and more part of our family. They began speaking of marriage but could not imagine how this would happen.  They spoke with me and we worked out a plan.  

We will continue to provide Osmi's medications, which cost far more than what a Guatemalan salary could cover.  Ale owns land, and we are working with various ministries to try to find one to build an accessible house for the new family. Osmi will remain with us most of the time until the house is built, but spend more time at Ale's which is only 2 blocks from the men's home. We will then provided whatever in home support is needed to help Ale care for him.

What was most touching about this was to speak with Ale's mother and father.  I was somewhat tearful when I thanked them for accepting not only Osmi but our other guys.  Our men have been repeatedly invited to family celebrations at their house.  Mom's comment to me was, "Don't ever worry about Osmi.  He is our son!"  Truly remarkable for a Guatemalan family, and again, a connection only God could engineer.

This is a new adventure for all of us, but we are convinced it has been God's leading and he will be faithful to help us going forward.  Please pray for our new family, and a new stage in our ministry.