Update, July 2: Just wanted to let everyone know that the burial is today at 3:00. I imagine it will be unspeakably difficult. The uncle has said that he doesn't want to go, but I think he'll end up being there. That closure will probably be really important. The tiny, baby-sized coffin is almost unbearable to see and I can't even imagine the emotion at the burial. Mauricio has a final exam today and his professor wouldn't let him take it early, so he'll have to miss the burial which is hard. I still plan to go.
Also, I haven't said much about it, but the older girl is still the in hospital and could use some prayer. She had surgery on her leg and ankle and is still recovering. My heart goes out to her being stuck in a hospital bed, missing all of the services and family and even the burial.
Last night pastors came from all over Bolivia and even from Brazil to support the uncle. He is the leader of a large organization of Churches and is widely known and loved. Most of them gave very sweet messages of both mourning and hope. The most touching message was from the aunt's father himself. I wish I could have written down what he said word for word. He began by saying: "This is a difficult cup to drink. It is bitter. But I take comfort in knowing Who has given us this drink."
The uncle is still in quite a bit of shock and overcome with sorrow, but is starting to be himself a bit more. Last night he spoke briefly and shared two beautiful photos of his wife and baby girl. He spoke of his wife's dream to reach all of Bolivia with the message of Christ and asked for help in completing that dream for her.
Thanks again for all of the prayers and kind words of support.
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Hi all,
I wanted to post briefly to ask for some prayers. Yesterday Mauricio's uncle and family were in a horrible car accident. Their car rolled a few times causing his wife and 2-year-old daughter to be thrown from the car and killed. Their other three children were in the car, but survived. One is in the hospital with some broken bones and other non-life-threatening issues. The other two children and the uncle are doing pretty well physically. The aunt's parents were in the car as well, but are doing okay.
Emotionally, no one is doing too well. We were with the family until 3am this morning and the level of trauma they are undergoing is just unbelievable. The children are clearly in shock and simply do not know how to respond. They've been acting perfectly normal and happy and even joking around about the accident. I know this is coping mechanism and the result of some pretty severe shock and trauma. It's heartbreaking to witness. The uncle is in pretty bad shape, as well. Last night he was almost in a trance-like state and had to be given a tranquilizing shot. He's a pastor and his Church is in his home. This has been a huge blessing in terms of non-stop support and love. But he's also kind of in the limelight and expected to be a bit stronger than he's ready to be.
Prayers make all the difference. I sat and listened last night as elders of the Church prayed with the uncle until he began to seem a bit like himself again. He went from being too weak to even stand and just repeating the same phrases over and over again, to standing up and speaking briefly to the family and Church members gathered at the visitation. His message was beautiful. He spoke with love of his wife and daughter and went on to share the gospel in his wife's honor.
We would love more prayers.
This is a photo back from Mother's Day that I never ended up putting on my blog or anywhere.
The woman on the far left in the blue is the aunt that passed away. Her name was Daniela. The man in the middle with the blue shirt and black hat is the uncle, Julian. He's holding his little daughter Danielita's hand. She is the one that was killed yesterday. The other three children are the two girls down in the front and the boy in the jean jacket.
I love this family like my own and this is just a really difficult time for everyone. God gives and He takes away.
Also, I haven't said much about it, but the older girl is still the in hospital and could use some prayer. She had surgery on her leg and ankle and is still recovering. My heart goes out to her being stuck in a hospital bed, missing all of the services and family and even the burial.
Last night pastors came from all over Bolivia and even from Brazil to support the uncle. He is the leader of a large organization of Churches and is widely known and loved. Most of them gave very sweet messages of both mourning and hope. The most touching message was from the aunt's father himself. I wish I could have written down what he said word for word. He began by saying: "This is a difficult cup to drink. It is bitter. But I take comfort in knowing Who has given us this drink."
The uncle is still in quite a bit of shock and overcome with sorrow, but is starting to be himself a bit more. Last night he spoke briefly and shared two beautiful photos of his wife and baby girl. He spoke of his wife's dream to reach all of Bolivia with the message of Christ and asked for help in completing that dream for her.
Thanks again for all of the prayers and kind words of support.
----------------------------------------
Hi all,
I wanted to post briefly to ask for some prayers. Yesterday Mauricio's uncle and family were in a horrible car accident. Their car rolled a few times causing his wife and 2-year-old daughter to be thrown from the car and killed. Their other three children were in the car, but survived. One is in the hospital with some broken bones and other non-life-threatening issues. The other two children and the uncle are doing pretty well physically. The aunt's parents were in the car as well, but are doing okay.
Emotionally, no one is doing too well. We were with the family until 3am this morning and the level of trauma they are undergoing is just unbelievable. The children are clearly in shock and simply do not know how to respond. They've been acting perfectly normal and happy and even joking around about the accident. I know this is coping mechanism and the result of some pretty severe shock and trauma. It's heartbreaking to witness. The uncle is in pretty bad shape, as well. Last night he was almost in a trance-like state and had to be given a tranquilizing shot. He's a pastor and his Church is in his home. This has been a huge blessing in terms of non-stop support and love. But he's also kind of in the limelight and expected to be a bit stronger than he's ready to be.
Prayers make all the difference. I sat and listened last night as elders of the Church prayed with the uncle until he began to seem a bit like himself again. He went from being too weak to even stand and just repeating the same phrases over and over again, to standing up and speaking briefly to the family and Church members gathered at the visitation. His message was beautiful. He spoke with love of his wife and daughter and went on to share the gospel in his wife's honor.
We would love more prayers.
This is a photo back from Mother's Day that I never ended up putting on my blog or anywhere.
The woman on the far left in the blue is the aunt that passed away. Her name was Daniela. The man in the middle with the blue shirt and black hat is the uncle, Julian. He's holding his little daughter Danielita's hand. She is the one that was killed yesterday. The other three children are the two girls down in the front and the boy in the jean jacket.
I love this family like my own and this is just a really difficult time for everyone. God gives and He takes away.
