September 2020: Redefining Family

It was 2004, Carmen was five years old, when she, her six other siblings and mother were living underneath a gazebo in a public park in Tijuana Mexico. At just five years old, she was dreaming of becoming a math teacher. Twelve years later, Carmen has just graduated from our three year School of Missions and has begun working in the on-site jr high and high school; teaching children who have similar stories to hers. She has plans to attend university part time, while continuing to work at The Mission. Her younger siblings are still living at and growing up in our orphanage; each of them thriving. 

Back in 2004, to avoid the domestic violence and abuse at home, their biological mother and all of the kids found themselves trying to survive while living in a public park.  Their mother was unable to keep a steady job and Carmen says it was up to her to care for, feed and protect her siblings. Over the next few years, Carmen and her siblings were in and out of social services holding centers. Carmen says that her siblings are her strength and inspiration to keep going. In 2008, through some of The Mission’s staff members, Carmen and her siblings came to our local church. They began attending regularly and built a relationship with our team. Shortly after that, they moved on campus and into our orphanage. Carmen says she specifically remembers who from The Mission team, welcomed her that day. That was the beginning of her process of redefining family. 

All seven of the siblings were born prematurely. Carmen remembers the day her younger brother, Edwin was born. It was so quick that a policemen ended up catching him; their biological mother was working, selling newspapers on the sidewalk, when it happened. He had health complications that affected his feet and legs and was unable to walk until having a surgery at five years old. Even still, walking was a difficult task and running was impossible. One day, some of The Mission staff prayed for Edwin’s feet and legs; we watched God heal him before our eyes! Edwin ran around campus and to this day is a living, breathing testimony of the Lord’s faithfulness. 

We are incredibly grateful to Carmen for letting us become her family and trusting us to love and care for her and her siblings. Throughout her life she has had very clear visions and dreams from God, that have guided her to the confidence she exudes today. It was, and still is, truly an honor to have each of them in The Mission family.