Isai. My love.

Before marriage, I always dreamed that I would be married to a man of character and understanding, a man pursuing to change the world driven from His deep love for God. I sit in awe right now as he is up in top of the mountain cleaning the car. (he always keeps everything in perfect condition...!) Really, I thank God for this special man that He gave me. A man who has strengthened me and loved me standing by my side through the deepest valleys and yet, the most beautiful mountain tops.

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Sometimes I sit in the background of things watching him with the children... an amazing father he is; caring in a deep way. Lately, I have been busy beyond words helping our director with the homes as we are receiving more children... grateful I am to the support from Isai helping with everything and anything. For you Isai... all my love...

Today. I believe.

As I sit in silence, I begin to hear words that bring both peace and pain. This is what was said, "it is not easy just trusting in God." I remember years ago, reading the word... and just taking on the world - full speed ahead.
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As time passed, marraige came, life changed. I would meditate on my walk with God in the past and say "things will not change"... not realizing being a husband would now cause me to consider my wife as I live for God. It took time to adjust, afterwards taking on the role of a Father as well as a husband. Your heart changes and your eyes change as you have a little one to care for. The joys as they grow up, the sleepless nights when they are sick and hurting; living day by day seeing what comes next. Both sweet and sour. Joyous and sometimes tiring... at times even growing to see your worries right before you as you do your best to care for the family God has given you. Realizing, the mind never stops running.
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At the begining of the month, I looked at our budget and realized there is only enough money to last us until the first of March. The mind races and worries flood for there are many little mouths to feed. Day in, day out, looking for a solution. I can't seem to find one, but to simply just ask. I pray and pray, finally to conclude that love will make a way. Realizing. God is love. I think of the day getting closer, and the balance finding its way slowly to >0<. I can't help to just believe that this is not where things end. No. On the contrary, this is just the beginning for I believe and have come to understand while there are people who love you and love what you stand for, hope will never let you down. Trials only give God an opportunity to show His love and it is revealed through people. Today is not over and tomorrow can bring a new hope.
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The voice you hear is my heart speaking. Realizing my wife, my son.... and today having 11 children who know to well what it is to be hungry. Can we tell them "you will never hunger and have to beg again?" Together, we can. Now, more than ever we are in need of people to respond to the cries of a child. Not only in words... but in action. Will you make a difference today?
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If you would like to make a donation to support the children, you can make a secure donation online through our website at http://www.thecriesofachild.org/ ; you can also mail a donation to our mailing address below. Thank you for your prayers, and support. Together, we can make a difference and give a hope for the future. Until next time...

- Isai Torres

The Cries of a Child

P.O. Box 1297

Ocoee, Fl 34761

9 months, already...?

For you, our son. Malaki Daniel Torres.

May God give give us wisdom and grace,

as you are raised up in a land apart from your own...

May you begin to understand your destiny and purpose

as you grow day by day; destined for greatness..

May God bless you, keep you, and cause His face to shine upon you.

All our love...

Where in the world is the OHOP T-Shirt?

Burundi, Africa! Responding to the cries of orphaned and abandoned children. It has been a breath taking week, loving and speaking into the hearts of our children. Redirecting and teaching in the midst of past behaviors, teaching them Christ... the only savior. Thinking today on the deep love of God, the God that rescued them in his unfailing love for them; to give them a hope for the future. Today, Lord we are thankful. You never forget the forgotten, and never reject the rejected. All our love...

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P.S. The Orlando House of Prayer is our home church back in the US... praying night and day, ushering in the return of our Lord Jesus. A place of refuge, a place of love, a place of intercession on behalf of a devestated world. Hints, the OHOP shirt Malaki is wearing! Thank you to our family at OHOP for responding to The Cries of a Child in Burundi, Africa...

You give us joy...

Malaki, getting past not feeling good and the tears that accompany! What joy bursts from this amazing little one... Enjoy! All our love...

Annecret. Today is a new day.

Annecret is about 7 years old. He says that he is 5, although his sister says she thinks he was about 3 when she began to care for him 4 years ago. His sister is now 18. Annecret is quiet and precious. His belly is swollen, his words are few and his interaction with the other children is reserved. My heart breaks for him imagining the past years he has endured. Today, is a new day for him. I sat down with him explaining to him what to expect. I explained, "here you will have a bed to call your own, this is your house, you will have a family who loves you, you will eat with your family, you will go to school, this place is now your home, and we will love you." He isn't able to answer many questions, through time we believe God will heal, restore and provide a beautiful future for Annecret. A Father who hasn't forgotten him, and cares for him.

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Today, we had some visitors from Rescue International come visit us. One of their focuses working in Burundi is to ensure that orphaned and abandoned children living in care of orphanages, villages, and other forms of children's homes are being cared for in a good way. This is encouraging to see, as we also have this in the US... accountability is huge! I am a firm believer in partnership and working together with many organizations in small or big things as we all are here for a grand purpose... to help the children! We can accomplish so much more if we come together to support one another in our mission to this country and to its people. All our love...

That kind of day!

Today, has just been one of those days. The kind of day that you awake to so many demands! Malaki has been sick, vomiting and explosive diareah! Please be praying for him... something has been going around! Busy day with our wonderful children of God that have come into our care! A visitor in the morning, who walked very far to get here, in need of attention and love. And simply just trying to love on the Lord, oh how I long to just sit in the stillness of his grace and understanding. It's days like this, when I feel overwhelmed and like I am accomplishing so much, yet have so much more to do... days like this that I can fully appreciate the work of the Holy Spirit in my heart. The comfort, the understanding, He is a helper, it is through the Holy Spirit that the love of God is poured into our hearts.

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I sit back, as I write this with a peace that surpasses all understanding... as a bug leaps into my coffee. :o)... (it never fails!) All our love...