December 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Did you know that one of the definitions of mercy is "something for which to be thankful?" Where would we be without the mercy of God!

Just the other day, I received a text message from a ten year old girl named Esther. We have been helping her and her siblings since she was a baby. She wrote: "Dear Aunt Charlyn, Before I go to sleep, I want to thank you for loving me. I don't know why you chose me with all my problems and you never left. I love you and Uncle Enrique so much and I am so grateful for God's mercy in my life."

Esther is a precious little girl that we love dearly. We have walked through some very tough times with her and her family.

A well-known singer here wrote:

"Who am I, Oh Lord that you would come visit me? What moved you, Oh Lord to forgive someone like me? Your mercy picks up the fallen. Your mercy wipes away the past. Your mercy put a new song in my heart!"

I love this song! Because God has been so merciful in our lives, how could we not show the same love and mercy to others? After all "who am I?" Just like the note I received from Esther, in spite of all my problems, God has never left. It is not about what I deserve but about His love and mercy in my life and I am truly thankful.

We have many children, just like Esther, that we have walked with and have been a great part of our lives. Some have lived in our home and others we visit regularly. It has not always been easy, but we see the mercy of God in their lives. I believe mercy is to enable us to achieve the plan He has for our lives and I know God has a plan for each of these children. Willingness and obedience to God brings mercy and favor in all our lives!

This has not been an easy year for us. It has been full of ups and downs and challenges around every corner, but God is faithful and His mercy is great! Because of your love and compassion, we have been able to continue our work and stand with each child God has brought in our lives.

Christmas is a big time for us and all the children, and we want to bless each child; not just the ones in our home, but the many we consider part of our family. We will have six more children staying with us during the holidays, and our hope is to make sure that every child and family we help receives a blessing at Christmas! We ask for your prayers and for your financial support this month. These last few months have been very tight financially. We are working on the second home while continuing to finish our first home.

We have a group from Chicago coming soon with Ronald Gray to continue the construction. It will be a very busy time, but we are so grateful for all the help. There is so much to be done and so many children and families in need. We are trusting in the Lord for His will to be done!

We pray you and your families have a wonderful and very blessed Christmas! Thank you so much for your love and support. There will be many happy children at Christmas time because of you!

Much love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

November 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

So much of my life revolves around family. Since the Lord put it on our hearts many years ago to build and strengthen families, our desire is to seek the Lord and to know what family really is. Through the years there are a few things I have found to be very important, and I want to share them in this letter.

I love this quote: "Blood makes you related, but love makes you a family!" This is so very true and especially in our home. Maybe the same blood doesn't run through our veins, but the same love runs through our hearts. Corinthians 13:13 says "These are the three things that will endure, faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love!" Without love, family cannot survive. We have to be able to put others needs before our own; that is just part of having a strong happy family.

Having a family keeps you humble and it is where we learn to get along with others. In a big family, you learn really fast how to take criticism and lots of teasing; humility is needed in order to admit someone else just may be right!

Many of you may remember Geovany, or Nini as we called him, who lived with us. When he turned 16, he became confused and felt torn between his biological family and our family, of which he had become very much a part. He wanted "freedom" and "acceptance" and decided to go back and live with his mother, who was a drug addict. Before long, Nini had dropped out of school to get a job. We tried to stop him but there was nothing we could do. We had a family meeting and prayed for him, we all cried and sent him on his way.

After several years, Nini has suffered greatly and made many mistakes. Recently he called Enrique and asked to meet with him. He felt alone and tired, "I now understand all the things you said to me," he said. "If only I had listened." Enrique has been meeting with him to pray and spend time together. Nini will always be a part of our family and is loved dearly. When we are young, we think love is about acceptance and the freedom to do what we want; but it is really correction and discipline that will take us where we need to go! A family helps us to change. We have to be able to listen and realize a change may be in order.

It is very important that each person in a family has their own special place; God made us all different! Mother Teresa said, "What I do, you cannot do, but what you do, I cannot do." Each person needs to do what they do best; this makes each one feel special and needed. It is our job to be able to work with them and let them do things that maybe we cannot; again humility is required.

One of my greatest desires is that all the children in our home will grow up and have strong happy families that are close, and love each other. As I tell them very often, this takes time and sacrifice; we have to be able to put our own feelings aside and reach out to each person God has put in our lives, even though they may be different each one has their own special place!

There are so many lonely people in the world; everybody has relatives, but now fewer and fewer people have family. We are very excited to have more children in our family; we feel this will happen soon, and we are getting prepared. We are getting our house ready and hope to finish up things here. We still need doors and to finish several bathrooms, curtains, and extra beds too. When we moved in, many things were not finished. Little by little, we are working on things as we can. Please pray for the resources to be able to finish, and to continue on the second home. Enrique has been very busy working with our architect and the men planning and building the foundation. We have a group coming in December with Ron Gray to help with the building. It will be a busy time, but we are looking forward to what God has in store.

We are also getting ready for Christmas. This year, we will have six more children with us during the holidays. We will be reaching out to other families in the area where Enrique has done much work with the boys on the streets there. This requires a lot of planning ahead. If you know anyone who is interested in donating, we can make sure each child gets a gift. Please help us in getting the word out! We appreciate so much your love and support, and we sincerely ask you to continue. We could not do all that is before us without you. The Bible says that God places the lonely in families, and gives them joy! There are just so many lonely people who need a family. It is our job to find them and bring them in! There is no greater blessing than the love of a family!

Much love and blessings,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

October 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

It seems like everywhere you go now, people are wondering what the world is coming to; there are so many disasters and problems, that it's hard to even watch the news or pick up the newspaper. But one thing we do have is HOPE! Hope is a "confident expectation" or "the firm assurance regarding things that are unclear or unknown."

One of my favorite hymns says, "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." No matter what we see or what is going on around us, there is always hope, and hope gives us the will and determination to go on!

Almost six months ago, we rescued an old dog who came up to our home starving and looking for food. On her body we could see at least three tumors and her bones stuck out from lack of food. But we fed and loved her and the kids gave her the name "Hope". We didn't know how long she would be with us, but we were going love her as long as she was! She got much better and loved to play and curl up with us on the couch. The kids fell in love with her and she became part of our family.

Not long ago, we noticed she was sad. One of her ears was swollen and she had a fever. It seemed the tumors had grown and cancer was spreading. Our sweet doctor came over and did what she could, but told us it probably wouldn't be long before Hope would leave us. Hope laid on the couch sad and didn't move much for several days. Abraham our son slept on the couch with her for several nights, his arms around her all night long. Mabel our daughter could only cry when she looked at her, but still reminded me why we gave her the name Hope: "Mama, I still have hope; do you?" she asked. I replied, "Well now, there is always hope!"

That night, when the kids had gone to sleep, I said a prayer for Hope, putting my arms around her; something I had seen my own mother do many times with our family pets. Hope looked up at me with her sweet, sad eyes and we waited again until morning. In the morning, to my surprise, Hope was up drinking water and wanting to go out. Her fever was gone. The children were thrilled to see her! Each day, I am amazed watching her run and play from the window. It is very sad to think that Hope was left to die; her previous owners had given up on the poor old girl. They had no hope!

I have learned this from raising children and working with what some may call "hopeless cases" - if Jesus is our hope, why should we doubt? Why should we be afraid?

"For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see we wait in patience" (Romans 8:24-25).

Many times we cannot see or do not understand what God is doing but our hope and trust is in him. This has been a challenging time for us. We've been working hard, fixing many problems in our house. We have found all kinds of leaks in the roof and the heavy rains here have done much damage; we are still working on getting the roof and ceilings repaired upstairs. It has been a big job and, at times, we have gotten discouraged. In the midst of it all, we had a very serious earthquake and some cracks were made in the walls. During the quake, things fell and shook, but we are so grateful for God's protection!

Despite the problems around us, we see God at work. We know it is just a season we are in, and soon we will receive more children in our home. We have made good contacts and much progress with permissions and paperwork for the government. We have met with pastors and people who want to help, and this has been very encouraging!

One pastor with whom we have connected is reaching out to women in prison. Many of them have babies while they are there and have to give them up for adoption. They need to find good homes for these children. We are praying about what the Lord would have us to do and how we could help these little ones. Please keep praying!

These are challenging times, but our hope is in the Lord! We cannot express how much your love, prayers, and financial support have meant to us, especially during these times. The work continues on the second home as well, and we would ask for your prayers and continued giving so that we can continue with the building. There is so much going on here and we pray for the strength to finish!

"His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and stay. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand."

Much Love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

September 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Whenever I had a problem when I was growing up, my mother would say, "Let's look at the bright side of things." And to my surprise, there was usually a brighter and different way to look at things.

Much later in life, even as my mother fought cancer, she still would say to me, "There are women suffering so much more than me, let's focus on what we DO have!" She read books on women in the Middle Eastern countries facing things we cannot even imagine, and she would often tell me stories about them.

So, a few days ago, as I faced a pile of dishes and very little water pressure, and no dishwasher, I remembered her soft voice saying to me, "Let's look on the bright side." I thought of the women who travel on foot for miles and miles, carrying babies, just to get a little water so they can survive.

Being grateful for what we do have changes everything and brings joy to the Lord! Thanks, Mom, for teaching me to give thanks in all things and hearing your sweet voice once again! The dishes are washed and cleaned! Oftentimes, our response to the circumstance we face are more important than the circumstance itself!

A few weeks ago, I met with a lady to whom we have been reaching out. She has been in poverty and depression. She has three little children and does not know how to care for them. After listening to all she was facing, I also felt overwhelmed, but I remembered Psalm 118:29, which says "Give thanks to Lord for He is good and His mercies endure forever."

So, we began to look at things differently; we even made a list of all the wonderful things God had done in her life. We decided to give thanks everyday to the Lord for what He had done. Soon, her depression began to lift and now the Lord has given her a new hope and joy in life!

These last few months have not been easy. We have had mold and humidity get in the house. Some of our ceilings upstairs will have to be replaced and it will be a big job, especialy having the children here. But in the midst of it all, God has given us the oppurtunity to reach out to three new children.

We got a call from a pastor who is working in the prisons here who is looking for homes for babies being born to imates. He told me, "I want to know these children will be put in a home like yours and not in a government-run institution." We will meet with him next week to see how we can help.

So many people have needs and are suffering in the world. Whatever challenge we face -- a pile of dirty dishes or sickness and depression -- being grateful is a decision we make to honor the Lord and all that He is doing! And, oh yes, He is at work!

Please pray for us as we are making big decisions and also pray that we will have all the resources to make the repairs on our house. While all of this is happening, we want to continue to be able to bless the ones around us. Your financial gifts to support the work and ministry of Hidden Treasures are such a major part of why we can do what we do. We thank you for standing with us, and ask you to prayerfully consider a special gift this month.

As you may know, we are also continuing to build the second children's house, and more groups from the United States are on the way to help! If you or your church would like to participate in a mission trip to work with the Costa Rica Hidden Treasures Children's Home construction project, please contact Ronald Gray: 251.533.4150 (cell) or ronaldkgray@aol.com.

Again, we thank you so much for your love and support. We pray for you and your families often!

Much Love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

August 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Through the years we have had many children in our home. At one time we had fourteen children living in our small three bedroom apartment. Some children are easier than others and some children come with all kinds of problems and challenges they are facing. But no matter what the case, God calls us to walk through the difficult times with each one.....no turning back and no giving up! It means a lot of praying, late nights talking, patience, discipline and love. They can wear you out completely but the rewards are great and God is faithful!

Recently, Ron Gray brought a group to continue the work on the second children's home. They were preparing the land for pouring the foundation. It was extremely hard work. They shoveled and packed down shells and rock and worked eight to nine hours each day. I was amazed at how hard they worked and they were determined to get as much work done as they could. The children worked with them and were so blessed by the friendships they made. What would we do without the love and support from so many? There is no way we could do all that is before us. We need each other and have been so blessed by the relationships we have made. We know that each person that comes feels a part of us and we feel a part of them and we know when we face the difficult times they will be here to help.

My dad was here for a visit and the kids had such a wonderful time being with him. We had big games of Uno and big family dinners at the house. It was great just to be together. The kids love their times with Grandpa and look forward to it every year. Dad also spoke at the church conference here and it was a very blessed time. We were all touched to see God reuniting people together and reminding people what "covenant" means and walking together. Walking with someone many years, maybe all your life is not for the faint of heart.....difficult and challenging times will arise. But when you have a commitment or covenant with someone it makes all difference in the world and that is what it takes to raise a family, to take in orphans, feed the hungry and love the unlovable! It is a decision to walk with someone through the good and the really bad!

We are very excited about what the Lord is doing. More groups are preparing to come. There is much work to be done and many more children who will come. We know God is preparing the way.

We want to thank you so much for all your love and support. We are so blessed by your faithfulness and walking with us through the years. We have a lot before us. Please pray for strength and the resources we need to get things done. This last month two single mothers desperately needed our help and we reached out to seven new children. We cannot sit back and do nothing when we see such great needs before us.

Please pray our monthly support will grow so we can continue to help more children in need and meet our own monthly expenses. Much love and blessings for you and your family!!

Much Love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

TO BE A PART OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT If you or your church would like to participate in a mission trip to work with the Costa Rica Hidden Treasures Children's Home construction project, please contact Ronald Gray: 251.533.4150 (cell) or ronaldkgray@aol.com.

July 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

My dad says the difference between good and excellent is in the details. It is hard to find people, in the busy world we live in, who have time for the details. People are just in a hurry to get things done! But the truth is, our God is a God of details. We see it all around us....even in the creatures and critters that make our way into our house -- giant roaches and colorful insects -- and here in Costa Rica we have all kinds! My daughter says the birds here look like someone painted each feather. Everyday we see the details of God in His creation.

What we do and how we do it does matter. After moving into the new house, we quickly realized just how important the details are. It seemed every day there was a new problem: leaky roofs and moldy ceilings. We began to get frustrated as the list to get things fixed and finished grew longer.

What I have learned in difficult times is that God isn't just working on "the problems at hand" but His main purpose is to work in us! Faith, patience, character and new relationships are built in difficult times. God is getting us ready for the bigger task at hand-He is working on the details!

Recently, Ronald Gray brought a group here to build a water tank to help with our water pressure. As they began to look around the house, they too saw many things that still needed work. One of the young men said he could put up tile in the bathrooms. We were amazed at his work. He finished the girls' bathroom and hung up mirrors. The girls were so excited. It was beautiful. He repaired and finished tile in our bathroom too, cutting each tile so perfectly. He paid attention to every detail.

We were also able to get lights hung. The men put up each light with love and care, making sure everything was done just right; electrical problems were fixed as well. We were amazed and moved by all the love and care. Our house really began to look like a home. But it wasn't just about everything they fixed and finished; we built friendships we know we will have for a lifetime. They encouraged and loved us and it all came at just the right time!

God has taught us so much this year, and once again we see how important relationships are. God always sends the right people at the right time and what others don't do, someone else will!

As we get our house ready to recieve more children, God is also preparing us. The responsibility is great and we must be ready ourselves. We feel God is asking us to pay attention to the details in our lives and calling us to a higher place and closer walk with Him. Being molded and shaped into what God wants isn't easy, but it sure is nessesarry to fulfill His purpose.

Enrique is working hard on getting the building permit on the second home. It takes time and it is costly, but we hope things will move quickly. My dad will be coming for a visit soon and will speak in our church conference here. Ronald Gray will be bringing another team to work soon too. We are very grateful for all the Lord is doing!

Please pray for us. We know the time is getting closer, and new little ones will be coming in our home. We pray for rest and peace, and that we can finish everything we need to in order to have them here in the home. It is very exciting, but we need God to guide us in all the decisions we are making. Also, please continue to remember us in your giving this month as we face our "normal" needs for the children, plus the ongoing construction issues.

The details in our lives do make a difference and can be seen by a "thank you" at the end of our sentences or a smile when we walk in the door, or taking the time to listen to someone in need. It is in showing gratitude and love in all we do, and being careful in what we do in our daily walk. These things do matter and what may seem like small details make all the difference in the world in our relationships here and with our Heavenly Father.

We appreciate so much you standing with us! We pray the Lord will bless you and your families!

Much Love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

June 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Every child is different and everybody is born with different personalities. What works with one child may not work with another. My children are all very different. Some eat too much and others don't eat enough. In the same breath I may say "Eat" to one child and "Stop eating!" to the other. Some children are born wanting to learn and others couldn't care less. It is a challenge to keep up with everyone, but God gives us the grace to know how to help each child find their purpose in life.

Learning to get along with others first starts at home with our parents and siblings, and with everyone being so different, it has it challenges. Enrique and I are firm believers that children must learn to get along, especially in the family. As Enrique and I counsel with families on a regular basis, we have found the number one problem is that people don't know how to get along with each other, especially in families. When I grew up we had no option but to get along and we had to learn one way or the other.

My children all have chores and jobs they have to do together, and sometimes things can end up in a heated discussion about who did what and who did it better -- especially among a few of our children who are very competitive. These things have to be addressed and worked through, and many times a family meeting is involved. Humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with one another. Enrique says, "Harmony produces blessing" and it is in obedience to God that we learn to live in harmony with one another. That means biting our tongues and knowing when to speak and when not to speak, overlooking transgressions, and seeking love and going out of our way, even when we don't feel like it, to show someone we want to get along.

I believe God puts people in our lives for a reason, and usually it is to mold and make us into what He wants. If we are running from the "difficult people" in our lives, we will never learn how to get along; we will miss the blessing we can receive from being around someone who challenges us to be better! When we show someone love who has treated us badly or done us wrong things have a way a changing!

Enrique and I have been very challenged by this; these last few months we have had to deal with some very "difficult" people. Some days have been frustrating and overwhelming and we have had to really seek the Lord and ask Him what to do, but we believe the Lord wants us to live in harmony, and that is the word He has given us. Please pray for wisdom and guidance, especially for Enrique during this time.

We will be having two mission groups coming from the United States soon. The first group will help us build and install a water pump. This will be such a blessing, since we have had so much trouble with our water pressure. We really only have one bathroom that works well, and sharing with so many people has been a challenge. We also have had leaks in our roof, and have had some water damage to our ceilings. Getting things fixed can be costly and time-consuming, and people don't always do what they are asked. We are praying things can be fixed quickly.

Some good news: Enrique met with the most famous soccer player here in Costa Rica, and has been talking with him about the soccer program we want to start here on the property. It will be a wonderful way to reach out to the community and help young guys get off the streets and give them hope. Enrique has done this in the past and has reached out to many young guys on the streets. The meeting went really well and the man was very interested in helping. We are excited to see what will come from this meeting and see the doors that will be opened.

No matter how difficult things get, I believe if we choose to live in harmony with those God has put in our lives the blessing will follow! We want to thank you so much for your love and support. We are so grateful for you standing with us!

"How wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the fragrant oil that was poured over Aaron's head. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life forevermore!" (Psalm 133)

Love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

HOW TO BE A PART OF THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT If you or your church would like to participate in a mission trip to work with the Costa Rica Hidden Treasures Children's Home construction project, please contact Ronald Gray: 251.533.4150 (cell) or ronaldkgray@aol.com.

May 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Now that we have moved to the country we are surrounded by all kinds of animals. I love that while I am doing the dishes, I can watch the cows go by outside my window, or sit and drink coffee and see the sheep on the nearby mountain. I think animals are good for people, especially for children; they teach us so much and bring so much joy to the family.

A few days ago, a funny looking dog appeared in our yard; she had followed my son into the garage. He was taken by surprise to see how thin she was. Her bones were sticking out and her ears looked like they had been burned. She had a long body like a Dachshund and short legs. When I returned home and saw her, it broke my heart to see the shape she was in. She wagged her tail in spite of her pain, and quickly the girls ran in to get some food. She gobbled the food down quickly and drank several bowls of water.

The girls "oohed and aahed" over her and she looked at us all with her sad eyes; sad, but somewhat relieved to have found a home. We began to notice all the things wrong with her and saw that she even had several tumors growing on her stomach. It seemed a little overwhelming and by now the kids were begging us to let her stay. How on earth could we pay for surgery and all the care she needed? The children's prayers that night were all about the new little one that had come into our lives, "Oh please Lord heal her," one of the girls prayed, sniffling and trying to hold back the tears. We were all taken by her, but wondered how we could help.

I remember a few weeks ago, I was driving my car and I was feeling a little tired and frustrated. I began to talk to the Lord, "So much to do Lord and there are so many needs." I felt overwhelmed and my heart was heavy. "How can we do all that is before us?" I felt the Lord spoke to me and said, "Your circumstances are not My circumstances." I saw a King sitting high on a Throne! Wow, when we remember the God we serve, how can we not have hope!

Sometimes things look like they are impossible and there are just too many problems to be fixed. If someone is in need, we think of all the reasons why we shouldn't help. Nothing is too big for the Lord!! There isn't anything He can't do! John 13 says, "If you know what you should do, then you are blessed if you do it." It isn't from the knowing that we get the blessing, but from the doing that brings the blessing!

I have felt all my life that God has called me to love the "unlovable". In fact, I think he sends them my way! J That is, to love the ones that no one has taken an interest in or even noticed. God is faithful, and if we step out and love someone with challenges and difficulties, He will meet us there and the rewards are great! This is what we have learned over the years by reaching out and showing love and care to hundreds of children here in Costa Rica. We have seen so many miracles in lives, and we believe the best is yet to come.

And as for our new little friend, we do not know what will become of our sweet stray doggy, but as long as she is here on this earth, we will love her. We were very excited because our neighbor found a doctor here that would like to help her. She will do surgery for very little money and see how she can help. My daughter reminded me, "Mommy you just wait! God has big plans for the new member of the family!

"The good news tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith!" (Romans 1:17, New Living Translation)

We want to thank you so much for standing with us! We are getting settled in the new "Carolyn House" with all of the children, and getting to know people in the community. There is still much to be done in our home but we will finish things as we can. A church mission group came a few weeks ago and started on the second home we are building. They were such a blessing to us!

There will be two more groups coming in June. We are working on getting our building permit so we can continue building. Please pray this goes smoothly and quickly. This is very costly too, so we are trusting the Lord for all the resources to do all that is before us. We sincerely ask you to please prayerfully consider a special gift to Hidden Treasures this month to sow into this ministry. We love and appreciate you and thank for your prayers!!

Love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

April 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Almost every morning, as I am brushing my teeth, our little four-year-old steps on the bathroom scale and asks, "Momma, how much do I cost." It always makes me smile and I usually say a trillion, zillion dollars! She always pats her tummy and gives me a big smile! Of course we could never put a price on her life or any other.

We cannot imagine what our life is worth in God's eyes, but it is worth so much that He sent His own Son to die on the Cross for each and every one of us! I cannot ignore people I see begging on the streets, especially the children. I believe each person was born for a reason and it is our responsibility to love and reach out to those in need.

Recently our oldest son, Nelson, wrote about something the Lord showed him and he would like to share it with you....

Today as I was riding on the bus, God showed me several things. The first one was a little seven-year-old boy being beaten very badly by a much older man. He was being hit with the man's fist and a big board the man had picked up from the ground. The boy was unable to defend himself and was screaming as loud as he could. Tears filled my eyes because that little boy was me. The man was one of my biological mother's boyfriends and he had sent my little brother and I to San Jose to buy fish heads to make soup. When we came back with nothing he went crazy and started beating me. My brother ran and hid and cried as he watched.

The neighbors heard me and called the police. The man was arrested and I was taken to the hospital, where my head was stitched up. As I sat on the bus remembering that awful day, Jesus spoke to me and said, "I too was beaten. "I could see how they hit Him with whips and stones and He did not complain and I heard a voice saying, "This is the price I paid for you so you could be saved." Wow! That is so true....and tears filled my eyes again as I thought about God's love for me.

After that God showed me a picture of my parents now-they are the angels He gave me and the ones I love! I want to be involved with Hidden Treasures and the new homes we are building. I want to help children who are going through the same things I went through. It is exciting to think we can help to change lives. I am looking forward to meeting the new children that will come. You all have blessed my life so much and I appreciate all you have done so that I could have a loving family and purpose and direction in my life. My siblings and I will be forever grateful!

Nelson has a job at Hewlett-Packard here in Costa Rica, and is studying Computer Science and Systems Engineering in the University. Nelson would like to start his own business one day and teach computer programming to the children who come to the new homes, so they can have more opportunities in the future. Nelson is patient and kind and a hard worker. He has been a real blessing to our family!

This has been a good but very challenging time for us. We would like to ask for your prayers. After moving in our house, many things have had to be fixed and finished, and we have been busy with people in and out, working on things. We still have much to do and we are also working hard with our lawyer getting things set up to receive more children. There are many papers to be filled out.

Soon a group will be coming to start on the second home. We have a lot before us and are praying for strength and guidance as we make many big decisions. We appreciate so much you standing with us! We could not do all that is before us without your prayers and support. All the family and children send their love. You are regularly mentioned in bedtime prayers and are in our hearts! May God bless you and your families!

Love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

March 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

We want to thank you so much for all your love and support. This has been a very busy time for us. We are packing up and getting ready to move into the new house. By the time you read this, we will have moved into the first of five children's homes to be built at the Hidden Treasures property. We can hardly believe the time has come! Soon we will be surrounded by cows and horses and waking up to the roosters crowing. In the midst of our move, the children's new school season has begun. Because of our new location, the kids have started a new school. There will be many changes ahead but we are very excited and so grateful for all God is doing.

Now that we've reached this significant milestone in Hidden Treasures history, we are finalizing our legal and governmental requirements so that our home can be approved to take in more children. We know God has already chosen the new children that will be part of our family. It will be so wonderful to have a place where the kids can run and play and have room to grow. We want to express how grateful we are for your friendship. We could not do this alone and we appreciate you so very much!! Please pray we will have strength to do all we have before us and the resources to get everything done. We pray you and your families will be blessed!

Please find below the letter from our oldest, Daniela. As we move into our new home and prepare to bring in new children, Daniela wanted to express what it was like for her when she joined our family and how she feels about moving into a new home.

Also included after her letter are two pictures. One is a recent picture of Daniela and Ruth and the other is of the new children's home we have named the "Carolyn House." The home is named after the late Carolyn Simpson, Charlyn's mother, who was one of Hidden Treasure's greatest encouragers and advocates. Carolyn carried the vision of Hidden Treasures alongside of us. There was no better model of a devoted mother and believer in family. Carolyn Simpson went home to be with the Lord in 2008. Hidden Treasures is forever grateful for the love and support she gave.

Much Love,

Enrique and Charlyn

Letter From Dani Mejia

Dear Friends,

I remember when I was a little girl, I always dreamed of living in a home with a happy and loving family. I remember that my house then wasn't a nice place. It wasn't clean, although I tried, sweeping our dirt floors morning and night. Our house was made of old pieces of a tin roof that had been nailed together to make the walls. My siblings and I had to share a room and we had to go outside to the bathroom. It was a very small house.

God is so amazing and loving that is hard to put into words how amazing He is! Some of you might know a little bit of my story before I got to my parents' house. I had a difficult childhood, where I hardly saw my birth mom. I had a lot of responsibilities because I was the oldest of five children, and I took care of the other children from a very young age. I did all that because I love my siblings a

I really did not know what being in a real family meant, but I prayed for something different. I was only nine years old when I arrived at my new parents' home. I found peace, joy, happiness, love and all the things you can imagine. I felt like a kid in a candy store. I was so happy!

When I got into their house, I couldn't stop looking around. It was so beautiful to me. It had a floor, windows, kitchen, bedrooms...I thought it was a different world. I remember my first night there; I couldn't sleep because I was so excited. I had my siblings with me and I knew I didn't have to be afraid anymore. God had answered my prayers. I knew my life had changed.

I started to understand how to live as a girl and not as a mother; that sounds weird to say that, but it was true. I remember when my mom told me: "Daniela, you need to be the child. I'm your mom and I will take care of you and your siblings." Those words really touched my heart. It was a long process for me to learn to live in a family and learn to be a child. They even bought me my very first doll; instead of taking care of real babies, I could just enjoy being a little girl.

God blessed me with amazing parents who were there for me in all times. I saw God's hand and amazing love for me and my siblings. He had a different life for us, a different plan for each of us. I can see my parents love for us unconditionally, just like God loves us unconditionally as well. I like when people tell me how much I am like my mom, the way she loves others and her sweet spirit. I think it means that I've learned from her and my dad. I want to help others.

I know God has a plan at just the right time. I pray for all those kids around the world who need a family. I also pray that I can be a testimony of God's love to others. He is God. Nothing is impossible for Him. I prayed since I was little and I remember in God's Word where it says "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." He listened to me and gave me that beautiful gift, a home and a family.

I want to give special thanks from all my family to all the people who have been there for us through prayers and support. May God bless each of you and your families for helping this ministry mean so much to the children touched by it.

Under His Wings,

Dani Mejia

February 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

A dear friend of ours that came to speak at the church said “Our disappointments are God’s appointments!” There are many times in life when we are disappointed and usually it is because things didn’t go the way we had planned. I have learned that God has a much bigger and better plan and He uses all things so His plan is ultimately completed. It gives me peace to know He is in control no matter what I am facing.

This last month has been very challenging for us. No matter how hard we plan, things seem to change. Trying to finish a home, in very bad rainy, windy weather has been frustrating. After so much rain and wind, the roof started leaking and we have had to repaint and redo ceilings. Everything has had to be protected from water and humidity. Just the other day the man who has been building our kitchen furniture called and said they would be late getting it installed because of mistakes that had been made.

Enrique felt completely overwhelmed to think we would not be in our home and would have to pay another month’s rent. He felt angry and tired. He began to pray and ask God to change his attitude. That night I found Enrique reading the Bible and chuckling out loud. He began to tell me the story of how Saul wanted to kill David, but no matter what he did, David lived. Saul even ended up naked on the ground prophesying, on his way to kill David himself. The Lord had a plan and nothing or no one could stop that. The Lord showed Enrique that He is in control! Although we know that, it is so good to be reminded of that again. The next day Enrique went to talk with the man helping us with the kitchen and he offered to pay our rent for the next month; he even gave us a kitchen hood to go over our stove which is something we could not have afforded.

This last week, the sun has come out and it seems the rainy season is over. People have been able to work and are fixing the roof and ceilings. We had a very good meeting at a school near by our home and we think the kids will be going there. This is something we have been praying about for awhile and now God opened the door! The kids are nervous to start in a new school but we are praying each night for peace and an easy transition.

When we started our foster home almost eleven years ago, we faced great challenges, and it took longer than we wanted; but God made us wait so we could receive our precious children that we have now. It was His timing and His children. It is the same now that we are building more homes - He knows the right time and He knows every little child that will be part of our family. So why should we be disappointed? It is all part of His great plan!

I would like to share with you what one of our foster children wrote to me recently. When she left us, it broke our hearts and we worried for her safety. We lost contact with her for almost nine years, but have prayed for her and she remained in our hearts. She found us and still continues to call me mother. She is now a young mother and has four little children. Here is what she wrote:

Dear Mother, I would like to thank you for teaching me that there is an all-powerful Father that does exist and I can do all things in Him. I know He will never leave me or abandon me. When I need food for my kids I can get on my knees and He will give us all we need. I am going to love Him with all my heart. Thanks to you I know of His love and mercy! I love you dear Mother.

This letter has touched my heart and as you can imagine, reading it brings tears to my eyes. God is faithful! I hope each child that comes in our home will one day be able to say the same things and give God all the glory for what He has done! It is not about what we do, but what He does!!

Please continue to lift us up in your prayers. It is a very challenging time and there is so much to do. Financially things are very tight and we are trusting God for His provision day to day. We appreciate so much you standing with us!!

Much love and blessings,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

January 2012 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

My husband says there is always an opportunity to reach out to someone sometimes we when least expect it!

A few months ago, our van finally gave out and quit working. It has been a good faithful car, carrying way too many people day-in and day-out, and traveling up and down a very bumpy rocky road to get to our new house where we have been building for several years. So one morning, it just wouldn’t move. After having it checked, we decided it was way too expensive to get it fixed, so there it sat in the garage. Enrique decided he would take buses and occasionally taxis to get him to meetings and classes, where he has been studying.

One morning after rushing to get the kids off to school, Enrique was running late for a class. After the bus never arrived, he flagged down a taxi and was quickly off. The taxi driver began to talk to Enrique. “I don’t know what I am going to do for Christmas,” he said. “I guess I will be all alone again this year.” Enrique asked why, and the man replied: “I was an alcoholic while my kids were growing up and I wasn’t a very good father. I drank a lot and now they don’t want to see me.” He went on to tell about his life and Enrique listened while they waited in traffic. His story was a sad one and he had lost hope.

When Enrique arrived at his meeting, the man pulled off the road. Enrique put his hand on his shoulder. “Mister, Can I give you a piece of advice?” The man seemed open and ready to listen. “I can understand why your children don’t want to see you. My dad was an alcoholic too.” The man seemed surprised. “You have to tighten up your belt and be a man! A real man admits when he is wrong. Call your kids and tell them you are sorry. Listen to them.” The man had tears running down his face.

Enrique continued: ”It is never too late and there is hope! But you are going to have to humble yourself -- that is what real men do!” Enrique shared the Lord with him and they prayed together. Enrique shared how the Lord had changed him and his father and they both had to ask for forgiveness. Admitting when you are wrong can mend broken hearts and bring families together.

Enrique has had many stories of rides in buses and taxis and sharing with others. So even though for a few months we couldn’t use our van, we know it was for a reason, and we remember once again how important it is to reach out to those around you. Enrique has already started reaching out to people in the community where we will be living. He loves going in the bakery down the road and talking and laughing with the owners. They now feel like they know us. Enrique is very excited about starting up the soccer program in the community.

We hope before too long we can have a soccer field on the property where the boys can come and train and be a part of a real team. Enrique has seen how soccer is such a good way to reach out to boys and can be such a blessing in their lives.

We are getting ready to make our big move to the new house we have been building. Because of rainy weather, work was slowed down and we have had to wait a little longer than planned, but we will be moving before January 15, God willing! Please pray things will go smoothly and the weather will be good and things will get finished on time.

We are very excited to see what the New Year will hold. The thought of receiving more children is very exciting and we are gearing up for all that is ahead. We will need to increase our monthly income as more children arrive, so we would ask for your prayers. We are very happy we will have a peaceful quiet place with space for the kids. We are looking for a good school nearby also. We would love to have a school on the property one day, and we have been talking with people on the education board. God has opened doors, but we ask for your prayers for guidance with all the decisions we will be making.

We hope you all have a wonderful New Year and we appreciate so much your love and support. You are very close to our hearts and we pray this will be a very blessed year for you and your families!!

Love,

Enrique and Charlyn Mejia

P.S. For those who have asked about our van situation: Some very generous supporters have given funds towards the purchase of a van; but more is needed. Please pray for this and also especially priority of the very pressing day-to-day needs that we face, such as salaries, food, housing costs, and the upcoming cottage building project. For more news and photos of Hidden Treasures, visit www.csmpublishing.org.