Andrea Burgess Newsletter March 2009

What’s happening?

Hogar de Nueva Esperanza, Los Cedros, Nicaragua.
Dear friends and family:
Jumping right into a praise report: Pedro is back! We got him back March 18th,
along with his older brother Manuel , (age 3) also.J An answer to prayer. We are so
happy and blessed to have him back with us and Manuel has made a smooth transition
to life in the orphanage. He is such a happy child with a huge, infectious smile,
see pics. Many thanks to you and your family Theresa for sending us personal
blankies for them both.J

Carlos continues to gain weight and is melting our hearts with his smiles. Funny
thing: all the other children have started playing with baby dolls, and guess what?
They are all called “Carlos.” Sweet!

We had a new girl join our family March 6th. Yakareli is about 5 years old and had
been living a rough life before coming to us. The first few weeks were challenging
but now she has started school and is settling down well. I am very proud of her and
the progress she has made. She is a very intelligent young lady and is already
picking up English!

Oh, before I forget, all you Gator fans out there…. Whilst driving through Managua,
the capital of Nicaragua, a few weeks ago, I just happened to see a vehicle with a
Gator license plate on it! I couldn’t believe my eyes and stalked it down to take a
photo. (not the best idea when driving in Managua!) check out the photosJ A glimpse
of home!

Poor Tatiana had Impetigo quite bad and we had to shave her hair off. After medicine
and cream, she is much better now. However, some of the other children are showing
signs of it now, so please lift them up in prayer. Impetigo is a highly contagious
skin disease and can take a while to heal. We pray for a supernatural healing and
restoration in Jesus’ name. Amen.

March graced us with the presence of DR Watson, O.D. from Doctors Vision Center in
NC. A talented, professional man with a great sense of humor. I had the pleasure of
working with him at an eye clinic he held here for all our staff. Not only did he do
comprehensive eye exams, but then he followed up with the prescription glasses and
eye drops as necessary. Our staff, and I, were very appreciative, Thank you! Oh
Lord how you provide for us!

We had a medical team from USA here for a week in March and I had the pleasure of
serving with them at one of their clinics. This was the first time I have been able
to join a team in operation and it was encouraging to see them reach out tirelessly
to the sick and needy, who otherwise may not have had an opportunity to get the
medical help they needed. I worked mostly with the children, keeping them occupied
while they were waiting to see the Doctor. I pray I will be able to help more often
with Medical Outreaches in the future.
March 8th was my jubilee birthday!! “Nifty Fifty” as my daughter’s birthday card
notes.J The nannies and other staff here at Los Cedros were so wonderful and
generous. They had a surprise birthday party for me, and sang songs they had been
rehearsing together for some time. It really touched my heart and was a huge
blessing to me. They gave so much of themselves to celebrate with me and make my
50th Birthday special, one to remember. They presented me with a leather purse,
sandals and a few other little gifts. We continue to grow closer to each other and
to The LORD as we meet weekly for our ladies Bible Study.

I thank you again for your involvement in this team. I value your prayers, and am so
encouraged to see the great things God is doing here in Nicaragua. Thank you LORD!
Well, until we meet again my friends, adios, hasta pronto.J

Love and blessings galore,
Andrea XX

“Defend the cause of the weak and Fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and
oppressed.” Psalm 82:3