A Quick Video Update

A Day in the Life from Entrusted Heritage on Vimeo.

Feliz Dia Del Amigo (Happy Friend's Day)!!!!

We're thankful for our little photographer, Olivia

We've had a wonderful week full of several get-togethers.  It was a privilege to meet the Vecchiarelli family who used to work in Malargüe (province of Mendoza) with Kristi's parents many years ago.  They came over for "merienda" (afternoon tea time) on Thursday.  We had a nice visit and learned a lot about the ministries in which they are involved (training churches on how to begin AWANA programs for children).  They work in the "Cono Sur" (south cone) of South America (Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, and Argentina).  They had a lot of insight and experiences to share with us and are a neat couple; we praise the Lord for the blessing of re-connecting with them.  


Ricardo and Liseth

On Friday morning, we had a fun visit with a couple who feels God's calling on their life to move down to the Patagonia region.  They shared about their call and the journey the Lord has brought them on.  They're expecting their first child late September so we will be praying for a healthy baby and birth.  We hope to have more visits with them.   Please pray for God's direction in terms of when to relocate and for God's provision for them.  Ricardo is currently working as a nurse.  He also teaches how to play musical instruments (we forgot to ask which one!) and is completing training to get certified to repair motorcycles.  You can say he is honing those "tent-making" skills!


All bundled up and ready for some outdoor play time at a nearby park

Last night we visited some colleagues who live on the other side of Buenos Aires.  It was a fun evening.  The kids had prepared little cards for their friends for Dia del Amigo (friend day); the girls made little bracelets for their friend and Elias inflated his last balloon to give to his little friend.  Sweet!

The funny thing is that a few days ago, while our family was doing some grocery shopping, the kids started reading the signs: "Dia Del Niño"  (national Children's Day).  They got pretty excited since this day is coming in August!   One of the many neat things about being an MK is that you have double the holidays to celebrate!!

 Today, in celebration of Dia del Amigo...our family had a "build your own pizza" party.  We had invited some friends but they could not make it.  We had a lot of fun - even if half the toppings got eaten while the building was being done!!  The favorite toppings were the green olives and sautéed onions!  We also had zapallito (little round zucchini squash), sautéed mushrooms, sautéed red bell pepper, meat, and cheese.  One of the exotic toppings we let the kids try (well, those that wanted to) was anchovies. We also celebrated with ice cream for dessert and then had fun fellowshipping together.

 

9 de Julio - Argentine Independence Day!!!

Today we decided to get together with friends to celebrate  Argentine Independence Day.  We enjoyed a nice (albeit not very healthy) breakfast of tortas fritas (fried bread dough which is literally called "fried cakes") with mate - the traditional Argentine tea. 

We went all out and made a traditional Argentine dish called "Locro."  Locro is the national dish for many South American countries but each place offers it's unique twist.  It is customary to eat this stew for some of the national holidays.  Needless to say, the recipe we used for this particular argentine Locro was amazing (the recipe varies by region within the country as well).  It is an incredibly delicious stew made with cracked corn, beans, pumpkin, sausages, meat, bacon, onions, and spices.  It's sometimes served with quiquirimichi which is a red-hot sauce drizzled on top and fresh bread.  Mmmm....delicious!  Some good friends came over to join in the celebrations and a good time was had by all!  Wish you could have been here with us!

Family Update

After the birth of Emilia, we have been busy getting back into a routine, continuing to learn the ropes of living here, and lots...no, LOTS of paperwork.  Not a week has gone by that we haven't had to go to a certain government office for paperwork (and usually multiple times a week).  We praise the Lord that we received Emilia's documents and are praying for ours to get completed soon. 

Our children are transitioning to a new school schedule (since we're in the middle of winter here)...one that would allow us to homeschool closer to an Argentine calendar. They are learning Spanish and enjoying life, as they know it, in Argentina.  We are ready to get settled however.  We love our little apartment and have enjoyed the many blessings the Lord has brought our way while living here but after living in 'transition' for three years, we're ready to get a little more settled.


Emilia Nora - posing for her document pictures
 

We appreciate your loving encouragement and your prayers.  The hardest part of being here, thus far, is being far from so many loved ones and especially from Kristi's parents (many of you will remember that her mother, Karen, is battling bone cancer.  Her doctor recently found some spots on her liver as well).  We continue to ask our Lord for complete healing for Karen.  We marvel at the opportunities the Lord gives her and Richard (Kristi's father) to witness and give glory to the Lord through their journey.  Karen is one of the most positive and joyful people on earth.  Her excitement, her humor, and heavenly view of earthly matters are evident in the updates she writes and sends out.  Click here to download/view her latest update.  She will have a meeting with her oncologist tomorrow to discuss the results of her last CT scan and the new treatment she is using. 
Thank you for praying for her! 



 

Glimpses into My Father’s Heart

We recently enjoyed a good, lengthy visit with my (Eric) parents here.  It was fun to explore areas of the city they used to frequent, eat delicious foods we all remembered, and experience the culture together.  It had been over twenty years since they left Argentina; many things had changed but some remain the same.  One unexpected blessing for me was to see my father’s reaction to different things, to experience the things he loves and witness the things which grieve him.




Gaucho at the Feria - picture taken by Olivia

One Sunday afternoon, we visited the “feria” our family had gone to one of our first weeks here.  There are many booths set up for people to sell various souvenirs and traditional items, as well as tasty food.  We enjoyed standing near the stage they leave set up there week after week.  Some Sundays they have groups there to perform folklore music.  On this Sunday, they had people doing some of the traditional dances, complete with their elaborate and colorful outfits.  I was taken back several years when I saw the look on my Dad’s face at the sound of the music.  He could have stayed there for hours.  He developed a deep love for the music of Argentina.  

The last Sunday night they had here, my father and I had the privilege of leading worship at a church where one of his friends is the pastor.  I had forgotten how excited he gets about seeing people worship with music that reflects their rich culture.  We enjoyed singing together, and leading God’s people in this way.

There is one sight often seen in countries like this that affects my father deeply.  One day, driving through a nearby neighborhood, the two of us saw a homeless man.  My Dad pointed out the plight of the homeless, and I looked over to see a tear in his eye.  I remember seeing this as a child, a powerful glimpse into what saddens him.

As I’ve reflected on these moving experiences, I was reminded of a worship chorus we heard before leaving the states.  The lines read: “Show me how to love like You have loved me, break my heart for what breaks Yours”.  Indeed, each of us need God to teach us how to love like He loves.  And, through the intimacy He desires with each of us we can surely catch a glimpse into what brings Him joy, and what breaks His heart.  I know my heavenly Father, like my earthly father, loves music.  He delights in the praises of his people, the expression of their faith through music.  I also know He is heartbroken by the homeless, the “least of these.”  Each of us can stand to be stirred by these glimpses into what God loves, and what breaks His heart.

Introducing Emilia Nora Stanton!

Thank you for all your sweet notes of congratulations on the birth of our daughter, Emilia.  Praise the Lord!  He gets all the glory!  Here are a few more pictures of our precious little girl.  Thank you for praying for us!

Eric Stanton and family

Getting weighed, a few hours after birth...

Getting introduced to the rest of the family a few hours after birth, and after bonding with Mommy and Daddy

Elias LOVES his newest little sister and is so proud of her.

Sofia tenderly speaks with Emilia as she gets acquainted with her.

Lucia just can't believe this is a REAL baby!

Olivia absolutely loving having another little baby to hold and help with...so much fun!

Emilia - not yet 24 hrs old

Update on Pastor's Retreat

Forgive me for not posting this MUCH earlier.  Eric had it ready to post but I was pre-occupied with other things!  ;o)

Kristi
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Written By Eric:

I have wanted to sit down and write a brief recap of the pastor’s retreat, knowing many of you were faithfully lifting us up during that time.  If you looked at the schedule of meetings, you know the time there was busy from morning until late at night.  For me, it was a valuable time to connect to pastors and ministry leaders from all over the country.  Our colleagues did a wonderful job of connecting me through introductions to many key leaders.  Of course, I found many people who knew my father and/or my father-in-law.  What a blessing it is to be connected to them, being reminded through the testimonies of the national pastors how God used my father and father-in-law to further His kingdom in Argentina.

The focus for the retreat was on covenants.  Every sermon expounded on the biblical meaning and significance of covenants, how God is a covenant God, and we are a covenant people.  We were challenged to remember the covenant we have made to work together in love, in spite of differences between us, for the purpose of winning the lost in Argentina (and around the world) to Christ.  This emphasis was significant because the Argentine Baptist Convention has become divided through the years due to differences in doctrine, methodology, and personality conflicts, at times.  Have we ever experienced anything like that in the U.S.?  During one meeting in which people were bringing proposals for a possible restructuring in order to work effectively together, one pastor jokingly leaned over and said: “aren’t you glad you never deal with this sort of thing in the U.S.?”  I leaned back to him and said:  “they sent me here to learn how to get through this, so I can go back and tell the pastors in the U.S.!”  We enjoyed a laugh together, while acknowledging differences arise everywhere.  On the final day of the retreat, one leader laid out a clear proposal for change, based on conventions around the world that are healthy, and have a good model that could be implemented here.  We need to continue to lift up the Argentine Convention in prayer as leaders and pastors across the country seek to work together once again in unity and love.

I was able to sit and talk with several pastors from the southern part of Argentina, where we are to focus our energy in ministry.  It was a blessing to hear of churches that have been planted, growth in the churches, and lives bearing spiritual fruit.  There is, however, much work to be done.  The area is vast, many have not been reached, or even engaged with the gospel.  Please pray for us, and the other couple on our team, as we seek to work together with our national brothers and sisters in Christ to win souls for Him and plant churches.

While at the retreat, and following the time there, I have asked many individuals for wisdom regarding where we are to live.  Our leadership laid out the possibility of La Plata, approximately an hour south of here.  There were several pastors present from La Plata, the churches there are strong and active in sharing Christ.  We sense, however, that we are to continue praying about the specifics before committing to La Plata.  It makes a lot of sense to live there for the purpose of mobilizing Argentine believers toward the south (since La Plata and Buenos Aires have the largest group of believers in the country.  In terms of relating to the pastors and churches in the south, however, living in La Plata would prove a challenge.  We were able to talk with our leader about these thoughts, and he also saw the pros and cons associated with this decision. We all agreed to continue to bathe this in prayer, and seek the counsel of others.  Would you please commit to pray for us in these coming months, that the Lord would make His will clear so that we can move to the place He has ordained for us?

As you know from other posts, I took Elias with me to the retreat.  He and I had a wonderful time together, and made many sweet memories.  Having him there with me, however, proved to be a blessing in more ways than one.  Numerous pastors or pastor’s wives commented on how well he behaved through the long meetings.  Several young pastors or leaders talked about how they desire to bring their children with them for retreats like this in the future.  One older pastor told me he was reminded of how he used to always have his son with him at events like these, and how his son is now attending seminary, preparing for the ministry!  Our prayer is that we would always find ways to bring our kids along with us, taking every opportunity to pour into their lives, discipleing them day by day.  If the Lord will use our family to challenge and encourage others to do the same, to Him be the glory!

Thank you again for your prayers on our behalf.  We appreciate each and every one of you!

In Christ

-          Eric

Urgent Prayer Request

Dear Friends and Family,

We would like to share with you a very personal and urgent prayer request.  As many of you know, Kristi's mother (Karen De Leon), was diagnosed with widespread bone cancer 1 1/2 yrs. ago.  After some surgery and beginning treatment and consistent follow-up checks, it looked like the cancer was 'under control' and not spreading or growing within the bones.  A recent CT scan revealed three spots on her liver which indicate that the cancer has spread.  Of course, we are all shocked by the news.  This, of course, means that Karen will not be able to travel to Argentina to be with us for the birth of our baby since she will begin treatment soon.

First of all, our prayer is for complete healing.  We are praying that follow-up biopsies and checks would reveal "a mistake" (as put by our Olivia).  If God does not to choose to remove the cancer, we pray that he would provide the BEST treatment possible.

If any of you know Karen, you will know that she is a very joyful - full of life - type of person.  She loves to laugh and encourage others.  She is also a very sensitive person.  She enjoys writing about her journeys in rather humorous ways (see below) and sees this also as a ministry.  PLEASE read her update (if you haven't already) so that you can pray specifically as she has requested below.  Thank you!  Below is the update sent by Karen and Richard to their prayer-warriors.

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DeLeon’s  Health Up-date #1...........April  23, 2013

“Liver-Hairballs”

      Can you believe we’re starting all over with our first up-date as we take a new “twist-n-turn” in this on-going cancer adventure.  Our last two up-dates from Feb 15^th & March 3^rd  were filled with all the news about how God has been blessing us through my body’s response to the hormone shots for the breast cancer which metastasized into the bones. By the way, those shots have actually “thickened” the bones’ density which is a HUGE PLUS.  As of Nov. 2011, (18 months ago) when we returned to Tyler to be under the care of Dr.Vukelja again, there were no internal organs involved…which was a HUGE PRAISE.  Well, it appears, after having a CAT scan about 10 days ago, that sneaky cat left three hairballs in my liver!! Now, if you’ve never experienced hairballs in your liver, then you have no idea how challenging it can be. Seriously, the “tumor marker” which had gone from 113 in Nov. of 2011 down to an 11 in Dec. of 2012….had gradually began increasing to 34…then spiked to 143 a couple of weeks ago. That’s why regular blood work monitoring is sooooo important for the on-going treatments in cancer patients.

     So there are three small lesions in the liver…most likely were there from the beginning, but too small to detect. So now, they are definitely detectable…but we’re not in the “doom-n-gloom” mode, ready to prepare my funeral arrangements yet!! Nor do we intend to start either of the two above activities. However, my pending trip to Argentina to be with Kristi (our daughter) for the birth of their baby due in May will definitely have to be postponed. They are adjusting nicely to their new field of service. We thank God for that.

     Now for the technical part of this up-date:  Treatment will consist of a new round of chemo-type drugs. Taxol (one of the most promising of all the breast cancer drugs) and Avastin (new to the market as a “target specific” drug).  There is a new research trial going on which Dr. V is trying to get me into as a “guinea pig”…to see how fast they can get rid of “hairballs” in the liver!  There are now “target specific” drugs which allow the cancer-killers to get directly to the tumors/lesions and kill-on-site without so much damage of surrounding “innocent by-stander” cells!  The Avastin also strengthens the walls of the arteries among other benefits.  It will be a weekly IV infusion…3 weeks of treatments, 1 week of rest!! Chasing hairballs must be more exhausting than I ever thought possible. [Our Siamese cat never demonstrated exhaustion after a round of coughing up his hairballs, but since I won’t be coughing them up, maybe the exhaustion comes in the internal battle!!] We’ll have to see what other side-effects will pop up on my horizon!!  Who knows, Richard & I may have another chance to play the part of Mr. & Mrs. Kojak (baldies with Tootsie Roll Pops) in the chemo-lounge for those receiving their chemo-cocktails!! Thirteen years ago, that was a very blessed ministry when we went through the initial breast cancer journey.

    Prior to entering this “blind-sided” research trial, I’ll undergo some further testing to see if I’m even a candidate for such an onslaught!!  So the heart, brain, and kidney’s  need to be in good shape to withstand the strength & frequency of the chemicals involved and the duration of the treatment. The duration all depends on how the lesions in the liver respond to these chemical attacks. We’ll know more by this next Wed. when I go in for the brain scan (to see if I’m truly a “bird-brain” or “lame-brain” or a “no-brain”).  And to see if the echo-cardiograph will prove that my heart has no leaks, blips or skips under pressure!!  What sort of pressure, I can only imagine…as in a “pressure cooker” perhaps??  We’ll keep you posted as to the results of all of this confusion as we learn more.

    We continue to trust God to have our best interest in HIS Heart for us, for our children and for any ministry we may still be allowed to continue during our time on this earth.  Just yesterday, as I waited for my EKG, I had a chance to visit with a dear lady who was waiting with her husband to see his cancer doctor. She too was a patient of Dr. V’s and after sharing with her about how breast cancer can spread to the bones, lungs or liver, she immediately made appts to have bone scans, CT scans, etc. as she realized, that like me, she only thought (if cancer did return), it would come back in the breast tissue. So we prayed together and then went our separate ways.

 

     Richard’s prison ministry Y-wing group of 168 gathered yesterday (Monday) to pray for me as they continually do. They are great prayer warriors, joining our war against this cancer. And I thank God for each of them. Richard continues to be my constant companion throughout all of these new “detours” in our retirement journey! He is a constant blessing in my life; my spiritual leader; and daily caretaker!! He even lets me drive the car & carry the checkbook (although it’s empty!!) ha ha

 

       If it happens that I’m not a candidate for this research group, there are other alternatives which we have not explored as of yet. We will of course, but only if my body is rejected as a possible candidate for this trial-run.

 

      Again, we covet your prayers for us……..

….for God to use us for HIS honor & glory, as witnesses & encouragers for those who may cross our paths during this new branch of the journey

…for our non-Christian family members who question God’s love as they see what is happening in my health situation…they lack the Peace & Presence of our Lord….

…to have wisdom in the decisions necessary to wage war against this new invasion. 

…for Dr. V and my cancer team to have wisdom & discernment during this treatment

…for God to use us as channels of blessings for those around us

…for others to come to know the Lord through our testimonies

…for our precious children & grandchildren to have portions of HIS PEACE & PRESENCE beyond what they have ever had before

 

We thank God upon every remembrance of each of you who walk this journey with us, in spirit, in flesh, in prayer and in HOPE, as we HOPE in Christ. I must say, the book by Randy Alcorn entitled “HEAVEN’ has really taken away any fear of or sting of “death”. But make no mistake, as I am here to tell you…..

……. I AM NOT DYING OF CANCER….BUT BECAUSE OF CANCER, I AM LIVING MORE INTENSELY THAN EVER BEFORE.

 

Forever Under HIS Mercies,

Karen & Richard DeLeón