I continued to pray for the ones who felt they had lost something when we moved and that the Lord would help them with the changes and adaptations to this rural community. Life in Monjas presented something completely different from their life in San Cristobal. My concerns increased when I had a visit with Tito,* the guy who didn’t want to leave the City. “Mama Carroll, I am here in Monjas, but next weekend I am going back to the City,” he firmly stated, referring to a weekend trip.

I cautiously responded, “When girls come to us, we have a rule that they can’t have any family visits for the first six weeks. Time is provided to make an adjustment without negative distractions or to have a pull back to their old life. They stay focused on settling in with the Shadow family.” I hoped my smile would soften my words.

“Oh no!” he declared, as he slapped his forehead with his hand. Uncertainty gripped me because I didn’t know how he had taken my comments. Did he hear my point and understand it had validity, even though I didn’t have the authority to tell him he couldn’t return for a visit? Then he gave me a hug, and we laughed.

It took me by surprise when the subject came up a couple of months later. Tito* announced to me, “I never thought I would ever be saying this to you, but I don’t want to go back to the City to live. I love Monjas! My children can play outside and safely ride bikes in the street without supervision.” I think my heart did a jig. Thank you, Lord, for working peace in the hearts of people and helping them find the path you have for them.

While the kids were playing, I noticed that Nely* kept giving me timid looks. I learned that usually meant something needed to be said, and the child didn’t know how to get my attention. “Hi Nely, how are you today?” Her smile warmed my heart because this child cried all the way to Monjas on moving day.

“I’m good, and I want to share something with you.” She ducked her head, shuffled her feet, but straightened up and looked me in the eyes. “I know I didn’t want to move to this place, but I confess that I like it here. I’m sorry for the way I acted. You were right, it is a better life here.”

Yahoo! “That’s great to hear Nely, can you tell me what helped to change your mind?”

“We do have more freedom to be out of the orphanage, and we can do more things here without being afraid that someone will hurt us. I love going to the swimming pool and watching my sisters ride bikes.”

Nelly saw the advantages of this place and admitted that she no longer wanted to return to Guatemala City. She had made a major adjustment in the transplant and enjoyed her new home, as did all the other girls and workers.

When I saw the positive responses in the lives around me, I felt that frosting had been added to my “cake.” God led us on the path He had for our lives, and what unfolded before us met more than our expectations. This wasn’t a “happily ever after” time without any difficulties. Life is full of changes and adaptation, but the Lord will guide us through those difficult times with His love and wisdom just as He did during this time.

*Name has been changed.