Friday, February 24, 2017

Need counselling degree!

Many of you have followed the story of Henry & Abby as I have shared the ups and downs they have experienced since escaping Syria as refugees. Right now we are in a "down" part of the story. The Lord convicted me recently that I needed to get more involved in their lives and try to help them out of this dark hole they're in. This has NOT been easy; in fact, it's been really hard and time-consuming. I have remained good friends with both of them so I am able to mediate. Basically now, they are officially separated and I have become the middle man for their communication! When they try to talk to each other, they end up saying terrible things and practically killing one another. (in front of their 2 boys) Often they will block each other on their cell phone and call me to give the other a message. The situation is dire and I need a degree in counselling to help them unravel their mess. We are now negotiating the days when she will have the children and the days when he will. They can't agree on anything. If they fail to agree amicably between themselves, then it will have to go to court which would be terrible. Abby is still living in one room and about to go out of her mind with 2 active boys. Henry has found a one-room apartment where he can keep the boys for a couple of days at a time. We really need to continue praying that a small apartment will open up for Abby. There are refugees who have been searching for almost 2 years and have found nothing. The city of Berlin is very over-crowded and the refugee surge last year has caused a true housing crisis. Many Germans will not rent to refugees and as soon as they find out, they immediately stop negotiations. This has happened with Abby on several occasions. This story is far too complicated to go into detail about, but suffice it to say that it is a messy as it gets! Help!!!! I feel at times that I'm in over my head but somehow, the Lord keeps giving me the right words and enough compassion (even though I'd like to give them both a hard spanking) to help them to the next step. Please pray for all involved in this story, especially the two little boys who are so innocent and yet are taking the brunt of their parents' hatred and unforgiving hearts. They have seen and heard too much in their young lives. Thanks for your support through this saga!

2 comments:

Christine Guest said...

I've never forgotten the conversation you gave me when I was a third grader in Mrs Barney's Jr Church class at Simpson when I was horrified by the verse about losing family to follow Jesus. I'm sure Abby and Henry are also appreciating your good listening. May they open up to God's love and to good sense and be able to see truth and reconcile.

I wish I had great councelling resources for you, but I'll pray.

ChuckRuns said...

Prayers underway! God bless you!