Only God Could Orchestrate a Hosting Like This

Felisa* was pregnant and living at a domestic violence shelter with her two sons, Rubio* and Alejandro*, when she was referred to Together for Good.

Having just immigrated from El Salvador, Felisa and her sons barely spoke English, and Felisa was having immense difficulty navigating the medical system as she prepared to deliver her daughter.

Her Together for Good intake was translated by Laura Delgado, whose family had just been approved to host.

During the intake, Felisa shared her story. She shared how she had been born in El Salvador, but for the sake of her sons’ futures, she had made the decision to immigrate to the United States.

As Laura translated between Felisa and her TFG Case Manager, Brooke, she was blown away by Felisa’s resilience and strength. As she listened, Laura became more and more convinced that this family was who God had called her and her husband to serve through Together for Good.

Only God could orchestrate what many would call a “crazy coincidence,” but Felisa had immigrated from the exact same town in El Salvador where Laura’s husband, Robert, had been born.

When the intake ended, Laura told Brooke that she and Robert would be more than willing to host for Felisa. Laura felt like God had led them to host at this exact time, because he knew that Felisa and her sons needed them.

So when Felisa went into labor shortly after, Laura and Robert Delgado drove to pick up Rubio and Alejandro from the hospital.

Initially, the boys were nervous about leaving their mom; however, the Delgados' warm welcome quickly made them feel loved and safe. After just a few moments, Rubio and Alejandro were joking around with Laura and Robert, excited about the chance to spend a few days with them.

During the hosting, the Delgados got a call that Felisa had given birth to a beautiful, healthy baby girl, named Isabella. Rubio and Alejandro were so filled with joy that they cried when they heard their sister was born.

Felisa after giving birth to her daughter being visited in the hospital by two TFG case managers.

That first hosting has morphed into a deep friendship between the Delgados and Felisa and her family. Laura and Robert have helped provide transportation to and translation during medical appointments; they have furnished Felisa’s new apartment and had her and her children over for dinner and family time.

Both Rubio and Alejandro have thrived during their hostings, enjoying a summer filled with love and security.

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Alejandro and Rubio with their host brother this summer.

Felisa came to Minnesota because she wanted her sons to have a future full of hope. Thanks to the Delgado family, that dream has become a reality.

*Names changed to protect privacy.