From 12 below to 78.

From 12 below to 78.


Arriving 11:20

We’ll take it. The long drive to the airport was made a little longer with the addition of icy roads and blowing snow. We all arrived without incident and even managed to connect without trouble through a foggy Denver Airport.



Arriving in the once familiar humidity was stifling at first by all thoughts of it were quickly lost as we became reacquainted with old friends Martires, our good friend and the team facilitator, Kelvin another good friend is the area coordinator and Isaiah, Martires’ brother who is our driver along with some new faces. We have not much more to report than that. Everyone is full of anticipation through the haze of travel lag.

This blog comes to you from the hour or so plane ride from the airport. We look forward to being reacquainted with members of the community in the morning.

We already greatly appreciate your prayers and support for families left behind.





The more things change the more they stay the same

Sunday wake up 11-21

Awaking to the sound of rain and the sight of a hole above my head caused a mini moment panic, to be surpassed by relief due to a quick assessment of my dry condition. We were waking in a new place despite returning to the familiar community of last year. Our accommodations were just down the road in the now empty medical office. Similar to last year only slightly smaller and a few leaks in the roof, though thankfully none above any beds or even suitcases.

We finally arrived last night/this morning 3:30 local time(11:30 MST). It was very good to see the familiar sights, and sounds (roosters) welcoming us back to Sierra Prieta. The church has other activities planned for the week so we are not staying there again, we have yet to find what has become of the medical clinic but had already heard that it was no longer in service. It’s been such a blessing to reacquaint ourselves with this blessed community.

The week is just starting and I have quite a challenge before me. On the ride from the airport I wrote a quick blog to reassure folks of our arrival. However, the modem I rented was not working at all. My background priority for today is to find alternative means of communicating this blog. The support we receive through this communication has been immense and we covet your informed and continuous prayers!

As the day began so it continued rain, rain and more rain. However, our spirits could not be dampened as we encountered more familiar faces. Before we even drug ourselves out of bed at about 9am the kids were all calling for Dale. He brings so much joy to them it’s a blessing to have him. Also many of the ladies connected with friends made the previous trip. I was especially encouraged when two young boys came up to me saying “Gregorio, Gregorio.” It is such a blessing to be among friends.



The staff of Food for The Hungry is taking such great care of us. We don’t want for anything we need, though the method of provision is different than we are used to.



Monday



This morning was a bad one for Debora. She was sick in the night and after some help from Bob, our team doctor. She rested until lunch and was beginning to feel much better. She had quite the headache, as did many of us after a very spirited church service last night. There was a lot of loud music especially drums and a over loud speaker for the singer.



The team had a chance to share some Spanish songs we had learned and they were well received even as we kept singing when the electricity went out. It was good to worship with the church family there.

Already so many of us are building close relationships with the people here, especially with the children.

I took a trip to the city today with Martires to acquire a new broadband modem so we could continue the blog. The rented one failed for no apparent reason.



I can’t write more now because the battery in the laptop is dying but we will update again soon. Pray for the rest of the team as they make home visits this morning and prepare for VBS this afternoon. The other half of the team is repairing the home of a very poor family.