Lets try that again

Dan with Jahaira and family

We had a lot of anticipation this morning for the events of today. Visits to sponsored children are always a highlight of the trip and today was no exception. Today we visited 4 of 7 sponsored children we have between the 3 of us. It has been just wonderful to be a part of the lives of these amazing kids over the last few years. We all value the opportunity to connect with, encourage, pray for and learn from them. One of the ones that continues to impact all of us is Dan's sponsorship of Edwin. He is 10 and his brother Scarling is 8. Their mother Jahaira was widowed about 4 years ago and despite the obvious real pain she lives with she always has the greatest smile. It is clear that she is grateful for even the limited exposure the boys have to Dan. The relationships they have are very precious.

Bob visiting with Paquita

Other homes we visited today we those of Paquita, Christopher and Anna Rosa. We really are blessed to see them and try to encourage them and their families. So many times they are without parents close by due to work or in other cases the parents are out of work and at home but disappointed they cannot provide a consistent income for their family.

Greg and Anna Rosa

Christopher and his family

the parents meeting

Bob speaking about health issues

The afternoon was a challenge and a joy. We had a meeting with many of the adults of the community. It was a conversation intended primarily for parents but other adults attended as well. It was a very productive time. Bob shared extensively about the impact of clean drinking water, balanced nutrition, and some other basic but vital pieces of health information. They were very attentive and interested asking many different questions. Dan shared very effectively about the challenges of being a single parent and many issues that effect children of divorce. It was ell received and appropriate for this community with many broken families. A number of parents asked questions which he handled better than Dr. Phil. Then Greg shared some concepts of parenting and discipline which led to discussions including how to teaching kids responsibility with money(thanks Dave Ramsey). Then as we opened it up to general questions a discussion about how we were going to bring them jobs came up. We were able to communicate that we were not here to bring resources. God has provided all the resources they need. We have come to help protect the most vulnerable and help them all develop the resources they have so they can take the lead in creating their own solutions to the challenges they face. After some time in the conversation we saw a few different people really start to get the concept. The final things we shared was that the greatest need we have is to find hope in Jesus Christ.

In the evening we planned to have a movie but some damaged equipment made that impossible. We worked for over an hour and borrowed DVD players and spliced cords but to no avail. The group waited patiently and graciously accepted our request for a rain check until Friday night. Other options were available but too far away for the evening.

Wilson his wife and 2 young daoughters

Some great relationships have continued to develop with people of the community. Wilson and his family. our first friend in Sierra Prieta, have been around helping us and have been involved in everything each day. It is very exciting to see his growing interest in things of God. Manuel, has been a young leader in the community since we arrived 4 years ago. He takes time from his hair cutting busienss and university studies to help us. He is one of the really great role models in the community. Rachelle, is 18 years old and is the assistant leader of the Amo program. She works with the FH staff to lead the kids in their weekly Bible study lesson. They are focusing on learning principles for Godly living. She helps us all the time. We really appreciate these and so many more special relationships

Rachelle and her ever present smile