Disappointments, Frustrations, and Blessings

Tuesday was a busy day for us. We had our very last ladies meeting with a dinner in honor of the ladies who have been faithful. We had five invited, but one of the ladies did not know that this was by invitation only and invited many others. We were very thankful that only two extra came. The reason for the invitation only is that the church only has one table so the number is restricted by how many fit around the table.

As we were getting ready for Ladies Meeting we got a call from Reuben. He is a man in our church who was trying to buy our truck. He called and told us that he could not secure financing for it so he would not be able to buy it. We were so disappointed as we have come to the end of our time here and still we have not sold it. We are going to just donate it to the work in Ojojona so that they can pay the yearly taxes on it while using it for picking up people. Reuben told us we could park it at his house and he would drive it to pick up people. That is very kind of him as he knows he will not be allowed to drive it any other time. We are disappointed that we were not able to get the money for it as it would have allowed us to pay off our other truck before coming home on furlough

We were frustrated to learn upon arriving at Ladies Meeting that Esperanza had been kicked out on Sunday. She did find a place to live, but they would only allow her to bring two of her kids. Please pray for her to find a better place for the kids. Tuesday at Ladies Meeting Jason heard screaming coming from Sandra's house (where Esperanza used to live) and then a baby screaming as if in pain. He rushed up there to find out what was wrong and found that the baby was badly burnt on his belly. Jason rushed him to the hospital with the baby's mom and aunt. Christian is 4 months old, but very small for his age and severely malnourished. On the way back to Ojojona with the aunt at 11:00 at night we asked her what was going on. She said that Cristian's mom and dad were arguing and the dad, Javier, went to the kitchen and got boiling coffee. He came back to the room and tried to throw it on his "woman", but missed and got the baby instead. There are times that I wish they had the laws here like they do in the states. No kid deserves to grow up in an environment like that.

Sunday, Jimena (Esperanza's oldest), came to Sunday school with scars on her arms. When Jason asked her how she got them she told him that her daddy hit her with a stick. I think that is why she went with Esperanza when she left. I wish I was going to be here a few months longer and then I would have them come and live with me.

After all the frustrations and disappointments of the day, God had a great time in store for us at Ladies Meeting. We had seven ladies attend and had a really special time with them. I gave a devotional entitled, "How to help your new pastor". I really pointed out to them that without them the church would not exist and they need to show the same support to the new Pastor's family as they have showed to us. God is so good to us. Our ladies, while there may not be many of them, are so supportive to me and such an encouragement. Teresa gave me a purse and Areli (who is 12 and the young lady I led to the Lord) knitted me a doll's stocking cap and bottle for me to put on the display table. I told her that I was going to put her picture up right next to it. We praise God for the work he is doing in Ojojona and just pray that it will continue long after we are gone.

Now that I finally updated you on Ladies meeting, I can write about what we have been doing the past few days. We have been painting and packing, and painting and packing,... We have to turn in our computer modem tomorrow which will cancel our internet service. I will try to update this on the last few days before we leave, but as we will not be at home I am not sure if I will get to it.

From Friday till Tuesday, we will be staying with the Jacksons. Our water tank is being retiled and we have to have a totally empty water tank for at least three days so we cannot live here without showers and water to wash dishes. If you don't hear from me sooner I will have lots to tell you about when we get home on Tuesday so keep checking back to see if I finally got enough energy to update on what has been going on.