It is important to be "flexible" as things may not be as you expected but they have a way of working out. Our road to Nido del Aguila is an example. It is a half a mile dirt road from the front of the National Hospital to our childrens' home and retreat center. We are the end of the road. The City of Solola announced they intended to pave the road for the first 1/4 mile behind the hospital and that our road would be closed for the months of January and February. However if we were willing to pay Q12,000 up front they would try to acommodate our traffic. When we showed no interest, they lowered their demand to Q10,000. We were willing to talk about paying so much a week to let us in and out but not pay it all up front. On Friday, December 12, they told us the road would be closed most of the following Tuesday to haul in block but the road would be open the rest of the week. On Monday, December 15, they told us they changed their plans and the road would close in one hour and probably not re-open until February. We got two vehicles out but had no time to bring in aqua pura, food or anything else. So now the road remains closed for the first 1/4 mile to all vehicles. We can drive back toward the hospital 1/4 mile and park at the end of the construction. Thus we only have to walk and carry everything1/4 mile through the construction area. We and all our neighbors are in the same boat. At least we can use the pick-up and van to haul people and goods the last 1/4 mile.
In the other picture is Pastor Nery, his son Christian and the "trainer" from Helps International. This stove is called an "ONIL" stove after its inventor and offers a low cost way to eliminate the open fire in the kitchen of most homes. With no chimney for the fire, the cooking fire causes many health problems. This stove also burns about 75% less wood. The gathering of firewood is a fulltime avocation of the young, the old and the women. Pastor Nery and Ron have been "trained" on how to install this stove. The Jim Houston group from Birmingham, AL that came here at Christmas. (remember the road is closed, 25 people, 50+ bags) They bought 12 stoves after Pastor Nery said he knew at least 12 families that could and would use them. They got the first two stoves installed earlier this week. The stoves cost less than $150 each, including shipping from Guatemala City. It is an excellent outreach for Pastor Nery and our new church. Our only limitation is money?? Isn't it always? Could you help?
Check out the stoves at http://www.helpsintl.org/default.php
Helps International also has a home water filter that can certainly eliminate water borne illness, a major problem for infants and small children.
Pastor Nery has been having about 40-50 kids and 12-15 adults come to the Sunday morning services. A young couple is helping him now with a keyboard and singing. The Christmas service on the evening of Sunday December 21 drew over 200 from the neighborhood. (Remember, the road is closed)
December normally is a month of a lot less work. Everyone gets their regular paychecks plus vacation pay, holiday pay, sick pay and retirement pay. The children are home on vacation. Our staff in the childrens' home and the retreat center have a traditional Christmas dinner together in which there is much laughter and exchanging of gifts. The traditional meal includes fresh grapes and apples (Washington State of course). The construction crew instead takes a one day field trip together. This year they went to Esquintla to shop, swim, play futbol and have a good time. A lot of male bonding?
In the photos below, the Christmas party is on the left and the construction crew is on the right.
A christmas tree was put up and decorated in the childrens' home. With all the one year olds moving about, it quickly needed a barrier all the way around it to keep the ornaments on and the tree upright. The children all got presents and the older children were very excited. Our oldest boy, Oscar, turns three in February and he got the additional treat of a visit from his adoptive parents. The girls in the photo below are wearing their new sunglasses and carrying their new 'barbies". They are Linda Marie in front, and from the left, Claudia, Lupita, Ana Luz and Maria Elizabeh with Onoria in back. Lupita goes home next week. Linda Marie leaves soon too.
The little girl to their right is Kenia. She is nearly three but cannot sit up, feed herslf or talk. She has cerebral palsy, blind and has a host of problems. A couple in the United States wants to adopt her and bring her to the United States where her problems can be better addressed. Please pray for the quick success of the adoptive parents so Kenia has a better chance at life.
We ask that you also pray that the children here in the adoption process go home soon and that we are allowed to keep the others that are not being adopted and be allowed take in more children. Que la gracia de nuestro Senor Jesucristo sea con ustedes. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Stay in touch. Ron and Beverly
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