Our Friend, Sarah

Today, one of my friends was buried.

I am often asked if I miss living in the United States and usually the answer is no.........but at times like this, it is difficult.

It is a reminder of how short, fragile and unpredictable life is. Sarah was only 45 years old and died in a tragic accident.  It is a horrific circumstance that leaves her husband, Rick and her children to deal with.  Many questions are left unanswered.

While Sarah and I never had an opportunity to spend a lot of time together, the time that we shared was important and I cherish it.  She had a wonderful personality, great sense of humor, never spoke ill of anyone and would not participate in gossip.  All are qualities that I admire and respect.

Sarah told me on many occasions that she wanted to continue her studies and become a nurse. This would allow her to participate in more Medical Missions.  She had a heart of gold!

She and Rick visited Guatemala in 2010, with my parents. We had an ice cream celebration with all of our ABC Children.  This is Rick and Sarah with Paulina.

When I visited NC, Rick and Sarah were always at the dinners in Morganton and Winston-Salem.  They understood and appreciated the work of Health Talents International.

Sarah's death leaves me speechless and in shock, as it does everyone.  But knowing that she is a Christian, a baptized believer, gives me the assurance that we will spend eternity together.  Sarah loved the Lord and she would want you to know that.

This is the last photo that I have of us............taken in January before I returned to Guatemala.

The world is full of tragedy and pain but it is not our home.  I believe that Sarah is one of those people mentioned in Hebrews 12:1.  She is waiting for us and she is cheering us on!

We Need Some Rain!

Today, we had clinic in Lemoa.  It was a good day with 23 or 24 patients and I think that Enrique had about 9 dental cleanings.

It was early afternoon when we noticed the air was full of smoke.  Kemmel called and told Tomas that we needed to drive the long way home because the forest was on fire near the clinic.

By the time we finished with patients and cleaned, the traffic on the road was much heavier so Tomas offered to go and talk to the firemen. They said that it  was OK to pass so we gave it a try.

Sandra was with me so she was able to take photos as we drove through.

In some places the fire was 3-4 feet high and on both sides of the road.  I felt bad for the firemen because they do not have any equipment to work with. As we drove, we could feel the heat from the flames.

Several kilometers were burned and continued to smolder.  It is just a rough time of the year since everything is so dry and it burns quickly.  I am surprised this does not happen more than it does when farmers burn their fields to prepare for planting.

We all made it home safe and it is just another story to tell from Guatemala............

Tomorrow, we will be in Xepocol.

OK, So I Am Not a Farm Girl!

As most people know, I was not raised on a farm, nor in a big city............so I accept full responsibility of my last post!

It is not the first time that my dad has helped me with my animals.  Thank you, Dad!!

So the animals that are waking me up in the morning are goats and not sheep.

It reminded me of Matthew 5, where the goats will sent to the left and the sheep to the right.  I can probably say, it would not be safe for me to do the seperating!   Oh well..............

My parents proof-read my blogs and I do appreciate it.  Sometimes I make some pretty funny mistakes and I would like to keep the uproar to a minimum.  Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Do I Really Want Sheep?

Since moving to Guatemala, I have always wanted some sheep......one of my dream jobs it to become a shepherdess.  About a month ago, my neighbors brought three baby sheep home.  They were so little when they first arrived but they have grown quickly.

It use to be the cows, dogs, chickens and cats that would wake me up every morning........but now it is the sheep!  I guess I have learned to live with the cats jumping on my tin roof and hearing their nails slide around on it.  

I did not realize they could be so mischievous!  This one is pulling the clean laundry off the line!

We have restarted clinics after Semana Santa and so far, they have gone well.

It is nice to have Kemmel and Lisa back with us.  They were with the Eastside Church of Christ for a week on a mission trip. Welcome Back!

Sarah also went on a quick trip to visit her parents in El Salvador and she is also back! Welcome!

With everyone in place, we can accomplish more!

The Conference Continues!

This morning, I went up to the conference to see what was happening.  The field was loaded with buses, vans and cars.  It was great to see so many people.

I heard Voces Acapella sing and they sang some of my favorite songs. I talked with several of our promoters and their families.  There are groups from the capital and coast that are here too.

The last time the conference was here, it was in 2006.  I had only lived in Guatemala for about 2 months before the conference.  At that time, I lived in Santa Cruz and it was held about half a mile from my house.  I did not know many people yet and somehow, I ended up helping cook.  I really enjoyed it and it was amazing how they prepare food to feed thousands of people. I had never used a boat oar to stir coffee with :)

This morning, many people asked to be baptized. This is the group before they left.  Someone told me that they were probably going to the pool in Sepela. It is a pool not too far from Chichi and just last week, they added a water slide.

We had a little rain in the afternoon but not much.  Maybe it will hold off until next week.

The 50th Year Church of Christ Conference Starts!

Today, begins the 50th Anniversary of the Church of Christ Conferences!  It was chosen to be in Chichicastenango this year and the preparation has been going on for several months! I was told that they expect about 10 thousand people each day from all over Guatemala. It is only a few blocks from where I live, so I will check out to see what is going on.

There are lots of activities in the town due to Semana Santa.  I had told someone that this will the be the place to buy honey.  The streets are blocked off to traffic.........so, there are more bees than there are vehicles.

It is amazing the containers that people use for the honey.......soft drink bottles, whiskey and wine bottles and even ones that they use for vinegar.

It is a week that really puts our diabetics over the edge.  During our last clinic in Chuchipaca, I asked all of the diabetics to please be careful this week.  We will see what happens :)

San Jorge Clinic with Nick and Andrea

This morning I picked up Nick and Andrea and we headed to Santa Cruz to meet everyone.  Nick is a 3rd year medical student and Andrea works in ICU.  They have been with us a week doing clinics and unfortunately will be returning to The States tomorrow. They are already planning their future return!

We picked up Martina and her sister Micaela in Sepela.  We met Enrique, Tomas and Aura in Santa Cruz.  We had an uneventful drive and we are always thankful for that.

Pedro and some patients were waiting for us when we arrived. We quickly set up and started seeing patients.

We had a few diabetic patients and a few with cold symptoms.

Anyone who has ever been to San Jorge knows how hot it is there.......not just warm, but hot.  We took turns walking to the store across the street buying Cokes, water and Gatorade.

This little girl did not want to breath deep so Nick could listen to her lungs.  She watched her mom and then finally got the hang of it.

We also had a young woman with a 6/6 heart murmur. She is about 20 years old and studying in school. She was told a few years ago that she needed to go to the capital for a consult but did not go. I talked to her for awhile on options that she has, so we will see next month what she ways.

Before we left clinic, one of the tires started looking pretty l-o-w.  I told there was not a place to have it looked at before about 20 minutes on the road. We made it safely there, inflated the tire and did not see anything wrong with it.  They suggested that a child had played with the stem and removed some of the air. I was just glad to be back on the road.

While there were not many medical patients, there were quite a few dental patients.  Michaela callapsed when we were on the road.  I think she passed right out! She is lucky to have the shoulder of Martina to relax on!

It was a good day.........several patients.......safe travels.........now home to get a few things done.