A day to study

Today I reviewed some more materials for our classes. It is amazing how quickly the time passes with clinics, classes and other things that we participate in.

Saturday, some member of South Fork Church of Christ will be here. They will participate in a surgical clinic in Montellano. I will be nice to see them and spend some time with them.

A few days ago, I mentioned a young man that had come to our clinic in Xepol and how uncomfortable he was. He has really stayed in my mind and I have thought a lot about him. I did not have my Bible with me that day since my bilingual one is so heavy. Tomas, usually has his and I was disappointed that he did not.

I really wanted to share some of the 14th Chapter of John. There are so many verses in The Bible that you can share for encouragement but this is one that I was thinking of that day.

Just some key points and thoughts of John 14...........In verse 1, Jesus tells us not to let our hearts be troubled. We are told to trust in God and to also trust in Him. Lisa and I discussed something about this one day recently. We did not think that God wants us in constant turmoil. It seems that many people are struggling with what they believe and if they are following the will of God, there is no foundation for this.

In verse 6, Jesus tells us that He is the way. The way is not in what we think it is, what the most popular trend is, what our family or friends think........it is only in Him and His teaching.

The disciples of Jesus did not understand everything and there are still things that we don't understand today........but it should not prevent us from doing what we know is right.

Christ promised that the Holy Spirit could come to comfort and that Christ would show himself to us.

John 14:15-21

If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever----the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him or knows him. But you know him for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father and you are in me and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is he one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father and I too will love him and show myself to him.

What a promise that is that if we follow his commands, God will also love us and Christ will show Himself to us.

The disciples were sad that Christ said he was leaving........but in verse 28 he said we should be glad he was leaving and going to the Father. None of his promises could take place without is death, burial and resurrection. It is because of this, we have hope.

I also have hope that this young man will return to the clinic in Xepol. I want Tomas to be able to talk to him more and share the hope that we have in Christ.

Sunday in Chichi and Santa Cruz

This morning I worshiped with the Quiche Church of Christ. It was a nice ride up........very little traffic and it was very sunny.

One of my favorite guys brought the message today. He talked about the consequence of sin. It was a very good message. He began his message reading from Romans 6:23.

For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

I just want to emphasize that we do not have to die because of sin. We can make the decision that we want to be a Christian.......and have that promised eternal life.

There was something I was thinking about this morning. It is about how much time we spend reading scripture. I was thinking about it this morning because so few people here in Guatemala can read and it something that we in The United States usually take for granted.............myself included.

How would we feel if we lost our eyesight? What would we miss the most? I know we would miss not being able to see our family. What else would we miss? Let us not take reading The Bible for granted.

One the way home, I gave some of our patients a ride to Chichi. They live near the clinic and right now is a difficult time for them. One of the older patients is dying and of course it is hard on the other members of the family.

When I got home, I took some photos of Tomasita's flowers. She enjoys spending time in her yard.

These two flowers are on my porch.

Tomorrow, I will go to Quiche and print some more photos for our patients. I will probably have lunch up there and then spend the afternoon studying. Ah, yes...............and I still have some more tables to paint.

Clinic in Mactzul V

We had a very good clinic today in Mactzul V. Lisa and I picked up Juan and then we were on our way.

Kemmel and Gaspar went with other men up to an area called Chuisiqel. There was a meeting up there and we hung back here to do clinic.

We have been having smaller numbers in Mactzul but today we had 18 patients. I told Lisa that word got out that she would be there!

This is Lisa with some children from one of the families. The baby was just as sweet as he could be! Look at those toes!!

We had safe travels today and we are always thankful for that.................another week comes to an end. Tomorrow we will spend time worshipping our Lord. I hope that each of you will also find time for this.

Yesterday clinic in Xepol

Juan and I went to Xepol for clinic. Gaspar had a meeting today that he needed to attend. The clinic in Xepol has been on the smaller side so I thought the two of us could handle it.

We were encouraged as the roads seemed dryer than last time we had clinic there. We were the first to arrive but within a few minutes, we had a couple of patients.

This young man always comes with his family. He does not speak but seems to hear and understand his mother. She has not asked for a consult but maybe she will in time. As you can see, he is a happy young man.......always grinning.

Today there were two families with scabies. It is a difficult problem and the solution is not easy. When we told the mothers they would need to wash all of the clothes and sheets in hot water the look in their eyes let us know they were not excited about it.

One family came and they are costumbre, meaning they do not attend church anywhere. This is always a great opportunity for the members of the church that we work with to teach and reach out. We talked for quite a while with this gentleman and his family. He seemed responsive to what Tomas was saying and said that he might visit the church on Sunday.

The last patient was really in turmoil. He did not feel good, he was nervous and he could not sit still. He was really confused spiritually and did not know what to believe. He told us about different teachings that others had told him about and he had even visited a prophetess to help him with his confusion.

This is a crucial point when trying to help someone. You have someone that is reaching out for help and you have to be careful how you respond. I really liked the way Tomas responded. He did not talk negative about any religious group but he talked about The Bible. I do not feel it is our place to talk bad or negative about another group or person but to teach only from The Bible. We shared some scripture with the patient and then encouraged him to pray about it during the week and visit the church in Xepol one Sunday.

If we use different teachings than that of the Bible, we will get confused. There are many teachings in the world but many of them are not consistent with the Bible. This is not a new problem.

Mark talks about Isaiah from the Old Testament. This passage is talking about hypocrisy and teachings other than from God.

Mark 7:6-8

He responded, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written, "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men. You have let go of the commandments of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

So my question would be, "What we teach, is it from The Bible?" Do we slip in some of what our parents taught us, unsure if it is really in The Bible? Do we practice something because we have always done it that way? These can be difficult questions sometimes but ones that we need to think about.

I pray that these two families return to Xepol and learn more teachings from The Bible.

Clinic in Chutzurob

First, I want to wish you a Happy First Day of Autumn!

Today we had clinic in Chutzurob. Lisa picked me up and then we went and met Juan. Gaspar went to the coast with Manuel and Kemmel to do things for the ABC program.

We saw 38 patients today and it was a good clinic.

I want to introduce Juana and 2 of her daughters to you. Juana was baptized a few weeks ago and her husband was baptized yesterday. This is exciting news..............this is what the ministry is about!

I want to share with you some words of a song by the Zoe Group.

Give us a heart for the hopeless, the weary and wounded, for all who are hungry, helpless and poor. Let us see the sorrow, the pain, and the heartache that all the abandoned endure.

To the last to the lost, to the least of these.........let us be Jesus today.

May we reach out to the broken, the beaten, the battered.......to all who have fallen, disgraced and ashamed.

May we be the comfort, loving, forgiving and offering grace in your name.

To the last to the lost, to the least of these......let us be Jesus today.

Let us remember this thought as we serve daily...............no matter where we are.

Tomorrow we are off to Xepol............another day........another adventure!!

Monday in Chichi

Today was a day to get more things done. This morning I saw Sergio, the gardener that works for Tomasita. I had mentioned that he brought his mother to the clinic last Thursday. I asked him how his mom is doing. He smiled real big and said that she is doing much better! The medicine has helped her so that she is able to work some now. I was so thankful to hear that.

I then went to visit Gloria, the lady I rented from when I first arrived in Chichi. She is a very nice lady and it was nice to spend some time with her. I looked at the upstairs that she wants to rent and this might be a possibility for Glenn and Neva when they move to Chichi.

I had brunch at a new cafe in Chichi. I had a chocolate banana crepe. It was wonderful. It may become one of my hangouts.

I am still painting the tables. This is the living room before.........

and after......................I want to again thank the friends of Lisa and Kemmel for hanging the curtains for me. Thank you!

OK, tomorrow Lisa, Juan and I will be going to Chutzurob..........please pray for our safe travels and that we will express the love of Christ.

Sunday in Guatemala.............

Today was a peaceful day...........busy but good.

Caught up on cleaning, studied and then went to Santa Cruz to worship.

I remember the first time that it entered my mind that Christians world-wide are all participating in the Lord's Supper or Communion. It is a very important time to remember Christ's death, resurrection and return for us.

I Corinthians 11:23-26

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, "This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me." For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."

I was in Montellano worshipping with the church there. It was in June of 2005, my first visit with Health Talents. I did not know the area nor did I did speak Spanish. I was unsure of everything, even though Lisa and Kemmel were very kind. I thought of my home congregation participating in this and also the congregation of my parents...............and then I started thinking of different countries and what a powerful bond it is among Christians.

A few months ago, when a visiting team was here we had our worship in the Santo Tomas Hotel. Before we prayed, we were asked to name the different places that we had participated in communion.

Several countries were named, different places that people had vacationed, on the seas during cruises...........and even in foxholes while military men were serving our country. It is something that Christians want to do on the first day of the week.

Christ implemented it, the New Testament Christians continued and we also should see the importance of it.

Tomorrow........another list of things to do...........

Clinic in Chuchipaca

First, I want to wish my parents an Happy Anniversary! I am very thankful for my Christian parents and influence they have been for Mike and I..........HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Lisa, Gaspar, Juan and I had clinic in Choacaman IV. We had a clinic of 15 patients and it was a good day. Juan from the congregation there helped translate K'iche'. Lisa saw a wide range of patients but there is one that I wish would return. Maybe she will be there the next time.

Juan drove us back to the highway. We had given him 100 points for his performance until he stalled the truck.............that reduced him to 99 points. He has some tough critics :)

When we returned, I went to Santa Cruz for a few hours. I went to one of my favorite restaurants for a salad and took some medical Spanish to study. I must have looked bored or frustrated since the guy in the restaurant brought me a Prensa Libre to read!

One of the serious issues here in Guatemala is the lack of rain. This is suppose to be the rainy season but it is still very dry. Venezuela is bringing in 4,000,000 tons of beans, corn, rice and milk to help the country. We will continue to pray for more rain so the second planting will grow better.

Tomorrow is a day of rest................I will worship in Santa Cruz in the afternoon.

Clinic in Choacaman IV

Today, Gaspar and I headed to Choacaman. On the way, we met Enrique and rode with us to his community. As we entered the field we met one of our patients, Gaspar, as he was getting off a bus. He rode the rest of the way with us.

We had a small clinic of seven patients but it is an exciting day.

I have mentioned Gaspar in previous postings. He is a diabetic who is really trying to watch what he eats and maintain his health. He visited us in Lemoa two weeks with severe gastritis and posibly an ulcer. He responded very well to the medicine...........and as always, we thank God for that. This photo is of Gaspar and our Gaspar...............I joked with them and told them I needed a photo of the two Gaspars in my life :)

Sometimes the children play hide and seek in the center area of the house. Today they had played for about 30 minutes and the Enrique made the game real exciting for them. He would take a coin and hide it somewhere. If they could find it, they were able to keep it.

Can you find the coin below???? Concentrate!!!

Enrique placed the coin under the sleeping dog! The dog did not wake up or move until the coin was found! Gaspar and I laughed so hard!

Here are the children showing their coins.

Early in August, we saw a lady for the first time. Her name is Alejandra and she has continued to come to the clinic. During her consult, I invited her to return and worship with the church in Chuchipaca. Enrique's wife helped me that day because the lady is more comfortable with K'iche' than she is with Spanish. She then started talking with Alejandra about the Bible. Well, things have progressed and Alejandra will be baptized the 3rd of October. I am so excited about this. We never know from day-to-day what opportunities will be presented.

Alejandra will have a new life and be free from sin.

Romans 6:3-7

Don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the father, we too may have a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin----because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.

Tomorrow.............another day, another clinic and more opportunities.

One of those days.................

It was one of those days where you want to hide in a cave when you are finished. I do not have many days like this and I am very thankful for that.

First, I ask for your prayers for Martina and her family. When I saw Martina this morning, I told her that I had photos of her sister-in-law and her nephew, who had come to clinic last Thursday. She then told me how sad everyone was. When I asked why, she told me the baby had died on Saturday morning. It is one of those moments where you do not think you are hearing right and you just are not sure what has happened. Please remember this family.

One mother brought her 8 year old daughter in for a consult. Again, there are many questions on what is the cause of the severe pain. We then suggested she go to the hospital since there are signs of physical abuse from another student at the school. The more questions I asked, the more I could tell that the mother had no idea what had happened. I hope that she gets the care and attention that she needs.

I know there are non-compliant patients all over the world.........and sometimes you just wonder, how can I better explain things that are so important? Many patients return several weeks after they have finished their diabetic medicines so you do not have an idea if the medicine is helping. Others have the ultrasound done but when they come to clinic, they leave it at the house. I am just not sure how to do it better but I will continue to try.

When I returned to the house tonight, Tomasita was working in her flowers. She knows purple is one of my favorite colors and she wanted to show me this rose.

Lisa and Kemmel are back in Guatemala! Lisa called tonight to see how we are doing and it was good to talk to her. We have prayed for their safe return and so far.........so good :)

Tomorrow, Gaspar and I will go to Choacaman.................we will have a good clinic.

Guatemala begins celebrating!!

Tomorrow, is officially Independence Day but the celebrations have already begun. Guatemala gained its independence in 1821 from Spain. The two areas of blue in the Guatemalan flag represent that Guatemala is located between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The white area stands for the purity of the country's values and peace.

The parades started today and so did the torch runners. The runners would stay in front of a bus and people lined the streets to cheer the runners on!

Most of the runners are men but I did see a few ladies.

This guy got real excited when he saw my camera and wanted me to take his photo.

The people who line the streets to cheer the runners on also throw bags of water on the runners. This group is running toward the arch in Chichi.

As they approached the arch, the people above were taking aim with their water.

As I write this, it is 2030 and I can hear the band playing near the school. Hopefully, after tomorrow they will put those instruments away and not start playing at 0600 every morning. I am sure the firecrackers will continue through the night.

Tomorrow, I will go to Santa Cruz and check out their festivities.

An exciting day in Chuchuca

In yesterday's blog, I mentioned that I felt today was going to be a real adventure..............and I was not disappointed.

Gaspar and I left Chichi at 0650 and met everyone in Santa Cruz. It took us 2.5 hours and the driving conditions were less (did I say less?) than good. We had heard there was a new road and that the drive would be better........since we have had to cancel a few clinics due to the rain............let's just say, we were glad when we arrived.

Gaspar had to hang his hands out the window because they were perspiring so much. The guys were taking photos with their phones as Manuel and his truck ahead of us were sliding in the mud.

It was a beautiful drive and we were thankful we did not have any more rain!

This is the new church building in Chuchuca. Agostin told me today that they have 65 baptized members and about 150 children. We had a clinic today of 40 patients and it was a good day!

We now have the ABC program in this area. This is Catarina with a gift that her sponsor set to her.

This is Hilaria and some gifts sent to her by her sponsor.

This is Estela and her sponsor is Hettie, that lives in Morganton, NC

If you follow the blog, you may remember Pedro from February 2008. He is a young man that Katie and I went to visit. From the best of my memory, he had been working in a field and developed severe muscular weakness. When we visited him, he was unable to sit, stand or walk.

Today, he road a horse to clinic and he showed us how much he has improved. Juan asked about showing him some physical therapy exercises and I thought it was a great idea! This is Pedro and Juan working on some leg strengthening activities.

These children waited for us as we packed up the truck and prepared for our journey home.

I was very optimistic about the road conditions returning to Santa Cruz. We had had about 5 hours of sunshine and a light breeze through the day to help dry the mud. We started out real well and then we ran into a difficult hill.

Manuel tried a few times to make it, with little success. Each time he would back down the hill a little farther. Then it was our turn.......I tried twice with no success. I knew I needed firmer ground. On the third attempt, the guys hopped in the back end to give me some more weight. I stayed to the far left of the turn and we made it!! I kept thinking........I do not want to spend the night on this hill...........

Whew..........we are all home safe, the trucks are parked and and everyone is well.............gracias a Dios.

Clinic in Lemoa

Today we had a good clinic in Lemoa. Marcos, Martina, Maury, Gaspar, Juan and I met to begin our morning. We have a devotional and prayer time together. This morning Marcos talked about our freedom in Christ.

It is a very important concept to understand. Without our freedom in Christ, we are slaves to the world and slaves to sin.

Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

When Christ died for us, we were then placed under the new law.......but to live for Christ is a choice that each of us needs to make.........this is the point that Marco emphasised today. It is a conscious decision to follow Christ and to have our life different.

John 8:31-32

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

We then went out and welcomed the patients.........Gaspar prayed and then we began clinic.

This is Martina's sister-in-law. She and her baby came to the clinic today.

Tomorrow we have clinic in Xejox..............it is close to 2 hours in the truck. It will be a longer day but I trust it will be an adventure!!

Another day in Guatemala..........

Life is good..............everyone is well and the corn is growing. What more in life could you ask for???

Today I worked at the house. The guys were at the clinic cleaning and bagging medicines. I worked on preparing the photos of the children in the Mactzul I area. We hope to begin the ABC program there next year.

When I was at the house, the guy called that I have my internet with. He asked if he could come by the house in 10 minutes to collect his payment for September. He arrived and I gave him the money through the door because I did not want Nakko to escape. I paid in cash and he gave me the receipt.

I bought a pineapple..........for 40 cents! It is a miniature one and it was very sweet.

OK, tomorrow the guys and I head for Mactzul III. I hope that we are swamped with patients!!

Clinic in Chuchipaca

Today the guys and I had clinic in Chuchipaca. When we first arrived, I noticed that we had a few patients but not very many. The men of the congregation were working on the outside of the building. As funds can be tight in any building project, work is done when the money allows.

I heard last time that we were here that the very top of the building is for the PA system. They can lock the speaker system in the top room and not have to remove it between uses.

The windows are still covered with metal but in time, I am sure they will be replaced with pretty windows.

We had 11 medical patients today for consult. Not our biggest number for Chuchipaca but as I always tell the guys, "It is better than no one."

There was nothing unusual today. Some children were a little under their desired weight but hopefully they will return again next month and we will see if there has been any progress.

I noticed during our last patient today that there was a young boy sitting on a bench watching us. I thought he was a family member of the last patient. After I prayed with the last patient, this young boy came and sat down next to me. He said, "I only have 5 quetzales but I need some medicine." I asked him if he had talked to Gaspar and Juan and he told me no.

He proceeded to show me a rash that he had on his total body. He has been using laundry soap to bath in. I told him that we had some soap that he could have and some cream. After we talked a few minutes, I went to get the items for him. Gaspar and Juan had not seen the boy come in and sit down.

Jesus had a soft heart for children. This boy, even though he only had 5 quetzales wanted to pay for the soap and cream. I told him to keep his money but to come back and see us so we would know if he felt better.

Matthew 18:2-5

And He said, "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whosoever becomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little one who believes in me to sin, it would better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

Let us think of how we can be more humble as children and be pleasing to God..............this should be our goal every day.

Clinic in Choacaman IV

Today the guys and I went to Choacaman IV. We had a small clinic of only 6 patients but the encouraging news is most were new patients. Enrique is continuing to talk about the clinic and invite people from different areas of Santa Cruz.

We heard today that the patient from yesterday is continuing to feel much better. I was very thankful to hear that.

We had one patient who I thought should visit Lisa on a pap clinic day. After I talked to her for a few minutes she then told me that she had one done in April. She then told me that the result showed cancer but she had not returned for follow-up care. I strongly encouraged her to come to our next clinic in Lemoa.

The last patient of the day had very high blood pressure and was not aware of it. His main complaint was that his elbows and knees hurt. Enrique told me that when the man was younger, he would carry 300 pounds of vegetables around the market on his back..........unbelievable!

When Juan checked his blood pressure it was 180/100. After I had talked to him for a while, I checked it again and it was 210/100 in both arms. I gave him some medicine and asked him if he could stay with us for awhile. He said he could and Enrique invited him to eat lunch with us. At the mention of lunch, he gave us a BIG grin!

As usual, lunch was great and we were not able to finish it all. We had soup with rice, squash, carrots and chicken........and of course, tortillas.

After lunch, I checked the gentleman's blood pressure again and it was 170/90. He will continue to take his medicine and return to see us in 15 days.

I did not post the last photo of the CHE class that Lisa taught. This was the group of students that attended that class.




A few patients talked today about how life is hard and they do not know from day to day where they will get money, food or wood for the fire. We talked about how everyone has struggles and the struggles are very painful. We need to remain focused on life eternal and not this world.........this world is temporary. We are not promised tomorrow.......but we are promised eternity.........and how we will spend it depends on our decisions. Each day our faith needs to grow. Paul struggled and he prayed for relief..........but it was not removed. Let us remember the words ofPaul.

II Corinthians 12: 9-10

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. for when I am weak, then I am strong.

Tomorrow the guys and I head to Chuchipaca. I forgot to tell Juan to bring his license so he could drive but maybe he will remember. He is doing very well and continues to gain confidence. I have even sat in the back and left Gaspar in the front with him........I think Gaspar was a little nervous with that but Juan is doing very well........................good night :)

Clinic in Lemoa

Today we had clinic in Lemoa. We had 23 patients and it was a wonderful day.

There were many things as always to be thankful for. In past I introduced you to Tomas, who Josefina and I met last year. We visited his home where he had been confined to his bed with double cataracts. He had a rope tied from his bed to different places in his house to help him get around.

He had his first surgery last year on his left eye and the results were fantastic! A few weeks ago he had the operation in his right eye. He has a little infection but it is getting better.

We talked about how things have changed in the last year for him. Now he is able to walk around, leave his house and enjoy his family. He is very thankful to God for what has taken place..........Gracias a Dios!

Another man came that we usually see in Choacaman IV. He was diagnosed not too long ago with diabetes and has worked very hard at keeping it under control. Yesterday, he developed some abdominal but then it eased through the evening and he slept good. After breakfast this morning the pain returned and it was more severe. He did not want to wait for clinic tomorrow in Choacman so he came to see us today. He denied other symptoms which would have caused me to want to take him to the hospital. We prayed with him and he was very tearful. I think he was very scared and did not want to go home. I encouraged him to stay at the clinic with us for the afternoon and then we would reevaluate.

In about an hour, Gaspar came to tell me that he was resting under the tree and felt better. In another hour the man came to tell me how much better he felt, how thankful he is for the clinic and that he will come see us tomorrow. This man is not Christian but he is slowly developing a relationship and trust in the members of The Church in Choacaman.

It is times like this that you just want to praise God and be thankful for everything......sometimes it just hits......sometimes it can be overwhelming. It is not our work but the work of God. We never know how God is working in someones life.

Psalms 118:28-29

You are my God and I will give you thanks; you are my God and I will exalt you. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Tomorrow we will visit Choacaman and it will be another day to be thankful for.

Please pray for Lisa and Kemmel as they are in The States visiting their families. Also remember Glenn and Neva as they returned home for the wedding of their son.

Clinic in mactzul VI

I was preparing to blog last night and then the power went off at 730 pm. It had been awhile since I had posted anything and I apologize.

Someone asked me the other day if we have the modern conveniences of life here. My response was yes, we have most of them but they are not very dependable........as electricity and water.

Today, I picked up Martina and then we went to get Gaspar. We had a joint clinic with 10 medical and 12 dental patients.

I took photos of the children after clinic. Later this week I will go and make copies and return with them later in the month.

Yesterday, we had clinic in Xepocol and it was an emotional clinic. I talked to a young man who has been having severe problems for 8 years. He does not claim to be a Christian nor does he attend worship anywhere. I think he lives in constant pain. Regardless of whether his problems are psychological or spiritual in nature, they are real to him. We talked for a long time on his needing to makes some changes in his life or it is likely that he will continue to suffer for the next 8 years. He said he has thought about this and he knows it is true. I hope he will return to the clinic next month.

Gaspar and I also talked with two women who are in abusive marriages. Gaspar is really good with patients and they respect him. We also hope that these ladies will return to the clinic. These are opportunities that we want to find and act upon. These ladies and the young man above are examples of people that are hurting.............but they can find peace in Jesus.

I also had the pleasure of telling a lady, with a 5 month old baby, that she is pregnant again. I was afraid that she was going to throw something at me but she maintained her composure.

Tomorrow we have clinic in Lemoa and then a house visit................another day, another adventure!!