Muddy Feet and Happy Hearts

Mud, mud and more mud. Today was a wet day. Water mixed with dirt makes for a lot of mud. Mud mixed with dozens of feet makes for more mud. It is one thing getting dirty and cleaning up, but there is something a little bit awful about getting dirty, dirtier, and then finally filthy and staying that way for hours.
I have never been more aware of the poverty here as I am this year. Extreme water and mud is a big eye opener of what these people live in day in and day out.
One man, who is recieveing a house tomorrow, tore his old one down only to have to sleep in the torrential downpours of the last two nights under a tarp.Today he smiled as he spoke of the hope of a better future.
Joy and Joe

Keep on Trucking

I'm beginning to see that the truck ride, especially after having been at the job site all day, is one of my favourite parts to the day. Sure, I've often wondered how often the brakes get checked, and really, how many people that vehicle is supposed to hold, and Stan and I both know that they sure aren't using low sulphur diesel either! Yikes. After being drenched in sweat mixed in with creamy sunscreen, there's nothing better than having the red dirt cling to all the skin that is showing on your body.......then, standing in the back of the truck while the breeze flies through your hair, the odd stray branch clips your neck, or the pelting bugs on your face and sunglasses while the sweat and sunscreen on your body slowly dries the dirt that is resting there. Honestly though, that is my favourite part of the day; to enjoy that bird's eye view of everything beautiful that surrounds us. And even everything that isn't beautiful seems to capture your heart and imagination as you try and picture the story behind the story. The endless stray dogs, the endless bean/fruit/vegetable stands lining the roadway, the cows/goats tied to the fences while they graze away as cars and trucks zoom past them constantly. I especially enjoy staring at the mist in the mountains in the morning as we're climbing the steeps hills and love seeing the shadows on the mountains from cloud cover as we end our work day. It's even more vivid than being on the back of Nick's motorcycle. Although, the bike helmet would come in handy to keep me from being pelted with bugs and dirt.

Tracy

Pastor Jorge & pb&j sandwiches

As many of you will know, pastor Jorge was involved in a life-threatening accident earlier this year. While much of his recovery has been miraculous, he still has a long road to travel to regain full health & strength. In fact, he just had another operation in the last few weeks, to take bone from his hip and insert it into his damaged thigh. (Yuck. I can't believe I'm writing this!) The recovery from this particular procedure is expected to take up to 3 months. The emotional toll on both himself and his wife, Maritza has also been overwhelming. While he rests and heals, he has stepped down from ministry while still living in his private family quarters behind the church. Even though he is not in the service, the sound of voices raised in song still reaches his bed whenever a service is taking place. I trust that is uplifting for him. Immediately upon arriving in San Vicente, Deve & I were asked to visit with Pastor Jorge. Gulp! Definite deep breath on my part, as I wasn't sure what to expect in terms of blood or medical machinery, etc. Deve took a little peak under the covers, but not me...no way!! Otherwise, I managed and I'm very thankful for that!!

And as for pb&j sandwiches, they are still a miserable sight at noon every day. All damp and smushed together from the heat. Ugh! Why, oh why, do they have to be so mushy? It's a trial, I admit it. On this Thanksgiving Day, I count my many, many blessings. The sandwiches? I'm still working up to full thankfulness for those!!

Amanda