Along The Way

Today was a most unusual day, unlike any other that I have spent in El Salvador, this year or last year.
Because our six houses have been built, we started the day in the city dividing up and putting together packages of food (Read Stan's blog below for details). As seems to be the way around here, what you start with is not what you finish with and so off we had to go to buy a little more of this and a little more of that. Along the way, waiting, waiting, driving, waiting, driving and waiting, we met up with five very different people. The first, David, who lives in Texas but was born here in San Vicente. We met him first when we went to purchase the 1700 pounds of corn and then again at the swimming hole. No coincidence in my books and we now will continue our new relationship via email, where he will help me to learn about the El Salvador culture, and I will keep him informed about the work God is doing. The second, Carlos, is a doctor (a General Practitioner) who last year worked with one of our World Partner medical teams. We were waiting outside the Texaco (having our evening treat) when Carlos pulled up with a friend. Maritza, the pastor's wife, recognized him and introduced him to me. It was another opportunity to continue what the Lord was already doing in His life, as he plans to join another World Partner medical team in November when they visit the area. The third, is the mayor of the region here. Last year, we seemed to connect very well, and this year has been more of the same. In our brief conversation (yesterday) we again discussed our shared concern for this community and our desire to work together for the benefit of the area. May God continue to work in each of these men's lives, that they may know the transforming grace of Jesus Christ. The fourth, has become a friend, Juan Carlos. He's a 27 year old guy, who loves the Lord, works hard at his job, serves well in the church and, is just finishing his university education. We were able to share our dinner time together, catch up, laugh over language barriers and somehow have a great evening. The fifth is Pastor Jorge, he gives of himself to the people of this community, to his church family and to his own family. He is a compassionate man who, willingly sacrifices time and energy, and is persevering in his desire to honour the Lord, by giving his all every day. He inspires me to have those qualities. Thank you Lord for the people we meet "along the way".

Deve