Our lawyer came by on Wednesday and returned to us the deposit we had made for the legal papers we never got. We are so grateful. It was a substantial amount; will help greatly with the payroll that is due on the 30th. Thanks so much for your prayers. Yesterday I was standing downstairs and was struck by all the activity-- about 40 computer/English students getting ready for class in the main room; Norma’s sewing students singing hymns in their room; little kids gathering on the porch; the sound of the carpentry class’s power tools next door; patients shuttling back and forth to the clinic; Victorina beginning to prepare snacks for the children and lunch for the employees. Furthermore, we had al the sound equipment, Bibles, teaching materials ready for the 39 students from the private school; and then learned they had another activity planned for the day. Not too surprisingly no one told us. Today, Dr. Rios, the dentist from San Pedro was here treating patients. We went to San Pedro to run errands including an attempt to get an estimate for concrete for the second floor of the dorm. We’re planning to do it with “Ready-Mix” instead of by hand.
Today we received the biggest load of building supplies yet: 400 rebar, lumber, 400 pounds of anchoring wire, steel channels, etc. Our crew has grown to seven and they are making good progress; they’re almost ready to pour the second floor. Jim Redyke and Larry Voight will be coming from Tulsa for that event. Our lawyer called and said she’d be here today. Then she called a second time to say she’ll be here tomorrow instead. She’s bringing the money we deposited for some papers which we never got. In church the other day I sat beside Gloria’s 7 year old daughter, Jennifer. I was amazed how much English she can speak. She’s being scholarshipped to the private school by partners of GHH. She also asked me for a little “dough” to take to school; and I think she asked me to be her father at the upcoming father’s day celebration. Her dad died last year. Nelson was telling me recently how that a number of his students' lives have completely changed since they started coming to computer class. A good example is Jose. He had started drinking and his parents couldn’t control him. Now he’s in church three times a week.
We had a good crowd in church on Sunday; besides those who walked, our van was completely full (and then some). Selvin, the substitute pastor, made an announcement from the pulpit that surprised us. Specifically he said starting in April church meeting time will be 10am instead the current 3pm. This will have ramifications for many people. The change had been talked about, but we had no idea a decision was going to be announced. We learned after the meeting that the pastor (still in Venezuela) didn’t know about it either. We will be meeting about it on Saturday. The Venezuelan team has had to postpone their visit until things settle down in that country. They were supposed to be here this week. Also this week, new children’s curriculum. The youngest ones will remain with Mirna doing songs, stories, and crafts. The ones from 11 to 14 are starting a new curriculum with Damaris( new teacher) called Bible Blast. Altogether there were 13 in attendance on Monday. This afternoon 4 of us delivered and installed water filters in two more of our employee’s houses. Those things are a chore; each one weighs about 350 pounds.
We started our first Bible Blast class today. It took some time to gather all of the supplies and get our teacher trained. We're excited. FUMC sent down the "Bible Blast" program for the children's classes. It can also be used for the junior high kids. It comes with videos, work books and especially the Spanish Picture Bible. Jane Mitchell of FUMC, Tulsa, wrote the program and our son Michael had her when he was in 4th grade. Using this method, the kids will always remember their Bible stories. They are quizzed over and over again and prizes are given to those who know their answers. The Private School near here heard about it and is sending 46 of their students every week to participate in the program. What an incredible gift for our children's programs.
Things have finally gotten back to near normal after our visiting teams in January and February. This morning we met with the contractors for electrical and plumbing for the dorm. They are ready to start as soon as details are worked out. The evangelistic team from Venezuela (and the doctor and his wife from the US) is supposed to arrive next week. However, it’s likely that they will have to postpone because of unrest in Venezuela. We finally found a house for Lourdes and her kids that we can afford to buy for the money that was donated. It’s part way up the mountain and difficult to reach but they like it and it appears to be safe. At church last week Gloria testified how God has given her and her family so many wonderful blessings and she told how grateful she is for His provision. Gloria’s husband died suddenly last year leaving her with six children and another on the way. She has no job, and is raising 7 children in a tiny house with essentially no furniture. We have been aware of times when they have had no food; yet she feels blessed. Truly, blessings are a matter of perspective.
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