[News] Guatemala mission,Thurs.Feb.19th 2009

[Berkshire Mission]

Thursday, Feb. 19, 2009

 

Hola dear loved ones,

 

You are sorely missed and we have enjoyed so much the e mails that you have
sent us with such beautiful encouragement.  It keeps us connected to home
even though we are so far away.

The work is going well and there have been showers of blessings all around.
We are on the final stretch and the work is intense, we have some fairly
tired out missionaries here.  But only in body, not in spirit in the least.

Miles had registered 192 folks before lunch and the grand total for the
clinic today was 400 people.  A record for this trip, especially since we
are down one doctor as Dr. Tim had to head back home.  Dr. Price is like the
energizer bunny and just keeps going and going.  She is our pediatrician and
reports that the main problem in the children is the ever present worms.
There are lots of headaches also, probably from the hot sun.  But they are
fairly healthy, now if we can get the diet back to the original on these
little ones before diabetes sets in as with their parents we can really make
a difference.

Karen reported that a very deformed man came to clinic today.  He used
wooden blocks on his hands to scoot across the floor. His legs were
completely drawn up and deformed.  When he came in the other people in line
had no problem with letting him go before them and be seen first.  These are
a very gentle, kind people.  Very laid back and we have had no problems as
we have in some places.  They must be a fairly honest population too as when
the shop owners decide to leave and take a siesta they just leave!  Shop is
open but no one is there.  Of course some shops such as the food market and
bank have armed guards standing and watching very closely, I would guess
food would be more coveted than hardware store items.

Nancy spent over 20 minutes on one woman in the eye clinic today trying to
fit her to her liking.  She finally thought it was all set and the woman
left, only to come back an hour later complaining they were too strong.  She
could have sent her to see Barb but, like any smart wife she said, oh, you
need to see that man over there, pointing to Stuart. The only real problem
with people we have faced is with the municipal workers.  This is the same
where ever we have worked.  They want to be taken care of first no matter
what the situation.  Well when they aren't carrying guns, they just have to
wait in line:-)

The dental clinic saw 45 people today.  After lunch time Dr. Mark decided
that the rest of the day had to be dedicated to only extractions as to fit
in as many hurting people as possible.  He has been doing some very fancy
and extensive dental work this week.  His heart hurts to see a young person
have to go through life with front teeth missing so he has done as much as
humanly possible.  

Dr Mark was given a fabulous gift by the host of where we are staying.  This
man Placidio has many Mayan artifacts that date back 1,000 years.  He has
many Mayan teeth displayed in his office that are this old.  They all have
precious stones implanted in them which were a sign of beauty to them.  Well
he honored Dr. Mark with one to display at his office as a thank you for
what he has done for his people.

Delores was also honored with a beautiful heart felt gift today.  One of her
diabetes patients who came in yesterday came back today for another blood
check.  She was so grateful to Delores that she took the silver ring off her
finger and offered it to her.  Well Delores tried to tell her that she was
thankful for the gift but she did not wear jewelry.  The woman insisted she
take the gift and now Delores has it attached to her watch which will be a
wonderful remembrance of a time of love and service in Guatemala.

The evangelistic meeting is still going well with about the same amount
coming.  So far we have 10 confirmed baptisms and are expecting at least 20.
Pastor Jon talked about the need for proper baptism last night Pastor Rigo
translated .  I must say that Pastor Rigo has been a right hand man in all
things to Bob and is by his side at almost all times.  Of course at dinner
time we allow him to sit with younger folks and have a break from us
oldies:-)

Kim said the children are a blessing but can be a handful in their youthful
exuberance during VBS.  Almost all of our teens of which we are so proud of
are in there helping out.  The puppet ministry is always a huge hit where
ever they go.  Very professionally done I must say.

Tomorrow the clinics are headed 15 miles east of Poptun to another village.
Many of these folks will only be able to speak Quechi and will have to be
translated for us by bilingual Quechi/Spanish speaking folks and then into
English.  This was how it was done in the other Mayan villages also.

Tonight we can hear the sound of the cicada bug singing, sometimes at an
incredible decibel.  Machaquilla which is the town we are staying in means
land of the bug.  I can testify to that and thank who ever invented the bug
nets that we sleep under.  But in reality we have been in areas that are so
filled  with those little no seeums that we come home a quart low.  That
really hasn't been a serious problem here. And all the bugs that have
climbed in bed with me this week  have just been colorful and didn't bother
to bite me. There were several of us admiring a grasshopper/locust  type bug
that was bright green and at least 4 inches in length.  Very beautiful and
impressive.  When they come that big you almost feel like you have to get a
casket and say a few words over it when they die.  Renita said that when she
was a kid and living in Peru that they always put a string around their neck
and kept them as a pet!

 

Keep sending those notes from home, Love bolsters the soul and makes the
spirit soar.

 

"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as He
walked."  1 John 2:6

 

Lord help us all to walk in your shadow.

 

May you taste of His love and grace and may your soul overflow with
gratitude.  Sleep well tonight beloved, angels have been sent to cover you
in safety and peace.

 

Smiles as always,

Jennifer Young, Mission Reporter

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