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To all of our friends, May 19, 2005
The last 2 years, God has opened doors and hearts to bless us with many new friends and join us with some old friends. We have, as you know, been FULL of activity since returning in Nov. I have tried to keep you up to date, but missed sharing some very exciting things.
Most of you know that our new mechanical well is pumping lots and lots of water. The hand dug well is still doing well, but has not met our growing needs for some years. Pastor Teddie, from Alabama, who heads an association of many co-operative churches from several denominations raised the $24,000 dollars for the well and pump. This association has helped with several other projects over the last two years, (including installing drop ceilings in more than a dozen homes here in Panimaquin). Deidre, one of his daughters, spent 3 weeks here last summer with Tina, wife of the assoc. pastor. Deidre gave some inside tips to Lazaro and Glendy on how to teach the assistants in our school. Tina spent that time teaching sewing tips to the women in our factory. His group is planning on returning during the month of July to finish the factory started many years ago by our Children’s Church in Fl. (Bernard was their pastor years ago.) The plan was to raise chickens, but after some research, we decided for health reasons to “scratch” the chicken house. This association has a beautiful mission house nearby easily seen from our road between Itzapa and our village. They make several trips per year and concentrate on helping many ministries in the surrounding area. God has given them a heart for GMO and we love them too.
CCM from Ft. Myers came again and did everything for Christmas holiday in the project. They brought and wrapped all gifts, they helped prepare for the parties, and generously shared Christ with all. They have commited to come and help next Christmas. I thank God for them, they have saved me many hours of work.
Our daughter Lisa and her family were given tickets to come for New Years week by CCM as a gift to Bernard and I. It was wonderful just having TIME together (as missionaries we have forfeited leisurely visits with our families). They brought gifts for the project. Nicholas 11, their oldest, gave his Christmas money from home to personally buy and wrap gifts for all our children. It was the first Christmas season since coming to Guatemala (11) that we were with one of our children and their families.
When Kirk DeVenny (one of the first missionaries we met here)and his team came to help put walls on the factory and pump house, among other things, they brought and donated 2 used cement mixers. At first, Pablo and Factor (who have always mixed by hand) thought it wasn’t such a big deal, now they are very grateful to have them.
Our son Craig and Andy, member of his church and dear friend were here for a week. They came with both money and skill to raise the roof over both the project supplies (bodega) and laundry area. This large space over the bodega allows for buying in bulk. The new dorm room for groups is over the laundry.
Bernard and his men are doing a super job of finishing the new second story rooms. They have built a staircase in my bodega. No more ladder! It is truly amazing what he has taught both Pablo and Factor in the last 9 years.
Just after Craig left, Pastor Laura Mondell from CCM came with Debbie (an elementary music teacher), her two daughters (Elizabeth 2nd visit and Rebecca). Tony (church staff member) with skills in both video and journalism to tell the story of GMO came with his young daughter, Maria. Bill came for his second visit and added a special touch to the group. Debi presented the parents with a night of music skills she taught in only 4 days. Even the parents joined in on the fun. This group left 3 new bongos, triangles, drum sticks, recorders, boomwackers, and rythmn eggs for our school and church.
Next, Amber Mondell, Pastor Laura’s oldest and one of Bernard’s Children’s Church members, returned for her 3rd visit and could not believe all the changes since her first trip 7 years ago. She brought gifts for the women. We had two special reunions and a “Day of Beauty” including shampoos, hairstyles, and hand massages with sweet smelling lotion. Amber, although fighting a virus for 5 of her 7 days, continually blessed the women with testimonies, short messages, and love that wouldn’t quit.
In between all of this activity, I have had 3 surgeries on my L eye for an original bump on the head on Feb 4th. I am still under restrictions from the last surgery. Yesterday, they scheduled another surgery on 6/2. That will be my last surgery to save the existing sight in that eye. Even with corrective contact, they do not expect better than 20/700 after this surgery. At present, I have a pie shaped membrane over the retina, but not adhering to it covering more than 1/4 of my eye. It is volcanic shaped with the peak directly in front of the macular, the most important area for sight. (It is also pulling a large, new area of the retina loose.) They will remove the silicone oil implant that fills the area of the removed vitreous, then file down the entire membrane. If totally removed it prevents re-growth, but there is no guarantee. (The 3 old repairs to the different retinal tears are all attached well.) Then, they laser this entire area to assure no detachment in the future. They then refill the area with a physiological solution that should stimulate growth of natural liquid in my eye. About 2 hours of surgery, with another 3 month recovery period. Through all this, I am very grateful that my R eye sees 20/20 with old age correction for reading. I know that God is using this to touch lives, it has all ready touched the women here in a profound way.
This newest unexpected medical expense is at present: Room 7 nights @ $58.00 $306 Anesthesia 100 Expected meds 150 At present no cost for surgery _____$ 556This clinic has done everything possible to cut costs, because we are helping their people. Pastor Dale and Pastor Melody, from our home church come this Monday for a brief visit. I am sure the multiple changes will be amazing! We are both very anxious to see them.
Monday before picking them up at the airport, we go for the 2nd of 6 packets of papers to naturalize Sarah on this trip home. Lots of red tape with no advanced knowledge of what comes next!
Pending plans for our trip to the States: Fly to Fl.--- hopefully have a car waiting for our use during Aug-Oct. Drive to Philly area for Scott and Sara’s wedding (Bernard’s nephew). Visit our churches and ministries in that area. Drive to Sharon, Pa and visit family on the way. Continue to Fl while sharing our vision with churches and visiting family and friends. The last two months in Fl with a side trip to Alabama.
Bernard will perform the marriage of Nicole, our oldest granddaughter and Kevin on Oct. 15th. We will have one last opportunity to see all our family then.
The 21 scholarship students in the project are having mid-terms this week. They have 8-9 tests determined by the grade. They vary in age between 11-32 and definitely add new life to the grounds. Although the extension school requires ½ day attendance/week, we require 4 days/wk. This enables them to receive extra information and receive help with their work. Many go to the fields before and after attending classes. Most Saturdays they gather in the great room for group study. This past Sunday, they came for 5 hours to catch up on the English lessons missed while I was gone for my surgeries. Somehow, I just can’t picture teens from the States voluntarily going to school Sat. and Sun. for make up with smiles on their faces. They REALLY want to learn!
Excuse the long letter, but many have been asking for a complete update. We continually thank God for each and everyone of you.
Bernard, Trish, and Sarah |
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Guatemalan Mission Outreach Inc. (G.M.O) Revised: 01/27/2008 |