Errands are more fun with a friend!

A few days ago I had to go to Coban (the big town about 25 minutes away) to do some errands. I didn't want to go alone, so I invited my friend Ruth for dessert! Then I told her while we were there, we could do a few things. :) Hee hee.

We arrived at the MegaPaca (the large second hand store) and saw that they had received a big shipment of bras! I guess having them in the doorway makes sure that everyone knows they are there. Second hand clothes are sent from the U.S. and sold at cheap prices. The day we were there, every piece of clothing cost Q10 (about $1.25). I thought that was pretty good, but we found out they went down to Q5 the next day!

There are racks and racks of clothes!

 These are the nice change rooms. And I really do mean nice! I have seen a lot worse. The great part about these is that they are right at the entrance to the store where the guard is. He got a kick out of us coming out and commenting on each others clothes.

It is VERY cold here, especially at night. Because of the humidity, the often present rain/drizzle, the block walls and no indoor heating, I wanted to get footie pyjamas for the kids to help keep them warm. I had to get a variety of sizes as I don't know the ages of the kids coming and I need to be prepared. And remember, each set is only $1.25!

 I may have also bought a really cute but completely unnecessary tutu as well. :)

We also went around looking at different dryers and did some grocery shopping. We didn't have time to go to the dessert place! So we went to a place in the mall and got Churros. 

Ruth was a little sad that her churros were all gimpy shaped and mine were pretty and straight. :)

It is so good to have friends to con into coming with me on some of my errands. :) Monday I go to pick up the dryer. My church raised the money especially for the dryer just before Christmas. What a blessing to not worry about the money! I have bought a bunch of sheets and blankets and clothes and stuffed animals that all need to be washed. I haven't been able to do it without a dryer because of the weather. The clothes I washed on Wednesday and hung up in the bathroom are still slightly damp today. So a dryer is necessary! 

Paperwork moving ahead.

I had a meeting with the social worker last week. Edy has been a great help by keeping me informed on the progress of the paperwork and understanding clearly each step I need to complete. I feel he has more of a desire to help abandoned and orphaned children, not so much a desire to just do his job. He has given me ideas on how to improve or expand my services to children with disabilities. He pushes me to get things done in order to open the home more quickly. I am so thankful for his advice and expertise.

We talked about what is left to get ready (not much), his visit out to see the house and speak to the new staff, developing working relationships with the judges, and the home in general. I left feeling very good about how things are going.

Then I called the lawyer to see how the Association paperwork was going. I need this before I can hand everything in to the gov't for the inspection and certification. As of today, it is done! I am so excited!

So now Edy will come make a pre-inspection. It is not official, but he wants to check things out and basically make sure the house is ready to pass gov't inspection. 

It feels so real to me now. If all goes smoothly, I could be certified by the end of April!! And it won't be too soon. Right now there are 3 abandoned children that I know of that are very close to me. They each have different disabilities, and don't have a family to take care of them.

Please pray for these babies, and for patience for me. I long to take them in and love on them. But it is all in God's timing. Which my head knows, but my heart tends to run away with my emotions. 

We are so much closer! Thanks for all of your prayers and support!

End of year giving.

Today I washed some blankets that I bought for the kids beds. I know it is not a big thing, but to me it was a physical reminder that soon I will have little kids snuggling under these blankets knowing that they are safe, warm, fed and loved. My heart aches to have these little people already living with me. Even though it means early morning rising, which for me will be hard! ;)

Right now God has been providing donations through many different people that have allowed me to buy the beds, mattresses, etc. I am so thankful for all of you who have given special gifts towards this.

As the end of the year comes flying in (how is it the end of Dec. already??) I just wanted to remind you that any donation made from Canada or the U.S. is tax deductible. This helps to buy things for the kids who will come live in the home, but also helps you at tax time! Any donation made online by the end of Dec. 31st will be eligible for this years taxes.

If you are donating from Canada please click here.

If you are donating from the U.S. please click here.

I appreciate each and every gift that is given to the children's home. I would like to remind you that I am still in need of monthly sponsors. Rent on the house, etc. have so far been covered by special gifts, but I need to keep renting the house while I wait for paperwork to be finished and get it completely set up for the kids.

Please prayerfully consider what you can give. Thank you!

God bless.

My town ambulance.

 Today I followed an ambulance out of town. I was interested to see what was inside.

And since there was no back to the truck, I had a good look inside.

A stretcher and a bench. And there was nothing tucked under the bench. I sure hope the guy had some supplies in the front of the truck. And how does the stretcher stay in the truck with someone in it? I couldn't figure that one out. 

When I was taking Spanish classes over 3 years ago, I remember my teacher telling me that her husband was a volunteer paramedic. She told me that he had to buy all of his own supplies. Gloves, mask, BP cuff, etc. Things you would think are basic supplies for paramedics. 

                                  

This is also a common sight. Paramedics stand at different speed bumps along the road to ask for donations for supplies at the stations.

There is no common number for ambulances or rescue here. You often see the phone number for the local station painted onto certain walls along the road. Usually where accidents are more common.

Just one more reason I ask for prayer for safety down here.

My church.

I have attended the Kamloops Vineyard Church since 2000 (when I was living in Kamloops. I was in and out a lot) and it feels like home to me.

Last summer my pastors retired and a new couple who I had never met took over the leadership. I looked forward to meeting them, but I was also nervous. By the time I left Canada, I felt comfortable with them, loved and supported. What an answer to prayer! Over the last few months we have been working out details and I am officially a proud missionary of the Kamloops Vineyard Church. Even though I really always have been, we wanted to make it official. :)

I also developed a support team while I was in Canada in the summer whose primary functions are to pray for me and the Home, to spread the word (fundraising, etc.) as well as accountability for me. They have been a blessing to me as I work through these times of transition.

Bonnie, Jim & Danielle and Carol

The church leadership team decided to make Treasures of God Children's Home the fundraiser recipient at their pancake breakfast in December. The support team made little houses for families to put change in and bring back on the day of the breakfast. 20 were made and given out, and more were needed!

I was excited to hear of the church's excitement and willingness to become involved. Because of the humidity here in my new town, I found very quickly that I would need a de-humidifier in the house to help combat the mold growing on all the walls. I will also need a clothes dryer for the days when the sun doesn't shine. This is the goal of the fundraising at the breakfast.

I am thankful for all the support and friendships at my home church in Canada. 

Visit to a village.

While I have managed to keep pretty busy since I arrived, I have also had time to do a few other fun things. Last week I was able to go with another ministry (ASOSAP) on one of their village ministries. Since they all spoke Pokomchi in that village, I spent most of my time taking pictures of cute kids until my battery died. :(

They visit these villages on a regular basis teaching them about God's love for us as well as hygiene and other skills.

Cute baby. Her mom is the 16 year old in the green top to the right.

 These guys were listening to the message. As long as I wasn't distracting them with pictures! :)

 Consuelo giving the lesson. 

 This baby was so cute! But her little bare feet made me sad. It is cold there, and I saw many babies and mothers without shoes.

 Watching the Jesus movie in Pokomchi.

 This little girl was so cute with her monkey!

 After the lesson and movie, we all shared lunch together. Then the ladies from the ministry cut hair and did hairdo's as well as painting nails. It was so fun to watch their excitement at it all.

 Big monkey!

 These girls were pretty shy, but warmed up quickly. They had the most beautiful eyes, like their mother.

 This lady sat with her hand over her mouth the whole time they were cutting and styling her hair. This was obviously a treat for her and she was enjoying it!

 I love all the colours.

Curious George's mom getting her nails painted. :)

I really enjoyed spending time with another ministry in a small village. It was hard not being able to speak to them, but I enjoyed communicating in different ways. I hope to do it again soon!

No (wo)man is an island.

I would love to admit that I know that line of poetry because I read great poetry, but I actually got it from watching the movie About a Boy. :)

Anyway, the point is, I am not in this project alone. First and foremost, God is with me always, no matter how well or poorly I am doing. But He knows that some help on the ground is necessary too. 

Here in San Cristobal I have met many wonderful people and families. One of them is from the Southern U.S. and they were so helpful to me the first week.

The Thomas family. They have been a great help and such an encouragement to me. And I love Karen's cooking too! :) At one point I called (again!) about something and told them I am normally not that needy. Now we are in the fun part of just being friends. I have an invite for lunch tomorrow. ;)

Jeff has been sharing my vision with others in the town and there is a lawyer now very interested in helping with whatever he can. We meet with him on Monday. I am so thankful for all the help offered to me.

My pastoral care team from CTEN let me know that their son Ryan could help me out. He travels to different ministries and helps out with things that people don't have the time for, or (like me) don't have the skill for. I am so thankful he will spend a few weeks here. There is a guy in town who lives alone and has graciously allowed Ryan to stay with him, no charge! The people here really are very friendly. 

Ryan is helping with little things like hanging curtains,
 fixing some plumbing, and changing a lot of light bulbs! He quickly worked through the list of nit-picky things in the first few days.

 This wood is going to be a gate to block the kids access to the pool. Surprisingly, this is not a certification requirement, this is the lifeguard and nurse in me requirement!

Ryan will also be building me some bunk beds and cribs and a changing table. I want all of these to be built very sturdy so the kids can use them as supports, etc. We sat down and I gave him a rough idea of what I needed, and I am excited to see them take shape in the next couple of weeks!

Things are going well since moving in. I am working on getting caught up on "computer things". Some days I am so cold sitting at the desk, I just want to curl up on my couch and read a book! So far I have resisted.

This is me trying to stay warm and keep my arms free! Now I know why the snuggie was invented. Too bad I don't have one. :) The camera is sitting on my computer desk to take the picture. I envisioned this area as an office, except then it turned into a closet as well!

Take care and have a great weekend!