February 2024
Hard to accept
26/02/24 19:47
Both families visited us the same day. Not planned that way, but they both live in Quito and are originally from Capulispungo. The young pastor, Abel, came to sleep overnight with his family to get an early start in the hot water pools here in El Tingo Saturday morning. Juan Manuel and his family arrived Saturday morning about the same time Abel's family returned from the pools. We all enjoyed a morning of food and fellowship.
Just before lunch, Abel surprised me with his plans to migrate next week to the US with his wife and three children. "Legally or illegally," I asked. He explained his plans to go legally, but I had my doubts.That night I spent time checking into his plan. My conclusion: "Illegally."
Sunday we visited his congregation, where they dedicated the whole time to his departure. My plan was to talk with him and disuade him from his plans, but too many people were saying goodbye.
I called him today. He's convinced his plans are legal and that he'll make it to the US. (Would you believe that pastors in El Salvador are going to take him across the border to Guatemala, and other pastors will do the same at the Mexican border. Visas, which Abel doesn't hold, are mandatory.) I told him: "You'll get to the US border, be denied entry, and then out of desperation will pay the "coyotes" to get you across the border illegally. May God protect you and your family on this journey."
That's all I could say.
Back with the kids
18/02/24 11:59
After a month of "vacation," we have returned to our bible classes with the kids at Anibal's house. I feel like I'm "out of shape" with the lessons. Not always easy to communicate with the children. The lesson was on Luke 15 which is usually called "The Prodigal Son." Although the real lesson is about the older son, not the younger son. The latter repented and restored his relationship with his father, but the former never repented. A direct allusion to the Pharisees. I try to reinforce the lesson when the kids are coloring pictures relating the story. Not sure how much gets across. We continue to sow.
Faby is still struggling with her health. We need to get her thyroxine dosis back on track.
We continue to relate to the alcoholics in the park. God sent me on old friend, who is ex-alcoholic, to share his testimony with them. Very effective.
Legal as well
11/02/24 08:22
My first invitations to the Quichua communities were to teach music, then Bible. Along the way I gained a reputation for helping with legal paperwork. We don't travel anymore, but our advantage is that we live near the government offices in Quito and can easily follow up on the paperwork. Sunday I met virtually with the leaders of the church near Riobamba in Shobol Llinllin. They have to renew the legal rep every year and are two years behind. So we've started the process of getting the papers in order. Good to see them even if only on the screen.
(P.S. Faby is doing much better, although still on antibiotics.)
Emergency!
03/02/24 15:33
Thursday, 6 am, I heard Faby cough in bed and went to check. I caught a whole handful of phlegm in my hand. I couldn't wake her up completely. Her speech was groggy. She couldn't get up or even sit up by herself. Praise God we have a doctor who will make a home visit within the hour! He managed to revive Faby somewhat, but his recommendation was, "Take her to the hospital." We carried her in a chair to the car and made the 40 minute trip to Quito to the emergency room at Hospital Vozandes. Diagnosis: "Urinary infection." (Officially Acute Pyelonephritis.) Wow! The next two nights I slept in the car with our dog, and a nephew who came with us slept in the hospital room with Faby. Both nights Faby pulled the IV from her arm, a bit disoriented and wanting to go home. We returned home Saturday afternoon. She's still on antibiotics, but we're glad to be in our daily environment. Checkups will follow. God is good and we trust in Him.