Last Day of Trabajo

It is with mixed feelings we write tonight.  The saddest on our hearts is the death of Erlinda deRobela's husband, Miguel today.  He had a heart attack overnight and things looked positive this morning after surgery, but took a turn this afternoon.  (Erlinda has been the director of Proyecto MAMA here in San Pedro Sula for more than 20 years and spent some time with us this week, even going to the community with us yesterday for the day.)  We learned funerals happen fast here...we heard the news of Miguel's passing about 5pm tonight and were told his body would be at the church by 8:30pm tonight for persons to call.  I can not imagine how Erlinda and her family feel...everything in less than 24 hours.  Please pray for them.

We also write with joy for a good week of work and fun as a team, safety and no serious health concerns.  The construction team (we can not say "the men", because Sarah joined them this afternoon!), with feet like mountain goats and strong bodies, mixed, carried and poured the cement for the floor of the 13' x 13' home in Gracias a Dios today.  The rest of us walked up to see their work this afternoon and got to meet the sweet family of 4 who will live there.  (They currently share a 10'x10' home with another family!).

The medical clinic worked in Gracias a Dios today too, setting up in Pastor Juan's church, but our patients were from across the river, the Pena Blanca community.  We gave medicine to about 250 people, sadly running out of vitamins by afternoon.  One of the toughest cases to see, was a mother and 8 children who live on the street.  All the kids had respitory problems, the sickest little boy with pneumonia.  Pastor Juan told us the church is working to help the family, but there are many issues.

We enjoyed seeing all our friends in Gracias a Dios today and especially loved the opportunity to see the new property the church has purchased.  They hope to start to build their new church soon.  They praise God for the land, knowing it is only by His hand that the purchase was possible.

Another good news item today, Pastor Juan was granted a visa to come to the US again!  We hope to see him in PA in August.

Tomorrow we head to Copan for an overnight time of R&R.  Please pray for our safety on the crazy 3 hour drive.  We miss all of you and look forward to being home to our families late Monday evening.

We give God the praise for the wonderful week and experiences and thank you for supporting us with gifts of medicine, etc. but especially for your prayers.

Adios for now,
Barb for the team