After the storm:
Once again I feel centered. When I last wrote, things seemed to be spiraling downhill everywhere. We were hit with bad news from all sides. From people in the village going to the hospital in a coma to problems trying to build a church in another village to my personal feelings of helplessness, we had our share of concern.
But just as the Psalmist writes, the man of God has no fear of bad news. First of all, I feel much better about my time here, and considerably more useful. And even more important, Silvia, the girl in the coma is now at home. We visited her today, and she is on her feet: a walking miracle. The doctor's didn't think she'd live just a week and a half ago.
While some issues remain unsolved, like the church project in Icaco, God has provided a respite from bad news.
Miguel, a reporter for one of the largest newspapers in the country visited La Esperanza and stayed the night along with his family. He's doing a story on the adoption of little Sofia. We ended up working for half a day straightening up the building so that their stay was as pleasant as possible. We rolled out the red carpet for him, and were not dissapointed. God is doing some good things in his heart. While he was here, he was moved by the love he saw.
"Never before," he said, referring specifically to Sofia. "Have I seen such love for someone who is not your flesh and blood."
At the end of the stay, he thanked us for treating him, his wife, and his son like family.
He also joined us for an unusual event. The youth we've befrinded here invited us to help them milk their cows at 4:30 this morning. Well, they originally told us 5:00. Then they moved it to 4:30. Then this morning, they showed up at 4:00. I havn't gotten up that early in... let's not talk about it. The reporter also followed us and documented the event with photos, which I hope to have in my possession eventually.
So while it was still pitch black, we walked down and ant infested trail to the cow pen, which is muddy, and full of unspeakable things, horrible things. Ok ok it's not that bad, but I had to trade my shoes out for some boots they offered. In the process, I discovered that milking a cow is yet another thing I have no natural talent with. But it's amazing how proficient the locals are at it. After we finished, in the early morning light, they shared a drink named ponche with us, which was absolutely delicious and perfect for an early morning treat (recipe found at the end).
Afterwards, we shared a traditional El Salvadorian breakfast with Miguel the reporter and his family. Then, Mike shared some of the word of God with him and presented him with a Bible. He was nearly moved to tears, and I pray that he will accept Christ in time. I love their family. Even though we only spent a brief time with them, I feel as though they were friends. And naturally, I hope that they come to know the ultimate friend, Jesus Christ. Please pray for him.
Another man arrived this past week. His name is David, and he's one of the hardest workers I've ever met. Already, he's repainting the fence and working on oh, about fifty other projects at once. I helped him a little, and I'll do well to take more opportunities to work with him.
Dan continues to work with the young men of this community. Be sure to pray for his ministry (more on that in the next blog).
And just for kicks, apparently, I wrote this blog on Monday the 6th. We went to the nearby city to go shopping for a few things before the teams arrived, which gave me the opporunity to go to the internet cafe. They dropped me off near the cafe, and I arrived to find the sign "cerrado". So I ended up sitting on the curbside waiting until they arrived back, and wishing I'd brought my Spanish English Bible...
Still, my Spanish is getting better. Be sure to pray for that too.
In Christ,
- Hermano Pablo
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Poche:
1 Drinking cup (for mixing and serving)
1 Banana
Suger (Azucar)
Ground Coffee (Cafe)
Fresh Milk
Use a spoon to mash up the banana in the bottom of a drinking cup until it's nearly liquid.
Then, take the suger and pour it in and mix some more.
Finally, pour some fresh warm milk in (preferrably right out of the cow)
Add the coffee and stir
Drink and enjoy.
Serving Size: Yourself... Mmmmm...
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