Day 6  Road Trips!

We gathered as usual at 7:00 am for the morning devotional with the children led by Professor Heyser. His story was a lesson about God`s all-knowing presence in our lives.

After breakfast of eggs, mini-hot dogs, and tortillas we headed off to our home visit. This is the home of Joel and Mario, two students at El Hogar. Joel came with us but his younger Mario chose to stay at El Hogar.  Claudia and the Canadian mission team came also. We drove out to the countryside and were met by Joel`s mother, father and four siblings (the eldest son does not live at home). We trudged 1/4 mile up a steep dirt hill to get to their home, crossing our fingers that the growling mangy dogs would not attack. Claudia made it no problemo in her high heels. We came with clothes, rice, cornmeal, and other staples. The family lives in a two-room shack; one small space is the kitchen, the other a bedroom. The house is very orderly, the stone floor was swept clean. The family had great dignity and welcomed us graciously. The father, standing outside his sheet- metal shack, informed us, "God has given me everything I need, I just don´t understand it yet."

Claudia Bell and Judy left with Claudia to return to El Hogar. Claudia B. taught English to the 4th, 5th and 6th graders today with Judy as here able assistant. Claudia B. has become an invaluable part of the teaching team this week, filling in wherever needed with an energy that continues to amaze us all.

The rest of us went on to the Technical Institute with Raul at the helm of our trustworthy van. Lazaro, the beloved director of the Institute, was there to greet us. He gave us a tour of the woodworking, metal and electrical workshops. We also went to the automotive and computer training workshops. Enrique, the computer and math teacher, explained the budding computer training program. He expressed the need and hope for 20 more computers so that computer training can be a offered full-time.We went to the chapel, sat in the pews, and watched as the altar curtains were drawn exposing a glorious painting of Jesus and angels. We paused to give thanks for the abundance of this day. Then off to the dining hall for a delicious lunch of chicken, rice, french fries, and lemonade.

We piled back in the mighty van to head to the Farm. Our van rides have become a highlight of our days. Here we share stories of our lives, pass snacks, and laugh until we cry. Margo and the Canadian team followed us in their car. Half way there they passed us, waving green Port Royals out the window. We jealously howled at them, licked our parched lips, and tried not to covet our neighbors` goods. As we came closer to the Farm there was a sudden bang and the van started to tilt. Raul expertly pulled to the side of the highway. We emptied out of the van and surveyed our very flat rear tire. Raul rose to the task. As we stood in the blazing sun, he methodically began to change the tire. Cars honked as they passed and we were disheartened. As God would have it, a man (angel in disguise?) in a pick-up truck pulled over to help us. He and Raul changed the tire in no time. He was a good man, married to an American from Michigan whom he had met on a mission trip. We were safe and we were grateful. We piled back in the van and arrived at the Farm where we were warmly greeted by Jony.  This place is heaven on earth, serene and abundant with living creatures, vegetables, ponds, and flowers. The highlights were the tilapia pond, squawking geese, the enormous pigs, tiny piglets, and the cows. The first crop the tilapia has been frozen and hopes are high for ongoing success.

Back to El Hogar for a spaghetti dinner and a birthday party for all volunteers and children born in January, February and March. Our Julie was a meember of this birthday bunch.The cake, made by the children in the bakery, was delicious. All the children were given Beanie Babies. We played with the children - basketball, Uno, jump rope, and jewelry making- until they were called for bed. We said a long goodbye to Brenda, Jen, and Lisa, our new dear friends from Canada.

We went back to the volunteer house to finally clean up and reflect on our day. We prayed for Jason, Liz, Sandy and the Kinchen family on this day of Jason's father's funeral. We prayed for those who intended to be with us but could not come - Liz, Jenny, and Sara. We gave thanks for the the last minute addition of Janet, whose medical and gardening expertise has been tapped time and again.With only one day left until we leave, I feel the clock ticking and wish I could turn back time. Knowing that the snow is falling in Boston makes us all welcome the warm sunshine even more. Each day with this supportive, compassionate group of women has been grand. I wish I could bottle their energy and enthusiasm to bring back through customs to keep forever.

I leave you with a line from my favorite evening prayer that Julie shared with us:

May the forms of your belonging - in love, creativity and friendship-
Be equal to the grandeur and the call of your soul.

Yours truly,
Pam    -   with Susan M.`s support