Saved by the BACK HOE!

We're back at Casa Bernabe working on the security wall again this week. While we're gone with the team we miss the calls from the grandchildren on Skype....that crazy time change that you Americans use really messes things up. Some how we'll make it up to them on off weeks. It's really been going well with the teams this year. Sheryl's planning, scheduling, and preparation with crafts ect. sure makes a difference and is really appreciated by the homes and teams.One of the major challenges is that since the orphanage has it's own school program at Casa Bernabe with 160+ children there needs to be a good structure with the daily time schedule. Education is so important in the lives of the children at the orphanages. They aren't going anywhere soon is our understanding of the adoption system so many of the homes are gearing up for a lifetime with the children, eventually providing transition homes for the older kids, for them to learn, or begin to learn how to move into a good adult lifestyle with higher education and a job to help pay for their daily needs. My hope is that ORI would not only be able to provide the food needed each month but also be able to help in establishing a skills programs preparing  the kids for their future.

The work on the wall seemed to approach a hurdle that we Americans weren't used to....moving lots of dirt! To really make a nice finished job there was a high road bank that needed to be dug out and moved. We worked at it one day and finally decided that it was too much to shovel and hired a back hoe....woohoo! So we became the PennDot guys holding shovels! For less than $450 it was a blessing, otherwise we'd been at it for a month, I think....for the willing ones.
Along with the wall work this week we had an excellent dentist on the team who has had her own practice for 37 years in Canada doing dental work for the children and staff. She was able to do extractions, fillings, and cleanings for approx. 120 children with her two assistants. Incredible! What a gift to the children.
It's been difficult for Sheryl and I to tell directors, team leaders, and friends that we'll be leaving the end of the year. Continue praying that we will see the WAY that God has for us. We really enjoy Guatemala especially when we hear how cold and rainy it's been in Pa. I told Sheryl and others that we should begin putting $10 a week into a special fund so that when we face the cold winter we'll be able to turn the thermostat up to 78 deg. during the first winter to satisfy our bodies in their adjustment to the climate change. It will be different!

Bless you all,


Jim and Sheryl