Inspirational Families

I was able to spend the day in Xenacoj and San Juan, places where we have been working both with and without mission teams. It is a blessing to get to know these families and build relationships with them.

A woman who had come down with a team decided to give a donation to two different families. To one woman, who is 23 years old and has juvenile arthritis, she gave money for vitamins and ibuprofen. To the other family, Jose’s family, she gave money for food. We were also able to give him vitamins. 12 years ago, he went blind due to an injection that went wrong. There was the possibility of surgery, but a nurse looked at his case and decided against it. After so many years, the risks would be greater. They were able to use the money that would have been used for transportation to help him fix the wall in his home that was falling apart and allowing rain and dust to get in. He had explained to us that many years ago, all he had dreamed about was giving his wife and children a nice home, and now he feels like it looks much better. This man is truly an inspiration, and has an incredible faith in the Lord. He works some at a local bakery, because the most important thing to him is to provide for his family. I have not ever heard him once say that he prayed that God would give him his sight back, only that he wants to be a good husband and father. The walls of his house turned out well, a friend of his did it for free (which is sometimes unheard of here).

I will be going back for the day with some others from Hope Haven to Hermano Pedro, the large Catholic orphanage and hospital to help work on some wheelchairs. There are many, many children, teenagers, adults, and elderly who are living there, and only one man, Dick, who takes care of their chairs. The needs are endless, and they are hoping to have at least one day per month to go.

This week I am also preparing to leave. My flight is on Sunday. It is always a challenge to leave the life I’ve made, but know that I will be coming back in just a couple short months. I am looking forward to working at the Delrey School for the summer, and sharing some time with my family and friends!

The wall that was repaired in Jose's home.

Jose and his wife, Maria, and children Angelica, Oscar, and Luis.