The work continues...Wednesday, October 21

Having fewer translators available means that, purely out of necessity, we get to practice more Spanish. I think I’m getting over my initial nervousness about speaking. Jamie and I make a good team. Usually my ear can pick up the Spanish words, I translate them to English for Jamie, and she helps me figure out how to answer in Spanish. It’s funny though, because our strengths and weaknesses complement each other so well, together we can function pretty smoothly.

The morning we left for El Pachon, Alfredo prayed over us, that we would return with hearts filled up, even as we drained our energies. I can already sense that prayer being answered.

Praise the Lord! Alfredo brought some developer he bought from a camera store, and the x-ray machine works. Back in business! We began shuttling people through. Alfredo and Mom also were leaving to return to Hualahuises just after lunch. Alfredo to attend an important dinner with Dickmar, where the Mayor will give his report of the things accomplished during his term just before the newly elected mayor takes office, and Mom to spend some time encouraging and helping Cristina and attending the church service at Vista Hermosa.

We need to always be alert for opportunities for ministry, even in unexpected ways.  As I escorted an older lady to her seat, I offered her a tract to read while she waited to be seen by Dad. She explained to me that she couldn’t read it because she didn’t have her reading glasses with her. “My house is just up the road, do you want me to go and bring them?” We explained to her that, no, she could keep the tract and read it later. Then a thought hit me, “Why don’t you read it to her?” It felt a little weird, but I offered, and she accepted, so I started in.

I paused after each section, to give her an opportunity to stop me if she wanted, but she didn’t. She just kept nodding and looking interested, so I kept reading. When I finished, I gave her the tract, which she took and held it to her like it was some kind of treasure. “I have a Bible at home.” She said, “and I’m going to read it, and I’ll take this with me and read it at home too.”

Jamie cleaned 7 patients, mostly of the child variety. She can only handle the polishing, and not anything heavier, so we try to just give her the younger ones whose teeth are not quite as big of a job as some older ones. Because the list has only names though, it makes things a little tricky when trying to find a cleaning patient for Jamie. We call out a name…”José?” and watch as he stands. Whoops! Too big. “Ok, sir, just checking to see if you are here. Glad to see you. You can sit back down now…” We laughed over a couple of those. If only they knew…but we’re glad they don’t! =D

Joby and Paula went to another school today, this time a preschool. Paula said it was easier because all the children were sitting on those tiny chairs, and when she went around to check mouths, all the kids had to do was tip their heads back, and she could see all their teeth very well at that angle!

The hike through the sugar cane field was gorgeous. It was so good to get out and stretch our legs after the long clinic day. We were tired, but to get to walk was so refreshing! Octavio carried the machete, newly sharpened, cradled in the crook of his arm.

We made conversation with Yareni “Jennie”, about what Washington is like, and what activities we like to do there. Jennie is a Bible school graduate who is working for the churh right now. She is also an amazing artist and is teaching art to Octavios two sons, Gustavo “Gera”, and Leo.

Fresh sugar cane is tricky to eat. You have to bite it to get the juice out, then you can chew the pulp, but it is too fibrous to eat, so you spit the pulp on the ground. It was yummy and sticky. =)

A short walk up a grassy slope and we could see the whole valley. “I’d build my house right here.” Dad joked with Octavio in Spanish. “Actually, there was a house here.” He said, “It belonged to my family, but it burned to the ground.” We enjoyed the view and the sunset for a few moments, then walked back in the cool of the evening.

There was a treat waiting for us back at the house. In addition to sugar cane, they also grew oranges, limes, and corn. In Mexico, they have a special way they prepare corn on the cob, called “elote.” The fresh ears had been picked and boiled, and were toasty warm and waiting for us when we came back from the hike. To prepare elote, you either roast or boil the corn cobs, then poke a stick into one end. Octavio’s wife prepared the elote while we watched. She first spread on some mayonnaise flavored with lime, then chili sauce, then sprinkled some crumbly cheese over that. Mmm…Delicious! After dinner, Joby brought over a DVD of his family performing, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

It's hard to believe we only have one more day here. Time has just been flying!