2009 - New beginnings at home and with Manantial

The gang at La Ceiba - inside the chickenhouse

The former Miss Pigpen ... Jennifer! trying to half-way smile. Maybe. Maybe next time? She's with Holly here, clean clothes, braided hair, smelling fine ... nice!

John Finnessy, Victor, Pastor Ricardo and Pastor Brian (thank you guys)

Gener helped us wash hair (John and John F. also washed, Freddy and Helen cut hair and Holly did her magic with French braids)

Greetings from a very VERY windy Managua. The wind has been howling and gusting most days since we returned - which is not typical weather here, but we enjoy it because it keep the heat down. Our beautiful, HUGE Guanacaste tree (looks like we're in Africa) is barren now as all the leaves have blown off. The scenery in general looks a little drier ... but we know that when the rains return it'll be back to verdant green.

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The boys begin their first day at school all day this coming Saturday at the University. Then in two weeks they'll begin trade school for half days M-F. So, right now, they're at Mercado Oriental looking for school clothes and shoes and whatever else they think they need. We reminisce about last February and recognize how much they've grown in confidence and ability. They would NEVER have considered (or thought it possible) that they would/could go anywhere without us. In fact, they were dumbstruck when we told them their independence is part of our goal. They've "made it" and are now shopping together.
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Nahum is a great bargain shopper, and will haggle; whereas Gener is so happy to be able to buy things that he will pay more than necessary as his excitement is "all over his face." We told Nahum to look after Gener's purchases today, and then got a "look" from Gener. But it cracks us up as they know us well enough by now to not be upset. The difference a year has made in their relationship is SO HUGE that if nothing else good happened during our tenure with them, we would be satisfied. They (close to) hated each other a year ago, and this year they consult with each other and do things together (go to the movies, ride their bikes, shop Mercado Oriental, go to church, etc.). If you don't know, Mercado Oriental is the largest open air market in Central America, touted to be "unsafe" for gringos. That's where our boys are now.
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Manantial is "taking off" and that's a good thing. Saul's church, New Hope Community Church of Greenwood, Indiana, has a Mercedes-Benz van in Managua that stays on our property for safe-keeping. We don't normally drive it, but we've been given permission so we can take visiting pastors and friends who want to go see Manantial's projects in La Ceiba and Las Chacaras. Our SUV is small, and we don't usually get to take as many people as would like to go. So, thank you Pastor Greg! Yesterday we visited these communities with Pastor Brian and John Finnessy from Baltimore ... who got the chance to meet the people there. John visited last with us last week, and brought his pastor to see this work also. While there, they discovered Victor, who has a medical problem - and they are tending to it (by rallying funds and making arrangements for the operation). It's great to see God work and to see people who are willing to walk their talk and respond without a committee! Ha! We like it! Thank you Brian and John.
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We spent the day in La Ceiba (mostly). The people have yet to build the laying boxes and finish the "fencing" for the chicken yard, but they say they'll be ready next week (we're not holding our breath as nothing yet has happened on time). Originally there were 10 families (5 from each church) as the beneficiaries - but that has changed several times for various reasons. Who knows how many families we will end up with, but whatever it is ... we are certain they are the families we are supposed to be helping. They've most recently added a 16-year old boy named Gerald who supports his mom and five siblings. God will again work things out in the 11th hour. So much for "North American planning."
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While we were there, Holly and I bathed a little girl who would absolutely win the part in Charles Shulz's "Peanuts" as Miss Pigpen. Her real name is Jennifer. She was SO filthy, we talked her into a bath (and she agreed only cuz we are bigger than her and she's demure). She was sober and didn't really like it very much, but by the time we had her hair unmatted and the final rinse was coming ... she believed the words we kept saying to her and to each other ...her hair is so beautiful! she is so cute, she is so clean, you are beautiful! All of this met with a stoic face, but something behind the eyes was beginning to soften. She liked the attention and she liked being clean. Her younger brother RAN HOME to get her a change of clothes ... what a cute memory that he would do that! The pastor came up to us during the bath to give us a bar of soap ... cuz he wanted to make sure she got clean. Afterwards ... well, see the picture. She's trying her best to smile, but it just doesn't come easy for her. It will be fun to see her next week and see if she softens any. This is one of the highlights of visiting weekly - you really get to know the people - kids included - and it begins to have a feel of family.

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Thank you for your financial support and interest in our lives. Please know your help is truly touching lives - and if you can come and join us to see, please do. If you cannot come, then we want you to know that your money is doing great things for a very thankful people. Bless you.