Monday in Palencia

It seems that Team 2 brought the rain from Houston with them! We’ve been dodging torrential downpours off and on for days. Yesterday was a wonderful time of worship with our dear brothers and sisters here at Comunidad de Fe. They pray and praise passionately and extend such love to all of us and make everyone feel so very welcomed. After organizing supplies and loading the vans, we were prepared for the first day in Palencia.

The first day is always challenging, setting up the clinics, organizing work projects, instructing everyone on their jobs. But it all begins to fall into place, and we began to see the line of people who were patiently waiting their turn to see the doctors and dentists. It was a very full day of clinics and many were fitted with glasses as well. It’s always so exciting when we are able to find a pair of glasses that allow someone to see clearly! There was a particularly unusual prescription that one man needed, and we just “happened” to discover just that bifocal prescription that was perfect for him! God is so good!

There are always a number of precious little babies with their moms, and we take every opportunity to hug and love on them. One expectant mom got to “see” her baby today now that they have a portable sonogram machine. How exciting for her and encouraging to see that indeed, the baby was developing well! From babies to those needing walkers, they would wait without complaint. They are so grateful for the opportunity to receive medical care! There was a particularly precious older lady who came by bus two hours away all by herself, though she had great difficulty getting around, to stay with her daughter in Palencia and see the doctor. She had a plastic bag that I had trouble lifting, her travel bag of sorts. I tried to get one of her relatives to carry it for her, but before I could turn around, she had it strapped to her back with a Guatemalan cloth sling, all hunched over as she left the clinic. Amazing people! The time praying with her was sweet. It is so humbling to receive such thanks and hugs of appreciation.

We did have a “mini VBS” with the 45 students of the church school where we are working. They started with preschool and now have kindergarten and first grade. Some of the most adorable children you would ever see! They sang with such enthusiasm and listened intently to the story of Peter walking on the water to Jesus. In this area where fear and superstition still hold so many people captive, it is wonderful to see these young ones absorbing truth and learning of the God who made them and loves them.

We’ll visit America Latina School tomorrow for their chapel, which is always a treat. Then back to Palencia for VBS for the community and continuation of projects. Please pray for this community, for a great move of God here that will truly “set the captives free.” It’s wonderful to see Pastor Menfil again and encourage him. Since last year, they have begun an AWANA program and have 30 children participating. They are supposed to come to VBS tomorrow in uniform! Watch for pictures of this special group of kids.

Wednesday will be a really packed day with VBS, women’s meeting, clinics, and construction; a regular three-ring circus! So pray for stamina, flexibility, and ability to meet all the needs.

Pray, too, that the team remains healthy and that the rains will ease up so we can have outdoor activities with the kids and do the outside work on the compound that they need done. We appreciate your prayers and feel their power!

Grace we need your prayers.