Dream and act

I really have been meaning to blog.  I suppose you could call this an apology.  During our June and July with groups, timing was difficult.  But I was thinking about it.  It is usually a good release for me.  But when I thought about writing something down...I had a combination of writer's block and frustration with my own emotions.  

It was good while it lasted, our time with groups this year as a family.  Five groups...so much they accomplished.  I could post pictures of the physical work done, but more impressive, and longer lasting still in my mind is what cannot be seen that they did...prayers, encouragement, growth, and more.

Now, I settle (he writes...chuckling) into getting back into administration mode...pushing us forward as a mission to look to the next few months, and already next year, and beyond.  There is a lot to do after the groups left...most of which we can now do because they were here.  Several groups blessed us with extra funds to keep things going in construction, we have group funds now to complete the mission house remodel, and as well some much needed funds to continue the road work in Sampedrana.  But the dreaming, the planning, the communicating, and trying to help one another as we work towards our common goals, definitely takes time, prayer, and patience.  
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I'll admit, being back here full time is very comfortable, and an easier work load really than being in the US trying to work there and work here, but it also brings things much closer to home, if you will.  That was one advantage of being in the US...being able to remain more emotionally detached.  I say advantage, but really that too has its pluses and minuses.  It might make it easier on me, but that is not necessarily better.  

Getting to hold the hands of Milk Project children that are dealing with scarring allergies and no money for medicine...seeing on their faces the telltale look of being made fun of and ashamed for how they look, and to get to hug them and ignore the superficial is hard...and good for the soul.  Knowing their emotional and spiritual needs and thinking about our staff trying to meet those and nurture them daily...the clinic trying to heal and encourage every day, pastors doing the same, coffee farmers trying in their way the same as well...overwhelming.  Overwhelming what they are doing, and what could be to come.  

I continue to pray about hiring an English teacher for the Milk Project.  I can see down the tube of time and see opportunities for work with this language skill developed, doors opened, and lives changed...actually beyond what I can conceive.  

I got to see some of the English classes that some of the kids actually get.  It is more written than verbal, and the picture to the right is just one example of classes that are...close I suppose.  

It won't be easy, it will require change, patience, and quite a bit of effort, but I can see it will be worth it.  



In seeing the Milk Project kids doing homework and what they have copied in school I saw the page to the right.  It says:

​"What we know is that we live in difficult times, but the exit to this crisis is not migration, but looking for mechanisms to survive in our land.  We can take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves to us in the community where we live, and work hard so that we do not lack what is necessary."  

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I don't know who wrote that, and I am not sure I agree with all of it, but it is definitely a call to action I find exhorting...physically and spiritually.  Now, let's go dream...and act.