July 06th, 2020

Roller coaster is what I feel I have been riding for a while.  Not for almost four months as we have been locked down.  No, for the first month or two, I was busy, catching up, playing the waiting game, helping with the food purchases, etc.  It was not fun, but manageable.  

But as this continues, it hits harder, more happens, things start to add up. 

We had some theft hit us personally, we had some crisis of faith for someone close to the ministry, some got scared and chose to walk away for fear of what could happen, we had some staff diagnosed with COVID...I think you get the idea.

Roller coasters don't crash into the ground though, and neither have we.  God has sent us unexpected, unusual, and lots, of encouragement and ways to keep us going back up when circumstances trying to bring us down low.  Holy Spirit action is powerful stuff.  Encouraging texts, kind words, some tips for sale items, donations from people we don't even know, the upcoming FAME and corn containers...sometimes the worst part of being on an emotional roller coaster is feeling like you are alone.  You aren't alone.  I'm not alone.  (Say that outloud...it helps.)  

We keep rolling with the punches, and as a mission are trying to give some punches back.  Against hunger, against despair, against sickness.  Times of trial and test show what we are made of I suppose.

What will come next?  I know we had a long meeting today talking about some emergency options of expanding the clinic work...into different areas and also different buildings.  Crazy talk just a few months ago.  Now...when someone, including myself, has a crazy idea, I try to stop, breathe, and then make sure I leave the door open for how God wants to move.  I won't share more here yet, just not to get hopes up or raise expectations on what I don't know will happen yet.  But definitely time for lots of prayer. Been doing more of that of late.  

​I could really start a ramble here, but let's stay on focus on our roller coaster.  I guess, it is called life, right?

peaking of life...

The work on the farms continues.  The guys are all hard at work, and prepping more plants to go in the ground.  

In the midst of a pandemic...how much do we scramble, and how much do we continue to plan and work for the future?  Stay the course?

People are still being employed, the Gospel shared, the work continuing. I am also still looking for a John Deere tractor to put on the FAME container.  Found the perfect size, and implements...but cash?  hmmm.   

​Where will it go?  How will we sell coffee going forward?  Time will tell...we are working on that as well.  

Also in Las Botijas...with the food load not as heavy per bag (unfortunate but necessary for the time being, the funds are running low) Oscar was able to get out some of the old mission house cabinets to the farms for use there.  Nothing goes to waste for sure.  



Masks in Sampedrana...the FAME donation paying off at Church.  Social distancing and masks in rural areas, where there is fear but not always a lot of options, has been interesting to see from afar.  The antibacterial gel sent should help for a while as they try to see when they can meet again, and form a plan for the long term as well. 

One thing is sure though, they are meeting, and seeing more seeds planted and sprouting in this difficult time.


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​And, life continues, with a baby dedication in Sampedrana.      

We have to keep fighting, keep searching and looking forward.  Meeting the needs of today, but also fighting for the future.  

I don't know how to do that...but I know Who does.  That gives me a sigh of relief, and the ability to breathe, and keep moving.  




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