After three straight weeks of teams, my family and I are spending some time recovering. When you read that, please don’t misunderstand. Each of our recent teams has been wonderful. Every member had a great attitude, a servant’s heart, and were a blessing to our ministry. But teams require a lot of work, seven days a week and 12 hours a day. When a team is here, my family sees little of me. In addition, the work that my wife and children do to cook and clean for the teams is a drain on them. So, it is nice to have a one week break before the next team comes on Saturday.
Last week brought us a team from The Gathering Place in Piqua, OH. These three couples, along with a teenage girl, were great workers who served God tirelessly. They were naturals with the kids and adults at Hermano Pedro, Los Gozosos, and Amor del Niño. In addition, I was able to take four of the team members out to villages to experience our ministry in Los Palmos and La Gomera while three team members remained behind and held and fed children in the malnutrition ward at Hermano Pedro.
Thanks Zac, Lindsay, Ron, Suzanne, Grant, Colista, and Aspin! You were a blessing, and we miss you already!
In the midst of a good week, there was also some heartbreak. I have continued to grieve as we have seen Lionel struggle with upper-respiratory illness and a loss of appetite. It seems that he has just given up his will to live. In addition, Yofri continues to struggle as we fight a constant battle to get the nurses to strap him into his bed properly.
But, the greatest pain of last week was losing Gabby, a 16 year old from Los Gozosos. After struggling for days to fight off an allergic reaction to new anti-seizure medication, she passed away Thursday evening. We attended her funeral on Friday and grieved for our loss while celebrating her gain. She is now in a place without seizures, crutches, or disabilities. We miss her and envy her.
On Saturday, Wanda and I took the team to the airport and said goodbye. We then enjoyed our first date in three weeks. Of course, our date involved stocking up on supplies and food at two different stores, but we also managed to sneak in a nice meal together. I am amazed that Wanda gets more beautiful every year. (Actually, I think it’s every day!)
On Sunday morning our family did something very unusual…we stayed home from church. We opted to instead have a family worship experience together with guitar, singing, and an extended devotional. After the three weeks of teams, we felt like we needed the rest and time together. We praise God that we decided to do this, because we found out our street was blocked until almost 11:00 am due to yet another Catholic procession. So, the stay-at-home church was perfectly timed.
In the afternoon we enjoyed pizza for lunch and family movies together. From the perspective of some that might seem like a wasted day, but they couldn’t be more wrong.
This week has been spent catching-up on office work and getting our home in order for the next team. I had thought that the week would be relaxing, and it has been more relaxing than most. But due to some unexpected needs we have encountered, the week has been full fuller than anticipated.
Yesterday we had a visit from three ladies who had heard that we help children with special needs. The mother told me that her son, Luis Fernando, is 16 years old and has severe autism. His father abandoned them several years ago, so she is trying to raise him and her 12 year old daughter, Laura, on her own. She has no work now because the tourist trade is way down and she has always sold tapestries. With tears in her eyes she asked me if we could help. So, I drove her home to Santa Catarina and visited her son.
Actually, driving was only part of the trip. Once we drove halfway up the mountain we had to finish the journey by walking a narrow footpath the rest of the way. When we arrived I was greeted by a block and metal shack that has a beautiful view of the valley. Inside, I found Luis Fernando on his bed, largely withdrawn into himself. He cannot talk or feed himself and can only walk for short distances. The medicine he takes, along with the necessary adult size diapers, have crippled the family financially. While some extended family members are helping them, their resources are almost gone as well.
So, once again I am seeking a sponsoring family for a child. Between the food, diapers, and medicine they need, we have to raise about $50 a month. Is there someone out there who has a heart for autistic children and would be willing to help out? We could even pair you with another family if you can’t give the entire amount. If you would like to help, please e-mail me at daryl@hopeforhome.org.
Today much of my work has focused on preparing for the next team that arrives on Saturday. We are about ready to gear up and do it all over again.
Oh yeah, I also need to get our vehicles washed…again. Rainy season is here and, with it, almost daily rain. When we get even a moderate rain, dirt washes down the mountains and hills onto the streets of towns. Even paved roads can look like dirt roads after an hour long storm. So, I can wash the van and truck in the morning only to look like I have been off-roading by late afternoon. Only four more months of rainy season…then it all becomes dust.
Thanks for all your prayers and support! God is moving, and He is using you to do it!
Good afternoon from San Antonio Aguas Calientes!
Daryl, Wanda, and the Crew
