Hola everyone! I have just returned from my latest trip to Guatemala and boy are things happening there!

My first night there we had an earthquake of 7.1. It lasted for a long time but everything was fine for us. I heard that a few people died in El Salvador where the epicenter was located.

I had no water the first few days in the condo where I stay. Nothing like roughing it right off the bat. I bummed hot showers off of my friends and they were very generous.

The government has instituted a new law that all motorcycle riders must legally wear issued numbers on the back of their helmets and jackets. The jackets and helmets must be black and there can be no more than one rider at a time on the motorcycle. Why, you ask? To prevent drive-by assassinations! No kidding! Whew, I feel much safer now, LOL.

The paved road from the highway is about 1/2 done. This is such a blessing as it gives us more time at the clinic and more energy to give to the villagers.

We have an extremely poor family who lives near the clinic. This family is so poor they go into the fields and pick up corn that was not harvested by the farmers because it was considered un-fit. They make tortillas with the corn to feed the family but cannot afford salt. They also gather wood to sell, making about Q15 a day. This is less than two dollars. The father is in a wheelchair related to a bus accident. The daughter of the family became pregnant by a man who said he loved her and promised to marry her. When he found out she was pregnant he hit the road. Sadly, her baby died in utero at 8 months. She went to the hospital where she sat for days without receiving help. Gregory, one of the founders of the clinic (the business side) went to the hospital in his suit and tie demanding to see the patient. The doctors mis-took him for a doctor and she was in the OR in a matter of hours. (No, Gregory did not do the surgery. He probably almost passed out just saying the word :)

Another little girl, about 3 years old, fell into a pot of boiling corn. Her backside and legs were burned badly. We have been treating her 2x per week and she is healing nicely.

I was invited to a bridal shower for the daughter of a missionary family. They have many natural and adopted children. The mother of the bride is making the dresses for the wedding. She says she got a great deal on fabric in Zone 1 of Guatemala City. This area is the war zone of gang members. It is so dangerous that the police close it down at night so no-one can enter or leave. I don't know how she is brave enough to drive in there. Sure, it's a good deal on fabric...if you survive the trip! They had a problem driving home as the adopted kids were getting car sick. This is common because the people are not use to driving in a vehicle.

THE PROCLAIMERS ARE GREAT! We have already started using them in the clinic. Two Bible studies are using them in 2 different villages. There are a few words in Katchiquel that are pronounced differently than our villagers say them but they are able to understand. Everyone is very excited about these wonderful machines.

We have purchased land for our church/community center. It is located near the clinic, secondary school, and cooperative building. It is the perfect location and very serene. The man who sold it to us recently lost his son. This land was to be his, but the father says he cannot keep it, as his grief is too great and the land reminds him of his loss. Praise God for blessings coming from tragic situations.

We have started a program to make bed platforms for the poorest families in the villages. We are hoping that these will help prevent recurring infections such as diarrhea and respiratory. The beds are being given to the families with bamboo or corn stalk houses with dirt floors. The families will have to give back community service for the beds. Here is a picture of Anita (the founder) having a meeting with the potential families. Can you tell which one is Anita?

Click here for more information on the project:

http://hands-of-hope.com/s/2009/06/who-forces-children-to-sleep-on-dirt-floors/

Here is the latest dog I have rescued. She is literally skin and bones. Her owner would not let me take the dog to get her fixed in the past but she has developed a tumor. I finally paid the woman Q10 (about $1.25) for the dog and took her out of the village. "Sweetie" is now at AWARE, a humane society, getting her 4 weeks of chemotherapy and then surgery, as well as fattening up. If she has not been adopted by the time I return I will help her find a loving home.

This summer I will be spending my time helping my ill family member recover as well as raising financial support. I am happy to do God's work for free but, unfortunately, it takes money to go there and accomplish things. As many of you know I have been mainly self-supported up until now. Some of you have made financial donations and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Please be in prayer that God will provide the donations I need for this important work.

All God's blessings,

Terri