October 15, 2023
Dear Family and Friends,
Here is a riddle for you: What is as enflamed as embers and begins with F? Correct if you guessed ‘the heat in Floron’. . . And we have happily returned to the cool temperatures in Englewood! But heat did not get a good man down; Richard accomplished a mountain of projects. . . and Elizabeth gave excellent support sitting in front of a fan.
So, here are a few highlights:
* Our priority this trip was our honor to be ‘madrina’ and ‘padrina’ for Diana and Pepe’s wedding. (You may recall Pepe came with his father in search for work from Cuba. Pepe was 14 years old. His father died a year or so later leaving Pepe to fend for himself. The church youth group met him and invited him to church and their soccer games. Pepe, now twenty-seven, works in Buen Samaritano Water.) Diana, whom we helped through nursing school, is finishing her required rural experience. Most unfortunately, the wedding was postponed. Although six months ago he requested his legal papers from Cuba, he has yet to receive those papers. Ecuador will not marry them until the papers are in hand. Please pray that the papers will come very soon.
Diana celebrating Pepe’s birthday at her parents' home.
However, since it was Pepe’s birthday, we celebrated mightily! Because of the wedding plans, he was on vacation. After devotions, the staff went up to his apartment (which is above the water plant) and pounded on his door to sing Happy Birthday, his future in-laws invited us down for a ceviche lunch and we took Pepe and Diana out for dinner that night.
*We have asked you to pray for God’s intervention with the advancing drug cartels. By this evening, a new president will have been elected and the outcome will determine whether the cartels and drug situation are delt with.
*It was time for an oil change on the clinic’s ‘97 Chevy. . . then the front tires were bald, then new ball joints and on and on. After three days in and out of shops it was purring like a kitten! (Well, purring like a cat. . .it is 26 years old! But we are so thankful to have a car for our use.)
*Another visit was finally made to Juliana and Alehandro. (She is the miracle young lady with the three chambered heart.) She has asked us repeatedly when we could come to see her new home. So, we did; and how precious is that! Juliana is from very impoverished Floron 8; she married a man who is a twin and both work for their father who has a humble construction business. On the parent’s property they build this home for Juliana and Alehandro. . . God has richly blessed them!
*Hermano Fabricio came for dinner one evening and we discussed the need for a Buen Samaritano Board meeting. He arranged this and our main two topics were: first adding a board member from Floron; and secondly, the possibility of a convenio (agreement) with the social security medical department to send patients to our facility. The application has been submitted and the process would be long. We are all praying for this possibility. It would be financially advantageous.
*Hermano Fabricio came for dinner one evening and we discussed the need for a Buen Samaritano Board meeting. He arranged this and our main two topics were: first adding a board member from Floron; and secondly, the possibility of a convenio (agreement) with the social security medical department to send patients to our facility. The application has been submitted and the process would be long. We are all praying for this possibility. It would be financially advantageous.
Pastor Meza helping Pastor Yandri load the truck with new water bottles.
Pastor Yandri and Pastor Ramon
The well next to the church
*Remember the church in the mountains with the well water that was contaminated by the sewer? Richard and Pastors Yandri and Ramon took a drive up there to survey the situation – 1 ½ hours by car. The options discussed were beyond our financial means. Resolve: New bottles from Buen Samaritano were taken to the church for each member by Pastor Alexi last Wednesday. But first and foremost, they will be given education regarding never using well water to drink. They each will be given a bottle to be filled at the water purification center across from the church for $1. Pastor Yandri will assess over the next few months on how they are doing.
Pastor Alex on the left
*Bibles – we were asked by Pastor Alex if we could possibly give Bibles for his church. Thanks to Cherry Creek Presbyterian and Colorado Community Churches we were able to say, “Yes!” Pastor Alex’s members were most appreciative.
*Sunday, I had the privilege to speak to the Youth Group, ages 13 -16. This month they were beginning the topic ‘friendship.’ Thus, that was my topic. I gave out Bible passages to some of the class and was impressed that they had no problem looking them up. They knew their Bible! We talked about what makes a friend. . . and reflected on our best friend, Jesus and adjectives that described Him. Discussion led to how do we make friends? . . . “Time spent together” . . . “time spent alone with Jesus.” And most of their families have devotions. . . I was impressed!
*Other ‘nonessentials’ for this trip required all air conditioners to be cleaned, two needed replacing, as did a refrigerator pump. Upkeep is constantly ongoing thanks to you.
We will await Pepe receiving his papers so this wedding can happen! And hopefully at least one of us can attend. Thank you for your prayers that were so needed, as always. May each of you know the joy of Jesus and feel the presence of the Holy Spirit . . . especially in these times of world unrest and chaos.
In case you have forgotten what we looked like – we are only a little bit older. Well…
Dios los bendiga,
Elizabeth & Richard <><
PS: Some have asked about Fall Fundraisers. There are currently two as follows:
**November 11 & 12 (Saturday 9-4 & Sunday 9-3)
Alternative Gift Fair/ Evergreen Lutheran Church/5980 Highway 73/CO 80439
**November 18 (Saturday, 9-3)
World Holiday Market/Broadmoor Community Church/315 Lake Avenue
Colorado Springs 80906