Sunday

Lets see, what has happened since the last update? I wrote about what Tiffany, Peter Marc and I did last Saturday going to see those three families who lost their homes during the earthquake and receiving temporary houses from Gersan's church. That day still is staying with me. I hope that it does for a long time and that I will never forget the faces of the people that I talked with and their stories. It reminds me why I am here. To help people in whatever way I can.

Last Sunday, we didn't do too much besides go to church for the 6:30 a.m. service. Monday, we just stayed at the house. Tiffany had an appointment with a girl who had been trapped during the earthquake for two days. She wanted to come and talk to Tiffany about it. I'm glad that she came and was able to talk.

Tuesday, we left the house around 7:30 or so to take Tiffany to the airport. Betty and I then came back to the house. The day before, Gersan went to Limbe for a couple of days. For the next few days, I was basically Betty's secretary. I did some emails, updated her computer with some programs and sorted through some pictures for her, among other random things. I probably didn't know what I was getting myself into when I came and told them I would help out with whatever, but it is worth it.

Yesterday, we went to Gersan and Betty's niece's Kindergarten graduation. It was held in the church that Betty grew up in, but it looks different now. Betty wanted me to go so I could take some pictures for her. Have you ever been the object of every one's attention (when you don't mean to)? That's how I felt when I was there. I was the only white person there and I had some people taking pictures and video of me just sitting there watching the program. I had a couple of girls tell their mothers to turn around and look at me. I was definitely the minority, but I'm use to it. There isn't very much that surprises me here anymore. After that we came back to the house and I took a nap because I had a monster migraine. I have had a couple since I have been here, but not any like yesterday.

Today, I woke up a few minutes past 6 and realized that I overslept. I got up got dressed for church and just as I finished putting my shoes on, Betty knocked at the door. Its weird to think that getting up at 6:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning is oversleeping, but here it is. We went to church and afterwards, I drove some friends to their house and went back to pick up Betty. I got to see a couple of friends today and I'm glad to be able to do so. I don't know if I will see them again before I leave on Thursday, so it was good to see them today. I know I just repeated myself with that last part, so please forgive me.

I just finished an awesome lunch of chicken, rice and beans, salad and a great desert. Betty has her best friend and her husband over for lunch. I asked Betty the other day if I could take Alicia back with me. She is the cook for the Valcins and there are not too many people who rival her in cooking. I told Gersan that the other day and he said that if it was for a week, then it would be okay. Any longer than that would not be okay. Gersan, like me, loves her cooking.

I want to thank all of you who have supported me by praying for me for the last six weeks. I also want to thank you if you financially supported me, I really appreciate that. It has been a fantastic six weeks here and I have learned a lot. I have been able to see a lot and do a lot. Spending three weeks out at the camp was amazing and spending the rest of the time here has been just as amazing. I may be speaking to soon, but I am also thankful for everyone who has been praying for me to remain healthy. Besides a couple of small stomach aches, I have been healthy the entire trip. This usually doesn't happen.

So thank you again and have a great week. I'll be coming home on Thursday afternoon and land in Houston around midnight. I'm not sure if I am ready to leave this beautiful country. I do know that somehow, someway, I will be back.

Robert

Shots of an incoming storm and the sunset taken from the roof on Thursday evening.