Greetings from the Bay Islands,

 

It seems as though it's been some time since I've written, and after close inspection I've realized how quickly two weeks have passed!  This is telling as to my general state and condition during those elapsed days.  I did struggle with an ear ache and infection for several days, which coincided with the start of teacher training.  Our team nurse (Deirdre) provided the necessary antibiotics and I seem to be fully mended.  Despite the initial health impedences, God carried me through, allowing me to help facilitate the training of our four island teachers and two teacher assistants.  They are a delightful crew, and I cannot say enough of them.  I heavily anticipated cultural barriers regarding men and women; fully expecting a long and tedious journey to acceptance and open communication.  To my knowledge, I am the first male gringo who has worked closely with this all-female staff within a teacher training context.  However, praise God, for He has made this path straight and seemingly direct, as it appears I am well on my way to some measure of inclusion within this group.  I have so many stories that I could share regarding these happenings; from simple conversations to the downright bizzare antics of expression, but words cannot do them justice!  With only one week of training remaining, we still have numerous objectives to accomplish before we open the school's door to our students.  Please pray for continued wisdom and progress as we plow through what remains.

 

Our fresh water stocks have been steadily falling, but winds from the east have finally delivered rain, nearly filling our storage tanks.  After this rain water is processed through a filtration system, it is used to supply a significant amount of drinking water to the island's population.  During extreme periods of drought we use sea water which passes through an additional desalination process, however we've been having difficulties pumping the water to our new filtration/desalination station.  Our water was beginning to dwindle...but again, praise God!  He answered our prayers and delivered rain.

 

I hope this letter finds each of you well and standing in God's grace. Please continue to pray for our mission team on Helene.  Please also pray for the teachers of the Helene English Christian School, its school board, and the islanders in general.  Be well and God bless.