Tuesday, Dec. 2nd
Well, we’ve reached the half-way mark of our trip and we’ve begun to count the days until we return home. Last night the traditional “Purolator” package came with letters from Canada and everyone enjoyed hearing how things are going back home and your wonderful words of encouragement and well as the super drawings and cards from our grandchildren (this, of course, only applies to the few of us who are proud grandparents).
It has been extremely warm (mid to high 30s) since we arrived here, but today offered a welcome breeze. We spent the day finishing our allotted number of floors as well as starting on our first pila. While the construction of these two items is very different, they both require a lot of cement mixing, so we switched very easily from one to the other. The pila team of Henk and Jim & Audrey will split up tomorrow, so they can “supervise” work on two more pilas.
We are, of course, the “main event” in each village or area that we come to. The kids seem to come out of the woodwork to watch the Canadians work… but they also are very willing to help us, whether that means shoveling sand or gravel or simply standing by and holding Henk’s shovel while he pushes the wheelbarrow. The little ones smile and laugh for our pictures – and then run to see themselves on the camera screens and giggle like crazy! These little imps have the most beautiful brown eyes – sparkling and full of mischief. However, when you look at the older ones, the young teenagers, you note that the spark is starting to fade in most, as they begin to realize that their opportunities here on the island are so limited and that they may never rise above the poverty they now recognize. We have heard such stories of poverty, hunger and abuse that it truly tears at our hearts. We want to do so much more for these people, but we are only a few, so the best we can do is to pray that God will keep them in His care and give them His comfort and grace.
It has been extremely warm (mid to high 30s) since we arrived here, but today offered a welcome breeze. We spent the day finishing our allotted number of floors as well as starting on our first pila. While the construction of these two items is very different, they both require a lot of cement mixing, so we switched very easily from one to the other. The pila team of Henk and Jim & Audrey will split up tomorrow, so they can “supervise” work on two more pilas.
We are, of course, the “main event” in each village or area that we come to. The kids seem to come out of the woodwork to watch the Canadians work… but they also are very willing to help us, whether that means shoveling sand or gravel or simply standing by and holding Henk’s shovel while he pushes the wheelbarrow. The little ones smile and laugh for our pictures – and then run to see themselves on the camera screens and giggle like crazy! These little imps have the most beautiful brown eyes – sparkling and full of mischief. However, when you look at the older ones, the young teenagers, you note that the spark is starting to fade in most, as they begin to realize that their opportunities here on the island are so limited and that they may never rise above the poverty they now recognize. We have heard such stories of poverty, hunger and abuse that it truly tears at our hearts. We want to do so much more for these people, but we are only a few, so the best we can do is to pray that God will keep them in His care and give them His comfort and grace.
Hasta manana
Audrey
6 comments:
Thank you for the continued updates. We have been praying for you all every day and are thankful that all is well.
Dave and Karen
My posts don't seem to have been posted. So, this is a summary of what I have posted during your trip.You are all my heros - you affect so many people. Mom and dad - your grandchildren can't wait to see you (only 6 more sleeps). They do not undertand how far you are or what you are doing for these people.During the season of giving, gifts are not what is important; but helping these people and teaching them is what is important.You are all in our prayers.Love Kim Nash (Bezemer)
Audrey:
Really enjoyed you're post today...well actually I have enjoyed all the posts. However, yours really hit home especially the part about the loss of spark in the older childrens eyes....the loss of hope for the future....very sad and moving.
A wise man once said "that the seeds to the solution lie at the heart of the problem" but oh my those seeds can be deeply hidden..
Keep up the good work!
Cheers!
Lyle
Audrey - thanks for your persistence in getting the entries into the blog -- watching from this end, I can see just how frustratingly slow the internet connection is in Amapala. For the benefit of blog readers, it was taking 20-25 minutes for two small photos to upload, and the connection usually drops in less time than that!
The team is in our thoughts and prayers, and I am sure the entire Carpenteros' family is proud of the work you are continuing. And, of course, we don't do this for our own satisfaction, but to thank our Lord for what He has done for us.
When it is time to leave, remember to give out lots of hugs from the Carpenteros who were NOT there for this trip, yet are ALWAYS with those communities in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Mom (Auk), Great to hear from you. I am glad that you are having a good time and also glad to hear that you miss us as much as we miss you!
I have been reading all of the posts and have been following the trip every step of the way. But it was really nice to see that you had wrote one and to hear your voice (if only in words) and know that you are okay and having fun!
We miss you and we love you!
XOXOXO Amy, Darren and your William
I have seen the sparkle that you talk about in the little ones eyes. I have also seen the sparkle diminish as you spoke of.If only we could find a way to sustain the sparkle. Yes, prayer is all we can do right now. Thank you so much for these updates. I know several people who are enjoying them.
Victoria
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