meanwhile

Last week when the El Gorrion clinic was quiet we decided to visit the family with two brothers that both have muscular dystrophy. Their mother cares for them and sells tortillas. SI staff frequently stop in to assist with basic physiotherapy, etc. When we arrived, we discovered it was Fernando’s 8^th birthday. He still walks well, but his brother (10), has to use a walker. While we sang happy birthday, their father lay face down on the opposite bed, passed out in a drunken stupor. He didn’t stir until we decided to pray for him. As we did, he teared up and expressed his desire to be free of his addiction. We prayed for him and for his freedom. He and his family have ongoing contact with SI staff. Some of the donated funds are helping supply the brothers with vitamins. Thanks for praying for them.

(Alcoholism is a very common problem in Guatemala, and particularly in El Gorrion.)

Bonnie’s birthday was happier...

Our family recently went to visit the elderly in the same home I have been to before. The photo doesn't really show it, but this guy was so friendly:

Yesterday we went on a hike. At the top we found an unexpected playground/park. Pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/jkornelsen/Meanwhile#

Huge thanks for all kinds of support. We really would be lost without you. While we are having a good time, and helping advance a few things here, the kids are missing friends and home lots at times. Life here is the same as everywhere: every day we need to follow and rely on God.

Today we enjoyed another walk around Antigua. It's amazing to live in a place where you constantly run into beautiful places and sites (but it's hard to not take too many photos!)