In His hands~~

I have produced a few posts over the past couple of weeks, but if it starts to rain, or even a storm cloud appears, the internet connection is lost. NOT an exaggeration. Since I don't see any clouds on the horizon, I'm hoping this makes it through!
Just a few highlights from the past couple of weeks....

~~The week before Christmas we were headed up to Santiago for mail day ~~about a 3 hour drive. Had a Christmas package coming from Shan and were hoping for Christmas cards. We were driving the Ford Explorer, as 'little red' (Diahatsu smaller than a Festiva) was at the mechanics with a fuel system problem. Bob checked all tires for air in Juan Dolio before we left. When we got to the northern side of Santo Domingo, we were sitting at a light; the street vendors began knocking on our windows. We had already purchased bottles of water and little bags of cashews, so we were trying to ignore them. They became quite persistent. That's when we realized they were trying to tell us something. .

Bottom line: Right rear tire had only ONE lug nut and stud holding it in place and it was loose!

Somewhere between JD and Sto Domingo, our vehicle had broken and lost four studs and lug nuts! Our poor guardian angels had to have been quite dizzy trying to hold a tire on an Explorer travelling in Dominican traffic.

PTL, there was a Ford dealership on the far corner where we were able to purchase the LAST four studs and lugnuts they had in stock! They placed us in their express repair lane. $75 and less than 2 hours later, we were on our way.

~~The next day Bob, Pastor Tolentino, Tim, Evelyn & I travelled to San Cristobel. There is a school, clinic and hospital there overseen by a pastor. They had very few supplies before Tropical Storms Noel and Olga; even less after the water level in their bldgs hit 3 ft. So we were able to take SCORE's flat bed Diahatsu truck with hospital beds, and an enclosed trailer packed full of food, water, supplies and clothes.
~~ In the days before we left I had sewn 2 dozen little dresses (size 2-12). I love to sew, so my sewing machine and serger received a real work out. What a joy to know the LORD was allowing me to contribute something to someone else.

~~The week before Christmas our Internet went down. Repairman told Tim it would take 24 business hours to fix. That 24 Business hours translated to the Friday AFTER Christmas. But we made the delightful discovery that Giulia's Cafe has free wi-fi. Giulia's cafe' is at the end of our street. It is an open air Italian cafe' owned by a Jewish man named Judah, that flies a big British flag and serves the best cheeseburgers ever! it sits right across the street from the ocean; has big screen TV that shows sports events usually. (It's where we like to watch the SuperBowl!) It's probably our favorite place to go...cheeseburgers are large enough for Bob and I to share one!

~~It's really nice having Tim and Evelyn living right across the landing from us in this apartment bldg. Christmas Eve we spent at their place eatting snacks and playing cards. Christmas Day we pooled our 'resources' and had dinner at our place. What an enjoyable time!

~~Of course, the enjoyment began AFTER the demise of the tarantula that made an unfortunate appearance in my kitchen cupboard about 10 minutes before Tim & Evelyn arrived! But lots of bug spray, hair spray, a big wooden spoon and a drop from our 2nd story balcony to the cement below took care of him. But I am more careful when placing my hand in a cupboard now!

~~Our medical clinic is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So I spend those two days running the pharmacy. I LOVE IT! It's very tiring, but fun! Evelyn will be going out with the groups and translating for the village clinics.

~~So, our quiet season has drawn to a close. Our first team arrived on Saturday...all 67 of them! The airport arrival closely resembled a three ring circus! But all of them were delivered to the SCORE complex without loosing any luggage or carry-ons. It only took 3 buses and the flat bed Diatsu! Their group is comprised of med teams and evangelism. They have many things prepared for presenting the Gospel while people are waiting to be seen. The first clinic is today (Monday); they were on the road at 6:30AM to begin a 2 hour ride to the other side of Santo Domingo to work with Pastor Vernon.
Please pray for their safety, wisdom and strength this week. But, even more important, pray for the hearts of the people that will be ministered to!

~~Our busy season is upon us. We have seen the LORD work in many ways. We are in His hands; His might and strength protect us....what more could we ask for?

~~anna~~