Oct. 10th

Saturday, Cory is out 'playing' with his new toy. With all the rain around here it is a constant battle to keep the weeds at bay. Some you would recognise as mild house plants but went growing in the tropics they can be come monsters! So Cory is going to see if a weed whacker can help.

Chris and Kathleen survived their first week of English classes. A few issues still to work out but all in all I think they have done very well during their first 7 weeks. They are still learning and processing the experience on a daily basis. Thanks for praying for them.

Cory's birthday is coming up on Monday. Some of the early presents that he bought with money from his folks this summer were orchids. Now the ones he brought from the USA are still small but he bought a larger one on his last trip to Port-au-Prince. Here is it's first bloom. He is hoping in time that the selling of orchids could be a small business opportunity for someone.

We had a good week at school and clinic. [Picture of kids with local guavas. Cory's first dragon fruit]

It was a relief to see Dr. Viximar back and to know that the new doctor was going to work twice a week. Thanks to everyone who remembered to pray for me during my 'solo' days.

PLEASE don't stop praying. As it so often happens in my life I trip up when I let down my guard. The last two Saturdays I was on call. I was prepared to have the clinic call me but when your ready and prepared----nothing happens. So today-happy in the knowledge that I have the weekend off who comes to the door but the nurse.......for 'hiccups?!?!?'

I didn't respond well. I instantly became defensive and grumpy. But she said she thought that they would go on to Limbee if they weren't seen by the doctor. While I didn't actually stomp my feet I was on the inside- I hadn't even had breakfast yet.

I wish I could report that by the time I walked to clinic the Lord had changed my heart but I can't. I grumbled my way though questions-further frustrated with the fact that the gentleman had had no appetite, stomach pains and frequency on urination for over a month while visiting another country. "What county could you possibly been visiting that didn't have a clinic or doctor?? Were you on a star?" Yep I really said this.

After a whole month of waiting they come on a day when the laboratory is closed. So after the exam showed nothing serious, and some counseling about losing weight, returning for labs, and following for his diabetes and high blood pressure I returned home.

It was on the walk back that I finally heard the Lord softly speaking about my attitude. SIGH! Will I ever grow-up and lose this selfish part of me? I'll apologize to the nurse and if I have a chance to the gentleman.

So keep praying!! The Lord isn't done with me yet. I'm amazed that He can work through sinners like me.And for that I'm thankful. Thankful as well that He is a Lord of grace, forgiveness and unconditional love because I fall short so often. Thanks Lord.