I woke early to make sure I had everything packed for the family!! Since it's so close to Christmas I brought down gifts for the siblings, parents and grandparents and did some shopping for toys for the little cousins!! Each one was wrapped in brightly colored Christmas paper and I couldn't wait to give them out!! Pastor Ben picked me up from the hotel on a motorcycle which was interesting in itself!! We had a ton of stuff including food items and us but somehow we managed!! lol!! So off we went to park the bike and head to the launch to make the journey across the lake!! I felt so nervous and my stomach had that butterfly feeling as we got closer!! I had no idea what to expect and I was praying for the best but trying to prepare myself for the worst!!
As we made it to the launch the devastation of the rising lake waters were very evident! Stores that have become familiar were now under water and there were kids swimming were benches once stood!! We hailed a tuk tuk and off we went!! Did a quick stop at the market for more food before heading to the families home. It was market day in Santiago so the streets were crowded and there were vendors everywhere!! Such a beautiful sight:) Food in two Ben returned and off we went. We made our way down the long, narrow alley way to their home and as soon as they spotted us it was sheer excitement!
I was suddenly being pulled in all directions by the kids!! They wanted me to see their new sister!! I was so excited I don't think anything could have wiped the smile from my face when I realized she was there WITH her family!! As I walked into the one room shack I was greeted by Fransisca who was sitting on a makeshift bed with this precious child tightly swaddled next to her!! She gently unwrapped her so I could see her adorable little face and she was perfect!! She had the most beautiful dark hair and looked just like the referral photo I received of Arianna!! I was thrilled when she offered to let me hold baby Ruth!! NO way was I turning that down!! I held her tight as I got a closer look of my new family member!! The precious little one who came along and extended those heart strings just a little further! She was simply perfect in every way!! I was so relieved to see both baby and mother doing well!!
We made our way out of the tiny crowded room into the yard area so the kids could receive their gifts. That square little space was crowded with people but the smiles were so worth it! Every child was able to receive a gift and they all seemed to love them!! Arianna's VERY humble grandfather was thrilled with the fleece jacket he received! Judging by the smile that he worse across his face you would have thought he would have one the lottery!! He's always so grateful for everything he receives!! We stayed for awhile longer and took some pictures of the kids to share with Arianna. The only thing that was missing was her and her oldest sister Candeleria. She was in another village working but I left her gift and knew it would make her day!!
As we said our goodbyes I invited Don Jose to take a ride with us down to the launch so we could chat a little. See he's the very honest one and seems to keep the family together and taken care of him. I needed some alone time with him to see if there was anything the family really needed. I knew he would be upfront with me and never ask for something that is not needed. He explained the food was a blessing and how much he loved the mattress he received back in October. He said he sleeps much better and his back doesn't hurt as much. I was so excited to hear that for sure!! He told me that he didn't want to bother me with any request because I only get to visit them every so often and I had already done so much! I meant the world for me to hear him speak that way because it showed me just how much he appreciated the things I did for him. Showed me he wasn't interested in taking advantage of me like some of the other family members tried to. I insisted he tell me their needs. He spoke of the repair he needed to do on his roof because it was leaking. He simply asked if he could have two sheets of lamina to repair the area where his bed was so it wouldn't get wet. I asked if it was the only area that leaked and he said no but the rest could wait!! To me it could NOT!! After talking to him a little longer I realized to fix the entire roof it would only take eight sheets of lamina which I knew couldn't cost much!! Off to the hardware store we went!! Ordered ten sheets just to make sure for a whopping $90 which also included all the nails needed to secure it down and delivery!! I was pleased to be able to do this for him!! Don Jose also spoke of his eyes hurting and how he's starting to have trouble to see so I offered to take him to the eye doctor if he could travel to Pana the next day!! He agreed and I was thrilled!! I sent him home in a tuk tuk and off me and Ben went to take the boat back to Pana!! My heart was filled with joy that I could help them in these small ways!! How truly blessed I am to have all the wonderful things I have back home!!
They're relaying the road near the lake one brick at a time!!
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