June Newsletter

On the Ground

We with our newly added village maternity visits!  Imagine being 8 months pregnant and facing a long hike followed by a truck ride just for a prenatal appointment. That’s the reality for many moms in the mountain villages here, and that’s exactly why we’ve been focusing on bringing the care to them through our housecall visits! It saves them the difficult journey and allows for so much more. We get to spend quality time during the appointment, truly build and strengthen relationships, and even meet their families right in their homes. 

This month we found one of our mothers in early labor and were able to confirm that her baby was no longer breech, a position requiring her to travel to the hospital some 2 hours away, but could safely be delivered at home by her midwife!  What an incredible thing that technology can be used do impact lives so directly?   

These visits are building such precious relationships. We have more focused time with each mom during her appointment and get to meet her family right in their home. It’s helping us become more established in these communities too. We’re seeing neighbors feel comfortable enough to ask about care, and most importantly, our moms truly feel seen and cared for.   

God has been opening up beautiful opportunities during these visits, leading to moments of prayer together and deeper, heart-level conversations. It’s more than just medical care; it’s about sharing life and God’s love in tangible ways. 

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Welcome to June and the rainy season!  The heat has finally taken a break and we can focus on sweep water off the roof and daily getting rid of the Malines (June bugs)  and sompops (giant flying ants) that enter our houses by the dozens.  They can be a blessing in disguize however er as the sompopos  aren’t your average ants!  Local families gather them up and prepare them for a protein-packed snack.  

I’ll never forget the year they came thicker than ever—God provided right when the nation faced huge food shortages.  Protein literally fell from the sky that even the poorest families could eat!  How good is our God??!!   
 
Oh, and in case you are wondering, they taste like burnt popcorn! Delicious!!   

I’ve been encouraged by:

Visting Community of Hope, my heart was impacted seeing B! She came to us from an incredibly difficult and abusive background. Her first week in the home, you would find her hiding under the table whenever a man entered the room. My heart ached seeing that fear.  But oh, the transformation God has worked in her! Over time, that shy, fearful girl blossomed into a loud, joyous young woman, full of life and FAR from shy!  She truly found a place to belong and flourish. 

B recently turned 18 and transitioned to the adult home. Change can be tough, and initially, she struggled a bit being farther away from the younger girls she had grown up with. It was a new adjustment, finding her footing in this new phase.  But now it is clear she’s found a wonderful balance in the adult home, discovering new ways to contribute and connect. I walked in to find her happily painting her OWN nails – a simple freedom she didn’t have before, as nail polish wasn’t safe around the younger children. Even sweeter? She’s grown close to Ale and was painting her bestie’s nails too! Ale is absolutely thrilled to have another diva join their crew!   

Seeing B’s journey, from hiding under tables to confidently painting nails with her friend, is such a powerful testament to the healing and hope found within this community. It’s a beautiful picture of finding belonging and blossoming into the person God created her to be. 

Prayer Requests:

  • Continued growth and adapting to the challenges of  this new area 
  • God’s provision for the increased expenses living farther our 
  • Continued health of our children in Community of Hope 

Mimi and David are healthier this month—thank you for your prayers!  God truly hears us!! 

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