Well deserved pehaps, certainly appreciated time off!

How do we let off steam at Roca Blanca?

Well, of course there is the beach, I have only gone swimming once so far, it is not like I can just go out and jump in the ocean, although we have a few who do. The waves can be rough and I have a particular respect for places where people have drowned. It is better to drive to Roca Mar down the beach or go to Puerto Escondido.

Berta and I spend workdays with Drs. Dave and Mary Kay at the clinic when we have patients. Tuesday and Thursday are regular clinic days when people come to see the doctors. We have had some interesting, and challenging situations.

We see 20 to 40 patients on any such day. Of course we are always on call.

As often as were able this last week, we sat in on the Community Health Evangelism courses with Dr. Jody and the Elim students. Molly was overseeing the students course work through the week but had to go home Friday morning. Prior to her departure we all had some great times. The classes were full of skits and games and lots of laughter. We also got in a few movie nights complete with popcorn.

Molly modeling her very cool hairstyle, which I may try to copy when my hair gets longer

Thursday night before Molly left the moon was bright and just one day shy of total fullness. We built a fire on the beach and had one of the best salchiche roasts I can remember. Remember that Mexican hot dogs (salchiches) are served with mayo as well as mustard and ketsup. We didn't make S'mores, but enjoyed roasted strawberry flavored bon bons (marshmellows).

The best part I think was the music. Two guitars and one big jembe were passed around between several talented musicians. I stayed out for a long time, but if I had stayed a little longer I would have been able to join in on all the Veggie Tale songs....bummer.

Spanish language student Issac helped build the fire

Clinic director and language school director Laura and David with Eric, Issac's dad

Bethany, Angela and Susan roasting salchiches

Cafecito!
This morning we all got up before sunrise to get dressed and head on down to Cafecito to enjoy their fantastic breakfasts. Many enjoyed the Oaxacan Chocolate filled croissants....but I had the Pan Frances con tocino, as always! The occasion was Dr. Jody's departure from Roca Blanca. She is now on her way to Mexico City where she is going to try to find someone to give her a yellow fever vaccine, and to work on obtaining her visa to Ghana, where she heads to next.

oops, you can barely see Dr. Jody behind Susan!

From there we took to the beach to watch the waves and the surfers, then a little shopping on the Adoquin and then the public market.

I discovered how to avoid buying stuff that though I really want it, I really should not buy....don't carry more than $150 pesos on you! Still, there was one really nice dress I wish I could have...

I found the simple silver necklace to match these new earrings...just got to wait until I feel justified to pay the $200 pesos ($16 US)

Well, I thought a light-hearted blog would be nice. Some thing quick and pretty, so I hope you enjoyed it.

Dr. Alejandro and his wife/nurse Peggy arrived last night. He is a dentist and will be teaching the Elim students what to do when there is no dentist. I also found out that I have to have a medication shopping list done by Monday morning so we can take advantage of the Monday discount day at our regular pharmacy. Friday we head out on a medical-dental outreach to the Mixteco.

Parting words

Eddie says "hi"....I talk to him almost every day. He had a wonderful time babysitting our grandchildren last week. He played dolls (Tinkerbell and Rosey) with Kaitlyn (age 3) last night. He said she really was very verbal and seemed to have a good time with Grandpa. I talked to Amanda this morning and she said that 11 month old Damien is standing up on his own. I also talked to my Sarah and Grace....they are getting so big...I look forward to seeing them in March.

And finally,
I cannot close without telling you about Alyssa. Little Alyssa has been in many of your prayers. She was born in Oaxaca, her parents are Bible translators to the Mixtec people we work with in El Mosco. Her birth was traumatic, she suffered profound anoxia, and the last few years her survival has been a miracle, and a blessing to her family who love her deeply.

Today their home and arms are missing one little angel who has now gone to be with Jesus where she is healed and whole. Please pray for Kevin, Laurel, Kyle, Dani and Gaby as they realize a new meaning to "treasures in heaven", and as they live and survive through the next weeks and months.