The marches have increased from once/week to once/day. Today there are three. I was going to go to the church to prepare for the WOMEN'S CONFERENCE!!!!!!!! tomorrow (Yay! The 13th has finally arrived!) but I can't because they are having the torch march on the street outside the church.
The torch march is the "good people" who march peacefully to shed light of the corruption of this government. But you never know who else can show up at these marches and cause trouble, so it is best to stay away.
There is another march at 4 p.m. on a different main street. These marches have been announced for at least a week in advance, so everyone knows to plan around them. But now, the "bad people" are marching at the same time on the biggest route and only other option for people to drive home. They just announced it menacingly on Facebook, that nobody should dare take El Anillo (the four lane highway) from beyond the airport, which is way outside of the city, and into the city past my house.
Unfortunately for Molly and me, we moved our morning prayer time to the afternoon. Now we will not be able to pray together this week because I get to and from her house on El Anillo. Our time of prayer is very important to both of us. We are disappointed to miss it. But safety comes first!
Fany's friend from Danli arrived this afternoon for the conference. She is in a sexually, physically and verbally abusive marriage with a man who is a black belt in karate. It is a miracle he allowed her to leave the house and be here, but God paved the way, so I believe she will receive a lot tomorrow in the conference. The conference is to specifically address abuse, past and present, to inform women of their rights and to provide healing. I have big expectations.
Last night I could barely sleep. My mind kept telling me that it was Friday night and I had to wake up soon to pick up everyone I am bringing with me. With your support, we ended up sponsoring 15 women who otherwise could not afford to attend. Tomorrow we will all dress up and enjoy our time together with other women and God. It is going to be amazing! Thank you for your help.
The rainy season continues. Personally I like it. The leak in the roof over my pillow makes things a little inconvenient. But I can make adjustments. Yesterday Laura, Fany's three year old came over to visit and fell on the floor just inside the door for the second time in a row. That was when I noticed I have a very big leak right above the entry to my house. At least it's a good spot because I can mop all of the water straight out the door, but of course I would prefer not to have the hole at all.
Fany says that the rule of thumb is nobody can go up to patch a roof unless we have two straight days of sun because otherwise the roof is too slippery. She has a hole in the middle of her kitchen that floods her kitchen every time it rains. She she and I are both awaiting two straight days of sun. The way things are going right now, we are lucky to have 2 straight hours. In the morning it is sunny for a little while but by 11 a.m. it clouds up. We have had at least 3 heavy storms every day lately.
Yesterday two people here, in the city, died. One was a taxi driver whose cab flipped over and he drowned. The other was an older lady. I am not sure what happened to her. I called yesterday and today to check in on Erika. She said everything is fine. She and her family are safe. Her brother, Junior, got on the phone and talked to me for a few minutes. He is so funny! And their grandmother, whom I met when Erika's baby was sick, wanted to tell me hello. Then they all say I love you! That is one cultural difference of which I will never tire - kids who love to talk on the phone and tell you repeatedly that they love you.
My friend Emi had to go in her Nissan Exterra and rescue a family she works with yesterday because their roof came off the house and one of the walls fell down. She had some crazy video of her drive to get to the home. I am blessed with strong house in an area that is less likely to flood and is not on a steep slope. I praise God for Ana's house which, although on a steep slope is strong and sturdy. But Erika's house I still worry about.
Yesterday after checking in with Erika, I called Ana to see how she is doing. She said that all of her family has officially had the chikungunya now. David got through the three days of a high fever and he is currently resting, feeling weak and sore from the bone aches. Ana is hoping to get a window put into her house. She said right now there are as many mosquitoes inside as there are outside, due to a window having broken. She didn't have the money to pay for repair and her family certainly suffered for it.
At the same time this has been a week of incredible blessings for Ana for many personal reasons. She believes the future looks bright for her and her family. I am happy for my friend and grateful to God for all He is doing in her life. I can't think of anyone who deserves it more than Ana, a woman who constantly gives of herself selflessly, and asks nothing in return.
I'll post photos tomorrow, Right now I cannot upload photos bc the internet is not strong due to the rain. Glad I talked to Erika . Still concerned for her, but feeling better after having spoken to her today. Lots and LOTS of rain..
