My office is only 2 blocks from the mechanic which is awesome but I was afraid it wouldn't make the noise in those two little blocks as he dropped me off for work. It did. In fact the noise was even louder. I called at noon and he was still trying to figure it out, so I took a taxi home and was able to give another friend (the lady who sings the rancheras) a taxi ride to her house too.
Today I made a list of all of my new responsibilities. Right now they are feeling a little, actually a lot, overwhelming. I decided I am going to take the list to my boss and make sure she thinks it is really manageable. The good thing is, she is a fair woman who will want me to do my very best. I don't think she'll want to dump things on me if I can't do a good job. But today she told my co-workers that I am going to be teaching self defense too! Then she said, "Wow. You are going to be really busy."
That was when I decided to make the list. I made it in order of what I think I will do well, which also aligns with my passions, or what I would like to do. It is as follows:
1) Classes for kids with special needs
2) Writing class for women
3) Disciple Erika
4) Learn how to teach English by helping a co-worker who gives English classes to the people we serve (This can be incredibly helpful in the future, as everyone I know wants to learn English.)
5) Spend at least 2 hours with Ana every 2 weeks
6) Self defense/exercise/nutrition class
7) Home visits in Villa Nueva
8) Lead a club in Villa Nueva
9) Discipleship class with Pastora Ruth
10) Intercession at my church
Numbers 1, 2, 6, 8 and 9 each take several hours apiece in preparation time outside of class.
I am not writing about this to complain. I just am sharing what I am currently sorting out in my head. It would be awesome to find a way to do all of this, and do it well. God will make it happen if it is his plan.
Just now I received word from Karla that doctors are saying her Mom could die. Two weeks ago I took Clara and Karla to a doctor's visit. That day they decided they would begin chemo once again. She went back for tests the next day and started chemo the following day.
After starting chemo, Clara did well for a couple of days. But then she caught a cold. The cold made her so weak she couldn't walk. Soon she couldn't breathe. They rushed her to the hospital on February 2nd and she has been there ever since.
Some of my friends from the states also care very much for Clara and her daughters. They have been extremely attentive to the family, helping in every way they can.
Sunday night I learned that someone needs to stay with Clara at all times, except when the doctors are doing rounds. Despite being exhausted, they are all in good spirits. Both of the girls and Clara's sister are taking shifts to be with Clara. Their faith is absolutely inspirational. We know they learned this faith in grand part from Clara.
Today Karla told me the doctors have said her mother's life is in a delicate balance, and this may be the end.
Karla and Clara are as calm as can be. They believe God has all of the power, so they don't worry about what the doctors say. They have been in this situation before, and Clara always pulls through.
I sent out a prayer request to my prayer team. I haven't asked for urgent prayer from my prayer team in a long time. The prayer list seems to be missing some names, so let me know if you're not on it. I will keep people informed through emails about Clara's ongoing battle.
In the meantime, enjoy this photo of Clara and her daughters after Clara defied death the second time:
