People are still talking about the storm. They say it was the hardest rain and strongest winds they have seen since Hurricane Mitch. In fact many thought it was a hurricane.
Fany was walking down the street yesterday and the "poncha llantas" (the lady who pops tires) slowed down her car as she passed by to talk to Fany. She asked if Fany had seen the storm (duh!) and talked about how terrible it was. Then she said that she was in the US until a week ago. Now we understand why there were no flat tires for some period of time until a week ago. The lady asked about me. She told Fany that I have bad luck because someone flattened my tires in front of her house. I told Fany she should have said, "She doesn't have bad luck. She just thought the people here were trustworthy and would not pop her tires."
Today Fany and I took a woman and her child to file charges against the woman's husband. This was a result of the Women's Conference at my church. See how God works! We were told because the husband is a policeman and a black belt in karate, that we should go to the supreme court. Unfortunately we were not able to complete everything there because she lives in another city. But, now they have a record that she came to press charges. She knows what to do when she gets home to her own city. I pray she will follow up tomorrow.
It is really scary here to press charges against someone because it can take months for a court appearance. Fany, another friend of theirs, and I have told her we will support her in any way we can.
Another factor that makes it difficult is that you can't vacate the house or you lose everything. So she has to stay in the house, in this place that is not close to us, where she doesn't have much support or anyone at all nearby.
A few years ago she pressed charges against him after he tried to electrocute her, but the people who handled the case were all his buddies and it never came to trial. Now, with the information and contacts she gained at the conference, plus the peace and strength God is giving her, she is determined to make a safe life for herself and her daughter.
She told me that she arrived Friday feelings that she wanted to cry all of the time. After the conference she felt a sense of peace she has not felt in years. I am amazed by her strength. This type of strength and peace can only come from God.
Another woman who is being abused went to press charges against her husband today too. What a difference that conference made! Thank you for those of you who offered financial support! You may be literally saving lives. At the very least, you have helped to change the lives of these women, and their children, for the better. Again, thank you.
