Thank you for all your prayers and support.  I have been amazed at how well we have made progress this week towards establishing connections with the people here in the trash dump.  The Father’s favor continues to bless our small efforts.  This Wednesday we went to the trash dump school to distribute school supplies brought by Mitzi and her daughter Abby.  All the kids and almost all the teachers were there and all went well. 

The next day we purchased two beds for two elderly gentlemen (one who is 94!) who were sleeping on something you and I would not consider a mattress.  We visited them a couple days later and they reported they now sleep through the night, something they had not done in years because their mattress was so poor.

We, José, Francisco, Orlando and myself, along with the residents in the trash dump reroofed three houses this week.  While it was tentative at first, the people who lived in the houses quickly came around and started to work together with us.  This was one of the greatest blessing of the week, for by the end of the day we could make eye contact, smile and work together as a team.  Small progress towards our goal, but at least we are started.

We have been bombarded with requests for help.  One in particular that was hard to hear was a husband and wife living in the trash dump, with a baby born just this week.  They had no food for the baby and they have to move out of the house they currently live, with no where to go.  Some of their neighbors agreed to let them build a house on their land, but they have only the material in the trash dump to build with.  We bought baby formula and agreed to supply the materials if they would build the house.  It seems as a couple of families have rallied around this family and are working together to prepare the ground for their new house. 

We are grateful Pastor Hector Newman offered the use of the cabin at the La Arca campground.  The cabin is a great place to reflect upon the day and a nice break after a long day’s work in the trash dump.  Pastor Newman commented on how good our team was, and I couldn’t agree more.  I am very grateful  for these three guys, their hard work, their desire to help their neighbor, and for the many laughs we share.  The Father has richly blessed us. 

One of the young men who we worked together with from the trash dump is named Waulter (He is in the orange shirt giving the thumbs up).  He quickly caught on to what we were doing and worked hard with us.  He obviously has a sharp mind and appears to want to work.  My dream for Waulter and others in the trash dump is that one day, if they chose, they can utilize their talents, abilities and desires for work at some place other than the trash dump, both for the glory of God and for the benefit of their neighbor.  For them to realize the God of heaven knows them and cares for them.  And that they can wake up in the morning and instead of seeing garbage they can marvel at the Creator and His creation of the trees, mountains and sky, and be filled with the wonder of His greatness.