October 2002 Adventures

 Teams, South American and Caribbean Federation of Methodist Women, or drill rig – where should be start?  Hopefully you have all received the News Release about the dedication of our drill rig.  So, we’ll begin at the beginning of October with teams.  The first 2 weeks of October we were back at New Horizons School helping with a work team from Maryville, TN.  These weeks were spent helping to paint, varnish, translate, make numerous trips to the hardware and paint store, and drive folks around.  These folks were good, southern talkers and a pleasure to be around and refresh our Southern English!  We were also able to bring the drill rig home on Thursday, 10/10!  What a wonderful feeling to have the rig at its new home!

October 12-21 the Methodist Church of Paraguay hosted the South American and Caribbean Federation of Methodist Women.  This federation is a part of the World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Church Women.  We had over 100 women attending the conference from Mexico, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay.  In addition, the 4 head officers of the WFM & UCW also attended.  They represented England, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and the United States.  Linda attended to help translate for the English speakers, and Ed helped by driving the women from meeting place to sleeping place.

October 20-November 1 we hosted a team from Noblesville, IN.  Due to a busy schedule at the Hospitality Center at Central Church, this team ate their meals at our house.  So, a busy week as Linda translated for the pediatrician, Ed helped with construction, then evenings we hosted 15 for dinner, plus prepared lunch for the next day.  Fortunately, we have a very good Paraguayan friend who helped in our house during these 2 weeks. 

BUT, Tuesday, October 22nd was the BIG day for us as we dedicated our drill rig.  In attendance with us were representatives of the Rotary Clubs of Asuncion and Luque, Pastor Pablo Mora, and many of the seminary students.  What a wonderful day for us all!

The last week of October our work really began.  Our first well is in Lambare at the New Horizons School.  This decision was wisely made since it is near the city!  We have come across many problems dealing with the high sand content of the local soil.  Problems have been solved, but not without numerous trips to the hardware store, visits with local drillers who have befriended us, and countless prayers!  We are very thankful we didn’t drill our first well out in the country, with no resources for problem solving!

Our schedule is to finish this well in Lambare, and then move into the interior.  We hope to finish at least 2 wells before leaving for Christmas vacation on December 16th.  Please pray for our safety and the advancement of our Lord’s kingdom.  Our minds and hearts have a 110% commitment to our ministry – but our bodies are lagging a bit behind!  By our next report, we hope to be in better physical shape and be able to enjoy our work to a greater degree.