June Update from Mexico

July 2^nd, 2011

Hello Everyone,

Hope you enjoyed Canada Day yesterday! Things are going well for us here. They are constantly changing, and we continue to experience the unexpected.

There is no doubt that rainy season has arrived. We have rain almost every day and some days it doesn't seem to stop. On those days, the streets flood and the storm drains spew water like Niagara Falls. But life carries on as usual in the rain. Everyone has different coping strategies. We saw one couple riding their motorcycle with an umbrella.

Hannah and Jude are doing well with their Spanish. We hear them having conversations and sometimes when I don't know a word, Hannah can help me out. We are also having an easier time communicating when we're out and about. The culture here is that the more people know you, the more freedom they have to tease you. This is definitely to our benefit. Since we know so few people, we don't have too many people laughing at our mistakes and we continue to blather on in our broken Spanish.

Recently a mission team came from Virginia for a week. Their project was to install a security fence at the ranch. They worked hard and finished their goal. This is the first work team that has come while we have been here and it was rewarding for Sam to be busy working with them. He enjoyed their great camaraderie.

For the team's last evening with us, we all went out to the ranch for a picnic and bonfire. It is so nice at the ranch because what was dry and brown, is now alive, green, and growing. It is very pleasant to wander around the ranch, pick limes, and enjoy time away from the city. Around the campfire, we took turns sharing things for which we are thankful. Forty plus people testified of the goodness of God and how He has changed lives through El Faro.

Since last writing, Kimberley (the young girl with cerebral palsy) suffered an epileptic seizure. It was a frightening experience for everyone as it hasn't happened before, and came without any warning. The doctor predicts this to be a permanent problem and she is now taking epileptic medication. Please pray with us that Kimberley will be healed completely.

The school year will be ending next week. However, the children will continue to have classes through out the summer at El Faro. This is because most of them are behind in their studies and need extra help to catch up with their peers. Hannah and Jude will continue with their homeschool as we also are behind in our work. It hasn't been so easy to keep to our schedule here.

We fluctuate in how much we miss Canada. Some days we feel right at home here and other days we miss our family, friends and home in Canada. So thank you for keeping in contact with us. Thank you for your prayers. We definitely see God's protection for us and His grace as we live in such a different part of His world.

Love Sam, Wendy, Hannah, Jude, and Jeremiah Dieleman

Prayer Items:

• Thanksgiving for the Virginia team's contribution to El Faro.
• Protection for Kimberly from further seizures and complete healing.
• Progress in the children's schoolwork and adequate teaching help.
• Wisdom for decisions regarding baby Rebecca's leg.
• A Mexican worker for the babies is still needed.