Update for September in Mexico

October 10th, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving Day, everyone!

  



  View at the ranch from the bunkhouse

 

Well, we have about one week left in Arriaga, Mexico and it is a sad happy time for our family. We are saying tearful goodbyes to dear friends, wondering when we will see each other again. We want to return here, but do not know when that will happen. At the same time, our hearts are eager to return to our family, friends and home in Canada.

The rainy season seems to be coming to an end. The moss and mold in our backyard is beginning to die away, and we have beautiful sunny days with lovely breezes keeping us comfortable. These breezes will grow in intensity as the windy season arrives. The people of Arriaga are called “the people who eat dirt” because so much dirt and debris blows around that it ends up everywhere, including one's mouth.  (After I wrote this, we got 24 hours of steady rain!)

 

September was a productive month at the ranch. The blockhouse is nearly finished. The floor remains to be completed before the block machine can be installed and wired. The bunkhouse has also been moving along rapidly. Plumbing and gas lines are being installed and the walls are receiving a smooth topcoat. Wiring in the previously run conduit will begin soon.  While there is lots of work to be done, it is encouraging to see what was accomplished in one month.

 

 

   

Last month we wrote that El Faro had decided to begin homeschooling all of the children. One big decision about homeschooling, was the choice to make it a bilingual school. Many of the children are able to understand English, but are hesitant to speak it. Through the placement testing, Bill and Tammy got a better understanding of their students' ability in English and were pleasantly surprised by the results. It will still be a challenge for the students to transition into subjects taught completely in English.

 

We enjoyed a two week visit from Andrea and Nick Hourd, a young couple from our church in London. Nick helped with wiring at the orphanage. Two new air conditioners are now working in the classrooms, thanks to his hard work. Andrea helped with painting at the orphanage and blessed me with cooking and grocery shopping. Most of all, we loved being able to spend our evenings talking and playing games together. This is something we've missed, time visiting with other young couples(in English).

  

Sorry, this letter is brief, but we wanted to let you know how we are doing in the midst of packing up. We look forward to seeing you soon and catching up on all that we've missed in the past 9 months.

 

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

Prayer Items:

• Thanks for the work completed at the ranch.
• Grace and patience for the transition into the bilingual homeschool curriculum.
• Supply of workers and helpers at the orphanage.
• A Mexican worker for the babies is still needed.
• Safe traveling for our return to Canada.