My last update was in April. You can look for several updates close together as I try to catch up.
In April, Caleb and Belinda had just left for their visit to the States. That left us here with Anita. We were so thankful to have had Anita’s help over that time because we had just disovered that we were expecting another baby—surprise! Steph was not feeling well those months, so Anita was especially appreciated, both at home and at the store.
Alicia had been working with Esmeralda at the store, but when Caleb left, Alicia stopped working. She and Esmeralda found they got along better with Caleb in charge than when Esmeralda took over. That made work at the store a bit more complicated, but we managed with Esmeralda taking the bulk of the work and doing well with it. I went in each Monday to meet with her to discuss things, but otherwise, I was at school or at the farm.
We enjoyed a visit from Brent and Ruth Slabaugh. They boosted our spirits while Caleb’s were away. Always a joy to have dear friends around.
While Caleb’s were still in the States, Tanner arrived. We’ve really enjoyed getting to know him, and I’ve been grateful for him on the farm. He has been my extra set of hands and has always been willing to help with whatever project there was to do; though, milking the cow in the evenings was a bit of stretch for him. It is hard to believe that in less than three weeks, he will be heading back to the States.
We enjoyed a week’s visit from Kenton Slabaugh. He and Tanner hit it off from the start, which I was glad of because Tanner was feeling lonely and homesick. The two fellows kept busy with various projects for me, which I was super thankful for.
Not long after Caleb returned in June, we said farewell to Anita. We really miss her. She was a sweet lady, a willing worker, and a great friend to the sisters here. She had talked of returning next year, but she has since accepted a teaching job at her local church school in Paraguay.
I think it was late June when Steph began having complications with the pregnancy, and we thought we were going to lose the baby. She was put on bedrest. I wasn’t sure how exactly we were supposed to make life work with me at school and Steph in bed, but the Lord provided.
We were beyond grateful for Gabriela and then Evelina from the Huaral church for their help over that time. Gabriela was with us several weeks. She is a rather spunky young lady, just the opposite in temperment from Anita, so it felt like a bit of whirlwind but the very best kind of whirlwind. Steph blessed her many times for how efficient a worker she was in the house while Steph was laid up.
Evelina came to relieve Gabriela. As it turned out, God gave us a miracle, and Steph’s condition completely reversed for the better. We had an opportunity for her to join me for a business trip to the States the first of August, which we took. Evelina came just as we were leaving, helping Caleb and Belinda with the children in our absence. She was with us about a week after we returned from our trip. Many thanks to those ladies and their families for sharing with us!
When we returned from the States, we brought back Robyn with us from Virginia. Lord willing, she will be with us through January, which will be after the baby arrives. She has done remarkably well with jumping right into daily life. Steph feels blessed with such a capable young woman around to help throughout the day. Robyn plans to have a short visit to the States in October for her brother’s wedding but plans to return after a couple of weeks, Lord enabling.
That brings us to present day. As I said, Tanner plans to return to the States in a couple of weeks. We’re going to miss him. I’m especially going to miss his capable help! He’s been a life saver with me at school; I’ll have to figure out how to keep things rolling once he’s gone—I’m afraid he’s spoiled me a bit.
Robyn will be away for a couple weeks in October, but we look forward to having her around until January after that. Speaking of January, that is when Caleb and Belinda return to the States permanently. I think they will be here just a little longer than Robyn. So, when Caleb’s have moved back to the States, that will leave our family here as the only missionary family again. Does that mean we’re going back to the good ole days? 🙃
Recently, I’ve had numerous people ask us what we need here in Peru. My answer is pretty much the same for everyone: workers! We are nowhere near reaching around to all the needs and opportunities we have here. School takes up so much of my time, and I’m doing remote work in the evenings for income, which leaves little time to do the pastoring I feel like I ought to do.
What we pray for is that God would send laborers into the vineyard here. I have had a dream the last few months of a church taking an interest in the work here and sending an outreach of several families to plant a church and carry the work forward. Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Keep praying for the work here, please. Pray that God’s kingdom would be realized on earth even as it is in heaven.
Work Opportunities
- Two young fellows for 6-8 weeks to replace fence here on the farm (Many of the fence posts are falling over. We’re just replacing them as we have time, but they should all be replaced.)
- Two young ladies for 3 months to help Steph with the baby and to help bake (starting in January; also, if there’s interest for long-term, we’d certainly welcome that)
- Couples or families intereted in long-term church work
- *Send me an email if you would be interested or if you know of someone else who might be.
Juan David 