Oh, the things you will see

Dear family and friends,

The book from Dr. Seuss comes to mind when I write this blog. "Oh the places you will go" I think I should write a book titled "Oh the things you will see."

We just finished our fourth month here in Bocachica. I can honestly say, I have seen more things in the past four months to give me great topics to talk about for the next forty years.

     

•  I have seen a bull who was transported to the island to a new home. He got loose, and being distraught, he ran wild in front of the mission. He picked up a 5 year old girl with his horns and threw her. I saw panic break out on the island and watched my husband as he joined the locals to help detain him.

• I took part in enjoying a new delicacy of iguana.

• Though I have never run out of gas while driving a car in the states....4 different times now I have been on a boat and run out of gas.

• I have been with out electricity for days at a time....

• I walked a long ways away to help my husband and locals pick up coral rock and put it in sacks for our new house.
• I go in a boat to a dangerous part of town to get my groceries. I won't even tell you how awful it smells.

• I have seen my husband take on the role of animal control as he killed 2 possums with a machete that occupied our attic.

But more than just this I have seen how my outer shell is getting stronger. My mind is getting sharper and my heart is getting fuller.

I have learned in the past four months that being a missionary is not only about spreading the gospel. The biggest thing I have learned is the people here give you respect and know your heart through your relationship with them. Living among them like they live. Walking up a hill that is barely walk-able to get water to wash clothes.  To understand what they endure everyday, and then having a thankful heart on top of that. That is what speaks to them. Seeing how you can adapt to what they have become accustomed to.

What a gift to get. To have the joy of the Lord where you are and with what you have. I am blessed.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!




We are enjoying our new lives here and feel at home. Thank you all who pray for us, write to us and support us monthly. We are blessed to have you in our lives and share in our ministry.

With love,
Tara and the Ariel Family.

If you would like to support us monthly please make checks payable to Antioch Community Church. P.O. Box 40  Elon, NC. 27244 Write Colombia in the memo line. (Remember all giving     is tax deductible.)

Minnesota Medical Team

 Hello from Bocachica once again.

We have said good bye to the Minnesota team that has been here for the week. They are headed back to the cold weather of the far north. They got to use the Clinic building we have been working on the last few months, though it isn't perfect it was better than before. They got to see about 480 patients between the 3 doctors, a midwife, and 3 nurses. They also taught 2 classes on health issues. The team of 10 people were kept busy from about 8am to 6pm every day. Even with the full schedule everyone had good spirits the whole week, definitely God's grace was on everyone involved.

 The rooms that were concrete and sheet rock were all painted and tiled, and outfitted with desks and beds. (above is before below and after.)

 The first room was gynecology, the second was surgery, the third was general, and the fourth was general and pain. They're appointment times we close, but everyone seen was prayed with after each visit.

 the center receiving area before and after















One of the good stories this week is about a a man that needed surgery, but didn't have an appointment. He didn't one because he was from the next village over, and didn't hear about it in time to get one. On thursday he came to the clinic, and was told we couldn't see him. His wife persisted and asked that the doctor just look at the growth that needed to be removed. He was told he would have to wait and the doctor would see him when she got a chance.
 On the doctors break she took a look at, said she could do it no problem. They were overjoyed because the growth was about the size of a baseball on his lower back below his pant line. The wife said her husband had it for about 20 years. It hung from him by just a little bit of skin, so he had to wear pants that could adjust to this extra piece of flesh that was there. It also made it hard to sit normal. After a quick 15 minutes procedure he was free from his 20 year companion. He gave lots of hugs and was very grateful to everyone. It was a simple, but because of the money they never had it removed. This is one of the many blessings given during the week.
Check out the site below for additional pictures of the week
http://www.facebook.com/proyectolibertad.ywamcolombia

Once again thank all of you who pray and support us here
May the Lord bless and keep you!
the Ariels