We started out the day at a burn clinic that they have on the missionary compound. The missionary nurse and her family live on site. They are from Greely Colorado and have lived here for six years. Alison went over to the burn unit first w/ Missionary Judy. (She had talked to me previously about Alison's interest in nursing so she got her there while we loaded the truck w/ bags of rice, the pink/blue bags that we brought, boxes of shoes from "Soles for Souls", and various other give-aways.
 
When I got to the clinic I heard a child in terrible pain crying/screaming in agony. My first thought was "oh no, this will scare Alison". By the time I entered the burn clinic, several other team members were in tears. A little boy, age 2 fell into the cook fire in a home just last thursday. Daily they must wash off his wounds. The cool water and antisceptic bath hurt incredibly, especially when you have to srub off all the skin, healing from the day before. Then they cover the burn up w/ an antibotic cream and cover w/ a wrap. The child was screaming. His mother could not even bare to look. The father was weeping as he tried to calm his son. They asked me to pray for them...and through the tears we did. Alison was standing right there along side the nurse assisting the entire time. Before we left the clinic she was cleaning wounds, applying the salve and bandages.
 
Next we did food distribution to the elderly poor. About 62 families show up for their food for the week. A small bag of rice, another of beans and a third of corn. They also receieved some garlic, onions, and some of the bags we created so they would have gifts for their grandchildren. The men and women ranged in age from the early 60's to 90's.
 
Afterwards we headed up a mountain into some of the poorest areas. This mountaious region was hit hard by the four hurricanes. We were met at the church by over 120 children and family members. They received the pink/blue gift bags, bags of rice, and large garbage bag full of clothing. It was unlike anything I had ever seen. They were so grateful for the smallest of kindness. We found several families living in tents because they lost their homes during the hurricanes.
 
We came back to the camp and had lunch before loading up again and this time heading into the flood flats along the coast line. Again, this area was devestated by the hurricanes. We visited a school in which nearly 200 people showed up ... the children sang songs for us: "This is the Day" and "Down in My Heart". Once again we gave out the blue/pink bags to the young children and then new shoes to the older children.
 
On the way back to the compound, we stopped a river that destroyed a village in the aftermath of the hurricane flooding. 25 homes were completely lost, but the people survived. Some of them were now living in tents like those on the mountains.
 
It is so easy to be completely overwhelmed with the need here. If we had 1000 teams doing what we had done today, we would not have made a dent in the hurting lives. But the truth is, you can make a difference one life at a time. These missionaries are doing an amazing work as they reach out with the love of Christ: healing the hurting, feeding the hungry, caring for the orphans, educating the children, loving in the name of Christ and proclaiming the cause of Christ.
 
There is a joy you see these folks. Alison mentioned at one time while we were riding in the back of the truck. They have nothing and they are so happy. Then in one of those moments of insight she said, "Maybe people in the US are not happy because they have so much stuff. Maybe they should try giving it away."
 
Thank you all for your generousity in this season of Christmas. A season that reminds us that God so loved the world, that He gave ...
 
Friends, count your blessings ... we can't wait to share with you the photos and video of this experience.
 
Your Mission Team
Kevin
Alison
Kevin
John
David
Troy
Willis