CHIAPAS OCTOBER2017

Got thru immigr. and customs in record time!   NO lines.  No red light green light.  I think they are scanning bags ahead somehow.  So you just pick up the bag and drag it to the conveyor belt and you are done!  And then we had 6 hours to sit and wait!  Watching for earthquakes... wondering where to get out fast.   Didn't really see any obvious damage.  Lights across the city beautiful as we landed at 4:20 am.  Tall buildings noted.  I guess a lot of the damage was to new buildings , but built without approval, or up to current codes.  Esp. the school.  Lots of lawsuits.  350 now dead.  

Flights were good.  Pretty smooth, on time.   Sun out in Tuxtla @ 12 noon and for the 6 pm flight of the other folks.   Seeing Jan's face  and Sebastian's big smile, quelled any anxiety.  

It is good to be here. It is rainy season and Jan said it has rained hard the last 10 days.  It has washed away smaller bridges, including the one we have to cross over going from dorm/Bible School living space to the clinic.  And more than normal pot holes, lake like puddles, and topes.  Things like, running water, drainage, sewers, garbage, building codes, rules of the road....are not things Mexico does well....

There was a huge Mexican cargo plane that just arrived at the Tuxtla airport, with Army guys.  Filled with supplies for the earthquake victims.  Very cool.

We did feel a small temblor while sitting at Tuxtla waiting for the others...  I am trying not to be unnerved all the time.  However, I KNOW that God has been with me, for sure.  Too many "coincidences" and moments of grace and mercy.  

The 3 hour road trip went well, tho it began to rain harder and harder as we got down closer to Ocosingo.   The pouring rain did not stop the joyous Bienvenidos from the rest of our friends and crew.   

Home at last !  

Hard rain all night, and my blow up mattress blew down....   flat...not much cush for the hard bare wooden slats.  But what a good sleep!  

And this morning, stunning.  The mountain views are still a sight .  Very reassuring.  

Day of rest...walk down, down the hill a mile or 2 to the little storefront church:  prayers, greetings, songs, traditional  introductions of us Gringos, and sermon by Elder Martin.  Pastor Pablo's prayer for the victims of recent disasters was touching.  

These humble people have collected 7 TONS of rice, beans, building supplies, etc, which will be driven to Oaxaca by Pablo and the other brothers and men of the Presbytery this week.  All can pray.  All can give.  All can go.  

Jan's good chicken, rice, beans, carrots and tortillas for lunch.  A quick swing in the hammock and then we met at the clinic to re-orient ourselves, and prepare and count meds, etc.  

Not sure what tomorrow will bring!   Pablo's radio station has been very effective!  

It is forecast to rain 90% of the next 2 weeks.

Te Amo

Carolina!