2 hours up the mountain, down and around several ridges, into this community of Tumbala. The road was really bad.... They speak Ch’ol here, not Tzeltal. It is a completely different language. We had fun with our hosts. Pastor Antonio and his wife Carmen, learning a few words in Ch’ol, translating to Tzeltal and then to Spanish! Nevermind, English!
Pastor Antonio communicated to Pablo that his small congregation wanted reading glasses and information on water filters. We threw in toothbrushes, as well! We had a full and rewarding day. We Fit 70 people with reading glasses, and presented operational and health information on the filters. We had great fun on the hot day with a toothbrushing class for approximately 100 kids! We used water and a tap of toothpaste and brusha, brusha, brusha-d! We spit and learned not just the mechanics, but the health implications of good teeth.
The joy at our presence, and the gratitude with our gifts, was clear. We were fed a wonderful turkey soup, and headed home, full.
I will head to the jail again this week. I am comfortable in the mission there, and going alone, as Jim and Sharon, long time missionaries and friends with a long time jail ministry, have gone home to Michigan. They know me now, both guards and inmates. It has become easier to converse of things spiritual, in Spanish, and of faith and personal challenges. Can’t take pictures of the inside!
Though one is searched, signed in twice, stamped, and must pass thru several large, heavy clanging gates, there is a fair amount of freedom inside. The men love visitors. There is a Presby. Chapel that we built, and a Catholic chapel. The men make and sell crafts, the hammocks, baskets, wood products, to support themselves and families on the outside. Many have come to know the Lord while inside, due to the consistent visits of these faithful servants.
Well, enough for today! Thank you for taking time to read and get a sense of life in Chiapas, thru some pictures and stories. I love to share. See picts....
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