covid 19 in parramos, New Puppy, and Prayer

Last Tuesday, we heard about the first case of Covid-19 in Parramos – a 40 year old woman who had been in Chimaltenango hospital for a c-section. As a result, the mayor has instituted a few more checkpoints and closed the open market in the main square. From what I’m hearing (I really don’t go out much), the city has quieted down quite a bit and it’s pretty empty on the streets. 

This past Saturday, a few of us went to take some food to the grandmother of some of our children. Due to travel restrictions and the curfew, she had not been able to go out, so our wonderful lawyer Marisa picked up a package of food that had been prepared by a staff member at House of Hope. We added protein meal packs as well as paid for a month of phone service so that she can call the children here and have a means to communicate if needed. Aside from a bag of corn kernels used to prepare tortillas, I did not see any food at her home so was very glad we could drop off some staples.

Meanwhile at Immanuel, we’ve started a few new things. The caregivers continue to work with the teachers (via WhatsApp) on daily homework assignments for the children. In addition, I’ve started to work with the grade school kids on beginner English lessons. Just once a week, but I’m enjoying spending time with them.

​And doggies! Our groundskeeper got a puppy and will be bringing him to work during the day. He's around 4 months old and still needs his vaccinations and a flea collar, so will be hanging out in the large chicken coop for now.

And of course prayer. I’ve been listening to messages recently on prayer and being very challenged and encouraged. While I enjoy my private prayer times, I really felt God leading me to pray with the staff. So we have started to pray together 3 times a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, after the children have gone to sleep. I’m excited to see how God will work through these times, as we intercede for the children, each other, and whatever/whoever else God leads us to bring to Him in prayer. 

As always, your prayers and partnership are much appreciated!
​
-Jackie