The storm at Emmanuel

     This trip for Allan and me has brought us many new experiences. Rain in Honduras for one. Normally in January when we always come with our team, it is very dry. I think it thought about raining once but changed it's mind.  I think the rainy season has started. We have had several nights of rain followed by oppressive humid HEAT! Yesterday we tried something completely different, a violent thunder storm with very high winds, hail and torrential rains. It lasted less than 45 minutes but did a good bit of damage to many of the roofs here. The clinic's roof was damaged more than most and the big tree at the little girls house is now half it's former size.
     We had just started afternoon clinic when it hit. Lots of children were caught in the small clinic with us. As the roof left us rain began to pour in and the lights went out. A young boy was brought in with a large gash in his chin. Carelia and I got him to the exam table and she began her work. She calmly reassured this scared little boy that he was going to be alright. It took her a while to stop the bleeding to assess the cut. It was wide and deep. I held the flashlight while she took care of him. The lights came back on but water continued to pour through the ceiling. She went about her task as if this is normal procedure, which it is I suppose.  Remember we have about 20 scared ninos in here with us wanting to see everything. She gives him a shot of lidocaine to deaden the pain and prepare to stitch his chin. He fought back tears as she gently sewed and tied each stitch in his chin. We took care of him then tried to cover as much of the medication and other important things in the clinic as possible. We took the three sick children with us to the volunteer house due to the condition of the clinic.
        A beautiful morning greeted us as we went out to see the damage. A few trees, lots of dirt washed away, and lots of ceiling tiles around. Amazingly the big boys were out early cleaning up and repairing damage.  In no time they fixed the clinic roof, the little girls dining area, and anything else that needed it. By afternoon everything was fixed and there was little evidence of the previous night's drama! The work of these older boys was as amazing as the storm itself. They take such pride in their home.  There is a lesson for us all in this.
        Tomorrow is the Lord's day and service will be special as always. Here at Emmanuel everyday is the Lord's day! Can I have an AMEN!