After feeling very much under the weather yesterday, I was happy to awaken this morning feeling almost human. I’d prayed all night (at least when I’d wake up) that I’d be able to go to Silsa’s birthday party today, and, praise God, I was feeling well enough to do so.
I first met Silsa in February of 2009 (can it really be three years ago already?). We brought her down to Antigua to see a doctor at Hermano Pedro because she was having seizures lasting many hours, and had lost the ability to walk. To make a very long story short, her father had been involved with the local “witches” (yes, they exist here in Guatemala) and it seemed her condition was getting progressively worse. She was to return to Antigua in March of that year, but her family (at least her father) decided not to pursue medical treatment for her, but trust the treatment and counsel of the witches.
I was broken hearted when Dick had told me this, since I had fallen head over heals for this beautiful, shy young girl. Over time, Gordon, Donna Mooney’s father, and a number of local pastors from Huehuetenango would visit this young lady and her family to pray healing over her. 
This affliction, we all felt, was at least as much a spiritual battle as it was a medical concern. First, her seizures stopped. Next, she began to walk a little. When we were here last July, she could take a few steps, but still spent most of her time in a wheelchair. Four weeks ago she was walking on two crutches. Today, she walked holding only my arm for balance. All this is answered prayer, for she has received no further medical treatment.She is, in fact, a walking miracle, and a living testimony to the healing power of our Mighty Savior. There is no doubt in our minds that her health today is a direct answer to the prayers of these men of God and many others throughout the world who have been praying for her healing.
When we visiting the family about a month ago, we were invited to Silsa’s quinciñera (fifteenth birthday party). The family is very poor, and could not afford guests beyond their own family, but wanted us to celebrate this special day with them. It just so happened the Bethel Ministries would be having a distribution here in Huehue a few days before her birthday, and we would already be in the area. We would just need to stay a few extra days.
So here we are, celebrating Silsa’s entrance into womanhood. Dick and I were accompanied by Dave and Gordon on this trip. In many areas, this celebration is more elaborate (and expensive) than a wedding, with a ball-gown type dress and a reception equal to that of a wedding. In poorer families, this is not so, but it is still a very special time in a girl’s life. This family would do what they could to make her day special.
Arriving, we found pine needles scattered in front of and throughout their tiny adobe house. We were warmly welcomed by the family, though dad still seemed a bit stand-off-ish. Sylvestra, Silsa’s mother, and the children and Sylvestra’s parents are Christ-followers, but dad remains at best skeptical. At least he’s not openly hostile to Christianity as he had been in the past.
When we were ready to eat, we were given places of honor, seated at the table, while most of the family sat on the bed around the room. Sylvestra had prepared a delicious meal of pepián, a spicy stew traditionally served at celebrations in Guatemala which she presented proudly to her guests. Her corn tortillas are the best I’ve ever eaten. Though my stomach was still a bit sensitive, I had to at least sample the food. We were honored to be able to buy the birthday cake for this party.After dinner, Dick wanted to take some medicine up to Freddy, who lives further up the mountain, and invited the boys in the family to join him. Dad seemed a bit concerned, and decided to go with. To make room in the car, I stayed behind to visit with the women at the house.
Dick, why don’t you write something here about your trip to Freddy’s?
I hate to interrupt you Pat, so I will let Dave do it instead.~~Dick
After we finished the birthday cake at Silsa's, Dick, Silsa's dad, 3 brothers and myself drove to Freddy's home to deliver some more meds to Freddy. Dick told Freddy's mom that he would personally deliver the meds every few months. 
Pat and Gordon stayed with Silsa and her mom and had a good time chatting and visiting. Meanwhile Dick let all 3 boys take turns steering the Landcruiser. There were a few laughs to say the least, and it was especially good to see dad laugh and enjoy his boys having fun. The word I kept hearing from Dick was "DIRECTO, DIRECTO!" What a hoot! After we got back to Silsa's we took Silsa and her mom to a doctor in Huehue (to check on some minor medical problems that she had). The female doctor (recommended to us by Gordon), did not charge us anything, and the 4 meds she prescribed ended up costing about Q150. Silsa is also scheduled for an ultrasound next Wed.
Dick and I then drove Silsa and her mom back home, and on the way mom showed us where she walks down to the highway to sell the cheese they make from their cows. It only takes her half an hour to descend (over 1000 ft. in elevation) down a winding, steep path.
On the way back to Huehue, Dick and I both were in awe of where we were the view is muy bonito as we were at approx. 7000 ft above sea level.
Seeing where these people live, and how they get to school and work, sure makes one thank God for all he has blessed me with.
Gracias a Dios. Dave
The car was not even off the land when Dora, Silsa’s 19 year old sister, asked me if I was a teacher. When I said I was, she shyly asked if I could help her learn, since she had never been able to attend school. I was somewhat surprised at this, since the other children all are receiving and education, but said I’d try. She shared with me that the local church was holding reading classes and she was learning a bit there.
She knew the vowel sounds and many of the consonant sounds, and I began giving her longer and longer words to read. She surprised me at how quickly she caught on, reading words such as trabajamos (we work) and hermana (sister) which required her to not only sound out the letters, but divide the word into syllables. Furthermore, she read simple sentences and immediately understood their meaning. She’s off to a good start.
Since she isn’t receiving any instruction in math, but knew how to count and the basic numbers, we began working on addition and subtraction facts. She quickly could complete most of the addition mentally, but had a bit more difficulty with the subtraction. Soon, however, she was off and running with simple problems.
So, I’ve promised her I will bring her some beginning reading and math books when we return in a couple months. Silsa and her brother have promised to help their sister with her work. Though she will not attend formal school, Dora is determined to learn basic reading, writing and math skills, and I have no doubt that by this time next year she will have a good foundation in both of these areas. I don’t know that I’ve ever been so grateful for my experience as a teacher as I was to be able to help this young lady, and see the glow of pride and accomplishment on her face when we finished her first lesson.When the men returned, we headed down the mountain to Huehue, along with Sylvestra and Silsa. Silsa had been having some minor medical problems Mom wanted checked, and Gordon knew a good, Christian woman doctor in the city. This generous lady treated Silsa for free, and the five medications she prescribed came to a whopping 120 quetzales (about $15). Dick left 200Q with Sylvestra so Silsa could return next Wednesday to have a ultrasound done. This visit was, for us, an answer to prayer, also. We have been looking for good doctors in the Huehuetenango area (many are not so good), and finding this lady was another answered prayer.
Sharing these special times with the families we serve who have now become friends is my favorite part of living in Guatemala. These folks generously invite us to be part of their lives, and we are richly blessed by them.
Pat
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