Hello from La Palma! We have not been able to get good internet service for a few days, so it is great to be able now to post some updates.
The group left yesterday with mixed emotions. Many would loved to stay, especially for the worship this morning. They all had a good time while here and were glad for the opportunity to come. We believe they are all home safely. The bus that took them to the airport broke down just after the new group got on. It was able to get to Olocuilta, the best pupuseria in the country and they got to eat the national food for a while. The bus was repaired and the new team arrived in La Palma about 6pm. Six went on to Ocotepeque Honduras and will spend the week there for an evangelistic campaign, some construction work, and a VBS session. We will join them tonight for worship.
Yesterday we continued to work on improvements to the school and church building. The signs got moved and a new PA system tested for the La Palma building. We also made some visits.

The new people who are staying La Palma immediately merged into those of us remaining and we are getting along great! They are all anxious to work. We had some great singing and fellowship last night at the restaurant. We were all tired, so we went to bed early. Seven suitcases belonging to the Kansas City group did not get to the airport and had to be delivered this morning --but not in time for them to have good clothes for worship. It is OK now.
This morning was the inauguration meeting of the new church building. Tony did a great job of telling them that the building is a tool and now they have the responsibility to harvest the lost, who are all around. There were 342 in attendance for worship--they came from about 10 congregations plus the local community. The singing was awesome! A ceremony was conducted to make the final payment to the contractor and receive all of the keys from the property owner.
The ladies of the congregation had worked yesterday afternoon and through the night to prepare food for everyone.
We still do not have word on container delivery, but we know that it will happen sometime. We are ready. I am glad it did not come yesterday, because we would not have had room for worship today.
There is a lot to do this week, so we are doing some resting today. We are all well and healthy.
I will try to post some photos of our group soon. God bless you,
Ralph