Navidad and Casas and 2012

Well as 2011 wraps up, I'm just here packing a bag to go home for the holidays!  Before leaving though, some things needed changing.  Like casas.  I moved from something like the Soho of Trujillo, to something more like the Bronx (you know, sketchy but up and coming).  If you've ever visited us, surely you remember Senora Nila who has worked in the clinic since its foundation.  She's offered me a room at her place in a much closer neighborhood to the clinic and right across the street from where two of our obstetricians live.  As a new Christian, Nila returned from Argentina to her home town of Trujillo after her husband died of cancer in 1997.  Shortly after, she became a grandmother and then, at age fifty something, went to school to become a licensed vocational nurse.  It's obvious that she loves working at the clinic where she can use her gifts to care for the sick and also share the gospel freely.
Speaking of medical ministry, we would appreciate prayer as we go through some growing pains.  I was sure that when our missionary doctor left not many patients would continue to come, especially since we haven't had any medical campaigns in quite a while.  On the contrary, there has continued to be a rapid increase in new and returning patients every week!  This encourages us that God will keep things going strong even after our dear Dr. Julton leaves in January to specialize in surgical medicine in the United States.  Julton's plan is to return to Peru after a few years and teach surgery in the mission's hospital!  We are all so excited for him.  We have already found one new Christian general practitioner and are one the search for a few more.  Peruvian or American.  Know any?  Please pray that God brings us good, caring doctors who share our vision and help us spread the gospel through medicine.  We also are praying for wisdom that we manage our finances wisely and in obedience to the law of the land, while still being able to help those who cannot afford even our affordable care.  The trouble is that we want to help everyone but still have many taxes and  of course need to pay our Peruvian employees.  As all donations these days are being used to build the hospital, we are now running  mainly on patient revenue.  This transition has been a bit rocky but we trust that the Lord will bless our work that we are doing all for Him.
Thanks to my family, Trinity Church, Grace Reformed Church and a few other individuals, I am blessed to say that I will also be able to return to Peru in January 2012.  Huzzah!  I'm super excited that the medical team administrator is set to return to Trujillo shortly after me!  I have lots of ideas to share with him and can't wait to hear his too.  Next time I hope to tell you more about that!