Soggy Saturday

Becky came to take us shopping.  We took the bus downtown and were entertained by a man playing the guitar and singing Spanish songs for tips.  We had to clap and  tip him after he played "The Star Spangled Banner" and a few other American tunes.  It was raining again so we carefully picked our way through the crowd of umbrellas while watching for potholes and other things that might trip us up. At the Central Market where everything is sold from meat and vegetables to birds and puppies we bought a few souvenirs.  Our biggest purchases were made at the coffee... where they roast and grind their own coffee.  It smelled wonderful.  A little shopping along the way to the Artisan's market where we bought a few more souvenirs from very accommodating  shopkeepers willing to lower the price.  The array of textiles, wood products, and general merchandise was outstanding, and we wanted to help boost the economy.  

We then took the bus home hoping to say good bye to Loren before he left for his Costa Rican adventures, but had to be satisfied to talk to him on the phone as the  Saturday traffic and the rain conspired to make the bus ride longer than usual.

 Since it was still raining we had to be content to play games like Farkel and Uno for the rest of the afternoon instead of completing  our outside tasks of varnishing the windows and power washing cement tables and chairs.

 This evening we had a guest for dinner again, Perfecto from the Dominican Republic.  After dinner he gave a testimony of how he came to be at UBL.  He was working for World Vision with children whose parents had died or were affected by Aids.  An organization had offered to send several adults from Latin American countries working with some aspect of this problem to come to UBL and get a degree in theology with and emphasis on HIV/Aids.  He will spend some time here and some time in other countries before he attains his Masters.  Because of the expense he will not see his family for 2 years, and we are thankful that there are such dedicated people.  He was also very worried to give up his job, but will most likely be reemployed by World Vision.  He explained that at this time the Dominican Republic churches in general have been unwilling to open their doors to people so affected so we pray the everyone can view this as a health condition and not ostracize those who are affected.