Sept 2005 report
Dear Friends,
The thief fortunately had picked the worst location on the back wall of
our house to begin trying to dig through. The spot he chose was right
where an internal adobe wall joined. The post he used did actually break
through the wall, as when we opened the door, there was a small amount
of rubble lying on the wood stove. Marselo, our closest neighbor, and his
friend Falctino were waiting at our house as we pulled into Lajas. They
wasted no time in filling us in with all the details of the attempted
break in, and their heroic efforts to thwart the thieves. From what we
can gather, the week before, they were awoken in the dead of night by
some noise coming from near our house. Apparently the thief, who had
grabbed a wooden post, accidentally hit the tin roof with it as he was
trying to break through the wall. At some point in time, the dog (Not
ours, but Marselo's, although he lives at our house when we are there.
Better food!) began to bark at the thief. Anselmo (Marselo's dad) came
from his house with a flashlight, and Marselo and Falctino (if truth be
told) found their guns and fired several shots. The more times they
recounted the story, the more shots seemed to have been fired, so
perhaps for our entertainment they may have embellished the story some.
Needless to say, their showing up caused the thief to flee for his life.
The following day, the governor and other village leaders investigated
the damage and then sent word to us in Durango. Efren (Marselo's older
brother) patched the wall with rocks and mud. Praise the Lord nothing
was stolen, and praise the Lord no one was killed in the ensuing battle.
We did thank Marselo, Falctino, Efren, and Anselmo, and we did mention
that we appreciate their efforts but we would prefer that if shots are
to be fired on our behalf, preferably we would like no one to be killed.
This idea may have seemed foreign to them, but we think they understood.
Later on in the week, when we met with the village leaders, they
apologized to us for what had happened, and we expressed out gratitude
for them investigating and making sure things were taken care of.
Barry and I were glad to make it into the village after a grueling trip.
His truck was experiencing difficulties in going into four wheel drive
and his brakes overheated due to leaving the park brake on, so the final
descent into Lajas was somewhat risky. It was a good time being with our
Tepehuan friends and getting some work done on the house. The meeting
with the village leaders was good in that we could begin dialoguing
about repairing and registering the airstrip. The fact that they haven't
raised questions about us building out there means, at least they are
thus far in agreement non-verbally. We're hoping and praying for the
same outcome for the Wingos.
Anne Marie was alive when we returned, but frazzled due to having the
kids on her own. Basically all our kids have leadership qualities which
are difficult for one parent to handle. They are also very active and
energetic, hence the sooner we can be in the village together rather
than me being gone so much, the better it will be. Anne Marie will be
having surgery on some veins in her leg on Saturday. It requires one
night in the hospital and a couple of weeks on her back with her legs
elevated. Linda Steinbacher (John's wife) has offered to come and help
out in the house, and has willingly volunteered to look after Anne Marie
and the kids while John, Brent, Barry, Alcides, and I spend a week in
Lajas working on the house. This we appreciate very much, although Linda
may need trauma counseling once all this is over. Pray for Anne Marie
and for a full and successful recovery. Her doctor Juan Manuel is a good
friend and a Christian.
Finally, thank you for praying for Ermelinda and her little baby
Mayorquin. He did survive the surgery and was released yesterday from
the hospital. He has a number of checkups before he can be termed "fully
recovered", but he is doing well. The family is very appreciative and we
hope this can be used by the Lord to bring them to Christ down the road.
Thanks for praying. All of the above is an answer to your prayers. We
are indebted to your faithfulness.
For Jesus,
Andrew and Anne Marie
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