As the whole town of Colima took shape under our paintbrushes the churches, the trees, the houses, the hills and reservoir, the fishermen and the sugar mill we rejoiced and celebrated together the beauty and life of this place, all of us as real people, God s children, in Colima, in solidarity with each other, women and children of Colima and our U.S. visitors. Later in the day we swam and ate dinner together and had devotions and singing in Spanish and English. Tears flowed as women shared words of love and caring for each other and expressions of faith in God s plan for redemption and healing. The tour by the Presbyterian women had covered Costa Rica and Guatemala as well as El Salvador, where the group was hosted by Presbyterian mission personnel and local partners in mission, like Alfalit and the Reformed Church of El Salvador. We pray this will have impact on future decisions by the General Assembly about the ministry and mission of the Church.
People use the nearby sugarcane fields as a restroom.
Conditions are so crowded that small children are constantly trespassing on the neighbor s property, causing unending conflicts between families. El Mes n, they think of dirty people endlessly feuding among themselves. They want to change the image of their dwelling and of themselves, and they are seeking to overcome bitter resentment in order to create a better future for their children, starting with three humble latrines to be shared among the nine families. We are providing tools for communication and a setting where reconciliation can take place for these women and their families. We ask your prayers for God s blessing on their efforts to move forward.