On our return to Coban on January 4th, we learned that there had been some robberies in the Ulpan Valley while we were away. Our home had not been touched, but the news was that the robbers were targeting people who have money. As the only people from the states residing in this area, we were somewhat concerned that we might be one of those targets. To add to our concern, it was discovered that these robbers were armed with guns. After much discussion with our trusted friends and colleagues, Christian Aponte and Steve Sherman, we made the decision to stay out of the valley at night until more could be determined about the safety of living in our home. The kids and I spent over a week in a hotel in Coban catching up on some of our homeschooling goals while Kris, DeeDee and Kevin traveled to the valley to accomplish our work there (This is not a sustainable model, I might add. It's like being in a cage with wild animals to be trapped in a hotel room long-term with my children.).
Last week, we were blessed by the arrival of a very talented and fun group of engineers who installed a water system in the village of Sesalche II. During this time, we returned to what appeared to be a quiet and, once again, peaceful valley. News of robberies had all but disappeared, and we felt at ease in entering our home again on a permanent basis. However, the last night of the engineering team's trip, robbers were spotted once again not far from our house. Again, it was reported that they were armed. Upon these findings, we moved the team out early the next morning as well as our families.
So where does this leave us right now?? Because we don't know much factual information about this group of robbers (most of what we hear has come through the grapevine), we have made the decision that the boys and I along with Cata and DeeDee will be staying out of the valley for the next month. This has come after many prayers, after much advice, and after many tears as well. Our hearts are in the valley and with the people who call it home. That is where we feel that we have been called to help God's people, and it is frustrating to find ourselves in a holding pattern. Kevin and I also realize that our number one priority no matter where we are is to keep our children as reasonably safe as is within our power.
During this month, Kevin and Kris will travel to the valley to continue working on projects already started while we stay in Antigua. We are hoping to make the most of this waiting period by taking some more language classes as well as continuing in our home school studies. Also, on a happy note, my parents will be coming to see us in a few days and will be spending an extended period of time with us here. Our hope is that we will be able to show them many parts of this beautiful country including the valley where we most want to be!
Please understand that we in no way feel that our safety is threatened at this time...even in the valley! We also understand that being cautious is the best practice in this situation. Hopefully, over the next month, we will be able to get a factual perspective on what is actually going on in the communities in Ulpan. Our sincere hope is that we will be able to move back by the end of February, but we are taking things one day at a time right now. Please lift this situation up in your prayers. Pray for the people who are there who don't have the luxury of picking up and moving their families out. Pray for the work that Kevin and Kris will be continuing and for their safety as they travel back and forth. Pray for the perpetrators as well. Pray that God will soften their hearts and that they could have a "Damascus Road" moment in their lives.
We are continually reminded that we are not doing our work here alone. The prayers that you offer us are felt daily, and rest assured that we could not be here without your love and support. We'll try to keep you posted as we know more, but right now that is simply not much. We love you all and miss you! I'll leave you with a breath-taking shot taken from our home this past week. As this picture beautifully demonstrates, we are hopeful for good things to come in the Ulpan Valley.
I'm still praying that you will find some resolution and can return to your home in the Valley. Thanks for a wonderful week!
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