I will start with thanks that Leray was able to get to the doctor after the funds came in to pay for the doctor’s visit, her tetanus shot, and a prescription for the infection in her foot.   She is now very much improved, and we thank God for that.

The new trouble is that there is a typoon that is hitting just a little north of them so the winds are less at the children’s home but they are getting the heavy rain.   After the children’s home roof was crushed almost 2 weeks ago, they are currently in a category 5 typhoon (same as a hurricane). Inday got the children somewhere protected but she’s staying there to try to stabilize things and keep ahead of the rain. The police came through and suggested evacuating because they are so close to the ocean and they are expecting a storm surge. Requesting prayers.

I don’t seem to be able to insert the links from the news sources but if you look at the BBC and Reuters websites, they both have good coverage of Typhoon Rai.

I ask for your prayers for their safety and for your assistance with the repairs from the after effects.   You can donate on the front page of the website.

Thank you.

On November 9th, there were 12 new pigs born at the children’s home.   There are 20 ready to be sold.

This is an effort for them to become as self-sufficient as possible.

A little overdue update about the stateside portion of the children’s home.

All the board members have had Covid.  Our Treasurer passed away from it on January 2, 2021,  Dr. Horace D. Smith, local long-time pastor and substitute teacher in the local school system will be sorely missed by many people due to his work in the community.

I have had severe complications since April 14, 2020, and have been unable to work and had hospitalizations relating to the complications.   Between doctors, rehab, and treatment, I am at the doctor’s or hospital almost every day.   I offer that as the reason why I have not gotten newsletters out very timely.   The others have mostly recovered.

It has really cut down on the opportunities for speaking in front of other groups, so consequently support is greatly reduced at a time when our expenses have risen.   Why risen?  Due to the lockdown, we have been providing a hot meal a day and a small bedtime snack to 10 elderly people who are not able to have other sources of food.   We also have a couple more children that we are helping, bringing the total to 39.

I will say that those who are regular monthly donors, sponsoring a child or just general donations, you have been a wonderful source of support during this time.     Our monthly budget is just under $3,000 a month and when emergencies like illness occur, it can be easily over that.   There are no paid positions, everyone is a volunteer.

If you would consider becoming a child sponsor, your contribution is very much appreciated.    You can go to the website, www.hopehomeandschool.org and there is a donation tab on the front page.

I was chatting with my Princess this morning and she told me that her uncle that had a stroke when I was there in 2015, was taken to the hospital by ambulance and has tested positive for Covid. His house is only about 100 feet from the children’s home. Since he is bed-bound, I have to wonder who brought it into his house.

Inday has been very strict with the children and their interactions with others not living in the home. Hopefully, they will stay well. Inday, Princess, and Leray all have past health problems that would give them a weakness that would make them susceptible to the Covid complications.

I might have pictures of him when I visited him in his home.   I wish the best for him and all affected.  Just a week or two ago there were 4 deaths in the small community from Covid.  I don’t find his picture but he lives in the nearest house on the left.