Hello, we hope you are enjoying your summer! July was a roller coaster month for us, full of ups and downs. I know that many of you are praying for us regularly, which is greatly appreciated. We are praising the Lord for the repair of our refrigerator. Our son, Andy Jr, was able to send the parts we needed down from the States in one of his trucks. He also supplied us with the flywheel required to complete the used transmission installation on Andy’s pickup truck. Our little car received a used engine, but we are still working out the bugs with that one. A lot of time and energy went into getting a midsize bus roadworthy. It will be used to transport Christian school children and for church activities locally.

We were struggling with our paid helper, Jose, as we discovered that he was getting drunk and hanging out at the bar in the village. While intoxicated, Jose was telling people crazy stories and bragging about the things we have like they were his. As a result, we were robbed again, this time at the shop while we were not home. It was with heavy hearts that we had to tell Jose that it was time for him to go. This is a very long and complicated story, but for now, we are moving on. The Lord had already brought us some additional help. Marta and Pablo were coming three days a week. They are solid believers and a real blessing for us. We also have a wonderful mechanic helping on a limited part-time basis. His name is Gino, and he brings his wife and three young daughters along too. Nancy enjoys spending time with them. We often eat dinner together, as Gino works a full-time day job at the auto parts store before he comes here.

The big news is that we are traveling up to PA tomorrow, August 14th. Andy has been invited to attend a men’s retreat at Northern Frontier Boys Brigade Camp from the 15th to -17th. in upstate NY. Next week, we will be doing some family activities and doctor’s appointments. Nancy’s mother will celebrate her 93rd birthday on the 20th in NJ. Andy will fly back to Belize on Saturday, the 23rd, and Nancy will fly back on the 31st. Marta and Pablo will be staying here at our Belize home until Andy returns. So please keep us in your prayers for traveling mercies and that all will go well in Belize while we are gone.

Well, we are still trying to get ready for our travels tomorrow. Keep on praying and praising! May the Lord bless you and keep you.

Nancy & Andy Merrick