Thinking About Francesca!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One the second day of our recent mission trip my partner and I came up on a woman who was sitting in the shade of a guava tree, washing clothes by hand in a bucket. Her daughter was sitting on a rock, a few yards away, also in the shade. I introduced myself and told the ladies that I was there to share a message of hope from the Bible. The older woman gave me an answer that was designed to dismiss me, but I responded with a smile and sat down in the shade, between them. I introduced my partner, a 17 year old girl I have known since she came into the world.

I found out the lady, Francesca, is about my age, maybe a few months older. We hit it off well and had a very interesting discussion. When I prepared to leave, an hour or so later, I asked what she was thinking. She told me she found the things I said very interesting. She attended two nights of our crusade or revival meeting, and I went by her home again early in the second week for another discussion.

On our last day in the village, Salisbury, Dominica, I went by to bid Francesca farewell and to see if she had any questions. She was not home, her daughter told us she had gone into the capitol city to sit with her brother who had fallen ill; she had been gone all day. I left by regards and best wishes for both Francesca and her brother.

I was surprised to see Francesca at the service on our last night. After it was over, I asked if I could walk her home and leave a final word with her. It was only a couple of hundred yards to her home, so it did not take long for the walk or the message. When I bid her farewell, she said, “I will be praying that the Lord will add a year of health to both you and I, so that when you come back next year, I will be able to call you my brother.” I told her I was touched. She said, “I am glad.”

I too will be praying!

Capitivating View

The picture is of Scotts Head, at the southern tip of the Caribbean island of Dominica. I saw it for the first time over twenty five years ago and was immediately captivated. I have been blessed to return to the island at least once a year ever since, and no matter where on the island I am working, I always make my way down to spend time on the rocky promontory. It is still breath taking to me.








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Preparing for Mission Trips to Dominica

When I am preparing a team for our mission trips to the Caribbean island of Dominica, I tell them of the heat and the steep hills we will be walking. I warn them to plan to drink a lot of water. I also tell them that the island must import almost every type of personal hygiene items and medicines. I urge them to stock up on any prescription medication or acne products or feminine hygiene products that they may need or want while on the trip.



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Land For Sale In Dominica

While I was in Dominica for the annual mission trip to the Caribbean, I was approached by a man who wanted to sell me a piece of property. It was nearly two acres on the side of a mountain, with a wonderful view of the sea. The area is being developed slowly by individuals who have worked overseas, but are now retiring to their homeland. It would be a great place to live, as the cost of living would be within my retirement budget. I may have to check with some mortgage lenders to see if they would be interested in financing the building of a home in a foreign land!




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