David Mole returned to Canada on November12th but prepared this piece before leaving. We have added the ending paragraphs to bring the news up to date.

November 6th, 2004

Hello everyone back home!

As I have been back in Guatemala for almost two weeks I thought it was time to finally pass on an update. Although the mission experience began for me back on October 4th when we left from Denis Morris, it wasn't until my plane landed again in Guatemala City that my soul kicked into gear. Within about five minutes of leaving the airport I was in a taxi heading for 'Roca de Ayuda,' the 'Rock of Hope,' established and run by Dr. Isa. This medical clinic for the poor which also fronts as a soup kitchen, assembly hall, charity warehouse, and church truly brings to life the call of the Beatitudes. After dodging through the city I finally got to this house of holiness and, as timing would have it, bumped into Dr. Isa who informed me that a container from Canada was around the corner. Without batting an eye I found a pair of metal cutters in my hands and was cracking open the 50' shipment from the Niagara Warehouse of Hope. For the next five hours I was working with about 15 men from all over the city. What an amazing opportunity to take in the Guatemalans reactions to all of the medical supplies, hardware, and mountains of clothing sent in the true spirit of charity. It was a proud and truly Canadian moment. As the sun set we finished loading a truck for the camp site in Jalapa. After having some water with the workers I was asked to help drive everyone home and was able to see more clearly the desperation which is so alive in parts of Guatemala City. That night I went to sleep thanking God for the opportunity to see charity in action and good will received with open hands and open hearts.

Once arriving in camp, which as I am sure everyone has tried to convey, is a long way up, I took a few days with Mark to absorb all that is going on in these Divine 'Hobbit Hills.' To date, I have been most taken by the grace of the communities we are working with. I have never seen so many huge families living in such confined houses; however, I have also never seen so many welcoming faces. The people here are not afraid to look into your eyes and likewise do not look away when you say hello to them. Faith is present in everything that is done here. From the endless streams of flowers carried by the women for All Saints and All Souls day to seeing people pray openly before they eat, drive, and work - God is on the lips of these people.

Yesterday, Mark and I tore down an old school made of rotten wood and handcrafted tree branches. Inside we found old desks, an open, wood-burning stove, and a sink/washing machine. Many of the Guatemalans stood back as we kicked walls down and started to throw our weight around. They were especially intrigued by the height and size of Mark and let out the odd, 'wow' when he really smashed down the tricky tree stumps. After bringing the school down we were given fruit and surrounded by a family of eleven children. Their dad, whom we had been working with, asked one of his kids to bring over their English book which we proceeded to use for an afternoon lesson.

All in all my heart has been moved by this mission of hope. Not only has it put my life into perspective back home as to how blessed I truly am, it has also shown me how far faith and family can drive people. Joy is present in these mountain hills and although the vast majority are living lives of abject poverty, there is a great wealth in their eyes.

The team here at camp has been amazing and tremendously welcoming. The conversations we have shared and the work that we are all contributing to has been divine. It would not be possible without this mountain top family.

In Faith & Happiness,
David J. Mole

James hit water on well #3 at 220feet and finished drilling at 350feet. A pump is being installed on November 15th . Ted continues to drill through volcanic rock on his site. Construction is progressing well on the school with the first set of footing poured. Cement block work will begin soon. Miriam has started a sewing group at camp and one in the village of LaPuerta. (These ladies have never used a sewing machine) Please continue to donate sewing machines to the Warehouse of Hope for use here. Jolien and Peter have started teaching English to two different groups of children.

News of the great work the Wells of Hope Team is doing is spreading through the surrounding area and several needy groups have approached us for help. We encourage people to be generous with donations to the project.

Water for People

American Water Works Association

Canadian Water Quality and Health

Visit the Niagara Warehouse of Hope

Back Home