November/December Update

Hello all:

As we approach the close of our second full year of work in Nicaragua we see many things that have changed. As always, much of it is positive and some of it not so much. We have been blessed to see new Christians and new congregations. We have seen the blessings of new attitudes among some who we felt needed it - often including ourselves. We continue to learn of and adapt to the culture here and understand that abject poverty is a way of life.

We've seen transition at Misión Para Cristo - new friends made and old friends missed as groups come and go throughout the year. We have excitedly, and nervously began the process of obtaining residency and testing the water to see if there are Nicaraguan children God wants us to call "our own." We continue to adjust the paperwork according to the legal system's requests and think we are about to submit for the final time the completed forms to begin these journeys in earnest.

For those of you who like statistics, here are some eye-glass stats for you to mull over. Keep in mind that with each vision screening comes an opportunity to share God's Word:

·    2,240 vision screenings performed

·    1,009 used prescription glasses fitted

·    99 referrals to the local optometrist

·    79 pairs of new glasses purchased*

*Most of the new glasses you pay for are for children as we stock very few children's glasses in used inventory.

One of the success stories we have posted frequently is of a now-five-year-old girl named Carmen. She is the little girl who was born with multiple degenerative vision issues. You have helped provide transportation for her and her mother to Managua on several occasions for eye surgeries. Yesterday she came and visited and brought with her a request for glasses. Having completed five operations, and with corrective lenses she will be able to see clearly. One eye needs +6 and the other needs +8 for this to be possible. In layman's terms, that's a lot of correction. Yet the process is as complete as it can be and she will see well. I promise a picture of her when she stops by to show me her new glasses.

We were blessed with an opportunity to spend about five weeks in the States. I admit to messing this up because I did not allow time to really be flexible and just visit. We did get to see Sheila's parents and my siblings, as well as a few other friends along the way, but we had to tell too many people we just didn't have any open time in the schedule. To those, I repeat my sincere apology. Visiting the US is expensive as we have learned to live on a much different budget. I became even more aware of the excess we enjoy in the US and, at times, almost embarrassed and ashamed of it. Also, the 30 or so pounds I lost over the course of a year here, was packed back on almost instantly during the visit. I regret the culinary decisions that resulted in the weight gain, but my mouth rejoiced continually!

We have decided to sell my 2006 GMC pick-up. If you know of anyone in the market for a great used vehicle, reply to this email and I will get information to you.

Please continue to lift up, or add these things to your prayer list:

·    residency procedure

·    adoption process

·    challenges that lie ahead for 2014

·    the continual search to please God in all that we do here

·    the sale of my pick-up truck

·    continued success with the rental of our home in Georgetown.

Finally, after looking at the donation/support-related numbers we have about 75% of our monthly support that actually comes to us by supporters who send a check on a monthly basis. That means the rest of what we need to meet our bills monthly comes in the form of one-time or non-scheduled support. If you are one who has supported us with the occasional or one-time donation, please remember to do so as you are a vital part of what we do here. It has been amazing to me when I look at the bank account and see that what we have had to spend in a certain month is less than what was sent in that same month. Yet God provides and it seems that there is always a financial surprise or something not counted on that makes it all work out. To HIM be the glory. All donations are tax deductible since we are a 501(c)(3) organization. We would love to be your tax shelter! :-) Whether you are able to support us financially this year or not we ask that you continue to pray for us and the work we are involved in. The prayers sustain us.

Donations should be sent to:

Sight For Sore Eyes Foundation, Inc.

PO Box 903

Georgetown, TX 78627

God bless you all and may you have a wonderful, family and friend-filled Christmas and a New Year that surpasses all others.

Dahwan bliss mimumbia, (God bless you)

Jonathan and Sheila