Update June 28, 2021:

Boat repairs continue as you can see here on the IMS Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/444644079017550?sorting_setting=CHRONOLOGICAL.  Unfortunately the boat suffered some damage going past Belize on the way to Guatemala so that's been the focus lately, doing the necessary repairs while we have the parts and are tied up to a dock from which to get electricity.  While boat repairs are usually never easy or quick, Eric and Mary have been able to come up with innovative ways to get them done.  At present, their biggest dilemma (or should I say "smallest") is a rat that has gotten onboard.  While a rat in a house on land could possibly do some damage, having one on a boat is not good.  They can squeeze into areas that are very difficult for a person to fit in, and thus cause damage that may not be noticed until something stops working.  Penny, the boat's dog, has been doing her best to find the rodent, but as of this weekend it continues to elude her.  Traps of various types are being tried as this rat has got to be found before it does something irreparable.

Update January 19, 2021:

For the first time, Tom and I at the home office were able to talk with Eric and Mary on the phone since they left Slidell, Louisiana almost four weeks ago.  Thanks to technology,  it sounded like they were in the next room!   It was great to hear their voices,  and to hear how they had endured the nerve-racking journey from Louisiana, USA, through the very rough waters off the coast of Belize,  to their current location.  And as Mary has recently posted on the IMS Facebook page, they told us some more of the very interesting, and funny, stories of their acclimating to the local language/culture.  If you want to read Mary's funny story, in particular, you can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/444644079017550.  

Not only is the language something they need to learn and acclimate to,so is the weather.  They've learned, rather quickly, that work begins as the sun comes up because around noon - 1 p.m. the heat/humidity becomes so oppressive that everyone has to stop and go take a break (the word "siesta" may come to mind),  until around early evening when the temperatures become more bearable.  Mary said that at first it was very difficult for them, even after having lived in the Southern part of the Untied States for many years, but they're gradually adjusting and coming up with a new daily routine.

They have been able to begin making some inroads with the locals and are slowly getting a feel for some of the humanitarian needs of the area. As time goes on, we're sure more needs will present themselves.   At present they have had to briefly change focus in order to work on some much-needed repairs to the boat (i.e  rewire the anchor windlass).

For those following this blog and Facebook page, you may remember that IMS has donated all of the eagerly -received meat to the local orphanage , in addition to passing on the medical supplies Far Horizons had taken with them.  All of us at IMS want to say, again, thank you to all in the United States who took the time and made the effort to gather the many medical supplies/equipment that have been successfully donated.  Eric and Mary also want to pass on, from the recipients of those supplies/equipment, that they are all very, very grateful and appreciative of what has to be sent to them,  and want to say THANK YOU to all who sent them!  They assured us it will all be put to good use!

Talking with Mary, we were able to learn a bit more about the orphanage, Casa Guatemala.  It is run by a lady from Canada, by the name of Heather.  It started out solely as an orphanage, but with Heather's hard work and support from the locals, she has been able to also turn it into a school where not only those who live in the orphanage can attend, but also the local children.  Heather's work in the community has definitely been a big help to them, and IMS hopes to be able to do more to help her in whatever way we can. 

 Far Horizons has moved and is now currently docked in a slip (as is the dingy!), at a marina in Rio Dulce,  run by Captain John.  He has given us a  slip to use for a reasonable price, and there's wifi, too!  A wonderful bonus that we hadn't been expecting! We are very grateful to Captain John for allowing us to stay at his marina.  The current plan is that once the repairs have been made to Far Horizons, IMS will begin to look into what additional needs are in the area.  

 

 Update June 15, 2021 from home office:

Eric and Mary are located approximately 40 miles, up the river, from Livingston, Guatemala.  Being in Livingston was in order to gain entry thru Customs, and now they're in the Rio Dulce area.  If interested, you can find it here: 

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rio+Dulce/@15.7263929,-89.0237529,11z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8f60d54d3ef4e7d1:0x26adcef7d96f4941!8m2!3d15.7213765!4d-88.8970468

 Update on June 14, 2021 (update from Mary):

Medical Assistance: Gas needed for ambulance 

Location: orphanage "Casa Guatemala"

Need: transportation for child with burst appendix 

Location: Rio Dulce

Cost: 12.95

 

 Update June 12, 2021 (Update from Mary):

The heat takes a lot of getting used to and it definitely  affects the amount of work that can be accomplished in a day. We were used to working at any hour but now have to limit ourselves to around 1:00, by then the heat is really intense and just takes all the strength out of you. 

We are happy to say that the two major repairs  (refrigeration  and autopilot) have been completed  and  the only major one left is the rewiring of the anchor windlass. It keeps throwing a breaker when we start pulling the chain and anchor up. Please pray that it is simply wiring and not something  we can't get parts for.

Once our projects/repairs are finished, we will be praying for opportunities to serve. It is possible  we may be here till September due to hurricane season and very unfavorable  traveling conditions at this time of year.

Penny is taking her job of guarding the boat very seriously. She is learning  the difference  between a boat that's passing close by and one coming to stop here.  She barks when she needs to which is good, we want it known there is a dog on board to prevent theft. The motor and dingy are hauled out of the water every evening for safekeeping but it does get a bit taxing. 

We just had our first heavy rainstorm this evening and caught about 20 gallons of water. I use 10 gallons for laundry every day and it adds up. I would love to catch rainwater every day!

Please be in prayer for stamina, acclimating to this area/heat/culture and for opportunities to be prepared for us to serve Christ and make Him known.

 Update June 11, 2021:

The autopilot has been fixed! We're so glad we had the extra parts, would have been nice to have fixed it en-route, but not possible given the horribly rough weather with which Far Horizons had to navigate. Just thankful all made it safe to Livingston, Guatemala. Thanks again, to all, for your prayers! Very much appreciated!

Update June 9, 2021 (Update from Mary):  

The fridge now works great!! A couple shots of freon, a new o-ring and cooling fan and its good to go. And It only costs $60, for which we are very thankful! Next repair is the autopilot. We opened up the steering compartment today to check and make sure the new pump motor was the correct one. It is, thank you God! We will work on bleeding the hydraulics and put in the new pump and new steering fluid. 2 quarts at $25 each, youch!! But grateful we were even able to find it here. We are slowly getting the hang of the local currency. A bit confusing at first but everyone has been very patient, kind and helpful. We are buying from the local grocery boats which come by a couple a days as week. Diesel is easy access by dingy and we are using our Jerry cans to fill the tank. Its grand central station in our anchorage with various small boats zooming here and there without regard to speed or direction. Pretty crazy and we may move to a quieter spot in due course but for now, everything is close and accessible so we feel peaceful direction to hang here for a bit till our repairs are finished.

 Update: June 7, 2021 (update from Mary):

Spent today donating hygiene and medical items to the orphanage.  For those interested, these are the items:

Program: medical assistance:

 
Donated to: "Casa Guatemala"

Toothbrushes,pics,floss,flossers
Lidocaine  patches
Diclofenic cream
Theragesic cream
Surgical instruments: hemostasts,surgical scissors.etc...
Dental instruments
Various wrap bandages
(4) splints
(2) ice packs
Stethoscope
Digital BP monitor (finger)
1 pr. Compression  stocking
(3) Braces: carpal tunnel, elbow
Orthopedic ankle brace

Update from Mary:

 Update June 6, 2021:

For those who are interested, below is a list of the items that were donated recently by IMS:

 On June 2 and June 4, 2021:

Humanitarian - "Casa Guatemala" - orphanage received approximately $150 worth of meat  (from IMS galley stores)


Medical/Humanitarian - "Pass it on, Guatemala"

(5) used walkers
(1]  used folding cane
(4) new folding canes
(5) new Grabbers
(5) adult incontinence diapers/underwear
(99) Bed pads (light incontinence)
(3) stretch exercise bands
(26) eyeglasses/readers
(1) Rubbermaid cooler
(2) shower curtains

 

June 5, 2021:

"Casa Guatemala" - orphanage 

300 pencils (approximately)
1 sleeping hammock
2 bath rugs
3 mattress pads
7 pillowcases
4 sheets - fitted
10 towels. - thick /heavy
6 pair children's sandals
15 rain hats
3 umbrellas
5 sun hats
8 visors
29 new women's/girls  underwear
5 skirts
15 dresses
9 tanks/vests
4 scarves
4 headbands
4 girl/women shorts
13 womens/girls t-shirts
5 men's/teens shirts
1 mens/teens work shorts
1 men's  sandals
16 mens/teens t-shirts

Assorted mens/teens bike clothing and 1 women's full-body cover up

 

 

 

 Update, May 4, 2021:

Eric's facebook post, helping the local orphanage with the food/clothing that was transported down for them,  and also passing on the medical supplies that will be distributed throughout the area as needed :  https://www.facebook.com/groups/444644079017550

 Prayer request: due to the rough waters they went through off of Belize, the refrigeration/freezer unit is having issues.  The Lord made sure the meat lasted until it could be given to the orphanage (they were thrilled and had a big spaghetti with meat sauce dinner last night!)  A man familiar with boat systems, is to arrive on the boat this afternoon to assess the situation. Please pray for easy, cheap repairs as it can get costly having to buy a compressor!

Update: June 3, 2021 (update from Mary):

Oh my goodness, that was a difficult trip. But we are finally here!! Thank you for all your prayers, the last several days were so grueling without the autopilot. I want to say right now that what that man accomplished through the grace of God has me in tears. I am so proud  of him and so grateful  for God's  strength that got us through. Eric is getting some very deserved rest and is exhausted but recuperating.

 
Right after getting through customs, we contacted one of the NGOs we are assisting and then anchored in Rio Dulce. Previously for 5 days, the freezer was going off and on as we slowly  lost most of our refrigeration. We kept praying that the meat (we had a lot of meat) would not thaw and spoil before we could donate it. If it all thawed, there was no way we could eat it, and my heart really wanted it to go to '"Casa Guatemala", an orphanage  with 200 children. Within hours after clearing  customs we made contact with Heather at Casa Guatemala and were able to donate the meat! Thank you God!!

Even more wonderful is the fact that this woman is able to help us get all the medical equipment/supplies for the invalid home located here. Over the next few days or week, all the items we brought will be where they belong. The Lord impressed  upon my heart many months ago that the supply  for our works and giving must simply come in one hand and go out the other.  That what we have is what we give and not to feel like we have to hoard or hang onto anything for the future (unless specifically  instructed  to do so). The supply given is for the need of the day!

From the office: Now that they're in Livingston and have signal,  you can resume reading Eric's posts on the IMS Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/444644079017550

 Update: June 1, 11:30 p.m. EST-

Far Horizons has made it to offshore of Livingston, Guatemala! Thank you all for your prayers!  Given the time of night it is, they need to stay out as they can't dock until they get clearance to enter the Country, which won't happen until morning.  Please pray for a calm spot for them to idle out till morning as they are also close to the shipping channel for that area and it's dark.

 Update June 1, 3:45 p.m.:

Thanks to all for prayers!  Here's Mary's latest update as of 3:45 p.m. EST

We finally turned south toward Livingston at 2:00 pm. And the big sideways rollers are finished for now. We will have about 2 miles or so of the same when we get to a turn toward the end. Right now we are all relieved to have them gently pushing us along instead of beating us up!

 Prayers needed!  Latest update from Mary...June 1, 2021, 8:34 a.m.

At this moment I  am tucked into a corner of the cockpit with Penny as Eric fights our way through big 6-10 foot rollers coming full on our sides. We  are making our way through the barrier islands and reefs of Belize. The seas will be better for us once we make the downturn  to Guatemala. Until then, its really rough. The  most difficult we've had yet. Eric and I,  especially  Eric, are zombie exhausted from hand steering  in such conditions. And in these extra hard conditions  Eric is the only one who can steer. Once we go through the channels between the reefs, we cann get a respite but then are out into it again.

Note:  they lost auto pilot several days ago and can't fix it until they are docked. So that means someone has to be at the wheel the whole time. It would also have helped them fight through these rough waters. Pray for strength for Eric. I remember him going through a hurricane many years ago and he had to lash himself in with a rope and stay at the wheel for hours on end.   Prayers, please!!