September 2006

Greetings from the Rocky Mountain surrounded Cranbrook, BC (North of
Coeur-d-Alene, Idaho),

BRRR! It is frigid up here. Daily the snow level on the nearby mountains is creeping lower and lower. Our maximum temperature here is lower than Guatemala’s minimum temperature. Believe me … we can tell the difference!

As you know, we are in Canada on medical furlough and intend to return to Guatemala next January, Lord willing.

Life here in Cranbrook is slowly taking shape, as far as "normality" and "routine" goes. We are settled into a one-bedroom apartment, with the "living room" doubling as the boys' bedroom. I (Petra) have found part time employment in order to supplement our family income. Missionary stipend can become meager (missionary stipend alone doesn't suffice for Canadian cost-of-living). I really enjoy my work at the Cancun, a Mexican restaurant. The owners and one of the cooks are El Salvadoran.
When I work during lunch hour, I am serving guests and in the evening, I am working in the dish pit.

Also, I looked into Continuing Education. As far as college courses are concerned, I would have liked to take courses relating to health care or nursing, but those courses require full-time attendance at the college.
At this point and time that is not possible for me. However, the Lord has opened up opportunities to take classes relating to gastronomy and hospitality. Already I passed a course, necessary to work in a restaurant setting, and will take further ones to meet provincial requirements.

I know, I know .... It doesn't seem like a lot, but we sense the Lord's leading and provision through this venue as well. Our whole family feels at peace with me working and Charles staying at home, instructing the boys and having Jonathan work along side him, when doing home improvement projects. James continues to work at Subway and does his school assignments before his shifts. Actually, he too, enjoys his work.
Not only is the "pay" a good incentive, but he enjoys getting to know the customers and interacting with them.

Of course, we are still awaiting eagerly the hospital's call to inform us regarding Charles' surgery date. So far, however, we haven't received any notice. Just yesterday we talked with the surgeon's office to inquire about a possible date, but they couldn't give us any information yet. Thus, we continue in our daily God-given assignments, knowing that everything is under His control and care.

We are visiting different churches in the area and just today have been invited to share next week about our work in Guatemala. The boys are adjusting and connecting with youth from the church.

God bless,

Charles & Petra Wirrell
willing and able to serve and proclaiming God's love wherever He sends