I have mentioned that in previous trips we encountered a woman of unusual vision, spirituality and conviction. Denise Saint Fleur has had a powerful impact on us in previous years and especially on the team last year. [Check out last years post] So Naturally we were eager to reconnect with her, see what had become of the sewing machine she purchased, and see what new opportunities God would provide to engage her talents, tenacity and deep spiritual wisdom. Early on in the trip we had a difficult time connecting with Denise by phone and were a bit concerned if we would get to see her at all. Obviously we did and it's all good news from here on out! The pictures that follow shows Denise's home which she shares with her son and daughter. Though their home meager, they enjoy one another and each do their part to make it a family home. Denise uses the sewing machine to convert old rice sacks she purchases into travel bags which she sells on the street. She is able to triple her investment when she buys the used sacks. She also makes coffee filters which can be used with a metal ring. Place coffee in the sack, add boiling water, and presto you have a great cup of coffee, assuming you can afford the coffee to begin with! If you are wondering about the sewing supplies we brought to give her, we did not have them with us, that will come later so be on the look out. Denise is doing well, thanks God for her life and for her family and especially for the gift of the sewing machine we were able to provide and the hope it brings. We invited her to meet with us to discuss a new opportunity we would like her help with and asked if she would meet with us on Tuesday to discuss the educational needs of the boys. She said Tuesday morning was her women's Bible Study which she leads at her church but could meet with us that afternoon. Fantastic! The meeting did occur, but since this is still Sunday evening  chronologically, you'll have to wait for that story to develop in time. Denise and her family were in the process of pressing some seeds, which you will see in the pictures, into an oil which they said had medicinal properties for healing certain wounds. It must be powerful stuff, because the process seemed rather difficult. We didn't want to stay long, since we dropped in unannounced! We just wanted to touch base, set up a meeting for Tuesday, and then get back home for a little rest. I have her address if you would like to drop her a card or note. She would love to get mail! Everyone who has met Denise has come away with the sense they have been in the presence of a woman of great depth and wisdom. Her wisdom comes from a life of unimaginable abuse, neglect and rejection. Yet because she has found solid ground in Christ, she seems to me to unshakable, a force of conviction and a powerful voice that hold your attention. Her English is exceptional and comes from her own desire to learn it and belief it would be the key to connecting with others. I am really overjoyed to know her, to be able to work with and learn from her, and experience the Presence of God radiating from her deep spiritual confidence. I only hope that through these images and testimonies, you will see what I see and know what I know.