In addition to the stories just recorded of the summer, here are some more "late breaking" items.

"Sheaf" is pleased to acknowledge the generous support of a private individual that has greatly advanced the "macadamia project". This substantial gift has moved the idea from the planning stage to that of actualization. Test plots have been selected in various parts of the Department of Matagalpa at different altitudes. We have joined into partnerships with the Regional government as well as with the local technological institute. As I write, two technicians are in Guatemala, supported by Sheaf, observing local techniques and purchasing both seeds and plants for importation to the Nicaraguan fields. We are making use of the present rainy season to get the plants in place.

"Sheaf" also announces the implementation of a new "micro-credit"
experiment. For a number of years, we and others have urged the support of women for several reasons: 1) women tend to repay loans at a rate better than do men and 2) helping women by definition helps their children who are the ultimate targets of our work. These are important arguments.

That said, one of our donors asked, "What about the men? Are we to offer them nothing?"

This concern fed well into another, raised by Nicaraguans: the out-migration to Costa Rica of peasant men who accept farm work which /Ticos/ hesitate to do. The process leads to the disintegration of families and on-going violence in both countries.

With funds received from several Canadian churches, Sheaf has been able to purchase a number of calfs at auction. These animals will be given, along with appropriate training and follow-up, to rural families for "fattening". Again with support from "Sheaf" the mature, fattened, animals will be sold at auction. The profit will allow the families to purchase another animal. In addition the "value added" will more than double family income and will also support "Sheaf" in its efforts to expand to other communities. Not only do family incomes rise, but families stay together. Where they belong. At home and together.

"Sheaf" announces as well the second of its congregational visits: that of Burton Avenue United Church from Barrie (Ontario). Fifteen team members will work on the construction of a youth centre in one of Managua's poorest barrios. Others -- themselves elderly -- will work with seniors in a home outside the capital, Managua.

"I would have loved to come: I have dreamed of mission work," said one 80 year old. "But I'm too old to mix concrete and build." Yes, perhaps, but not too old to help other seniors with their exercises and to walk with them!

The group will also take in a variety of cultural activities. Nicaragua is a poor country, in some ways desperate, but Nicaraguans are also rightly proud. Of their beautiful land. Of their poets and artists.

A challenge:

"Un nicarguense, si no es poeta,
es hijo de poeta..."

"Sheaf" also works to distribute medical supplies: to severely challenged children and adults in El Salvador and to epileptics and others in Nicaragua. Medecial supplies are also sent to the Atlantic Coast, devastated by recent hurricanes.

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