Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Back in the USA....
Howdy,
We wanted to update everyone. We did succesfully make it home from Chihuahua, Mexico. The trip was tremendous for our individual spiritual journeys, we even got some work done too.
Since we have been home we have heard from both Allyson who was our Missionary contact at the brickyard and Monte who was our work leader at the NTM Ranch.
Brickyard Update - The group after us was able to get half done on another brick latreen. They people of the brickyard are finishing the cement floors and will start the walls soon. Allyson was very pleased with our ministry with the children and our work on the latreens. She was also happy to receive the dozens of reading glasses and the medical supplies. She said they have already become useful, she is handing them out already.
Ranch Update - We missed it. The week after we left a baby rattler and a scorpion both showed up, we are sad we missed it! The radiator on the car broke as well, they were able to get it fixed but keep praying for the van to hold up for the other work groups as well.
We thank all of you for your prayers while we were there in Mexico. God answered them all and did a marvelous work in and through our lives! Please keep praying for the missionaries and the New Tribes missionary training at the ranch. Please pray for the children of the brickyard too.
With a show of hands every member on the team indicated they would go back if they had the chance. God is working. God is faithful. We can't wait to see what He has in store for us and for the ministry in Mexico!
We have tons of great pictures and videos! Check out pictures of the trip on our website: www.thriveyouth.org
Videos will be up soon so keep checking back.
-Josh Harris
We wanted to update everyone. We did succesfully make it home from Chihuahua, Mexico. The trip was tremendous for our individual spiritual journeys, we even got some work done too.
Since we have been home we have heard from both Allyson who was our Missionary contact at the brickyard and Monte who was our work leader at the NTM Ranch.
Brickyard Update - The group after us was able to get half done on another brick latreen. They people of the brickyard are finishing the cement floors and will start the walls soon. Allyson was very pleased with our ministry with the children and our work on the latreens. She was also happy to receive the dozens of reading glasses and the medical supplies. She said they have already become useful, she is handing them out already.
Ranch Update - We missed it. The week after we left a baby rattler and a scorpion both showed up, we are sad we missed it! The radiator on the car broke as well, they were able to get it fixed but keep praying for the van to hold up for the other work groups as well.
We thank all of you for your prayers while we were there in Mexico. God answered them all and did a marvelous work in and through our lives! Please keep praying for the missionaries and the New Tribes missionary training at the ranch. Please pray for the children of the brickyard too.
With a show of hands every member on the team indicated they would go back if they had the chance. God is working. God is faithful. We can't wait to see what He has in store for us and for the ministry in Mexico!
We have tons of great pictures and videos! Check out pictures of the trip on our website: www.thriveyouth.org
Videos will be up soon so keep checking back.
-Josh Harris
Friday, June 13, 2008
Day 13 - We'll be home for Christmas...last thoughts
You can count on that. Actually we'll be home before then. :) We leave tomorow morning at 7am to make our way by van back to El Paso to catch our flight. We should arrive tomorow into Tampa by 10pm and home in Orlando by 12:30am where we will meet parents and friends back at the church. So... onto the details of our last day here in Mexico....
I woke up early this morning and went outside our hotel in Creel, up in the mountains, to sit in the town square. The church bells were ringing as people gathered for morning mass but I stayed outside and had my own time with God and his word.
After breakfast we decided to visit a Tarahumara village, that is like a reservation of sorts, where people can visit. It was strange thinking that we payed a fee to visit where they actually live and work and then just walk around looking at thier houses and watching them do their daily routine. To some, these people may be just an amusing tourist attraction, but to us we felt the burden that these people needed the gospel of Christ not tourist dollars. Most of us shortly got distracted by the amazing rocks to climb and spent about an hour climbing and enjoying the view. We had planned to have our debrief meeting back in town but it was so peaceful and beautiful there that we had our meeting on the side of a hill amongst the rocks and caves. It was an amazing place to talk about what God had done on the trip and what he was doing in our lives. Then we spent some time in prayer and headed off to shop.
There are tons of little shops in Creel where you can buy souveniors. We split up into a couple groups to shop. After about 20 minutes of browsing we see David and Brett come down the street on a four-wheeler! I must explain that last year we heard about renting four-wheelers but it didn't work out. Well, this year David got his wish granted. He was loving every minute of it and was able to give several people rides (with helmets of course).
We wanted to say good-bye to Mexico with something meaningful and appropriate, something to really make a difference and show the people how much we appreciated them, so we gathered at a local restuarant and ate tons of Mexican food! Well, I ate tons of Mexican food. I ordered Chiken Enchiladas with beans, a bean and cheese burrito, and a side of rice and beans. It was delicious and fattening all at the same time. After lunch we took the long 4 and a 1/2 hour trip back down to the ranch. Some slept, some complained about the heat, some spilled Vanilla all over the van floor, and some got psych profiling done by Sarah. Something about the ladder and the cup symbolize your dependence on liquid.... I don't know, I guess I didn't really pay attention.
Monte and the missionaries here said farewell to us tonight with a gift and some dessert. They gave us Coca-cola bottles with little sombreros on top! We spent group time by sharing things we appreciated about each other over the trip. It was neat to hear bout all the things we find encouraging in each other. It was an uplifting way to be reminded how neat this group truly is.
I am once again privileged and honored to lead and work alongside such God-loving, energetic, respectful, and passionate students. My heart has lept with joy each day to see them serve God and each other no matter how they felt or what the situation. I am grateful for all their hardwork at the Ranch, their love for the children of the brickyard and orphanage, and their openess to what God is teaching them in their lives. I know this might be kindof long but I wanted to publicaly let you all know what I appreciate about each of them. You can skip this part or rejoice alongside of me in the tremendous character and depth of each of these wonderful guys and girls. I will write their name and a few words of appreciation.
Zach - I am grateful for his work ethic and patience during jobs. I appreciate his willingness to immediately play with and love on the kids of the brickyard. He did a great job on playing the spanish songs to the children and he looked out for the girls in our group constantly.
David - I am thankful for his courage to lead and lead by example, always seeking God's best and what was right. He worked hard at the Ranch and loved the kids with self-abandon at the brick-yard. He always had a good attitude and encouraging words to say.
Tyler - What a strong and steady worker even at 8am. I didn't think he would make it that early in the morning, but he proved me wrong. He never complained, always adapting to the difficulties of each day. He was my constant trusted work partner and non-morning-person friend.
Josh B. - I appreciate how he handled so many situations that were outside of his comfort zone with a courage to trust God and go with it. He was nervous but willing to try new things. He did a great job with puppets. He was patient with the kids who squirted him with bad water and got him sick.
Snyder - Right! You have to say that in a British accent because Snyder kept us all laughing with his humor and lightheartedness. I appreciate how he maintained such a gentle and humble attitude throughout the trip. He did whatever was asked of him. I am thankful that he used his skill and talents with photography to capture all of us when I know he also wanted to be on the other side of the camera. He gave up precious times with some of the children at the brickyard so he could capture those moments for us and for you.
Brett - I am grateful for Brett and his teachability. I was always asking him to go get this, or go do that, or clean that up and he kept at it. He helped keep things interesting and crazy for the guys and he had a lot of courage to down hot sauce the rest of us wouldn't touch.
Hannah - Encouraging, gentle, compassionate are a few words to describe her. She embraced a leadership role amongst the girls as we asked her to, and she did such a humble and loving job. I am grateful for her patient, and hard work no matter what the job. She did a fantastic job arranging the puppet team.
Megan - I appreciate the way 'Megan's joy comes out her ears.' (Aleah's quote) She is a steady calm amidst the storm, approaching each situation with a love for others and a desire to serve God with a humble heart. She is an amazing soccer defender as well.
Sarah - I am thankful for her faith in the Lord. She will pray about anything and encourage us all to do the same. I appreciate how she prays expectantly. She was always caring and interested in each of us throughout the trip. She could also woop Webster in a game of scrabble!
Jessie - I appreciate her passionate love for God, His character and His creation. She was a great reminder, as she and Tali took care of Churchill, of the joy God takes in all of His creation. I appreciate her love for God's word and her exuberant joy of the small things like sunflowers and rose bushes. Her love for God and appreciation of all he has done for us is contagious.
Tali - I appreciate her as well for the sacrificial love of Churchill and the encouragement it brought to us. I am thankful for her honesty and sharp mind for such a young age. I love how she loves God's word and truth and isn't afraid to make it known. She is also a great encourager and a somewhat decent beard-trimmer.
Kate - I am thankful for her vulnerability in her spiritual journey, her quite and steady servants heart, and her moments of pure youthful giddiness. She was a great encourager to all the guys by writing many letters and she washed my dishes many times when I insisted she didn't have to.
Kenzie - I am so thankful for her bright smile in the morning. She always got us going with her energy and joy. I appreciate her patience as well with the kids at the brickyard when they were soaking her with water. She loved on those kids so much I know they will never forget it. I am thankful for her heart and lifestyle of missions.
Aleah - I am thankful for her ability to put up with my sillyness. She has a great sense of humor, a way with words, and serious muscles. I appreciate how she would pick up pretty much anything no matter how heavy and go for it. She kept a gentle-spirit and a heart of unity when we needed it. I am thankful for how she opened up her heart to the children of the brickyard and let them in. They will never forget her smile, her laughter and her broken spanish.
Kimberly and her Mom - I am extremely thankful for all the meals, laundry, and shopping you did for us. We would have starved without you ladies. I appreciate how you even gave us surprises like cookies and brownies with ice-cream. Thanks for having plenty of air-borne and leading all the girls as godly woman examples.
I love each and every one of these guys and girls dearly and would do it all over again. I am encouraged and challenged by each of thier lives, thier testimonies and thier friendship.
Thanks guys, I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us next!
For the rest of you, we can't wait to see you at home and tell you all about what God has done!
-Josh Harris
I woke up early this morning and went outside our hotel in Creel, up in the mountains, to sit in the town square. The church bells were ringing as people gathered for morning mass but I stayed outside and had my own time with God and his word.
After breakfast we decided to visit a Tarahumara village, that is like a reservation of sorts, where people can visit. It was strange thinking that we payed a fee to visit where they actually live and work and then just walk around looking at thier houses and watching them do their daily routine. To some, these people may be just an amusing tourist attraction, but to us we felt the burden that these people needed the gospel of Christ not tourist dollars. Most of us shortly got distracted by the amazing rocks to climb and spent about an hour climbing and enjoying the view. We had planned to have our debrief meeting back in town but it was so peaceful and beautiful there that we had our meeting on the side of a hill amongst the rocks and caves. It was an amazing place to talk about what God had done on the trip and what he was doing in our lives. Then we spent some time in prayer and headed off to shop.
There are tons of little shops in Creel where you can buy souveniors. We split up into a couple groups to shop. After about 20 minutes of browsing we see David and Brett come down the street on a four-wheeler! I must explain that last year we heard about renting four-wheelers but it didn't work out. Well, this year David got his wish granted. He was loving every minute of it and was able to give several people rides (with helmets of course).
We wanted to say good-bye to Mexico with something meaningful and appropriate, something to really make a difference and show the people how much we appreciated them, so we gathered at a local restuarant and ate tons of Mexican food! Well, I ate tons of Mexican food. I ordered Chiken Enchiladas with beans, a bean and cheese burrito, and a side of rice and beans. It was delicious and fattening all at the same time. After lunch we took the long 4 and a 1/2 hour trip back down to the ranch. Some slept, some complained about the heat, some spilled Vanilla all over the van floor, and some got psych profiling done by Sarah. Something about the ladder and the cup symbolize your dependence on liquid.... I don't know, I guess I didn't really pay attention.
Monte and the missionaries here said farewell to us tonight with a gift and some dessert. They gave us Coca-cola bottles with little sombreros on top! We spent group time by sharing things we appreciated about each other over the trip. It was neat to hear bout all the things we find encouraging in each other. It was an uplifting way to be reminded how neat this group truly is.
I am once again privileged and honored to lead and work alongside such God-loving, energetic, respectful, and passionate students. My heart has lept with joy each day to see them serve God and each other no matter how they felt or what the situation. I am grateful for all their hardwork at the Ranch, their love for the children of the brickyard and orphanage, and their openess to what God is teaching them in their lives. I know this might be kindof long but I wanted to publicaly let you all know what I appreciate about each of them. You can skip this part or rejoice alongside of me in the tremendous character and depth of each of these wonderful guys and girls. I will write their name and a few words of appreciation.
Zach - I am grateful for his work ethic and patience during jobs. I appreciate his willingness to immediately play with and love on the kids of the brickyard. He did a great job on playing the spanish songs to the children and he looked out for the girls in our group constantly.
David - I am thankful for his courage to lead and lead by example, always seeking God's best and what was right. He worked hard at the Ranch and loved the kids with self-abandon at the brick-yard. He always had a good attitude and encouraging words to say.
Tyler - What a strong and steady worker even at 8am. I didn't think he would make it that early in the morning, but he proved me wrong. He never complained, always adapting to the difficulties of each day. He was my constant trusted work partner and non-morning-person friend.
Josh B. - I appreciate how he handled so many situations that were outside of his comfort zone with a courage to trust God and go with it. He was nervous but willing to try new things. He did a great job with puppets. He was patient with the kids who squirted him with bad water and got him sick.
Snyder - Right! You have to say that in a British accent because Snyder kept us all laughing with his humor and lightheartedness. I appreciate how he maintained such a gentle and humble attitude throughout the trip. He did whatever was asked of him. I am thankful that he used his skill and talents with photography to capture all of us when I know he also wanted to be on the other side of the camera. He gave up precious times with some of the children at the brickyard so he could capture those moments for us and for you.
Brett - I am grateful for Brett and his teachability. I was always asking him to go get this, or go do that, or clean that up and he kept at it. He helped keep things interesting and crazy for the guys and he had a lot of courage to down hot sauce the rest of us wouldn't touch.
Hannah - Encouraging, gentle, compassionate are a few words to describe her. She embraced a leadership role amongst the girls as we asked her to, and she did such a humble and loving job. I am grateful for her patient, and hard work no matter what the job. She did a fantastic job arranging the puppet team.
Megan - I appreciate the way 'Megan's joy comes out her ears.' (Aleah's quote) She is a steady calm amidst the storm, approaching each situation with a love for others and a desire to serve God with a humble heart. She is an amazing soccer defender as well.
Sarah - I am thankful for her faith in the Lord. She will pray about anything and encourage us all to do the same. I appreciate how she prays expectantly. She was always caring and interested in each of us throughout the trip. She could also woop Webster in a game of scrabble!
Jessie - I appreciate her passionate love for God, His character and His creation. She was a great reminder, as she and Tali took care of Churchill, of the joy God takes in all of His creation. I appreciate her love for God's word and her exuberant joy of the small things like sunflowers and rose bushes. Her love for God and appreciation of all he has done for us is contagious.
Tali - I appreciate her as well for the sacrificial love of Churchill and the encouragement it brought to us. I am thankful for her honesty and sharp mind for such a young age. I love how she loves God's word and truth and isn't afraid to make it known. She is also a great encourager and a somewhat decent beard-trimmer.
Kate - I am thankful for her vulnerability in her spiritual journey, her quite and steady servants heart, and her moments of pure youthful giddiness. She was a great encourager to all the guys by writing many letters and she washed my dishes many times when I insisted she didn't have to.
Kenzie - I am so thankful for her bright smile in the morning. She always got us going with her energy and joy. I appreciate her patience as well with the kids at the brickyard when they were soaking her with water. She loved on those kids so much I know they will never forget it. I am thankful for her heart and lifestyle of missions.
Aleah - I am thankful for her ability to put up with my sillyness. She has a great sense of humor, a way with words, and serious muscles. I appreciate how she would pick up pretty much anything no matter how heavy and go for it. She kept a gentle-spirit and a heart of unity when we needed it. I am thankful for how she opened up her heart to the children of the brickyard and let them in. They will never forget her smile, her laughter and her broken spanish.
Kimberly and her Mom - I am extremely thankful for all the meals, laundry, and shopping you did for us. We would have starved without you ladies. I appreciate how you even gave us surprises like cookies and brownies with ice-cream. Thanks for having plenty of air-borne and leading all the girls as godly woman examples.
I love each and every one of these guys and girls dearly and would do it all over again. I am encouraged and challenged by each of thier lives, thier testimonies and thier friendship.
Thanks guys, I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us next!
For the rest of you, we can't wait to see you at home and tell you all about what God has done!
-Josh Harris
Day 12 - For the beauty of the earth...
Ah, we have made it back from the mountains! I am here to update you on what we did yesterday. I know it's a little late but we didn't have a connection up there so here I am back at the ranch with an update. We left early yesterday morning and started the trek up the Creel in the Sierrra Madres. We arrived around lunch time and ate our packed lunches while Monte and Josh got our hotel rooms. We were hoping we could take a train ride up to Copper Canyon but the train came and went before we even knew it! So, we took plan B and Monte drove us up the curvy roads like last year! We knew we had a chance to catch the train back down the mountain but it was still a bit of a long shot. We did a little bit of shopping and then went on a hike up to a peak of the canyon. Words can not describe how beautiful it was! Monte showed us some houses that were IN the canyon which explains why the Tarahumara people are so hard to reach! They can climb rocks and run like no other people in the world! There is so much to say in such little time so I'll have to tell you more later!
After the brief hike we headed back down to see if we could catch the train. We waited, and waited, and the boys started to get hungry. Monte encouraged us to buy some empanadas (I think that is what they were... hmmm, I can't remember!) from one of the ladies (who is a believer!). My only reservation was that she was cooking on a barrel that had been turned upside down! Hmm. Well, no one has been too seriously sick yet so why not? Just about everyone had one and we're all still alive and no one is sick! Ah, I should tell you that Monte will only take us to places that he knows is safe (even the questionable looking ones). While we were eating our snacks, the train came and we all got on and had a beautiful ride back down into Creel. Some of us even took naps! The evidence of God in his creation was so powerful to me! It broke my heart that the majority of those people living in the Canyon don't know that it is God who made it.
We had dinner and debrief at the hotel and headed off to bed to get ready for the next day. That's about all that happened on Friday. Most of the REALLY exciting stuff happened today. :) We are all looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! Thank you to all of you who have written letters and posted comments for us to read. It's so encouraging and it helps us feel like you are here with us. We can't wait to get back and share how God has worked! Here are a few prayer requests and praises:
Praise- The van had A/C and no one got TOO car sick. :) Monte said he knew he had to drive nicely for us "flatlanders."
-We enjoyed so much to ride the train! It was the first time for the majority (I think 9).
- Josh B. arrived safely at home (as far as we know! I haven't had a chance to check the blog or emails)
-We had a safe drive to and from the mountains
Requests
_We have one more night! Pray that we will stay focused to the end
-For safe travels and health.
-For our time with the missionaries as we say goodbye.
We love you all and miss you but we'll see you soon! Ah... I am in a hurry to post this because dinner started 10 minutes ago and I wasn't there! I apologize for the mistakes! :)
-Kim
After the brief hike we headed back down to see if we could catch the train. We waited, and waited, and the boys started to get hungry. Monte encouraged us to buy some empanadas (I think that is what they were... hmmm, I can't remember!) from one of the ladies (who is a believer!). My only reservation was that she was cooking on a barrel that had been turned upside down! Hmm. Well, no one has been too seriously sick yet so why not? Just about everyone had one and we're all still alive and no one is sick! Ah, I should tell you that Monte will only take us to places that he knows is safe (even the questionable looking ones). While we were eating our snacks, the train came and we all got on and had a beautiful ride back down into Creel. Some of us even took naps! The evidence of God in his creation was so powerful to me! It broke my heart that the majority of those people living in the Canyon don't know that it is God who made it.
We had dinner and debrief at the hotel and headed off to bed to get ready for the next day. That's about all that happened on Friday. Most of the REALLY exciting stuff happened today. :) We are all looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! Thank you to all of you who have written letters and posted comments for us to read. It's so encouraging and it helps us feel like you are here with us. We can't wait to get back and share how God has worked! Here are a few prayer requests and praises:
Praise- The van had A/C and no one got TOO car sick. :) Monte said he knew he had to drive nicely for us "flatlanders."
-We enjoyed so much to ride the train! It was the first time for the majority (I think 9).
- Josh B. arrived safely at home (as far as we know! I haven't had a chance to check the blog or emails)
-We had a safe drive to and from the mountains
Requests
_We have one more night! Pray that we will stay focused to the end
-For safe travels and health.
-For our time with the missionaries as we say goodbye.
We love you all and miss you but we'll see you soon! Ah... I am in a hurry to post this because dinner started 10 minutes ago and I wasn't there! I apologize for the mistakes! :)
-Kim
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Day 11 - Dios es Fiel
Why is it that the birds greet every one of God's sunrises with song, yet we frequently prefer to remain asleep and miss it all? My answer to this question for the majority of our trip was that sleeping an extra twenty minutes would put me in a better mood for the day. I was wrong. These past two mornings I have awakened early to watch the sky burst with color over mountains, and it has reminded me of a wonderful truth. One of the themes of this trip is "Dios es Fiel," or "God is Faithful." Watching the faithful sun illuminate the sky again this morning, just as it has for thousands years, was a great reminder of God’s faithfulness to his people.
Today was our last day of work here at the ranch. Since Monte was in town getting the air conditioning fixed for our trip to the mountains tomorrow (yay!), we weren’t able to do cement work on the multi-purpose building. Instead, we all split up and did a number of odd jobs. Some did death-defying scaffolding work. Some attempted to finish a porch. Some did various other odd jobs. The rest of us whitewashed buildings. Eh. Hannah and I whitewashed last year, and we were reluctant to do it again. The unquenchable dry hands, the blinding sun reflecting off of the white walls, and the apparent endlessness of the task reawakened dread in our hearts, but we did our job with little to no complaining. Tali and Jessie, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the novelty of the task immensely.
At three we left for our final visit to the brickyard. My team finished the foundation of a brick latrine. I’m still not sure how this whole contraption is going to look in the end. I’m curious. Maybe next year I’ll be able to see the finished product.
We finished training another team of missionaries from Illinois that is going to continue our work after we leave. If you can spare a prayer, send it in their direction.
It was so strange for me to say goodbye to the kids at the brickyard. I’ve seen them so frequently during these past 2 weeks that I have a difficult time believing that I won’t be seeing them again for at least a year. I know it will sink in soon, and that makes me sad. Our team has been praying for the salvation of the people at the brickyard. It would be great if you would do the same. Here are some names to add to your list: Jasmine, America, Sergio, Diana, Anna, Katarina, Esmerelda, Louis, Victoria, Shoshita, Lupe, Mary-Elena, Juana, Susanna, Fabio, Angelita, Linda, and Marta.
When we returned to the ranch we had a crazy-awesome guys against girls water fight. Classic. The boys did not fight fairly. They stole our water balloons and ambushed us with giant buckets of water. The cold wind blowing through Rancho Siloe chilled us to the bone, but the fight had to continue. Soon it got messy…really messy. It became a mud fight – my first mud fight ever! I’m convinced that I’ll be finding small rocks, sticks, hay, and grass in my hair periodically during the next few weeks. A good time was had by all ☺.
God has definitely been faithful to our team during this trip. Injuries have been minimal; no one has had to take a day off for any health-related issues. Our unity has remained strong as we have worked through difficulties together. Monte is well, and the air conditioning was fixed.
We thank you all very much for your prayers. Keep them up! We’re not out of Mexico yet!
I love you guys! God bless you!
Sarah
Today was our last day of work here at the ranch. Since Monte was in town getting the air conditioning fixed for our trip to the mountains tomorrow (yay!), we weren’t able to do cement work on the multi-purpose building. Instead, we all split up and did a number of odd jobs. Some did death-defying scaffolding work. Some attempted to finish a porch. Some did various other odd jobs. The rest of us whitewashed buildings. Eh. Hannah and I whitewashed last year, and we were reluctant to do it again. The unquenchable dry hands, the blinding sun reflecting off of the white walls, and the apparent endlessness of the task reawakened dread in our hearts, but we did our job with little to no complaining. Tali and Jessie, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy the novelty of the task immensely.
At three we left for our final visit to the brickyard. My team finished the foundation of a brick latrine. I’m still not sure how this whole contraption is going to look in the end. I’m curious. Maybe next year I’ll be able to see the finished product.
We finished training another team of missionaries from Illinois that is going to continue our work after we leave. If you can spare a prayer, send it in their direction.
It was so strange for me to say goodbye to the kids at the brickyard. I’ve seen them so frequently during these past 2 weeks that I have a difficult time believing that I won’t be seeing them again for at least a year. I know it will sink in soon, and that makes me sad. Our team has been praying for the salvation of the people at the brickyard. It would be great if you would do the same. Here are some names to add to your list: Jasmine, America, Sergio, Diana, Anna, Katarina, Esmerelda, Louis, Victoria, Shoshita, Lupe, Mary-Elena, Juana, Susanna, Fabio, Angelita, Linda, and Marta.
When we returned to the ranch we had a crazy-awesome guys against girls water fight. Classic. The boys did not fight fairly. They stole our water balloons and ambushed us with giant buckets of water. The cold wind blowing through Rancho Siloe chilled us to the bone, but the fight had to continue. Soon it got messy…really messy. It became a mud fight – my first mud fight ever! I’m convinced that I’ll be finding small rocks, sticks, hay, and grass in my hair periodically during the next few weeks. A good time was had by all ☺.
God has definitely been faithful to our team during this trip. Injuries have been minimal; no one has had to take a day off for any health-related issues. Our unity has remained strong as we have worked through difficulties together. Monte is well, and the air conditioning was fixed.
We thank you all very much for your prayers. Keep them up! We’re not out of Mexico yet!
I love you guys! God bless you!
Sarah
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Day 10 – Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, It’s Off to Work We Go....
Sorry, it is late and we don’t know how to spell “heigh ho.” Is that how it’s spelled? Feel free to give us your opinions. : ) Anyway….
As usual, the alarm clock went off this morning, and as usual, none of us felt like placing our feet on the cold tiles. Hannah and Sarah were the first ones up, because they wanted to see the breathtaking Mexican sunrise! As we all arrived at the kitchen for breakfast, we learned that Churchill was fighting for his life, and many of us were a bit distracted during our devo time.
So after a quick prayer for Churchill, we gathered our supplies and started up the concrete mixer. We completed the porch that we had begun on Friday! We worked so hard that we got it done by 10:30! Jessie and Tali filled buckets with cement, and Snyder filled buckets with water and took pictures. Megan, Sarah, and Hannah filled buckets with gravel. Then Josh, Zach, and Brett dumped all the buckets into the mixer and emptied it into wheelbarrows, which were manned by Tyler, David, and Bastian. They wheeled the concrete over to the porch where Kate, Kenzy, Aleah, Gary, and Monte leveled and smoothed it.
As soon as we had cleaned up from the cement, we took a break. It was at this time that Tali and Jessie found that Churchill had passed away. So then we had a small burial for him.
After break we split up into smaller groups and began working on some odd jobs that kept us busy until lunchtime. Some of us whitewashed, others welded, and made more cement forms.
Today was laundry day, and we were exciting to get clean clothing after wearing out current clothes for five days straight with no showers. Just kidding!! But seriously, Kim and Mrs. H have kept us well supplied with clean clothes and wonderful food. This morning, after they finished the laundry, they had to go into town with Gail to get our visas!
This was the seventh intense day of work here in the blazing Mexico heat. We are all exhausted by midday and then feel the need for a siesta. However, today, we only had an hour of rest before we had to depart for the Brickyard. So, no rest for the weary. : )
Today we got to teach a team of kids from Illinois how to build the outhouses, so they can continue working on them after we leave. We split up into three groups: two were working on outhouses and the remaining team members played with the kids. Jasmine and her family got all dressed up for us to take pictures of them just like they did last year.
We are all getting worn out, but we are enjoying our time here at the ranch and are looking forward to relaxing in the Sierra Madres. But first we have another day of work! : )
Prayer Requests:
- Continued unity
- Unconditional love for each other and for the people that we come into contact with
- That the air conditioning in the van will get fixed before we have the three-hour drive to the mountains
- Safety as we finish up our work projects and then as we travel to the mountains on Thursday
- Energy to complete our last day of work here at the ranch
- PRAISE – Monte is back to “one-hundred percent”
We love you all! Thanks for praying for us!!!!
Also, thank you for all of your sweet comments regarding Churchill!
Love, Hannah and Megan
As usual, the alarm clock went off this morning, and as usual, none of us felt like placing our feet on the cold tiles. Hannah and Sarah were the first ones up, because they wanted to see the breathtaking Mexican sunrise! As we all arrived at the kitchen for breakfast, we learned that Churchill was fighting for his life, and many of us were a bit distracted during our devo time.
So after a quick prayer for Churchill, we gathered our supplies and started up the concrete mixer. We completed the porch that we had begun on Friday! We worked so hard that we got it done by 10:30! Jessie and Tali filled buckets with cement, and Snyder filled buckets with water and took pictures. Megan, Sarah, and Hannah filled buckets with gravel. Then Josh, Zach, and Brett dumped all the buckets into the mixer and emptied it into wheelbarrows, which were manned by Tyler, David, and Bastian. They wheeled the concrete over to the porch where Kate, Kenzy, Aleah, Gary, and Monte leveled and smoothed it.
As soon as we had cleaned up from the cement, we took a break. It was at this time that Tali and Jessie found that Churchill had passed away. So then we had a small burial for him.
After break we split up into smaller groups and began working on some odd jobs that kept us busy until lunchtime. Some of us whitewashed, others welded, and made more cement forms.
Today was laundry day, and we were exciting to get clean clothing after wearing out current clothes for five days straight with no showers. Just kidding!! But seriously, Kim and Mrs. H have kept us well supplied with clean clothes and wonderful food. This morning, after they finished the laundry, they had to go into town with Gail to get our visas!
This was the seventh intense day of work here in the blazing Mexico heat. We are all exhausted by midday and then feel the need for a siesta. However, today, we only had an hour of rest before we had to depart for the Brickyard. So, no rest for the weary. : )
Today we got to teach a team of kids from Illinois how to build the outhouses, so they can continue working on them after we leave. We split up into three groups: two were working on outhouses and the remaining team members played with the kids. Jasmine and her family got all dressed up for us to take pictures of them just like they did last year.
We are all getting worn out, but we are enjoying our time here at the ranch and are looking forward to relaxing in the Sierra Madres. But first we have another day of work! : )
Prayer Requests:
- Continued unity
- Unconditional love for each other and for the people that we come into contact with
- That the air conditioning in the van will get fixed before we have the three-hour drive to the mountains
- Safety as we finish up our work projects and then as we travel to the mountains on Thursday
- Energy to complete our last day of work here at the ranch
- PRAISE – Monte is back to “one-hundred percent”
We love you all! Thanks for praying for us!!!!
Also, thank you for all of your sweet comments regarding Churchill!
Love, Hannah and Megan
A Joy Given, A Life Taken
Today has been a rough day for our team, especially for Jessie and me. When Jessie got Churchill out of his basket to feed him this morning, he was completely limp. Coming to me in the kitchen, she set him in my hands as she prepared his breakfast. At first we thought it had just been too long since he had eaten (we didn't wake up in the night to feed him), but it quickly became obvious that something was very wrong: his whole body shook as he gasped for breath. With tears in our eyes, we watched him fight for his life. Although it was only 6:30 in the morning, we decided to take our dear bunny to Fito's (one of the Mexican students here) house, to see if he would know what to do. Knocking on his screen door, we waited impatiently for him to come to us. Finally he came outside, took the sweet bunny in his hands, and began to massage him. Hours seem to pass as he rubbed Churchill's body, and attempted to resucitate him by squirting air into his mouth through the eye dropper. But it was to no avail. Eventually we left Fito and wandered forlornly back to the kitchen, holding our dying rabbit in our hands.
A long morning passed. Of course there was work to be done, and Jessie and I attempted to rouse ourselves from our sorrow in order to be as helpful as possible. Every time I ran from my work to check on my precious Churchill, I found that he grew progressively worse. Finally, at 10:15 this morning, I watched as Winston Aslan Churchill drew his last breath. Tears dripped down my cheeks and soaked his fur as I drew his lifeless form to my heart. Bursting into tears, Jessie came to me, taking Churchill into her own hands. The boys got a shovel, and we trudged to a circle of stones we had found in the brush a few days prior. As our dear little friend was lain in the ground, Jessie and I held each other, encircled by our comforting friends, sobbing and sobbing.
It may be silly, but I had come to love that little bundle of fur over the past eight days. He was at every meal, every meeting. I woke up in the middle of the night to feed him, I postponed my meals (though I was often extremely hungry) to give him his, I checked on him every chance I got, I played with him every evening. Somehow that little creature was a part of our team. And now he's gone. It still hasn't really settled into my heart. I keep thinking it's time to feed him. I keep wanting to go get him out and play with him. I keep hoping that it's all been a dream, and he's really still there, hopping about his basket.
But I know he is not. My sweet, adorable, lively bunny has been taken from me. And yet, God is good. I know that He has His hand in this situation. I know that it happened for a reason, a purpose. No matter the pain that still pulls at my heart, my God is a loving God, and I thank Him for at least giving us this rabbit, who gave us so very much joy.
Thank you for enduring my rambling, if you actually made it through this post, that is. Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers--we desperately need them!!
Sorrowfully,
Tali Rose
A long morning passed. Of course there was work to be done, and Jessie and I attempted to rouse ourselves from our sorrow in order to be as helpful as possible. Every time I ran from my work to check on my precious Churchill, I found that he grew progressively worse. Finally, at 10:15 this morning, I watched as Winston Aslan Churchill drew his last breath. Tears dripped down my cheeks and soaked his fur as I drew his lifeless form to my heart. Bursting into tears, Jessie came to me, taking Churchill into her own hands. The boys got a shovel, and we trudged to a circle of stones we had found in the brush a few days prior. As our dear little friend was lain in the ground, Jessie and I held each other, encircled by our comforting friends, sobbing and sobbing.
It may be silly, but I had come to love that little bundle of fur over the past eight days. He was at every meal, every meeting. I woke up in the middle of the night to feed him, I postponed my meals (though I was often extremely hungry) to give him his, I checked on him every chance I got, I played with him every evening. Somehow that little creature was a part of our team. And now he's gone. It still hasn't really settled into my heart. I keep thinking it's time to feed him. I keep wanting to go get him out and play with him. I keep hoping that it's all been a dream, and he's really still there, hopping about his basket.
But I know he is not. My sweet, adorable, lively bunny has been taken from me. And yet, God is good. I know that He has His hand in this situation. I know that it happened for a reason, a purpose. No matter the pain that still pulls at my heart, my God is a loving God, and I thank Him for at least giving us this rabbit, who gave us so very much joy.
Thank you for enduring my rambling, if you actually made it through this post, that is. Please continue to keep all of us in your prayers--we desperately need them!!
Sorrowfully,
Tali Rose
Monday, June 9, 2008
Day 9 according to eSnyder.
Don't put copper wire in cement toilet seats.
Don't get between Josh Bastian and his three daily showers.
Don't feed the bunny Airborne.
We got up and ate the breakfast. I fixed a cement toilet with the all-purpose contruction adhesive. I carried around an old toilet seat all day. We played volleyball and ate the spaghetti. Today was the day.
--
Okay, seriously.
I love Mexico and the people.
God is teaching me to be intentional about every moment of every day. God has placed me in each situation for a reason, so I want to be aware of what is going on at all times. There are no accidents with God. I want to seek after the face of God no matter the cost.
I do not seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Knowledge is merely a side benefit of understanding and worshipping my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayer requests:
Monte has to take the van in to the shop Wednesday morning. Pray for a quick fix.
Praise: Josh Bastian is feeling better.
Pray for unity, strength to finish the work week, and focus on why we are here.
-Snyder
P.S. And now it is time for Spanish songs with Snyder:
"Yo tengo un amigo que eSnyder, eSnyder, eSnyder,
Yo tengo un amigo que eSnyder;
Su nombre es eSnyder."
...Did everyone have fun singing?!
Don't get between Josh Bastian and his three daily showers.
Don't feed the bunny Airborne.
We got up and ate the breakfast. I fixed a cement toilet with the all-purpose contruction adhesive. I carried around an old toilet seat all day. We played volleyball and ate the spaghetti. Today was the day.
--
Okay, seriously.
I love Mexico and the people.
God is teaching me to be intentional about every moment of every day. God has placed me in each situation for a reason, so I want to be aware of what is going on at all times. There are no accidents with God. I want to seek after the face of God no matter the cost.
I do not seek knowledge for the sake of knowledge. Knowledge is merely a side benefit of understanding and worshipping my Savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayer requests:
Monte has to take the van in to the shop Wednesday morning. Pray for a quick fix.
Praise: Josh Bastian is feeling better.
Pray for unity, strength to finish the work week, and focus on why we are here.
-Snyder
P.S. And now it is time for Spanish songs with Snyder:
"Yo tengo un amigo que eSnyder, eSnyder, eSnyder,
Yo tengo un amigo que eSnyder;
Su nombre es eSnyder."
...Did everyone have fun singing?!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
A Sunday To Remember (A Formal Affair)
Today was a day unlike any other, for this was the first full Sunday we’ve been here in Mexico. This day was chock full of adventures and new experiences. We were able to sleep in an extra 2 hours this morning, a privilege that was welcomed enthusiastically. At 9:15, we departed for the brickyards to attend the community church service. The plan was to attend the morning service then head to the city for lunch. Little did we know, God had something totally different in store for us.
The brickyard service was a unique and intriguing experience. After a time of worship, the puppet team performed a short skit and song. The native children, even the adults, seemed to enjoy and appreciate it. We were also asked by the pastor to do an impromptu song for the congregation. Prior to the beginning of the sermon, the children were excused to attend children’s church, and some of the girls from our group went with them.
After the service we said our goodbyes and packed into the van. That was where our plans ended and God’s began. When Gail turned the key, the engine didn’t start. Immediately, we assumed the battery was dead, but after several attempts to jumpstart the engine, we realized that was not the case. After further examination, we realized the problem was much more complicated, too complicated, in fact, to explain right now. The question was no longer, “Will we still be able to go to town?” but “How will we get back to the ranch?”
The girls were the first to be taken back to the ranch. One of the missionaries had her car at the brickyards, so all 11 of our girls (including Kim and her mom) stuffed themselves in for the short (thankfully) ride back to the ranch. All the while we boys waited at the brickyard for Monte to arrive with a fresh pair of eyes, tools and another vehicle. In a long, arduous process, we towed the van back to the ranch with Monte’s SUV. In the process we were able to use the ramp we constructed earlier in the week, once again us boys put our muscles together and pushed the van onto Monte’s porch.
After a much appreciated lunch we had a few hours of siesta. Around 5 o’clock we were pleasantly surprised to see that the Amias (a missionary family) had arrived and by 5:30 it was time for a soccer game. After the game we sat down for a delicious supper on the front porch of one of the buildings, and watched the storm clouds start to form around us. Later after supper we began our evening group meeting and prayer time. We ended the night with ice cream and another welcomed rainstorm.
Love,
David and Zach
The brickyard service was a unique and intriguing experience. After a time of worship, the puppet team performed a short skit and song. The native children, even the adults, seemed to enjoy and appreciate it. We were also asked by the pastor to do an impromptu song for the congregation. Prior to the beginning of the sermon, the children were excused to attend children’s church, and some of the girls from our group went with them.
After the service we said our goodbyes and packed into the van. That was where our plans ended and God’s began. When Gail turned the key, the engine didn’t start. Immediately, we assumed the battery was dead, but after several attempts to jumpstart the engine, we realized that was not the case. After further examination, we realized the problem was much more complicated, too complicated, in fact, to explain right now. The question was no longer, “Will we still be able to go to town?” but “How will we get back to the ranch?”
The girls were the first to be taken back to the ranch. One of the missionaries had her car at the brickyards, so all 11 of our girls (including Kim and her mom) stuffed themselves in for the short (thankfully) ride back to the ranch. All the while we boys waited at the brickyard for Monte to arrive with a fresh pair of eyes, tools and another vehicle. In a long, arduous process, we towed the van back to the ranch with Monte’s SUV. In the process we were able to use the ramp we constructed earlier in the week, once again us boys put our muscles together and pushed the van onto Monte’s porch.
After a much appreciated lunch we had a few hours of siesta. Around 5 o’clock we were pleasantly surprised to see that the Amias (a missionary family) had arrived and by 5:30 it was time for a soccer game. After the game we sat down for a delicious supper on the front porch of one of the buildings, and watched the storm clouds start to form around us. Later after supper we began our evening group meeting and prayer time. We ended the night with ice cream and another welcomed rainstorm.
Love,
David and Zach
Please Pray!
As of right now, our van is not functioning. After our wonderful church service at the brickyard (more on that later!) we all piled in the van as we normally do - except this time the van wouldn't start. Thankfully, Allison (the brickyard missionary) was still there with her 5 passenger SUV. The boys tried to use it to jump our van, but the van just wouldn't start. As I write, the boys are still at the brickyard (with Josh and Monty) trying to fix it. We girls all piled in Allison's SUV and got to know one another much better ;)
So, PLEASE PRAY that the van gets fixed very soon! Pray that the problem will be minor, and that all the boys will get back to the ranch soon. This is our only form of mass transportation, and we're scheduled to drive to the mountains later this week. We covet your prayers.
Thank you!
Have a wonderful Lord's day!
-Jessie, for the team
So, PLEASE PRAY that the van gets fixed very soon! Pray that the problem will be minor, and that all the boys will get back to the ranch soon. This is our only form of mass transportation, and we're scheduled to drive to the mountains later this week. We covet your prayers.
Thank you!
Have a wonderful Lord's day!
-Jessie, for the team
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Images for the Heart
When I was around 12 years old my Dad gave everyone in my family black notebooks in which to write our life goals, dreams, ambitions, etc. I hadn't seen my book around for quite a while and just recently it reappeared in my room. When I turned to the back page of this little notebook, I saw a list of goals I had written for my life. There are somewhere between 60-75 things on my list, and in the middle of the page were the words "Work at an orphanage in Mexico".
As of today, I have officially crossed that off of my list!
Our day here in Mexico began with an extra hour of sleep, which was a HUGE blessing for the whole team! We then headed off to breakfast and continued on to our morning devotions. When our devotion time had ended, we all piled into the van and began the day's journey! We were finally on our way to the orphanage!
Immeaditely upon our arrival some of the ladies from our group began preparng breakfast for the kids, while the rest of us kept them entertained (with games such as scare the new visitors with a ball that is a lot heavier then it looks...and games of that sort :). When breakfast was ready all of the kids filed into the main room and took their seats. The next thing they did was so neat for all of us to see. They prayed. All of these kids spoke to God, thanking him for us, the breakfast, and the day. It was so amazing to listen to, not necessarliy understand, but listen to. Breakfast was indeed a huge hit! :)
After breakfast came the singing and the puppet skits we had prepared. The smiles on the kids face's were priceless! So many precious little voices were joined with our voices in song, and created a sound like no other! So many kids came up to the front to sing with us, and left few standing in the audience. Next came the puppets. It's funny to watch the kids' different reactions to these strange new toys. One little girl wasn't especially fond of the puppets, so we watched from afar.
When we were all done singing and puppeteering (sure, that's a word! :) we played outside some more. Games such as soccer, basketball, tag, and jump on Zach's back were all very popular.
My hightlight of the day came when I had a relatiavely normal conversation with a child at the orphanage...in spanish (what else? :) All of a sudden words and verbs and verb forms just began coming back to me and I was actually able to talk to these kids and understand them. It was so exciting! :) Our time at the orphanage had finally come to a close. This life changing experience is one never to be forgotten by any of us.
After we left the orphanage we exchanged our money, and headed to our Mexican-Itallian cuisine for lunch. Then came the town! Our first stop was a musuem of sorts, followed by a visit to a local souvenier shop. We spent a while in there and then set out to explore the rest of the sights, sounds, and smells that Mexico had to offer! And of course, what would a trip tp Mexico be like without a visit to a local pottery shop??
Our long day had come to a close. Almost.
We have been praying ALL week that there would be a rainstorm (mind you, it hasn't rained very much here since January). Our prayers were answered tonight the minute I sat down to write this! Of course I had to leave the blog for a little while. :) We could all see the black coulds closing in over us during the evening meeting and the sunset. It was BEAUTIFUL!
Well I have written a lottt now :) and we all are headed to church at the brickyard tomorrow morning...So goodnight friends and family! We love you all!
-Aleah_for the team. :)
Some things to pray for are:
-Healing for Josh B. and Monte (the missionary we are working with here) They haven't been feeling well. :(
-Energy for the team
- Safety
-Unity
-That the air conditioning in the van we are using would be fixed soon
-That no one else would get sick
and that we would continue to be a light whereever we go!
p.s. please excuse typos. It's gettin' real late. :) :)
Friday, June 6, 2008
Day Five in Mexico
Dear Mom,
its been really great being out here in Mexico. I really have been missing you and all the things you do for me that I have had to do myself now. I hope that you don't miss me too badly... oh, well, I guess I should write to more than just my own mother. :)
It being day five, we are all really tired and could use your prayers to keep us energized. We poured half the cement for the porch/carport we have been working on; that was a crazy time of throwing buckets, moving rocks, and getting dirty. At 3pm we went to the brickyard for Bible club. We did our songs and puppet perfomances for the kids, and they seemed to enjoy singing along and laughing at us. Most of us spent time reading spanish books to the kids as well. Some of the team tried and failed, but that's ok because the kids got a kick out of it.
After the brickyard we went back to tthe ranch to pick up our favorite van driver, who proceeded to take us into town and find the local hubbub (the Mexican Chihuahua Mall). We had our first taste of local food, which was ultimately accepted by the group, even though it had some cactus involved. They were called gorditas. Although we were all pretty full, most of us went to get a little taste of home at McDonalds. (By the way, Jessie was wearing her seatbelt, which we thought you might like to know...that is, if your name is Mrs. M. :)
It's pretty late as I am writting this, so I am going to keep it short. We will put pictures up tomorrow.
Goodbye and goodnight.
-Tyler
P.S. Sorry if this doesn't make sense; we really are tired.
And I really do miss you Mom. Thanks for the letters.
its been really great being out here in Mexico. I really have been missing you and all the things you do for me that I have had to do myself now. I hope that you don't miss me too badly... oh, well, I guess I should write to more than just my own mother. :)
It being day five, we are all really tired and could use your prayers to keep us energized. We poured half the cement for the porch/carport we have been working on; that was a crazy time of throwing buckets, moving rocks, and getting dirty. At 3pm we went to the brickyard for Bible club. We did our songs and puppet perfomances for the kids, and they seemed to enjoy singing along and laughing at us. Most of us spent time reading spanish books to the kids as well. Some of the team tried and failed, but that's ok because the kids got a kick out of it.
After the brickyard we went back to tthe ranch to pick up our favorite van driver, who proceeded to take us into town and find the local hubbub (the Mexican Chihuahua Mall). We had our first taste of local food, which was ultimately accepted by the group, even though it had some cactus involved. They were called gorditas. Although we were all pretty full, most of us went to get a little taste of home at McDonalds. (By the way, Jessie was wearing her seatbelt, which we thought you might like to know...that is, if your name is Mrs. M. :)
It's pretty late as I am writting this, so I am going to keep it short. We will put pictures up tomorrow.
Goodbye and goodnight.
-Tyler
P.S. Sorry if this doesn't make sense; we really are tired.
And I really do miss you Mom. Thanks for the letters.
Day Four in Mexico
Hello everyone! I'm sorry I didn't post this last night; I was just having too much fun laughing, chatting, praying, and singing with our girls. :)
The highlights of the day - for me, at least - were laundry, lunch, and the brickyard.
Yesterday was laundry day! Instead of helping with work around the ranch, Tali and I got to assist Kim and Mrs. H in the laundry duties. Let me tell you, Tali and I didn't mind trading heavy wheelbarrows, and large shovelfuls of dirt for baskets of clean laundry and buckets of clothespins! :D
For lunch, we feasted on good ol' mac n cheese and hot dogs! Mmmmm! I've been unable to come to a conclusive decision, but I believe this meal just might pass up our grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch.
We have been so blessed with the most delicious meals!
We also took our second trip to the brickyard yesterday. Some of the team helped build the foundation for an outhouse, and some of us played with kids again. Bet you can't guess what I did? ;) Yes, I got to see Jasmine again! I can't express how exhuberant my heart is being with this precious girl who has constantly pervaded my thoughts over the past year! When I went to play with her yesterday, she brought out a few photos. (For those of you who don't know, last year we printed out a handful of pictures of our experiences at the brickyard and left them with Jasmine's family.) Jasmine held out a tattered photo to me. As I looked closely, I saw that it was a picture taken of the two of us last year. She showed it to me with the biggest smile on her face! I couldn't hide mine either! I'm always reminded of her, because of all the trip pictures hanging in my room. It is so neat to know that she, too, has kept pictures of our team from last year. How cool that she remembers us - not only our faces, but our love. I'm so thrilled because today is Bible club at the brickyard! I can't wait to go back, and this time to sing songs and perform puppet shows.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. Don't stop! ;) You guys are our support network, and your prayers mean more than anything!
Here are a few specific ways you can lift us before the Throne:
1. For renewed team unity, especially that we continue to pray together as a group and seek the Lord's wisdom in all situations
2. For Bible club today, that we would remember our cues and lyrics, and that it would be more than just a fun performance
3. For work today. Rumor has it we're back to cement work, so pray for special endurance. (By the way, my cememt burns are almost gone!)
4. For our team mascot, Churchill. He's growing fast! Pray that he will be big and strong enough to support himself by the time we leave.
5. ALSO, please pray that we get rain sometime while we are here! A rainstorm would be positively wonderful!
-Jess
Here are some pictures of our day....
The highlights of the day - for me, at least - were laundry, lunch, and the brickyard.
Yesterday was laundry day! Instead of helping with work around the ranch, Tali and I got to assist Kim and Mrs. H in the laundry duties. Let me tell you, Tali and I didn't mind trading heavy wheelbarrows, and large shovelfuls of dirt for baskets of clean laundry and buckets of clothespins! :D
For lunch, we feasted on good ol' mac n cheese and hot dogs! Mmmmm! I've been unable to come to a conclusive decision, but I believe this meal just might pass up our grilled cheese and tomato soup lunch.
We have been so blessed with the most delicious meals!
We also took our second trip to the brickyard yesterday. Some of the team helped build the foundation for an outhouse, and some of us played with kids again. Bet you can't guess what I did? ;) Yes, I got to see Jasmine again! I can't express how exhuberant my heart is being with this precious girl who has constantly pervaded my thoughts over the past year! When I went to play with her yesterday, she brought out a few photos. (For those of you who don't know, last year we printed out a handful of pictures of our experiences at the brickyard and left them with Jasmine's family.) Jasmine held out a tattered photo to me. As I looked closely, I saw that it was a picture taken of the two of us last year. She showed it to me with the biggest smile on her face! I couldn't hide mine either! I'm always reminded of her, because of all the trip pictures hanging in my room. It is so neat to know that she, too, has kept pictures of our team from last year. How cool that she remembers us - not only our faces, but our love. I'm so thrilled because today is Bible club at the brickyard! I can't wait to go back, and this time to sing songs and perform puppet shows.
Thank you all for your continued prayers. Don't stop! ;) You guys are our support network, and your prayers mean more than anything!
Here are a few specific ways you can lift us before the Throne:
1. For renewed team unity, especially that we continue to pray together as a group and seek the Lord's wisdom in all situations
2. For Bible club today, that we would remember our cues and lyrics, and that it would be more than just a fun performance
3. For work today. Rumor has it we're back to cement work, so pray for special endurance. (By the way, my cememt burns are almost gone!)
4. For our team mascot, Churchill. He's growing fast! Pray that he will be big and strong enough to support himself by the time we leave.
5. ALSO, please pray that we get rain sometime while we are here! A rainstorm would be positively wonderful!
-Jess
Here are some pictures of our day....
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Day Three In Mexico!
Wow! What a crazy couple of days we have had so far! I can't believe its only day three!
We have covered the story of the baby bunny, right? Well last night, a few of the most dedicated bunny sitters decided to take shifts waking up every few hours to feed baby Churchill. I, however, was most definitely not willing to sacrifice my precious sleep for a small bunny. (Yes, you may call me cruel) So I took my mattress out into the main room and had an incredible night's rest. Today followed a similar pattern as the previous days: Breakfast at 6:30, devotions at 7:00, work from 7:30 to 1, lunch at 1:30ish. (Wahoo!)
Monte, (our task master), was feeling quite sickly today, and was unable to work with us, but we continued on! The boys were set on a leveling job preparing for another driveway/cement job. They looked like they had it pretty hard, always hitting the same amount of ground with the pickaxes and sledgehammers. Though frequently when we looked over they were missing...I have no idea where they went during those times. The beginning of the day we had a few girls back on our previous leveling job, and the rest of the girls plus Farrell, finding and moving rocks to where the boys were preparing the driveway for cement. Phew! It was a lot of work. I personally prefer cement work. More taxing on the body, but much more entertaining and busy! There were two exciting things that happened today, the girls got stuck in a small sand storm, and the boys got stuck in a bigger one! It was quite the thrill of the day. I don't think it is reasonable for any place to be so windy; it's just not safe. It was like a tiny hurricane all day! (Minus everything that makes it a hurricane except for the wind) So the girls got their leveling job finished, with minor exceptions where we needed Monte's help, and the boys (I think) completed their task as well! Tomorrow we will begin the hectic cementing once again! Yahoo! =D
After lunch we had a relaxed day. Most of the group spent a large amount of time in the common room over in the girl’s dorm rooms. We all spent a large amount of time preparing the puppet skits, and some time practicing songs. By the time we were done, it was time for dinner!
We had a fantastic surprise for the rest of the evening in the form of a dinner guest! His name was Fito (sp?), and he is a Mexican missionary who just finished his four years here at Rancho Siloe. What an incredible time we had with him! He came to eat dinner with us (delicious tacos courtesy again of Kim and Mrs. H!), and share about his experiences. Sitting around the dinner table he shared with us about his life prior to NTM (through a translator). It was so interesting to hear about his life! Then he stopped his story short and told us that he would continue his story after the scheduled game of soccer. At first my thoughts were..."hmm, soccer after dinner, I think not." But my attitude quickly changed and I joined in on the game. =) The soccer game in my opinion was one of the best parts of the day! Nothing beats a great competitive game of soccer when you think you're ready for bed =) Turns out, I save up EXTRA energy just for such occasions! =D
My other favorite part of the day was after the soccer game when Fito continued his story. This time, however, he was encouraging us with our work and our relationship with God. It was incredible getting a new perspective on things. You know, I finally realized tonight listening to him speak to us, that God uses trips like this to spice up our relationship with Him. He didn't leave me out in the dessert for no good reason.. In fact, it just so happens to be for the best reason! How can I argue with God's plans for me, right? So yes, the evening with Fito was incredible =)
Did I happen to mention that the Brickyard was incredible??? No, I suppose I didn't. Well, once again I saw God's perfect plan for me! About 30 minutes prior to leaving for the Brickyard, I got my turn on the computer, yahoo! Right? Yes, it was very nice; I found that I had many emails from my dear ones at home.. But reading them made me miss everything much more. So, I decided to sob. And I did so through the reading and responding of every email until it was time to go to the Brickyard... I got in the van with my puffy red eyes slightly less than thrilled about getting in a van with everyone when I would probably start crying again. To my surprise though, I didn't cry any more! Once we got to the Brickyard, my homesickness left me and I was able to focus on where I was at the time. Wow! What an experience! How did God know exactly what I needed to help me through my hardest time? Well, He did, and it worked. =) I can now read my emails from home with anticipation and excitement, but no tears. I am perfectly content with being where God has me for the time He has me here. Thank you all for the prayers, they worked!
Also, to fill you in on the other prayer requests:
The few people that were pelted with water during the water fights are not sick! =)
I am content where I am but do so appreciate your prayers.
We all were able to work in harmony today and accomplished wonderful things.
And no body died! yayayayayayayay!
A few new prayer requests:
That...
-good health would continue to circulate around the ranch.
-we would continue to work and socialize in harmony.
-we would be productive and energetic for our work ahead.
-Monte would feel better for our long day of cementing tomorrow.
-we would shine Christ's love to the children at the Brickyard.
-Fito would be blessed while doing God's work in Mexico.
That's all I can think of for now, but we so appreciate all the prayer and love you continue to pour on us!
We love you all!
-Kate <3 (for the team =) )
We have covered the story of the baby bunny, right? Well last night, a few of the most dedicated bunny sitters decided to take shifts waking up every few hours to feed baby Churchill. I, however, was most definitely not willing to sacrifice my precious sleep for a small bunny. (Yes, you may call me cruel) So I took my mattress out into the main room and had an incredible night's rest. Today followed a similar pattern as the previous days: Breakfast at 6:30, devotions at 7:00, work from 7:30 to 1, lunch at 1:30ish. (Wahoo!)
Monte, (our task master), was feeling quite sickly today, and was unable to work with us, but we continued on! The boys were set on a leveling job preparing for another driveway/cement job. They looked like they had it pretty hard, always hitting the same amount of ground with the pickaxes and sledgehammers. Though frequently when we looked over they were missing...I have no idea where they went during those times. The beginning of the day we had a few girls back on our previous leveling job, and the rest of the girls plus Farrell, finding and moving rocks to where the boys were preparing the driveway for cement. Phew! It was a lot of work. I personally prefer cement work. More taxing on the body, but much more entertaining and busy! There were two exciting things that happened today, the girls got stuck in a small sand storm, and the boys got stuck in a bigger one! It was quite the thrill of the day. I don't think it is reasonable for any place to be so windy; it's just not safe. It was like a tiny hurricane all day! (Minus everything that makes it a hurricane except for the wind) So the girls got their leveling job finished, with minor exceptions where we needed Monte's help, and the boys (I think) completed their task as well! Tomorrow we will begin the hectic cementing once again! Yahoo! =D
After lunch we had a relaxed day. Most of the group spent a large amount of time in the common room over in the girl’s dorm rooms. We all spent a large amount of time preparing the puppet skits, and some time practicing songs. By the time we were done, it was time for dinner!
We had a fantastic surprise for the rest of the evening in the form of a dinner guest! His name was Fito (sp?), and he is a Mexican missionary who just finished his four years here at Rancho Siloe. What an incredible time we had with him! He came to eat dinner with us (delicious tacos courtesy again of Kim and Mrs. H!), and share about his experiences. Sitting around the dinner table he shared with us about his life prior to NTM (through a translator). It was so interesting to hear about his life! Then he stopped his story short and told us that he would continue his story after the scheduled game of soccer. At first my thoughts were..."hmm, soccer after dinner, I think not." But my attitude quickly changed and I joined in on the game. =) The soccer game in my opinion was one of the best parts of the day! Nothing beats a great competitive game of soccer when you think you're ready for bed =) Turns out, I save up EXTRA energy just for such occasions! =D
My other favorite part of the day was after the soccer game when Fito continued his story. This time, however, he was encouraging us with our work and our relationship with God. It was incredible getting a new perspective on things. You know, I finally realized tonight listening to him speak to us, that God uses trips like this to spice up our relationship with Him. He didn't leave me out in the dessert for no good reason.. In fact, it just so happens to be for the best reason! How can I argue with God's plans for me, right? So yes, the evening with Fito was incredible =)
Did I happen to mention that the Brickyard was incredible??? No, I suppose I didn't. Well, once again I saw God's perfect plan for me! About 30 minutes prior to leaving for the Brickyard, I got my turn on the computer, yahoo! Right? Yes, it was very nice; I found that I had many emails from my dear ones at home.. But reading them made me miss everything much more. So, I decided to sob. And I did so through the reading and responding of every email until it was time to go to the Brickyard... I got in the van with my puffy red eyes slightly less than thrilled about getting in a van with everyone when I would probably start crying again. To my surprise though, I didn't cry any more! Once we got to the Brickyard, my homesickness left me and I was able to focus on where I was at the time. Wow! What an experience! How did God know exactly what I needed to help me through my hardest time? Well, He did, and it worked. =) I can now read my emails from home with anticipation and excitement, but no tears. I am perfectly content with being where God has me for the time He has me here. Thank you all for the prayers, they worked!
Also, to fill you in on the other prayer requests:
The few people that were pelted with water during the water fights are not sick! =)
I am content where I am but do so appreciate your prayers.
We all were able to work in harmony today and accomplished wonderful things.
And no body died! yayayayayayayay!
A few new prayer requests:
That...
-good health would continue to circulate around the ranch.
-we would continue to work and socialize in harmony.
-we would be productive and energetic for our work ahead.
-Monte would feel better for our long day of cementing tomorrow.
-we would shine Christ's love to the children at the Brickyard.
-Fito would be blessed while doing God's work in Mexico.
That's all I can think of for now, but we so appreciate all the prayer and love you continue to pour on us!
We love you all!
-Kate <3 (for the team =) )
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Day 2 in Mexico
Dearest friends and family,
Sorry we didn't post yesterday; we've been having trouble with the internet. [This post was actually written on Tuesday, but we again had trouble posting.]
Today was an absolutely wonderful day. After waking up very early, eating breakfast as a group, and doing devotions, we gathered outside to begin work--cement! Unlike yesterday, today all of us got to work together, building a ramp up to one of the sidewalks. The process contained a multitude of jobs, and all of us were kept continuously busy, shoveling gravel, filling water buckets, scooping cement powder, running back and forth with cement-filled wheelbarrows, and finally creating a beautiful ramp. When the job was done, and the cement was beginning to dry, Jessie carved Thrive Youth '08 into its edge. A job well done--what satisfaction we all felt!
During the course of the morning, Gary (one of the missionaries) found an itty-bitty baby jack rabbit, whose mother had died. All of us (especially the girls, I must admit) were extremely thrilled to have a new member added to our team, and took him to our hearts immediately. As she cuddled him in her hands, Jessie named him Winston Churchill. We found some powdered milk in the kitchen and have been feeding him every couple hours ever since. In fact, we have brought the little dear in his little box to our room, and are assigning shifts to feed him during the night. How dearly I already love the sweet bunny!
After work, we of course ate lunch and took our siesta. When all of those necessary evils (haha) had been taken care of, we again gathered together, this time to head to the Brick Yard. The Brick Yard is an extremely impoverished area where many families live and make bricks for their income. As we drove up through the dust and gravel, I was overcome by the abundance of blessings God has showered upon us in America. Compared to our big houses, green lawns, and sparkling pools, these people have nothing. Trash clung to the brush. There were piles of junk everywhere. Glass and scraps of metal littered the ground. And yet, the people are beautiful. The children embraced us and loved us in a way I have never before experienced. They know no favoritism, no judgement. They saw us only as their playmates, and so they played with us with a rigor that was exhausting and yet envigorating.
Visiting the Brick Yard was especially neat for the people who had gone last year. One of the little girls, Jasmine, actually remembered the team, especially jumping through rain puddles with Sarah and Jessie. We will tell more about the children on a later post.
Here are a few pictures from yesterday and today. Here's to hoping they actually show up!!
Please continue to keep us all in your prayers.
A few prayer requests are...
-Healing of Kate and Jessie's colds, Sarah's insect bites, Tali and Jessie's cement burns
-That Kate would feel especially loved, as she is feeling particularly homesick
-Energy! It's late tonight, and the workday begins early again tomorrow
-That Josh, Kenzy, and David would not get sick; in the midst of a water fight with kids at the brickyard, they got unclean water in their mouths.
-For Josh, Kim, and Mrs. H. (Kim's mom), as they continue to lead us
-For our new baby, Churchill, and those of us waking up to feed him.
-Also that we would have an effective ministry that is centered on glorifiying God
Thanks for all your prayers!
-Tali
Sorry we didn't post yesterday; we've been having trouble with the internet. [This post was actually written on Tuesday, but we again had trouble posting.]
Today was an absolutely wonderful day. After waking up very early, eating breakfast as a group, and doing devotions, we gathered outside to begin work--cement! Unlike yesterday, today all of us got to work together, building a ramp up to one of the sidewalks. The process contained a multitude of jobs, and all of us were kept continuously busy, shoveling gravel, filling water buckets, scooping cement powder, running back and forth with cement-filled wheelbarrows, and finally creating a beautiful ramp. When the job was done, and the cement was beginning to dry, Jessie carved Thrive Youth '08 into its edge. A job well done--what satisfaction we all felt!
During the course of the morning, Gary (one of the missionaries) found an itty-bitty baby jack rabbit, whose mother had died. All of us (especially the girls, I must admit) were extremely thrilled to have a new member added to our team, and took him to our hearts immediately. As she cuddled him in her hands, Jessie named him Winston Churchill. We found some powdered milk in the kitchen and have been feeding him every couple hours ever since. In fact, we have brought the little dear in his little box to our room, and are assigning shifts to feed him during the night. How dearly I already love the sweet bunny!
After work, we of course ate lunch and took our siesta. When all of those necessary evils (haha) had been taken care of, we again gathered together, this time to head to the Brick Yard. The Brick Yard is an extremely impoverished area where many families live and make bricks for their income. As we drove up through the dust and gravel, I was overcome by the abundance of blessings God has showered upon us in America. Compared to our big houses, green lawns, and sparkling pools, these people have nothing. Trash clung to the brush. There were piles of junk everywhere. Glass and scraps of metal littered the ground. And yet, the people are beautiful. The children embraced us and loved us in a way I have never before experienced. They know no favoritism, no judgement. They saw us only as their playmates, and so they played with us with a rigor that was exhausting and yet envigorating.
Visiting the Brick Yard was especially neat for the people who had gone last year. One of the little girls, Jasmine, actually remembered the team, especially jumping through rain puddles with Sarah and Jessie. We will tell more about the children on a later post.
Here are a few pictures from yesterday and today. Here's to hoping they actually show up!!
Please continue to keep us all in your prayers.
A few prayer requests are...
-Healing of Kate and Jessie's colds, Sarah's insect bites, Tali and Jessie's cement burns
-That Kate would feel especially loved, as she is feeling particularly homesick
-Energy! It's late tonight, and the workday begins early again tomorrow
-That Josh, Kenzy, and David would not get sick; in the midst of a water fight with kids at the brickyard, they got unclean water in their mouths.
-For Josh, Kim, and Mrs. H. (Kim's mom), as they continue to lead us
-For our new baby, Churchill, and those of us waking up to feed him.
-Also that we would have an effective ministry that is centered on glorifiying God
Thanks for all your prayers!
-Tali
Monday, June 2, 2008
Day 1 in Mexico...
We all got here very safely last night around 9:00p.m. For those of you wondering, our entire team made it. We were able to all fit in two vans and travel down together without any interference. We did not encounter any difficulties; in fact, both vans got a green light to travel over the border. It was a significant answer to prayer!
The alarm went off at 6:00 a.m this morning and we all shot right up ready and excited to get to work. Breakfast was at 6:30, and work started at 7:30, but FIRST we got our tour of the ranch! We girls worked on leveling part of the ground in the multi-purpose building, so that we can pour the concrete later on this week. As for the guys, they worked on preparing the ground to build a concrete ramp. We all worked hard in the sun and were blessed with a wonderful breeze. After work we were famished! Kim and her marvelous mother made us lunch, and for the rest of this day we have been catching up on our rest and devotions. God made this place so incredibly beautiful! We are all bonding in Christ! This is only the beggining and God has so much more in store! James 1:2 states " Counting it all joy " in everything we do we need to count it all joy in Jesus Christ!
-Kenzy
P.S. Our internet is too slow to post pictures! We've been trying to, but it just won't upload. :(
The alarm went off at 6:00 a.m this morning and we all shot right up ready and excited to get to work. Breakfast was at 6:30, and work started at 7:30, but FIRST we got our tour of the ranch! We girls worked on leveling part of the ground in the multi-purpose building, so that we can pour the concrete later on this week. As for the guys, they worked on preparing the ground to build a concrete ramp. We all worked hard in the sun and were blessed with a wonderful breeze. After work we were famished! Kim and her marvelous mother made us lunch, and for the rest of this day we have been catching up on our rest and devotions. God made this place so incredibly beautiful! We are all bonding in Christ! This is only the beggining and God has so much more in store! James 1:2 states " Counting it all joy " in everything we do we need to count it all joy in Jesus Christ!
-Kenzy
P.S. Our internet is too slow to post pictures! We've been trying to, but it just won't upload. :(
Sunday, June 1, 2008
We Made It!
After a full day of travel, we have safely arrived at the ranch!
Thank you all for praying! God has (yes, again!) been faithful!
More to come later.
I'd say it's time for bed.
We start work early in the morning, so you can be praying for stamina for everyone.
We love you all!
-Jessie for the team
Thank you all for praying! God has (yes, again!) been faithful!
More to come later.
I'd say it's time for bed.
We start work early in the morning, so you can be praying for stamina for everyone.
We love you all!
-Jessie for the team
Safety Concerns
Hello,
I am writing here at 6am in Davenport before we leave to update the families of the students and those praying for us concerning safety. I have been in contact with our NTM co-ordinator and have discussed the recent violence on the border. There has been violence against the border officials near Juarez. NTM has not only advised their missionaries that it is not safe, they have advised us to avoid it as well. We will be crossing the border in New Mexico instead.
For similar safetly concerns no one will be traveling by bus. We will send the majority down tonight by van with Monte and then my wife and two others down the next day along with another missionary and their vehicle.
We are keeping up to speed on the safety issues and will not take unecessary risks. Monte, who is our trip co-ordinator on that end, will advise us even when we arrive. Please be assured that we won't do anything that the organization of NTM wouldn't do. And we have to get permission from them to even enter Mexico and work. We have their knowledge and wisdom as a base supporting us.
**
Please be praying for the violence to stop for the people involved and so that we can continue this trip.
Pray for our safety and for confidence in the Lord.
Pray for those back home who are worrying and nervous to put their hope in the Lord.
I will keep you updated through here as often as I can. Thank you once again families for your support and allowing your students to be part of this. We are doing our best to take care of them and to be wise.
Josh Harris
I am writing here at 6am in Davenport before we leave to update the families of the students and those praying for us concerning safety. I have been in contact with our NTM co-ordinator and have discussed the recent violence on the border. There has been violence against the border officials near Juarez. NTM has not only advised their missionaries that it is not safe, they have advised us to avoid it as well. We will be crossing the border in New Mexico instead.
For similar safetly concerns no one will be traveling by bus. We will send the majority down tonight by van with Monte and then my wife and two others down the next day along with another missionary and their vehicle.
We are keeping up to speed on the safety issues and will not take unecessary risks. Monte, who is our trip co-ordinator on that end, will advise us even when we arrive. Please be assured that we won't do anything that the organization of NTM wouldn't do. And we have to get permission from them to even enter Mexico and work. We have their knowledge and wisdom as a base supporting us.
**
Please be praying for the violence to stop for the people involved and so that we can continue this trip.
Pray for our safety and for confidence in the Lord.
Pray for those back home who are worrying and nervous to put their hope in the Lord.
I will keep you updated through here as often as I can. Thank you once again families for your support and allowing your students to be part of this. We are doing our best to take care of them and to be wise.
Josh Harris
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
The Brickyard
Hello everybody! Thanks for visiting our blog.
I want to share with you a little bit about a place in Chihuahua called “the brickyard.” It is a home and workplace for many impoverished families who seek to support themselves by making bricks. They live in small shacks with dirt floors (you can see the shacks on the horizon in the photo below) and have next to nothing. My first trip to the brickyard last year was incredibly eye opening. I had never before seen such poverty. The children wore filthy clothes, most of which did not fit or were extremely tattered, drank unsanitary water, and lived with all their siblings and parents in one-room homes the size of an average American living room.
Although we could not communicate with words, it took only a short time to become their friends. They were easily entertained by our games of hide-and-seek, frisbee, and wheelbarrow racing. To the children, a camera was a foreign novelty! They often asked us to take their pictures and loved seeing themselves on our small digital screens!
In addition to relational ministry last year, we were able to make screen doors and windows for some of the families. This year, we hope to expand our ministry to even greater lengths by building outhouses and providing eyeglasses and basic medical supplies to those who are in need. We will also be helping with a literacy and Bible club for the kids.
Another thing we are excited about this year is the opportunity to attend the local church at the brickyard! Allison, a missionary with New Tribes, has been ministering to the families at the brickyard for some time. She has seen several Mexicans come to Christ, and there is a small congregation - mostly consisting of women and children - that meets on Sunday mornings on site at the brickyard. We are all thrilled and privileged to be invited to worship with them!
Would you please pray for us, specifically concerning our ministry at the brickyard? Please pray that God would give us opportunities to tangibly show the love of Christ and that we would be obedient to extend that same love that has been so lavishly bestowed upon us.
Only three more days!
Signed,
Jessie
I want to share with you a little bit about a place in Chihuahua called “the brickyard.” It is a home and workplace for many impoverished families who seek to support themselves by making bricks. They live in small shacks with dirt floors (you can see the shacks on the horizon in the photo below) and have next to nothing. My first trip to the brickyard last year was incredibly eye opening. I had never before seen such poverty. The children wore filthy clothes, most of which did not fit or were extremely tattered, drank unsanitary water, and lived with all their siblings and parents in one-room homes the size of an average American living room.
Although we could not communicate with words, it took only a short time to become their friends. They were easily entertained by our games of hide-and-seek, frisbee, and wheelbarrow racing. To the children, a camera was a foreign novelty! They often asked us to take their pictures and loved seeing themselves on our small digital screens!
In addition to relational ministry last year, we were able to make screen doors and windows for some of the families. This year, we hope to expand our ministry to even greater lengths by building outhouses and providing eyeglasses and basic medical supplies to those who are in need. We will also be helping with a literacy and Bible club for the kids.
Another thing we are excited about this year is the opportunity to attend the local church at the brickyard! Allison, a missionary with New Tribes, has been ministering to the families at the brickyard for some time. She has seen several Mexicans come to Christ, and there is a small congregation - mostly consisting of women and children - that meets on Sunday mornings on site at the brickyard. We are all thrilled and privileged to be invited to worship with them!
Would you please pray for us, specifically concerning our ministry at the brickyard? Please pray that God would give us opportunities to tangibly show the love of Christ and that we would be obedient to extend that same love that has been so lavishly bestowed upon us.
Only three more days!
Signed,
Jessie
How You Can Pray For Us
Please pray...
--That our team would be devoted to prayer
--There would be team unity
--That everyone that still needs money for the trip, will get it on time
--That we would come back changed with a deeper love for God
--For all the little details, like there won't be car trouble, we will all get seats on the same plane, everyone will be safe while working with the tools and equipment, and no one would get real sick
--That we would have open hearts and eyes to see God do big things
--That God would prepare our hearts as the days left before the trip get shorter
--That we will be an encouragement to everyone we come in contact with
--That God would be glorified in all we say and do
*Praise*
Everyone has their passports!
-Megan Schwoch
--That our team would be devoted to prayer
--There would be team unity
--That everyone that still needs money for the trip, will get it on time
--That we would come back changed with a deeper love for God
--For all the little details, like there won't be car trouble, we will all get seats on the same plane, everyone will be safe while working with the tools and equipment, and no one would get real sick
--That we would have open hearts and eyes to see God do big things
--That God would prepare our hearts as the days left before the trip get shorter
--That we will be an encouragement to everyone we come in contact with
--That God would be glorified in all we say and do
*Praise*
Everyone has their passports!
-Megan Schwoch
Monday, May 26, 2008
Construction Work With NTM
One dimension of the work we do in Mexico is working for NTM. New Tribes Mission attempts to spread the gospel to people groups who have not heard the message in their own languages. One part of this work is in Rancho Siloe, a unique and exciting facility several miles outside of Chihuahua City, Mexico. "The Ranch" is a missionary training facility for Spanish-speaking people from Central and South America. Students who train there will help to carry the gospel to remote people groups in their own parts of the world.
During summer breaks, the missionary/teachers at El Rancho host groups who want to be part of the missionary endeavor. Our youth group is one such group. We will be working hard to do construction and manual labor needed at this facility each morning. This year we will be doing cement work, framing, and possibly roofing on the new multi-purpose building or staff housing.
We are so thankful for the opportunity to support the work of the Gospel that is going on in Mexico. We would appreciate your prayer support as we are there. We want to follow God in whatever ways we can.
-Matt Snyder
Friday, May 23, 2008
Benefit Concert Offering
We took up a special offering at our recent benefit concert and were able to raise over $100 to go toward medical supplies for the brickyard.
We will buy supplies to take with us and put in the hands of New Tribes missionary, Allison and the local church. Then they can give out medication as the families of the brick yard may need it.
We are excited about being able to minister to the physical needs of these people we met last year.
-Josh
We will buy supplies to take with us and put in the hands of New Tribes missionary, Allison and the local church. Then they can give out medication as the families of the brick yard may need it.
We are excited about being able to minister to the physical needs of these people we met last year.
-Josh
Why Are We Blogging?
In 2007 we set out for Chihuahua, Mexico with the goal to spread the love of Christ. During our two weeks there, God began to reveal his heart for the nations to us. It is that heart for the nations that we long to know more intimately. We want to see the renown of His name spread across the earth. We want to see people freed from bondage and brought into His marvelous light.
On June 1st, we will again embark on a journey to Mexico. This year, we have a fresh passion to approach the systemic issues that have been overlooked. How can we address the physical situation with compassion? What can we do to bring healing to the physical as well as the spiritual diseases? We want to love in a way that brings change; we want to give medical and educational support for the impoverished families.
We are reminded of the ministry approach of Jesus. He met people where they were at. None were the same after an encounter with Christ. He left each person changed in some way.
We will be working with local missionaries and churches to maximize our effectiveness. Combined with their experience and connections, we will have a much more poignant and deeper impact.
We set up this blog so that you can pray, partner, and journey with us!
(Keep checking back as we post stories, pictures, and videos.)
We hope you, too, begin to catch a glimpse God's heartbeat for the nations.
-Josh Harris
Student Pastor
On June 1st, we will again embark on a journey to Mexico. This year, we have a fresh passion to approach the systemic issues that have been overlooked. How can we address the physical situation with compassion? What can we do to bring healing to the physical as well as the spiritual diseases? We want to love in a way that brings change; we want to give medical and educational support for the impoverished families.
We are reminded of the ministry approach of Jesus. He met people where they were at. None were the same after an encounter with Christ. He left each person changed in some way.
We will be working with local missionaries and churches to maximize our effectiveness. Combined with their experience and connections, we will have a much more poignant and deeper impact.
We set up this blog so that you can pray, partner, and journey with us!
(Keep checking back as we post stories, pictures, and videos.)
We hope you, too, begin to catch a glimpse God's heartbeat for the nations.
-Josh Harris
Student Pastor
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