Hey, enjoy all the countless hours of video footage edited down into a trip montage of the great moments!
Enjoy,
Josh Harris
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Umm... oh yeah! We made it back. :)
Hey,
I suppose it sounds kinda silly now, a month later, to inform everyone that we made it back safely. I hope you haven't been worried we got stuck in the Bermuda Triangle or kidnapped!
Everything on the way home went well. We arrived back in Orlando to a large banner and group of cheering and adoring fans, or families I suppose. They were laying in wait for us at the airport right when we came to baggage claim. It surprised us all, in a good way of course. :)
God did sooooo much! I have received word from the missionaries about how much they miss us already! (they were glad we left though because they got to eat our left over ice-cream hehe)
The Lord really blessed us financially this year and at the end of the trip I had plenty of cash left over. We were able to spread out and donate over $1000.00 dollars to the many missionary families we spent time with. Every year I find as cheap as possible ways for us to do this trip. This year Dawn Rigel, our cook and buyer, was able to feed our entire group for 11 days for around $800! Incredible!
Another God provided, guided, and empowered trip! We had a team follow up meeting last week and it was neat to see how they had each become better friends, how what they learned in Mexico is applying to their life here, and how God has given some of them new direction!
Below are a couple pictures and a video slideshow I wanted to share with you. Thanks for all your support and prayers through this whole journey with us. I can't wait till next year. ;)
- Josh Harris
I suppose it sounds kinda silly now, a month later, to inform everyone that we made it back safely. I hope you haven't been worried we got stuck in the Bermuda Triangle or kidnapped!
Everything on the way home went well. We arrived back in Orlando to a large banner and group of cheering and adoring fans, or families I suppose. They were laying in wait for us at the airport right when we came to baggage claim. It surprised us all, in a good way of course. :)
God did sooooo much! I have received word from the missionaries about how much they miss us already! (they were glad we left though because they got to eat our left over ice-cream hehe)
The Lord really blessed us financially this year and at the end of the trip I had plenty of cash left over. We were able to spread out and donate over $1000.00 dollars to the many missionary families we spent time with. Every year I find as cheap as possible ways for us to do this trip. This year Dawn Rigel, our cook and buyer, was able to feed our entire group for 11 days for around $800! Incredible!
Another God provided, guided, and empowered trip! We had a team follow up meeting last week and it was neat to see how they had each become better friends, how what they learned in Mexico is applying to their life here, and how God has given some of them new direction!
Below are a couple pictures and a video slideshow I wanted to share with you. Thanks for all your support and prayers through this whole journey with us. I can't wait till next year. ;)
- Josh Harris
Saturday, August 1, 2009
We're leaving on a jet plane....
We're back from the mountains. What an amazing time. God's glory is definitely revealed in the scenery of Copper Canyon!
Everyone is still in one piece and coming home in pretty good shape. You've heard of our bumps, scrapes, and bruises along the way but God has truly kept us safe! I'll try and fill you in on the past couple days...
Friday morning we got an early start and left for the Sierra Madres around 8:30am. There is a neat German Mennonite store we always stop at along the way to buy Vanilla and snacks. (Their vanilla is really good) We got to a town called Creel to reserve our hotel around 1pm. This year the hotel was remodeling so they put us up in some rooms just a few blocks down main street. We entered through a non-descript door next to a shop and walked up three flights of stairs. Along a long plain hallway were our rooms where we stayed. All they had were rooms with double beds! It was kinda wierd, but it worked.
After getting checked in we went farther up the mountain to an area called Copper Canyon. It's a breathtaking canyon much like the Grand Canyon except greener. :) I've been to the Grand Canyon and I'd have to say Copper Canyon is more beautiful. There are some big rocks to climb and trails that take you by Tarahumara Indians that live in the caves. We were enjoying our hike and occasional souvenir shopping when our hair started to stand up straight. A storm was rolling in and the electricity from the nearby lightning was making the hair stand up. So, we got off the mountain! It was ok though, we still got some good climbing and picture taking in.
The hotel we stayed at serves dinner. It was an interesting meal and a few ate it. (Camacho loved it) Then we headed back to our rooms and sat in the hall for a team meeting and prayer time. Some students went out to visit the town and shop. Then a few of us played a rousing game of Apples to Apples. I won! Hehe. It made me happy to see how well I actually knew the students. :)
We left early again this morning and headed for more mountains and rocks! There are an abundance here. There is another place where the Tarahumara Indians live and it is sort of like a reservation, so you pay a bit to go in. We visited a few caves where people live and then had a blast rock climbing. We found a good rock to all sit down and share our experiences from the trip. We talked about the hard parts, the easy parts, the parts that we'll take home with us and what God taught us. It was an encouraging time to hear from each other and praise God for what he did. The weather was perfectly chilly and comfortable. God has given us some graciously cool weather the past 3 days. It's been in the 70's and low 80's with a cool breeze. We don't want to come home to icky hot Florida!!
After some lunch at Veronica's, a delicious Mexican restaurant, we finished our shopping and headed back to the Ranch. The missionaries got together with us tonight for a send-off and thank-yous. They gave us some token gifts and talked about reaching the world with the Gospel. We are so thankful for their hospitality and love towards us on this trip. They have been a blessing to us as much as we've helped them.
We had our final team meeting and worship and the kids were so ancy. They were easily distracted and couldn't wait to go dye their hair and play "bottle cap dodgeball". Oh well, I suppose you have to have some crazy fun now and then! They are also very tired and can't wait to come home and hug all of you!
It's bed time now, I'm here trying to fill you in on the details but don't take my word for it, ask each of them when they get back. Ask what God revealed to them. Ask for their crazy stories. Ask what was hard. Ask them what they will do next, and then listen. And, if you really listen and watch their face you might began to feel as though you were here with us. That is why we write this blog, it's to include you in God's amazing and gracious redemptive work in and through each of our lives as we live out our relationship with God here in Mexico.
I'm very proud of each of the students. I do love and even like them, sometimes. :)No, I wouldn't do this trip every year if I didn't believe in and love each of these students. I want them to see how big God is and his passionate love for all nations. I want them to stop thinking of church, missions, and God as an event but as a continuous love relationship lived out in every detail of life. I long for them to find the creative and unique purpose for each of their lives above the adequate lifestyle of home. I hope that they take each element, lesson, and revelation from this trip and let it change the way they live.
In a later post I'd like to take some time to compliment each of them. For now I'll tell you that non of them let me down. They all worked hard, loved authentically, and embraced God's direction.
We'll see you tomorrow.
Love,
Josh Harris
Everyone is still in one piece and coming home in pretty good shape. You've heard of our bumps, scrapes, and bruises along the way but God has truly kept us safe! I'll try and fill you in on the past couple days...
Friday morning we got an early start and left for the Sierra Madres around 8:30am. There is a neat German Mennonite store we always stop at along the way to buy Vanilla and snacks. (Their vanilla is really good) We got to a town called Creel to reserve our hotel around 1pm. This year the hotel was remodeling so they put us up in some rooms just a few blocks down main street. We entered through a non-descript door next to a shop and walked up three flights of stairs. Along a long plain hallway were our rooms where we stayed. All they had were rooms with double beds! It was kinda wierd, but it worked.
After getting checked in we went farther up the mountain to an area called Copper Canyon. It's a breathtaking canyon much like the Grand Canyon except greener. :) I've been to the Grand Canyon and I'd have to say Copper Canyon is more beautiful. There are some big rocks to climb and trails that take you by Tarahumara Indians that live in the caves. We were enjoying our hike and occasional souvenir shopping when our hair started to stand up straight. A storm was rolling in and the electricity from the nearby lightning was making the hair stand up. So, we got off the mountain! It was ok though, we still got some good climbing and picture taking in.
The hotel we stayed at serves dinner. It was an interesting meal and a few ate it. (Camacho loved it) Then we headed back to our rooms and sat in the hall for a team meeting and prayer time. Some students went out to visit the town and shop. Then a few of us played a rousing game of Apples to Apples. I won! Hehe. It made me happy to see how well I actually knew the students. :)
We left early again this morning and headed for more mountains and rocks! There are an abundance here. There is another place where the Tarahumara Indians live and it is sort of like a reservation, so you pay a bit to go in. We visited a few caves where people live and then had a blast rock climbing. We found a good rock to all sit down and share our experiences from the trip. We talked about the hard parts, the easy parts, the parts that we'll take home with us and what God taught us. It was an encouraging time to hear from each other and praise God for what he did. The weather was perfectly chilly and comfortable. God has given us some graciously cool weather the past 3 days. It's been in the 70's and low 80's with a cool breeze. We don't want to come home to icky hot Florida!!
After some lunch at Veronica's, a delicious Mexican restaurant, we finished our shopping and headed back to the Ranch. The missionaries got together with us tonight for a send-off and thank-yous. They gave us some token gifts and talked about reaching the world with the Gospel. We are so thankful for their hospitality and love towards us on this trip. They have been a blessing to us as much as we've helped them.
We had our final team meeting and worship and the kids were so ancy. They were easily distracted and couldn't wait to go dye their hair and play "bottle cap dodgeball". Oh well, I suppose you have to have some crazy fun now and then! They are also very tired and can't wait to come home and hug all of you!
It's bed time now, I'm here trying to fill you in on the details but don't take my word for it, ask each of them when they get back. Ask what God revealed to them. Ask for their crazy stories. Ask what was hard. Ask them what they will do next, and then listen. And, if you really listen and watch their face you might began to feel as though you were here with us. That is why we write this blog, it's to include you in God's amazing and gracious redemptive work in and through each of our lives as we live out our relationship with God here in Mexico.
I'm very proud of each of the students. I do love and even like them, sometimes. :)No, I wouldn't do this trip every year if I didn't believe in and love each of these students. I want them to see how big God is and his passionate love for all nations. I want them to stop thinking of church, missions, and God as an event but as a continuous love relationship lived out in every detail of life. I long for them to find the creative and unique purpose for each of their lives above the adequate lifestyle of home. I hope that they take each element, lesson, and revelation from this trip and let it change the way they live.
In a later post I'd like to take some time to compliment each of them. For now I'll tell you that non of them let me down. They all worked hard, loved authentically, and embraced God's direction.
We'll see you tomorrow.
Love,
Josh Harris
Thursday, July 30, 2009
What a great day!
Well hey there!
Today has been so wonderful in so many ways. The first reason is that it's my little sister Emily's 13th birthday! Woohoo! I'm so excited, in some ways, to have yet another teenager in the house. Haha. I love you Emily!
Okay okay, on to our day.
We woke up to rain lightly hitting our rooftops and huge blasts of wind. It was great, though it seemed to make everyone a little more sleepy than normal. The rain and wind continued throughout the rest of our last workday and kept us all nice and cool, which was wonderful.
The workload, for some, was much less. Aleah, Ann and I got to clean up some of the empty apartments to help prepare for some families who are moving in, but poor Ann ended up going in early because of her back. Hannah, Cari and Kelly finished up with the trenches and pipes then headed to the soccer field to finish up with putting the lines down for the big game. And the guys mostly finished up filling the walls with cement. So it was all around a nice and easy last workday.
After work, we headed to lunch. We ended up eating an hour late because we had to help clean up a lot today, and Matt, Daniel and Josh Bastian went off to fix some of the holes in the road and nobody told them it was lunch time. So we waited, and waited, until finally somebody went and got them. Oops. Anyways, after lunch, a few of the guys used all of the strength to put the water filter in the back of Monte's van. That thing had to be so heavy. A few more of us then piled in to the van and we were off to our last trip to the brickyard. The whole ride there, Matt was trying his hardest to keep that filter from moving, and he did a great job. When we got there, not many of the were out, but that was okay, I was more excited about seeing the way the women reacted to the filter. After explaining everything to Allison about how the whole water filter operated, she started translating to one of the mothers who was in the church building, which is where we put the filter. She was so full of curiosity and she looked so excited. It was one of the coolest things and it made me so happy. After playing with the kids that were at the church, we said our last goodbyes and gave our final hugs.
As soon as we got back from the brickyard, it was straight to the soccer field for the event of the century. Well not really, but we'll go with it. This time, instead of just falling in to teams, we lined up and Aleah and a girl named Hannah(not from our team) picked teams. I just knew I was going to be last, but thankfully Harris made it to where Bastian was the last one picked and I was only second to last. How great is that? The game was intense. I don't think I have run that much in a long time, or even played that much soccer in a long time. The people Monte called over to play with us were crazy. The score ended up being 5 to 4, my team won. Haha. I didn't make any goals, but I think that if we had played just a little bit longer, I definitely would've made a goal.
Then it was dinner time. We had some very nice guests. They were the Amayas and they were old friends. After dinner, they joined us for our meeting time. Mr. Amaya gave us a little testimony. He is such a neat and happy guy who loves the Lord. Tonight we talked about planting seeds, which brings me to one of the many things God has shown me on this trip. We didn't just come on this trip to help the missionaries build things and help Allison with VBS, we came on this trip to harvest and water God's word in the kids at the brickyard. It amazes me so much that God chose to use us in such a great way.
Tomorrow we head off to the mountains for debriefing and I am so excited! Though I don't want this trip to end, I have been waiting to go to the mountains this whole trip.
Prayer requests.
- continued prayer for Ann's back as well as Monte's.
- safe travels for us as we head to the mountains in the morning.
- safety all around.
- the kids at the brickyard that they continue to learn about the Lord.
- for Allison, that she has wisdom as she continues to teach the families at the brickyard about the Lord.
Well, I should be off to bed. We have a four hour drive, but if Monte is driving, it might be a lot shorter. Haha.
Goodnight everyone!
Kaley
p.s. - I love you mommy, daddy, Alyssa, Emily, Megan, and everyone else! (:
Today has been so wonderful in so many ways. The first reason is that it's my little sister Emily's 13th birthday! Woohoo! I'm so excited, in some ways, to have yet another teenager in the house. Haha. I love you Emily!
Okay okay, on to our day.
We woke up to rain lightly hitting our rooftops and huge blasts of wind. It was great, though it seemed to make everyone a little more sleepy than normal. The rain and wind continued throughout the rest of our last workday and kept us all nice and cool, which was wonderful.
The workload, for some, was much less. Aleah, Ann and I got to clean up some of the empty apartments to help prepare for some families who are moving in, but poor Ann ended up going in early because of her back. Hannah, Cari and Kelly finished up with the trenches and pipes then headed to the soccer field to finish up with putting the lines down for the big game. And the guys mostly finished up filling the walls with cement. So it was all around a nice and easy last workday.
After work, we headed to lunch. We ended up eating an hour late because we had to help clean up a lot today, and Matt, Daniel and Josh Bastian went off to fix some of the holes in the road and nobody told them it was lunch time. So we waited, and waited, until finally somebody went and got them. Oops. Anyways, after lunch, a few of the guys used all of the strength to put the water filter in the back of Monte's van. That thing had to be so heavy. A few more of us then piled in to the van and we were off to our last trip to the brickyard. The whole ride there, Matt was trying his hardest to keep that filter from moving, and he did a great job. When we got there, not many of the were out, but that was okay, I was more excited about seeing the way the women reacted to the filter. After explaining everything to Allison about how the whole water filter operated, she started translating to one of the mothers who was in the church building, which is where we put the filter. She was so full of curiosity and she looked so excited. It was one of the coolest things and it made me so happy. After playing with the kids that were at the church, we said our last goodbyes and gave our final hugs.
As soon as we got back from the brickyard, it was straight to the soccer field for the event of the century. Well not really, but we'll go with it. This time, instead of just falling in to teams, we lined up and Aleah and a girl named Hannah(not from our team) picked teams. I just knew I was going to be last, but thankfully Harris made it to where Bastian was the last one picked and I was only second to last. How great is that? The game was intense. I don't think I have run that much in a long time, or even played that much soccer in a long time. The people Monte called over to play with us were crazy. The score ended up being 5 to 4, my team won. Haha. I didn't make any goals, but I think that if we had played just a little bit longer, I definitely would've made a goal.
Then it was dinner time. We had some very nice guests. They were the Amayas and they were old friends. After dinner, they joined us for our meeting time. Mr. Amaya gave us a little testimony. He is such a neat and happy guy who loves the Lord. Tonight we talked about planting seeds, which brings me to one of the many things God has shown me on this trip. We didn't just come on this trip to help the missionaries build things and help Allison with VBS, we came on this trip to harvest and water God's word in the kids at the brickyard. It amazes me so much that God chose to use us in such a great way.
Tomorrow we head off to the mountains for debriefing and I am so excited! Though I don't want this trip to end, I have been waiting to go to the mountains this whole trip.
Prayer requests.
- continued prayer for Ann's back as well as Monte's.
- safe travels for us as we head to the mountains in the morning.
- safety all around.
- the kids at the brickyard that they continue to learn about the Lord.
- for Allison, that she has wisdom as she continues to teach the families at the brickyard about the Lord.
Well, I should be off to bed. We have a four hour drive, but if Monte is driving, it might be a lot shorter. Haha.
Goodnight everyone!
Kaley
p.s. - I love you mommy, daddy, Alyssa, Emily, Megan, and everyone else! (:
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Day Twelve!!!!!!! <3
Hello my friends!
It's day ten here in Mexico and we're all doing great! (minus all the people recovering and such, but they're doing pretty well too. heh)
Today it all started with an egg/potato/ham casserole. Yes that was the beginning.
Next we went out to see what helpful jobs we could do for Monty. Mine was digging a ditch around a pipe. It's being refitted for the new and improved drain system in the building we (the girlies) are staying in. That was, well, hard. But I will say that the mud we were digging in made thee best mud balls I have eva seen. :D Unfortunately, when not wet,the dirt was kinda like uh, rock. The benefits are that the job is closer to being done and we are more familiar with the earth out side our back door. ;)
While me, Cari, and Hannah were working on that, other jobs were in the works. Foundation preparation, welding, and odd jobs like re-chalking the lines on the soccer field, kept the rest of the team hopp'n.
After break I was able to help The magician in the kitchen prepare lunch and dinner for the day. A welcome break from the work in the sun.
After work we set off to our last day at the brick yard. This was a very busy day since it was the last day of VBS as well. All of us came and got to work. We played with the kids, preformed a skit and passed out food. Today was the day the gospel was presented. I don't know exactly when because I couldn't follow the Spanish very well, but I did see some earnestly listening faces on some of the mothers that were present. It was a difficult time for the team to say good bye to our new little friends. Tomorrow a few of us will be able to go back and drop off the long anticipated water filters. I was able to enjoy game time with a little girl named Lupe. We had a great game of making a certain sound effect at the same time. As I carried her we would walk from friend to friend mine and hers and show them our "song" .
As far as my personal encounter with God goes on this trip, I have been enjoying His creativity that surrounds me all day long. Mountains, people and the Mexican culture in general just shout how versatile God's handy work is and I am just loving the refreshing differences there are between this place and my home country.
It's very late friends so I'm going to bed.
with love from the team,
Kelly Irene
Please continue to pray for complete healing for all of our sick and injured team mates
and you can add Aleah to the list. (She scraped up her arm)
Also for safety on our last day of work tomorrow.
PS Glenna I love you and happy birthday!!! You're a doll. ;)
It's day ten here in Mexico and we're all doing great! (minus all the people recovering and such, but they're doing pretty well too. heh)
Today it all started with an egg/potato/ham casserole. Yes that was the beginning.
Next we went out to see what helpful jobs we could do for Monty. Mine was digging a ditch around a pipe. It's being refitted for the new and improved drain system in the building we (the girlies) are staying in. That was, well, hard. But I will say that the mud we were digging in made thee best mud balls I have eva seen. :D Unfortunately, when not wet,the dirt was kinda like uh, rock. The benefits are that the job is closer to being done and we are more familiar with the earth out side our back door. ;)
While me, Cari, and Hannah were working on that, other jobs were in the works. Foundation preparation, welding, and odd jobs like re-chalking the lines on the soccer field, kept the rest of the team hopp'n.
After break I was able to help The magician in the kitchen prepare lunch and dinner for the day. A welcome break from the work in the sun.
After work we set off to our last day at the brick yard. This was a very busy day since it was the last day of VBS as well. All of us came and got to work. We played with the kids, preformed a skit and passed out food. Today was the day the gospel was presented. I don't know exactly when because I couldn't follow the Spanish very well, but I did see some earnestly listening faces on some of the mothers that were present. It was a difficult time for the team to say good bye to our new little friends. Tomorrow a few of us will be able to go back and drop off the long anticipated water filters. I was able to enjoy game time with a little girl named Lupe. We had a great game of making a certain sound effect at the same time. As I carried her we would walk from friend to friend mine and hers and show them our "song" .
As far as my personal encounter with God goes on this trip, I have been enjoying His creativity that surrounds me all day long. Mountains, people and the Mexican culture in general just shout how versatile God's handy work is and I am just loving the refreshing differences there are between this place and my home country.
It's very late friends so I'm going to bed.
with love from the team,
Kelly Irene
Please continue to pray for complete healing for all of our sick and injured team mates
and you can add Aleah to the list. (She scraped up her arm)
Also for safety on our last day of work tomorrow.
PS Glenna I love you and happy birthday!!! You're a doll. ;)
Week two already????
Hello everybody!
Wow, where do I begin? The first week has already gone? This trip has been an amazing experience so far.
Well I guess I'll start with this morning. I woke up aboslutely exhuasted, so I prayed to God and asked Him to give me the stamina I needed to get through todays work. Instead God gave me a fairly laid back work day. Hannah, Kelly, and I loaded PVC pipes, steel railings, and cement blocks into the back of Monte's trailer and unloaded them in various places. After that job was complete I was given the task of throwing medium size rocks into wet cement, what for I really don't have a clue, but it was an important job!... I think :D. While I did this, the rest of the team finished the foundation we had been working on since day 2!
Josh Harris, Josh Bastian, Kaley, and Jacob stayed back while the rest of us headed for the Brickyard. Playing with the kids there is a real blessing. They don't care that you don't speak their language they just want to play. Its a wonderful thing to be apart of their lives and possibly lead them to Christ. Allison (the lady running the VBS at the Brickyard) had some of us preform part of a skit for the kids. The kids really seemed to enjoy it, tomorrow they'll get the end of the skit along with the Gospel message (so pray that goes over well).
At diner we had some missionaries, the Carillo's, give us their testimony's. They were telling us about a tribe, BG, they are minestering to. Right now they are trying to earn some money to go back to BG, and some partners to help along with the ministry trying to be given to the people.
One of the best parts of the day was worship. We had to quickly clean up after diner so we could have our devo time. So we had to wash dishes while we praised God, which gave this amazing atmosphere, everyone was so happy (especially Aleah) and no one saw washing dishes as a chore, but as a great way to show our love for God. It may seem weird that washing dishes made worship a lot more special but, for me anyway, I felt closer to God.
This trip is going by so fast, but I am so thankful for every moment that I have here, even when I have to shovel gravel into buckets, a positively grueling job. I am also SO greatful for the friendships I have been able to establish with my teammates.
~~Pray request~~
For Ann that she'll take it easy so her back will heal enough so she can enjoy the rest of trip.
Monte's back also.
For saftey and health, that no one else on the team will be injured or get sick.
And for those of us who are homesick, that we'll all just enjoy the rest of the time we have here.
~Cari-Moriah.
P.S.
I love you Mom, Dad, Shaan, Val, Erin, Bill, Kyle, Jeremy, Brett, Jordan, and Elise!!!!!
Wow, where do I begin? The first week has already gone? This trip has been an amazing experience so far.
Well I guess I'll start with this morning. I woke up aboslutely exhuasted, so I prayed to God and asked Him to give me the stamina I needed to get through todays work. Instead God gave me a fairly laid back work day. Hannah, Kelly, and I loaded PVC pipes, steel railings, and cement blocks into the back of Monte's trailer and unloaded them in various places. After that job was complete I was given the task of throwing medium size rocks into wet cement, what for I really don't have a clue, but it was an important job!... I think :D. While I did this, the rest of the team finished the foundation we had been working on since day 2!
Josh Harris, Josh Bastian, Kaley, and Jacob stayed back while the rest of us headed for the Brickyard. Playing with the kids there is a real blessing. They don't care that you don't speak their language they just want to play. Its a wonderful thing to be apart of their lives and possibly lead them to Christ. Allison (the lady running the VBS at the Brickyard) had some of us preform part of a skit for the kids. The kids really seemed to enjoy it, tomorrow they'll get the end of the skit along with the Gospel message (so pray that goes over well).
At diner we had some missionaries, the Carillo's, give us their testimony's. They were telling us about a tribe, BG, they are minestering to. Right now they are trying to earn some money to go back to BG, and some partners to help along with the ministry trying to be given to the people.
One of the best parts of the day was worship. We had to quickly clean up after diner so we could have our devo time. So we had to wash dishes while we praised God, which gave this amazing atmosphere, everyone was so happy (especially Aleah) and no one saw washing dishes as a chore, but as a great way to show our love for God. It may seem weird that washing dishes made worship a lot more special but, for me anyway, I felt closer to God.
This trip is going by so fast, but I am so thankful for every moment that I have here, even when I have to shovel gravel into buckets, a positively grueling job. I am also SO greatful for the friendships I have been able to establish with my teammates.
~~Pray request~~
For Ann that she'll take it easy so her back will heal enough so she can enjoy the rest of trip.
Monte's back also.
For saftey and health, that no one else on the team will be injured or get sick.
And for those of us who are homesick, that we'll all just enjoy the rest of the time we have here.
~Cari-Moriah.
P.S.
I love you Mom, Dad, Shaan, Val, Erin, Bill, Kyle, Jeremy, Brett, Jordan, and Elise!!!!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Giving up.... for the sake of Christ
Hello everyone!
So today we finally got back to work =) So much fun! Steven and I got the chance to do some mowing? Yeah, everyone else i guess just worked on the building, filling blocks with cement, welding, etc.
After working for the morning, I got a chance to take a small nap =) It helped considering i have to stay up later writing this, lol. Either way, it was really nice. Around one o'clock we left to go back to the brickyard! We helped out with VBS again. We had a great time playing with all the kids! I always enjoy going and just spending time with them, whether its just sitting with a kid on your lap, or singing songs you barely understand!
We got back around six-ish? We had an amazing super! Thank you Mrs. Rigel =)
I also got the chance to help Monte out with finding a drainage pipe! We have been having some trouble with the water draining, and the laundry room has been flooded a ton! But we finally found the right pipe and opened it up. I didn't get to help find the problem, but I'm sure it would have been fun :P
We also did a devo time, like every night! Which was really good, again.
As I think of the different things the Lord has been teaching me on this trip, a few things really stick out. First, how I really need to give up myself! To come to the point where I completely trust God. Its amazing how much the Lord has helped me in this, but at the same time, I have such a long way to go.
The second thing I have been thinking about, is just how the Lord can really use anything He wants to teach us something. Whether its good or bad, He can use anything to help us grow closer to God. Recently I have heard of some things happening back at home that are hard for some of my friends. It's so important that I trust God though. As I said, its hard, but its so important.
That's about all that's going on with me! Thanks for listening!
Davidc
Prayer requests:
-Trusting God!
-Sleep =)
So today we finally got back to work =) So much fun! Steven and I got the chance to do some mowing? Yeah, everyone else i guess just worked on the building, filling blocks with cement, welding, etc.
After working for the morning, I got a chance to take a small nap =) It helped considering i have to stay up later writing this, lol. Either way, it was really nice. Around one o'clock we left to go back to the brickyard! We helped out with VBS again. We had a great time playing with all the kids! I always enjoy going and just spending time with them, whether its just sitting with a kid on your lap, or singing songs you barely understand!
We got back around six-ish? We had an amazing super! Thank you Mrs. Rigel =)
I also got the chance to help Monte out with finding a drainage pipe! We have been having some trouble with the water draining, and the laundry room has been flooded a ton! But we finally found the right pipe and opened it up. I didn't get to help find the problem, but I'm sure it would have been fun :P
We also did a devo time, like every night! Which was really good, again.
As I think of the different things the Lord has been teaching me on this trip, a few things really stick out. First, how I really need to give up myself! To come to the point where I completely trust God. Its amazing how much the Lord has helped me in this, but at the same time, I have such a long way to go.
The second thing I have been thinking about, is just how the Lord can really use anything He wants to teach us something. Whether its good or bad, He can use anything to help us grow closer to God. Recently I have heard of some things happening back at home that are hard for some of my friends. It's so important that I trust God though. As I said, its hard, but its so important.
That's about all that's going on with me! Thanks for listening!
Davidc
Prayer requests:
-Trusting God!
-Sleep =)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
We ARE His Sheep!!!
Hola!!
Well , I don't even know where to begin. All I know is that this week has gone by SO FAST!! I still can't believe it!! God has been so good to us these past days. Today we went to the Brickyard & went to church. The puppets & the songs where such a thrill to the children with their eyes just wide, laughing, helping us out with the motions. It was great! I got to translate to some of our group, while the others where in children school.
The sermon was really good, He was talking about John 10:14-18. How we as followers of Christ are His sheep, God knows us by names & that there is only one me; there are many Ann's but there are NONE like me. That just blew me away to think that there are so many people in this world & God LOVES US & WANTS US.
Also after we got done with church we got lunch, (at Carls Jr. hehe), & then went back to shopping (We went to a pottery shop as well)-Josh (Papa Bear) thinks I own the Chihuahua markets ..haha. I like knowing I can talk to the people of Mexico but sometimes it's hard because most of every Hispanic culture has different dialects & we may say things different, but I made it through the day making bargains.
I love it here!! I've learned SO MUCH from God & we're not even done. The water filters are going great; I never get tired of washing dirt because I know that this will help the village. Going back to the Brickyard; today I was with Jasmin one of the girls from the Brickyard & she looks at me & sits near me to play with my hair-She asked in Spanish if my hair was like that naturally. I said "Yes" & she said "It's really pretty." I told her it might look pretty but she was prettier. I love playing with the children. All of the children love it when Caleb, Kelly, myself & many others just throw them in the air or spin them around. There's this one girl that would not let go of me so I just let her stay with me until she wants to let go. God has been good today & He will always be good for us.
Our devotions today was "EVEN JESUS TOOK NAPS" it was how Jesus told His disciples to take the boat out into the sea & a BIG storm & wind blew in & the disciples where scared. The disciples where scared so they rushed to Jesus when he was napping & said to Him "Teacher we are going to sink!!" Jesus got up & hushed the storm.
Well one of the questions that REALLY IMPACTED ME was: Is their something right now that keeps you from rest? Rest as in physically, spiritually, emotionally. I've dealt with so much in the past & each day I STILL deal with my past. I told the group that I don't want to go home because I don't want to deal with the people that would drag me down or the memories that flash back to me that could cause me to give into my flesh. I've only been here with the group for about 7 days & God has impacted my life into letting go of what used to be & that great things are coming & the challenges WILL come but I have to trust in God. I need to get rest & let God deal with what's going on in my mind & to not think that I am alone & that I have to deal with it by myself. God will be with me & our group as we face the last week here in Mexico but as a team we can do anything through Christ.
These kids, this team, this mission, we came with a purpose, we all have gifts & everyone is special!! I'm glad that I'm on this trip; I'm glad that the changes are coming. It'll be hard but it's worth being with God at the end. I hope you enjoyed this.
I love you mom, dad, D.J!!
I miss you all; especially Button Megan & Karis Day!!
Prayers:
~For my back & Monte's back. (I'm doing better but it acts up now & then)
~For Zack-He's not feeling well.
~For Kaley-She didn't feel well also & this morning she ended up with a fever.
~For this last week that we are here. That God reveals himself more to us & that we live with forgiveness & Humility & show many that we are His light.
Ann Iris Rivera
P.S. This is Josh H. I want everybody to know how great God is even in technology. I'm up at 11pm at night trying to get these pictures on. I tried 4 or 5 times and it didn't work. I was frustrated but I decided to just pray and trust God that if he wanted you to see pictures he'd work a technological miracle. As you can see... He did. :) Praise God.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
It's The Weekend!
Whoa, today has been an exciting day! Today didn't start as planned, but we are on God's mission trip, he isn't on ours. We were suppose to go to the orphanage, but at this time of year the children go and stay with families. God had a reason for us to stay, the water filters! So we started working on the filters. God has really set up a plan for those filters. What once started out as a dream, has now become reality, through God. Its crazy how things are working out. After we did that for a couple of hours we were ready to go to the city. So we all piled into the van and drove to the city! The first place we went to was a bank, we all exchanged our money for Mexican money. We then drove to a random house and went in. In the house we all went to a back room , and there was a jewelery shop! It was full of silver and stuff. It was really strange because it was in a house. After spending a while in the house/shop we left to the market place. At the maket place people try to speak to you and you don't know what they are saying. Everything costs less, and Mexican music makes you want to dance. Pretty much you can get anything cheaper then the price it says. People on the team bought things like rings, shoes, rabit feet, braclets, head bans and such. After looking at spanish buildings and table shops we went out to eat. We drove to some place that had mexican food. I had a steak while other people had tacos and quasdillas. Over all the day was really fun. Read some more tomorrow to see what we are doing next. Thank you. Bye!
Pray requestes and praises:
Chico is doing better.
Please pray for Monty and Ann's back.
Jacob Baker
Pray requestes and praises:
Chico is doing better.
Please pray for Monty and Ann's back.
Jacob Baker
Friday, July 24, 2009
Brickyard Dog-Piles
Hola from Chihuahua! This is your best friend Caleb!
Wow, what a week! Hard work is our team slogan now. This expiriance has been amazing so far to me, God hasrichly blessed me with our accomplishments...
So today started off as the usual morning schedual, but our devotions threw us a curve ball, in my eyes. Josh had us read a passage about forgivness, and challenged us to go out, and forgive someone who has wronged you. This challenge was a interesting one because we had to basically wait for someone to wrong us, so that we could dish outforgivness. This is especially hard when you are working and living with such an influential and edifying team. Allin all, it all worked out, and Josh told us that no matter what, when you are eternally forgiven, you must live inforgivness.
As the day progressed, everything was going as normal, but there was a little scare twords the end of the day.Chico was working hard, as usual, when from up above, a falling 8 pound C-Clamp came down and hit him in the back of the head from 10 feet up. This did not feel good, and there were a couple of quotes from Chico stateing, "I just feel a little dizzy." Of corse, this was not a very happy time for the team, or Chico. A standard check-up from Mrs. Rigel came back negitive for major injuries. Nevertheless, Chico is up, and around. He is still in pain though, so keep him in your prayers...
After a delicious lunch from the Magicion in the Kitchen herself (Mrs. Rigel), we got ready for the Brickyard.My first day at the Brickyard was a very uneasy day, that is, until I made a couple friends, so coming back today was very exciting. These kids kept coming to me and asking me to throw them up in the air, or spin them around. This is a very tireing prossess, but I end up forcing myself to keep playing like a 5 year old anyway. It is SO AMAZING that even though I only speak a little bit of spanish, they can understand me, and vise-versa. Apperantly, the kids have made it a tradition to find me, surround me, and tickle me until I fall over, and dog-pile me into the dirt. All I can do is laugh and roll around and try to ward off the kids, but I have not been succesful in my tryings ;). Everytime we leave, I'll admit, I get a little choked up when I have to leave. I know I will see them again soon, but theres nothing that will remove the sad feeling I get when I leave those kids.
After the Brickyard, we decided that we'd go into town for dinner. This was a crazyyy time, because Monte took us to a place in a mall area that makes Gorditas. Gorditas are like round tortillas that are cut open, and stuff put inside. This was a first for me, especially because I had a cactus Gordita. I really honestly couldn't tell if I liked it, but it was a great adventure to explore new flavors of the world.
God has been teaching me so much on this trip. But the one huge noteable thing this is the power of prayer. We had a devotion a couple days ago tited "Stop and Pray." This was very encouraging to me because everytime Ihave prayed, I feel like God is listening, and acting. I mean, look where we are now, no flight problems, a few minor injuries (But we immidiatly prayed for, and got better really quick). The next thing God has been teaching me, is my reliance on Him. There have been some times on this trip where I just turned all of my problems over to Him, and He has taken care of them in the best way possible.
Prayer Requests:
Chico - That his head would stop hurting, and that he would be restored to full heath as quickly as possible.
Ann - Due to a prexisting car accident, her back has not been cooperating with her, pray that healing will come to her.
Safty - That God would continue to keep us safe while working, and when we go into town tomorrow.
Thank you all so much for your prayers! I hope this has been a good blog to read...
Stay classy Orlando...
-Caleb
P.S. I love you Mom and Dad
Wow, what a week! Hard work is our team slogan now. This expiriance has been amazing so far to me, God hasrichly blessed me with our accomplishments...
So today started off as the usual morning schedual, but our devotions threw us a curve ball, in my eyes. Josh had us read a passage about forgivness, and challenged us to go out, and forgive someone who has wronged you. This challenge was a interesting one because we had to basically wait for someone to wrong us, so that we could dish outforgivness. This is especially hard when you are working and living with such an influential and edifying team. Allin all, it all worked out, and Josh told us that no matter what, when you are eternally forgiven, you must live inforgivness.
As the day progressed, everything was going as normal, but there was a little scare twords the end of the day.Chico was working hard, as usual, when from up above, a falling 8 pound C-Clamp came down and hit him in the back of the head from 10 feet up. This did not feel good, and there were a couple of quotes from Chico stateing, "I just feel a little dizzy." Of corse, this was not a very happy time for the team, or Chico. A standard check-up from Mrs. Rigel came back negitive for major injuries. Nevertheless, Chico is up, and around. He is still in pain though, so keep him in your prayers...
After a delicious lunch from the Magicion in the Kitchen herself (Mrs. Rigel), we got ready for the Brickyard.My first day at the Brickyard was a very uneasy day, that is, until I made a couple friends, so coming back today was very exciting. These kids kept coming to me and asking me to throw them up in the air, or spin them around. This is a very tireing prossess, but I end up forcing myself to keep playing like a 5 year old anyway. It is SO AMAZING that even though I only speak a little bit of spanish, they can understand me, and vise-versa. Apperantly, the kids have made it a tradition to find me, surround me, and tickle me until I fall over, and dog-pile me into the dirt. All I can do is laugh and roll around and try to ward off the kids, but I have not been succesful in my tryings ;). Everytime we leave, I'll admit, I get a little choked up when I have to leave. I know I will see them again soon, but theres nothing that will remove the sad feeling I get when I leave those kids.
After the Brickyard, we decided that we'd go into town for dinner. This was a crazyyy time, because Monte took us to a place in a mall area that makes Gorditas. Gorditas are like round tortillas that are cut open, and stuff put inside. This was a first for me, especially because I had a cactus Gordita. I really honestly couldn't tell if I liked it, but it was a great adventure to explore new flavors of the world.
God has been teaching me so much on this trip. But the one huge noteable thing this is the power of prayer. We had a devotion a couple days ago tited "Stop and Pray." This was very encouraging to me because everytime Ihave prayed, I feel like God is listening, and acting. I mean, look where we are now, no flight problems, a few minor injuries (But we immidiatly prayed for, and got better really quick). The next thing God has been teaching me, is my reliance on Him. There have been some times on this trip where I just turned all of my problems over to Him, and He has taken care of them in the best way possible.
Prayer Requests:
Chico - That his head would stop hurting, and that he would be restored to full heath as quickly as possible.
Ann - Due to a prexisting car accident, her back has not been cooperating with her, pray that healing will come to her.
Safty - That God would continue to keep us safe while working, and when we go into town tomorrow.
Thank you all so much for your prayers! I hope this has been a good blog to read...
Stay classy Orlando...
-Caleb
P.S. I love you Mom and Dad
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Cement Lungs...
...That’s what I have. Probably cement lungs by now. For the past three days I have been shoveling, and accidently inhaling cement like nobody's business. I'm very much a fan of my job...Cement is a cool thing.
I did however get a fantastic mask today so that I wouldn't inhale anymore cement powder. I'm a fan of that mask too.
Well yes, cement work. That's what a significant portion of the first half of our day consisted of. There was a bunch of us on cement detail, a group building small "kangaroo cages" *which are really crazy looking keep-the-cement-from-cracking contraptions*, and some people, namely Josh, welding.
Today there was also a bet. Chico bet Monte that we could get a certain amount of work done by lunch time, and Chico said that if we get it all done, Monte has to make us smoothies. Monte agreed. We finished it. We're getting smoothies tonight. I'm pumped.
And guess what ELSE we did? Guess where we got to go?? Guess what was the highlight of my week, month, and possibly year? We got to go to the brickyard! All the kids I had to leave behind last year, I got to see again! It was incredible. It's still surreal. I got to see so many of those precious little children I wasn't sure I'd ever see again.
*Jessie, Hannah gave your letter to Jasmine. Her reaction was the most precious thing I've ever seen. Nothing in the world was more important or more precious to her than that letter. Oh yes. And I got to hold America and Angelita all afternoon(:*
Ok, back to what we DID at the brickyard...We went to help Allison, the missionary who works with the people at the brickyard with a VBS she was putting on. We did crafts, sang songs, had snack, played, watched skits, learned Bible verses...It was really neat to see. These kids really are interested to hear about the Bible, as are their mothers. They really do listen, and care about what’s being said. It's awesome to see them all taking in God's word like that. Everything ran smoothly. It was a really cool, and different experience from last year.
When I asked what else happened today, Daniel said to tell you all that a bunch of the guys unloaded over Eleven TONS of cement today. That’s an impressive number. Whoa.
Last night, Josh B. Daniel, and Chico found a tarantula. That was pretty cool.
What I'm learning about even more this year is the vastness of God's kingdom. His plans and visions for His world expand SO much farther than we could ever comprehend. Its really incredible to see how great and how far his love reaches. It amazes me more every day.
And now, my memory is failing me-as far as the recollection of any interesting happenings go... It’s been a long week. And my mind is going…Haha. Enjoy the pictures. We’ll check back with you soon!
For the team
-Aleah
Things to pray for are..
-Continued safety and health for the team (Praise! Jacob is back 100%)
-That the VBS at the brickyard would be effective, and reach a lot of hearts.
-That we would be a light where ever we go.
-Praise! We got the right bucket size for the water filtration project.
I did however get a fantastic mask today so that I wouldn't inhale anymore cement powder. I'm a fan of that mask too.
Well yes, cement work. That's what a significant portion of the first half of our day consisted of. There was a bunch of us on cement detail, a group building small "kangaroo cages" *which are really crazy looking keep-the-cement-from-cracking contraptions*, and some people, namely Josh, welding.
Today there was also a bet. Chico bet Monte that we could get a certain amount of work done by lunch time, and Chico said that if we get it all done, Monte has to make us smoothies. Monte agreed. We finished it. We're getting smoothies tonight. I'm pumped.
And guess what ELSE we did? Guess where we got to go?? Guess what was the highlight of my week, month, and possibly year? We got to go to the brickyard! All the kids I had to leave behind last year, I got to see again! It was incredible. It's still surreal. I got to see so many of those precious little children I wasn't sure I'd ever see again.
*Jessie, Hannah gave your letter to Jasmine. Her reaction was the most precious thing I've ever seen. Nothing in the world was more important or more precious to her than that letter. Oh yes. And I got to hold America and Angelita all afternoon(:*
Ok, back to what we DID at the brickyard...We went to help Allison, the missionary who works with the people at the brickyard with a VBS she was putting on. We did crafts, sang songs, had snack, played, watched skits, learned Bible verses...It was really neat to see. These kids really are interested to hear about the Bible, as are their mothers. They really do listen, and care about what’s being said. It's awesome to see them all taking in God's word like that. Everything ran smoothly. It was a really cool, and different experience from last year.
When I asked what else happened today, Daniel said to tell you all that a bunch of the guys unloaded over Eleven TONS of cement today. That’s an impressive number. Whoa.
Last night, Josh B. Daniel, and Chico found a tarantula. That was pretty cool.
What I'm learning about even more this year is the vastness of God's kingdom. His plans and visions for His world expand SO much farther than we could ever comprehend. Its really incredible to see how great and how far his love reaches. It amazes me more every day.
And now, my memory is failing me-as far as the recollection of any interesting happenings go... It’s been a long week. And my mind is going…Haha. Enjoy the pictures. We’ll check back with you soon!
For the team
-Aleah
Things to pray for are..
-Continued safety and health for the team (Praise! Jacob is back 100%)
-That the VBS at the brickyard would be effective, and reach a lot of hearts.
-That we would be a light where ever we go.
-Praise! We got the right bucket size for the water filtration project.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Hello!
Today we woke up early in the morning to do devotions, eat breakfast and work. We were greeted with a beautiful sunrise, and a cool breeze. Everyone was ready to work on time so we set to the task of making cement and pouring it into the trenches which were dug before we got here. It was a grueling job and it involved people who had to scoop dirt into buckets and then others would dump the buckets of dirt into the cement mixer. While another guy dumped cement mix into the mixer. Then from there we had guys who would position the wheelbarrow under the mixer, and get a load of cement. From there we dumped it into the trench which was a foundation for the gymnasium the missionaries are building.
Aleah saved Monte's life! While Aleah and Monte were cleaning up cement mix, they had an encounter with a rattlesnake! Monte ran off, came back with a shovel and sliced off its head, Aleah ended up keeping the rattle. No one was hurt, thankfully.
Some of the team went to look for river sand for the water filtration project. Unfortunately they did not find any, and ended up using the sand we had on the ranch. Then Kelly, Chico, Josh H., Hannah, Ann, Aleah, and I with supervision from J Bass cleaned the dirt which would go into the water filters. We cleaned the dirt by stirring the dirt in a bucket with water, then draining it out and repeating the process over again for hourse until Bastion decided it was clean enough.
This afternoon we were invited to play soccer again and this time we had the MK's and their Dad's V.S. the Mexico team. We had a lot of fun!
Then at our team meeting this evening, we celebrated my Moms Birthday! I made a card and had everyone sign it, then we at cookies, and cake.
I have been learning a lot in the few days days we have been here, I think one of the greatest things I learned on this trip so far is that I need to submit myself to authority even if I don't have respect for that person, because it is an opportunity to show love to that person.
Please pray for:
Jacob Baker as he got dehydrated, the praise though is that after we prayed he was doing way better.
VBS Tomorrow at the brickyard from 3:30-5:30pm that it would go well, and the kids would get to learn alot.
That while we work that nobody will get hurt and that we will have enough strength to get through the work with joy and stay hydrated.
-Zach Rigel
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Today I made a new friend...
Hello everybody, this is El Chico!
Today I made a new friend! It's a horse. I was taking a walk and I decided to pet the horse. The missionary kid and I climbed the fence and pet the horse. Unfortunately it was short lived. The horse tried to munch me.
I'll get back to the important stuff. :)
We woke up at 6am, had some guy prayer time, and were excited to get to work. The day began with work that included block work, weeding, welding, cement mixing, and gravel sifting. I was fortunate enough to learn a new skill today. My buddy Josh taught me how to weld! That might come in handy later this week, cause we have a lot of welding to do. Yeah!
During the morning a couple missionary guys came out to the Ranch to learn how to build the water filters. Josh Bastian started showing them how. They washed all the sand and gravel they needed for one. They had to leave early so we will try and finish it up on Friday. We learned that there are actually a lot of missionaries and Mexicans that work with NTM that want to learn how to do this project for their tribal works. This is exciting because the reach of this project may go farther then beyond the brickyard to many areas!
We had some lunch and then even had time for an afternoon nap. While everyone else was napping that's when Michael, the missionary kid, and I went on our walk and found the horse.
I learned to focus my work not on doing it for the missionaries, or even for the team but for God.
Here are some things you can pray for:
-Keep praying for the success and now the reach of the water project.
-Pray for the health and wisdom of each team member.
-Pray for the VBS to go well at the brickyard, it starts on Thursday.
Praise God for this wonderful team and this opportunity to worship God with our lives here!
El Chico Always Wins!!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Chihuahua!
With a kerplunk we touched down at the Aeropuerto de Chihuahua. A hour later we were safe and sound at Rancho Siloe. For me, a returning student, the dorms, the kitchen, the work projects finished during past trips, even the showers brought back vibrant memories. We are finally here, albeit a little tired, incredibly excited about lies ahead. Work starts at 7am tomorrow morning.
Let me back up a bit...two days ago I flew out to Grand Rapids, Michigan to learn how to build a water purifier patented by Aqua Clara. Located in Holland, Michigan, Aqua Clara is a small operation that has planted purifiers all over the world. This small group of people at Aqua Clara love Jesus and it is evident in the way they care for and love the one billion plus people who lack access to clean water. During the training session staff members discussed the global water problem and how best to fix it. After the information session in the morning we built a purifier from scratch, giving us hands-on experience building the simple, yet effective bio-sand purifiers.
After a flight back to Orlando, I joined the team at the KOA campground for our orientation. We spent Sunday learning everything from the biblical reasons for missions to cross-cultural integration. Our team split up and practiced our puppet, song, and craft ministries that we'll do at the brickyard this week and next. The rest of the day we relaxed, ate some Papa John's and watched a storm brew over the lake adjacent to the KOA.
Some praises....
We made it through customs without a problem. None of the medicine for the Brickyard or water purifier supplies were confiscated
Monday morning the rain held just long enough for us to pack all of our stuff into the vans. Special thanks to Mr. Rigel and Mr. Walter for waking up early to help us get to the airport.
Some prayer requests....
That the water purification project can continue to move forward. More specifically, that all the supplies can be delivered soon.
VBS at the Brickyard.
Team unity.
Continued good health for all members.
Thanks for reading and praying, we as a team are really appreciative of all the amazing support.
Josh Bastian
Let me back up a bit...two days ago I flew out to Grand Rapids, Michigan to learn how to build a water purifier patented by Aqua Clara. Located in Holland, Michigan, Aqua Clara is a small operation that has planted purifiers all over the world. This small group of people at Aqua Clara love Jesus and it is evident in the way they care for and love the one billion plus people who lack access to clean water. During the training session staff members discussed the global water problem and how best to fix it. After the information session in the morning we built a purifier from scratch, giving us hands-on experience building the simple, yet effective bio-sand purifiers.
After a flight back to Orlando, I joined the team at the KOA campground for our orientation. We spent Sunday learning everything from the biblical reasons for missions to cross-cultural integration. Our team split up and practiced our puppet, song, and craft ministries that we'll do at the brickyard this week and next. The rest of the day we relaxed, ate some Papa John's and watched a storm brew over the lake adjacent to the KOA.
Some praises....
We made it through customs without a problem. None of the medicine for the Brickyard or water purifier supplies were confiscated
Monday morning the rain held just long enough for us to pack all of our stuff into the vans. Special thanks to Mr. Rigel and Mr. Walter for waking up early to help us get to the airport.
Some prayer requests....
That the water purification project can continue to move forward. More specifically, that all the supplies can be delivered soon.
VBS at the Brickyard.
Team unity.
Continued good health for all members.
Thanks for reading and praying, we as a team are really appreciative of all the amazing support.
Josh Bastian
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Up, up and away!
We're leaving today! I'm in my office as the chaos of parents and students arrives with luggage and smiles. It's a good day. :)
We will be at the KOA here in Orlando for two days of orientation. We fly out Monday morning from Orlando on American Airlines at 8:15am.
We'll hit the ground working on Tuesday morning.
Please be praying for us:
- For team unity.
- For health.
- For favor amongst all we work with and the government.
- For the love of God to shine through us in powerful ways.
- For stamina, and energy to work hard.
- For focus and maturity from each student to pay attention and be wise! :)
We will be having a different student post each day of the trip to share what happens. You will get to hear their perspective and take on things. We'll put a few pictures up as we get them too. Please check back each day to hear our adventures and know how to pray for us!
For the team,
Josh Harris
We will be at the KOA here in Orlando for two days of orientation. We fly out Monday morning from Orlando on American Airlines at 8:15am.
We'll hit the ground working on Tuesday morning.
Please be praying for us:
- For team unity.
- For health.
- For favor amongst all we work with and the government.
- For the love of God to shine through us in powerful ways.
- For stamina, and energy to work hard.
- For focus and maturity from each student to pay attention and be wise! :)
We will be having a different student post each day of the trip to share what happens. You will get to hear their perspective and take on things. We'll put a few pictures up as we get them too. Please check back each day to hear our adventures and know how to pray for us!
For the team,
Josh Harris
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Water Purification Project update...
Hey,
Each year we go to Mexico we spend 4-6 days at an area called "The Brickyard" This area is where very low income families setup shacks and make bricks to earn some money. Some of the families stay for a long time, some only till they get the money they need. The living conditions of this several square mile area with over 250 people living there are devastating. Lack of electricity, education, accessible health care, and clean water concern us every year.
Fortunately, a local Mexican church and some missionaries with NTM have made connections and established a ministry there in the area. They provide bible teaching and evangelism as well as tangible ways to meet the physical needs. We have enjoyed partnering with them the past few years in a projects such as; building and installing screen doors and windows to several homes to keep bugs out, building community outhouses, and providing basic medical supplies. We will be taking medical supplies again this year to donate, but we'll tell you more about that in another post. :)
After our experience last year several of us on the team became considered about the very unsanitary water conditions. After much discussion and prayer we decided to follow God's leading on installing water filtration systems. We want to install several systems this year while we are there but we also want to train the local church and the people of the brickyard how to make them. It's like teaching them how to fish instead of just giving them fish. After research we settled on partnering with an organization called Aqua Clara. They have developed a way to use local supplies to build an effective W.H.O. approved water filtration system. Before we go, we'll send someone from our team to be trained by this organization on how to make them. Then, when we get to Chihuahua we will purchase the local supplies needed and begin making and training for these systems.
We are very excited about this tangible way to spread the love of Christ and the compassion of the gospel. We long to see the overall health of the children rise so that they will live long enough to hear the gospel, believe, and live for him!
To see more of how the water filtration systems work visit Aqua Clara's website.
If you would like to help fund or promote this project please contact us.
We encourage you to also check out our Facebook Cause page for our work in Mexico.
Sincerely,
Josh Harris for the team
Each year we go to Mexico we spend 4-6 days at an area called "The Brickyard" This area is where very low income families setup shacks and make bricks to earn some money. Some of the families stay for a long time, some only till they get the money they need. The living conditions of this several square mile area with over 250 people living there are devastating. Lack of electricity, education, accessible health care, and clean water concern us every year.
Fortunately, a local Mexican church and some missionaries with NTM have made connections and established a ministry there in the area. They provide bible teaching and evangelism as well as tangible ways to meet the physical needs. We have enjoyed partnering with them the past few years in a projects such as; building and installing screen doors and windows to several homes to keep bugs out, building community outhouses, and providing basic medical supplies. We will be taking medical supplies again this year to donate, but we'll tell you more about that in another post. :)
After our experience last year several of us on the team became considered about the very unsanitary water conditions. After much discussion and prayer we decided to follow God's leading on installing water filtration systems. We want to install several systems this year while we are there but we also want to train the local church and the people of the brickyard how to make them. It's like teaching them how to fish instead of just giving them fish. After research we settled on partnering with an organization called Aqua Clara. They have developed a way to use local supplies to build an effective W.H.O. approved water filtration system. Before we go, we'll send someone from our team to be trained by this organization on how to make them. Then, when we get to Chihuahua we will purchase the local supplies needed and begin making and training for these systems.
We are very excited about this tangible way to spread the love of Christ and the compassion of the gospel. We long to see the overall health of the children rise so that they will live long enough to hear the gospel, believe, and live for him!
To see more of how the water filtration systems work visit Aqua Clara's website.
If you would like to help fund or promote this project please contact us.
We encourage you to also check out our Facebook Cause page for our work in Mexico.
Sincerely,
Josh Harris for the team
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Exciting new developments!
Hello,
Sorry it has been awhile since our last trip update. Much has happened since!
First off, we had a Benefit Auction Fundraiser two weeks ago and it went really well! We had lots of items to sell and yummy lunch for everyone. We were able to raise right at $2000.00! God is amazing and so are the people who pitched in to make this Fundraiser a success.
Second, our team has changed once again, but for the last time. :) The people going are as follows: Myself and Dawn Rigel are the adults, Josh Bastian and Hannah Rigel are our college leaders and then the H.S. Students are: Jacob Baker, Daniel McCutchen, Zach Rigel, Stephen Gable, David Cammacho, Matt Langford, Caleb George, Ann Rivera, Kaley Yates, Kelly Welsh, Aleah Schweizer, and Cari Ware. We'll try and get a group pic this Sunday to post for you.
Third, we have raised enough money so far to purchase airline tickets. I just bought them this week! God was good as I was able to get us all on the same plane, sitting next to each other, and with good dates too, all for around $550 a person. We will be flying straight into Chihuahua City and avoiding the border this year. So that price was great! To get those cheap flights we did shift our days one day forward. So, mark your calendars our trip dates are now July 18-August 2.
I'm so excited about how God has provided and led the way for us to return to the ministry we started years ago in Mexico. We only need about $4000.00 more to reach our comfortable financial goal. Please be praying for us to reach this goal so we can eat while we are there. haha :)
Pray for:
- Health of all the team members.
- Passports and finances to come in.
- Unity amongst the team.
- That God would be glorified and we would honor him no matter what happens!
For the team:
Josh Harris
Sorry it has been awhile since our last trip update. Much has happened since!
First off, we had a Benefit Auction Fundraiser two weeks ago and it went really well! We had lots of items to sell and yummy lunch for everyone. We were able to raise right at $2000.00! God is amazing and so are the people who pitched in to make this Fundraiser a success.
Second, our team has changed once again, but for the last time. :) The people going are as follows: Myself and Dawn Rigel are the adults, Josh Bastian and Hannah Rigel are our college leaders and then the H.S. Students are: Jacob Baker, Daniel McCutchen, Zach Rigel, Stephen Gable, David Cammacho, Matt Langford, Caleb George, Ann Rivera, Kaley Yates, Kelly Welsh, Aleah Schweizer, and Cari Ware. We'll try and get a group pic this Sunday to post for you.
Third, we have raised enough money so far to purchase airline tickets. I just bought them this week! God was good as I was able to get us all on the same plane, sitting next to each other, and with good dates too, all for around $550 a person. We will be flying straight into Chihuahua City and avoiding the border this year. So that price was great! To get those cheap flights we did shift our days one day forward. So, mark your calendars our trip dates are now July 18-August 2.
I'm so excited about how God has provided and led the way for us to return to the ministry we started years ago in Mexico. We only need about $4000.00 more to reach our comfortable financial goal. Please be praying for us to reach this goal so we can eat while we are there. haha :)
Pray for:
- Health of all the team members.
- Passports and finances to come in.
- Unity amongst the team.
- That God would be glorified and we would honor him no matter what happens!
For the team:
Josh Harris
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Benefit Show for Mexico!!
Hey,
We wanted to let you know about two things...
One is that we are having a Benefit show coming up this Friday to raise support for our Mexico trip and a special project.
Second, is to tell you about our special project this year. It is to take water filter kits to the Brickyard. The water there is filthy and unsanitary. We have researched a few companies and organizations that make kits and do this. However, if you have some ideas or suggestions please let us know! We will also be taking some basic medical supplies like last year that are hard to get in Chihuahua.
Prayer Requests:
-Be praying that this 'swine flu' will pass quickly and will not affect our trip this summer.
-Continue to pray for the violence to cease as well.
-Be praying for the effectiveness of each students support letters and self-work projects to raise adequate funds.
- Josh Harris and the team
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Check these out...
Hey,
Thought I would share a few links that will help add to your prayer and support.
http://www.mmol.org/Lucht - Allison is the missionary we work hand-in-hand with in the brickyard. She is our main contact and a wonderful committed servant to the people we have come to love. She lives there year-round and pours God's love and gospel into their lives however she can. Go check out her page and pray for her.
http://www.ntm.org/mexico/ - This is the organization we work with while there. Check out all the works they are involved in for the country of Mexico. Our specific connection is to do work projects that assist their Training center for Spanish missionaries in Chihuahua City. Pray for NTM and its missionaries!
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/255802/56032149?m=6d54c0aa - If you have Facebook you can join us on our new Cause page for our ministry with the children in Chihuahua! We are just beginning to develop and utilize the possibilities with this resource. The web is where it is at these days, so we are on it!
I'll update you with more links as I get them. For now, check these out and be praying!
Thanks,
Josh Harris
Thought I would share a few links that will help add to your prayer and support.
http://www.mmol.org/Lucht - Allison is the missionary we work hand-in-hand with in the brickyard. She is our main contact and a wonderful committed servant to the people we have come to love. She lives there year-round and pours God's love and gospel into their lives however she can. Go check out her page and pray for her.
http://www.ntm.org/mexico/ - This is the organization we work with while there. Check out all the works they are involved in for the country of Mexico. Our specific connection is to do work projects that assist their Training center for Spanish missionaries in Chihuahua City. Pray for NTM and its missionaries!
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/255802/56032149?m=6d54c0aa - If you have Facebook you can join us on our new Cause page for our ministry with the children in Chihuahua! We are just beginning to develop and utilize the possibilities with this resource. The web is where it is at these days, so we are on it!
I'll update you with more links as I get them. For now, check these out and be praying!
Thanks,
Josh Harris
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Lord is brining in the money!
Howdy,
We are excited to announce that at our first big fundraiser of the year we raised
$1,176.05! All of this will go straight into our team fund to help each person get to the individual goal for the trip of $1,050.
This fundraiser was our annual Chili-Cook-Off where about 150 people showed up and had their fill of 26 different Chili's. Families and even students made and entered their own Chili recipe into a contest. Congratulations to Samantha Gann, David Stephens and Kathy Baker for winning their categories! Thank you to all who helped, entered Chili, and to our judges!
Well, on to our next big fundraiser... our annual Yard Sale! It will be held at the Welsh home on April 10 and 11 from 8am-3pm both days. WE NEED STUFF TO SELL! If you can rummage around the house and garage and gather up items to donate give us a call. It's easier to raise money when we have lots of good stuff to sell. :)
You can bring it to church or straight to the Welsh's home from now until April 8. Call me or Joanna Welsh before you bring it in though.
Then, tell everybody to come and shop on the Yard Sale days! And, be praying that God will wow us once again with amazing financial provision through our efforts.
Thanks,
Josh Harris
We are excited to announce that at our first big fundraiser of the year we raised
$1,176.05! All of this will go straight into our team fund to help each person get to the individual goal for the trip of $1,050.
This fundraiser was our annual Chili-Cook-Off where about 150 people showed up and had their fill of 26 different Chili's. Families and even students made and entered their own Chili recipe into a contest. Congratulations to Samantha Gann, David Stephens and Kathy Baker for winning their categories! Thank you to all who helped, entered Chili, and to our judges!
Well, on to our next big fundraiser... our annual Yard Sale! It will be held at the Welsh home on April 10 and 11 from 8am-3pm both days. WE NEED STUFF TO SELL! If you can rummage around the house and garage and gather up items to donate give us a call. It's easier to raise money when we have lots of good stuff to sell. :)
You can bring it to church or straight to the Welsh's home from now until April 8. Call me or Joanna Welsh before you bring it in though.
Then, tell everybody to come and shop on the Yard Sale days! And, be praying that God will wow us once again with amazing financial provision through our efforts.
Thanks,
Josh Harris
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Violence in Mexico
Hello,
As some of you may know there has been a rise in the violence in Mexico lately. We are concerned not just for our trip but for the people and missionaries that live there.
-Please be praying for the safety of the missioaries.
-Please pray for the salvation and transformed lives of those causing this violence.
-Please pray that God will keep a window open for us this summer to go and further his truth, love, and gospel!
Each year our trip works under New Tribes Mission. We travel with them, work for them, and follow their guidance during our trip. Thus, I have confidence and peace in the experience and leadership of NTM to make decisious for us on safety. They will tell us if it is too dangerous to go down there and work with them this summer. As long as they believe it is safe for us to come work with them I trust we will be fine.
So we continue to prepare and plan for this trip. There is still 5 months of time for God to work and the violence to decrease. We plan on going unless we hear a no from our leadership at NTM.
Please keep praying,
-Josh for the Team
As some of you may know there has been a rise in the violence in Mexico lately. We are concerned not just for our trip but for the people and missionaries that live there.
-Please be praying for the safety of the missioaries.
-Please pray for the salvation and transformed lives of those causing this violence.
-Please pray that God will keep a window open for us this summer to go and further his truth, love, and gospel!
Each year our trip works under New Tribes Mission. We travel with them, work for them, and follow their guidance during our trip. Thus, I have confidence and peace in the experience and leadership of NTM to make decisious for us on safety. They will tell us if it is too dangerous to go down there and work with them this summer. As long as they believe it is safe for us to come work with them I trust we will be fine.
So we continue to prepare and plan for this trip. There is still 5 months of time for God to work and the violence to decrease. We plan on going unless we hear a no from our leadership at NTM.
Please keep praying,
-Josh for the Team
Mexico Team is coming together!
Hello,
Introducing the team! :)
Our Team is almost put together, we are just waiting on a female college leader. Our H.S. students going, for now, this year are: Zach R., Brett W., Stephen G., Jake B., Daniel M., Caleb G., Aleah S., Kelly W., Cari W., Kate W., Kaley Y., Ann R., and Kelso S.. Myself, Mrs, Rigel and Josh B. will be going as well as leaders.
We are excited about what God wants to do in each of our lives through this experience!
Please be praying for these students and for all of us to have wisdom and energy to fulfill our roles in the team. Each student will be working to earn $330 of the trip cost on their own apart from our group fundraisers. They will also be sending out letters to families and friends to let them know of the trip soon.
- Josh for the Team
Introducing the team! :)
Our Team is almost put together, we are just waiting on a female college leader. Our H.S. students going, for now, this year are: Zach R., Brett W., Stephen G., Jake B., Daniel M., Caleb G., Aleah S., Kelly W., Cari W., Kate W., Kaley Y., Ann R., and Kelso S.. Myself, Mrs, Rigel and Josh B. will be going as well as leaders.
We are excited about what God wants to do in each of our lives through this experience!
Please be praying for these students and for all of us to have wisdom and energy to fulfill our roles in the team. Each student will be working to earn $330 of the trip cost on their own apart from our group fundraisers. They will also be sending out letters to families and friends to let them know of the trip soon.
- Josh for the Team
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Change for Chihuahua! - How you can get involved!
Our first team meeting is this Sunday, but we have already begun efforts to raise support money necessary for the missions work we will be doing in Mexico this summer.
We have launched a fundraiser campaign called "Change for Chihuahua" that is about collecting loose change in a jug to be donated when it is filled up. Every cent helps us reach our goal to travel to Mexico this summer and minister to the missionaries and the impoverished children of the Brick Yard and the orphanage.
We need your help - together we can make a difference! You may not be able to go with us, but your support through prayer and fundraising is just as much a part of reaching the children of Chihuahua as the ministry of those who go. Below is a picture of the 1 gallon jugs that we are using as collecting containers. You can pick one up from us at Circle Community Church or begin collecting change on your own. When your container is filled up just bring it in to:
Circle Community Church - 2200 Pembrook Dr., Orlando, Fl. 32810.
- Josh Harris - Student Pastor
We have launched a fundraiser campaign called "Change for Chihuahua" that is about collecting loose change in a jug to be donated when it is filled up. Every cent helps us reach our goal to travel to Mexico this summer and minister to the missionaries and the impoverished children of the Brick Yard and the orphanage.
We need your help - together we can make a difference! You may not be able to go with us, but your support through prayer and fundraising is just as much a part of reaching the children of Chihuahua as the ministry of those who go. Below is a picture of the 1 gallon jugs that we are using as collecting containers. You can pick one up from us at Circle Community Church or begin collecting change on your own. When your container is filled up just bring it in to:
Circle Community Church - 2200 Pembrook Dr., Orlando, Fl. 32810.
- Josh Harris - Student Pastor
Friday, January 30, 2009
A look back at last year, and time to plan for this year!
Howdy!
Well, it has been a long time since we have updated here on the blog, but as the plans for this years trip began to formulate I thought it was time to get back on here.
We are beginning to form a team of students and leaders for this year's trip back to Chihuahua, Mexico. Our dates have moved father back in the summer, this year, to July 17 - August 1. We are planning to step up our medical and tangible ministry efforts to the people of the brickyard, as well as continue work for NTM. We are excited for what God has in store again this year!
We ask that you would pray with us for a few things:
- For the violence in Mexico to cease and for God's protection for the innocent.
- For the right students to form this year's team.
- For us to have the determination, energy and commitment to raise the neccesary funds and prepare for this trip effectively.
I thought it would be fun for you to look back at last year's trip with this video we put together. Soak in with us the love, provision, and presence of God from last year, and get excited about what lies ahead for this year!
- Josh Harris
Student Pastor
Well, it has been a long time since we have updated here on the blog, but as the plans for this years trip began to formulate I thought it was time to get back on here.
We are beginning to form a team of students and leaders for this year's trip back to Chihuahua, Mexico. Our dates have moved father back in the summer, this year, to July 17 - August 1. We are planning to step up our medical and tangible ministry efforts to the people of the brickyard, as well as continue work for NTM. We are excited for what God has in store again this year!
We ask that you would pray with us for a few things:
- For the violence in Mexico to cease and for God's protection for the innocent.
- For the right students to form this year's team.
- For us to have the determination, energy and commitment to raise the neccesary funds and prepare for this trip effectively.
I thought it would be fun for you to look back at last year's trip with this video we put together. Soak in with us the love, provision, and presence of God from last year, and get excited about what lies ahead for this year!
- Josh Harris
Student Pastor
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