Trip Summary - Mexico 2012

Click 'Photo Albums' to the left to view a simpler album.
 

Saturday January 21, 2012

After delays in Chicago, the group arrived in San Diego Airport. We loaded and reloaded the trailer and headed for the border. We had a brief stop at the border; however they decided it as too much work to search all the bags, then we were on our way. We arrived at the orphanage about 6:30. We had dinner then it was off to our beds. 11 of us are staying at the lodge, across the valley, the rest are spread out around the compound. We all are looking forward to a good night’s rest.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

A little rest goes a long way to refresh the body. Breakfast consisted of a breakfast burrito, fresh fruit, breads, and bagels. Our bodies are fed and it is time to feed the souls. We attended a local church and were welcome with opened arms. Although the services were in Spanish we knew that we were in the throne room of God. This afternoon we spend time visiting a poor family with a severe handicapped child. The group brought them some much needed clothing and supplies. It was a very emotional time. Pastor Marcusse will lead us in a worship service this evening. We will have a time of food and fellowship, then off to bed for a big day of work tomorrow.

Monday, January 23, 2012

What a great day, God is good. The work crew accomplished a lot of preparation work for the footings and the slab for the new building today. We are 98% ready for the concrete that is coming early Wednesday morning. The ladies of the group sorted all the donations for the children here and it was very well received. In the afternoon, the ladies worked with the children on some crafts and activities with the children. The children are so very thankful for the love, care and generosity that the people back home have shown to them. We put some finishing touches on a small house that is for a couple that works here full time. Tomorrow we will be working on a list of “to do’s” that just need one or two more things to complete. Thanks be to God for all He has given to us. We are so very thankful for all the prayers that are offered on our behalf.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Today is another awesome day that the Lord our God has given us. We can really see the providence of God how He assembled this group. The meeting hall is completely ready for the 15 loads of concrete that will be delivered throughout the day tomorrow. Please pray with us for nice weather and everything to go smoothly as we accomplish this task. God has given us the right people to lead us and the right people to do the different projects that need to be done. We are all healthy and no serious injuries to report. We had opportunity to give the children gifts today. They were so excited and the smiles on their faces show it. Pray for the Grahams and the staff here at Mount of Olives as they care for these young people and teach them the love of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Praise God for a great day. The weather was perfect for all the projects that took place today. Most of the men were up on top of the hill. We had 14 loads of concrete totaling over 100 yards. We can only thank God for how, in His providence, every load came at the right time. The finishing crew was done around 4 today. 8.5 hours of work and the floor and footings were complete. The painting crew kept finishing their project faster than they could find new things that needed a fresh coat of paint. The tool sheds received a good spring cleaning and a much needed organization. There are many areas around the compound where blocks need to be laid to finish up the landscaping. Pray for the team as we will be starting to lay out the blocks for the new meeting place.

Thursday January 26, 2012

Today is the day to finish up the many projects that were started this week. We also got started laying block on the meeting hall. We laid the first course of block to establish the rooms and the perimeter. Now that these are in place, crews that come to work know where everything goes. Final coats of paint on the houses and bathrooms, steps were poured, caps were put on, gutters were poured along the driveway, and some remaining organization was done. The children had a time of crafts; their project today was building and decorating bird houses. They really enjoyed our time together. At night we had time to fellowship around a campfire with the children as it was our last night together. One last night of sleep for tomorrow we head back to the states.

Friday January 27, 2012

We slept in, had breakfast and it was time to load up the trailer with all of our luggage. We also loaded food and clothing donations for the migrant workers. These people are the native Mexicans who work in the fields around Ensenada. They are very poor and work to survive. Most of them do not have money for clothes and shoes. We gave them shoes that were donated and the ladies bought some food staples to help them provide nutritional meals for their families. We have so much to be thankful for, our cupboards are full, we have shoes and clothes and warm comfortable houses to live in. It is so easy for us to take these for granted. We hope that by giving these things, however small of a gift it is, will help these people see the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We had a small delay at the border, but we all arrived in San Diego safely. Three team members left for their homes and family while the rest of the team stays at the hotel for a night and catch flights home tomorrow. We would like to thank each and everyone who offered up prayers, gave money, and the many donations for the children and poor of Baja Mexico. We often do not know how the Lord will use these gifts, but it definitely changed the lives of many people. Thank you and God bless!