My Never Ending Mission....

Ecuador Day Eight -- Sunday

2012-02-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

"Some people are so poor that the only thing they have is money."

"God's love is meteoric, His loyalty astronomic, His purpose titanic, His verdict oceanic. Yet in His largeness, nothing gets lost; not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks." -Psalm 36:5-6

Today was a super long day filled with awesome fellowship...

Everyone that went on the perimeter hike had to leave at 5 o'clock sharp. I knew that there was no way my lungs could make it. So instead, I woke up at the same time as them and went to sit outside in the quiet looking at the llamas and garden. Just soaking in the beauty. (It reminds me of a quote: "In hopes of reaching the moon, men fail to see the flowers at their feet.") All the hikers got back just in time for breakfast. Bren and Mary said that it was really tough, but super worth it. They could see the snow capped glacier from the top. If I ever get the chance to come back to El Refugio I'm forcing my lungs up there to see it all.

Breakfast this morning was egg and toast (I think). Right after eating, the Manada Pequeñas had to go home so that they could get ready for church. While we were all getting ourselves ready Erica came into the girls' room with a balloon. She wanted to know if any of us knew how to make a balloon dog. It is apparently Anita's daughter's 5th birthday and they were have a mini-fiesta for her. I volunteered, loving that I could use what I leaned in Juarez here. I made a few dogs and gave my regular balloons so that everyone could decorate them. We did this until we were ready to leave for church.

All the staff and us walked in to the middle of CalaCalí to the Santos brothers' church. It was a regular looking building, (with really pretty purple flowers) and it was about the size of one the churches I went to in Mexico. We sang about 5 or 6 Spanish praise songs. For some reason I always feel the Spirit more in Spanish even if I don't understand word for word. People clap, raise their hands, dance, fist pump, etc it's completely genuine and amazing. We sang a song called Tomaló which means "Take it all." We scream, "Te doy todo lo que soy...Toma, tomaló!" which means "I give you everything I am. Take it, take it all." After we sang a couple more songs, a couple from the church sang two beautiful songs with awesome harmony. The pastor then gave the sermon entirely in Spanish. The only reason I could follow a little bit was because we read a lot from the Bible. In this church everyone looks up the verse. When you find it, you stand up so the pastor knows when everyone's ready.

After church I quick changed and our team and the Manada Pequeñas headed over to the square where there is another "Midad del Mundo/ Center of the World" monument. We took pictures there and learned that this is the original one, but they moved it to where we went because of tourists. The realreal center is somewhere in the mountains though. From there we loaded onto a nice bus so that we could head into Quito. I sat behind Cristian and Wilmar and next to Kat. We got a lunch on the go of ham and cheese, an orange, a Sunny D like drink, and yummy coconut cookies. Esteban, who studied to be a tour guide, went up to the front of the bus and told us about everything we were passing, about CalaCali, about Quito, and about Ecuador as a whole. Israel translated for him. We also learned a bunch of fun legends. We learned about how CalaCalí got its name, a whole bunch of history, and some stories about how mountains got their names. One was about a jealous guy mountain wanting a girl mountain. Mary asked how you can tell if a mountain is a girl or boy. Apparently, if a mtn. has a crescent shape at the top it is a girl. Our response- "Uhh...Well, sure. That makes sense."

Eventually we arrived at the Basilica. The Basilica is the oldest Gothic style church standing. It was legit beautiful. Courtesy of Esteban, we learned some of the history of the church, the carvings, etc. One interesting fact is that the Basilica has been under construction for hundreds of years. They say that the because of this, the year that all construction is finished the world will end. Anyways...we finally got our tickets and headed in and up the seemingly never ending stairs. There was a beautiful huge stained glass window, an organ from Paris, and an over hang thing. The overhang looked out over the cathedral which was amazing. The ceiling is super high and domed. When we were done in that 'room' we broke into groups to explore the rest of the place. I went up some stairs and went out onto a porch that looked over Quito. You could see houses and mountains for miles in all directions. Then Anna, Lydia, and I walked across this bridge type thing and up a ladder to one of the towers. Up there was super high again looking over Quito. We found Bren and Christian already checking everything out and more of the group soon joined us. A few people chose to go up a level higher but I was too afraid of the steep ladder. I got to go inside one of the clock towers, up some spiral steps, up a few ladders to the bell tower as well. On the way down Christian, Brenmarie, Anna, Lydia, and I all raced down to the first level (we only had like 5 minutes to our meetup time). So many steps. Haha, but the Basilica is a beautiful place with some amazing viewing places.

From the Basilica the group walked a few (quite a few actually) blocks to the Plaza de Central where there is the President's house. It was super crowded there and we could spot a few tourist groups as well. Esteban taught us some more legends about that area while a few local Ecuadorians stopped to listen. Harry then decided to make up his own legend about a nearby building. He made up a story about some brothers having a seaturtle farm inside the building. Lydia translated it for everyone. It was super funny especially because the local Ecuadorians that weren't with our group were listening intently as well. When the learning moments were over we went to the other side of the square where a band was playing some traditional music. Someone, I'm not sure who, decided that they should dance so most of the PBUers started doing the Electric Slide. Esteban, Wilmar, and Lydia joined in as well while I just videoed the whole thing. It didn't take long before everyone in the square had gathered around us to watch the white people dance. It was great and a few people actually asked us who were and what we were doing in Ecuador.

Then we walked up this one street called 'Calle de las Siete Cruces" or "Street of the Seven Crosses." The name is pretty self explanatory...Down this super long street is 7 giant crosses placed outside various awesome looking churches. Eventually we got to another more empty square which had the original stones in the ground. While there waiting for our bus a few young boys came along wanted to shine our shoes. Since it was only 50 cents a few people actually let them. Back on the bus everyone was pretty exhausted. Some people slept while a few of us continued to learn from Esteban. Him, Santi, Wilmar, and Cristian even sang us some Ecuadorian song for entertainment. We passed a few volcanoes with Kat and my favorite being Pululahua. (Just 'cause we couldn't remember or pronounce it.) When we got back into the center of CalaCalí the Manada Pequeñas had to get off to go home...This would be the last time we saw them. :( We didn't even get to get off to hug them so it was just a quick wave and adios and they were off. Super sad.

Back at El Refugio once again we had dinner of grilled chicken with ahi, pineapple, potato fries with cheese sauce, salad, kiwi, and passion fruit (which is super weird by the way). We also finally got introduced to the two cats there. I think we assumed that they were just 'there' but Israel introduced us to Sully and Pancho. Pancho was super shy, but Sully let us pet him. Tonight was Allie and Kat's turn for devotionals so first they sang some songs that Allie had written. Sadly, it started to rain so we had to move into the dining porch area, but it turned out good. Then we had communion together. There's like almost nothing that this team hasn't done together. <3 After that the team and Anna played this game called Telephone Pictionary. I won't go into details, but it was hilarious.

^I'm pretty sure we headed to bed after that, but I'm not positive.

Ecuador Day Seven -- Saturday

2012-02-03T18:10:00.000-05:00

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love." - 2 Timothy 1:7

And if our God is for us, then what could ever stop us? And if our God is with us, then what can stand against?

This morning we decided to get up early to see the sunrise. It came up right where we saw the moon rise last night. Since it came up quite slow over the mountains we took down and packed up our tents and stuff. The sky was beautiful. After it rose to a point we headed down the steep path back to base at El Refugio. It only took us about a half hour to get down and we talked and sang the whole way. Breakfast was pancakes and sausage.

For work this morning Mary, Bren, and Christian had the opportunity to go down the street to help with the construction of Anita's house. In this community they have what is referred to as a "Community Work Day." It meant that on this particular Saturday a whole bunch of men from the surrounding neighborhood came to Anita's house to help out. Imagine if every community worked that way? How much would get done?
Anyways, the rest of us went down to the garage to screw in some t-nuts...the final step to the rock wall process. Problem was though, that the bolts and blocks got stuck. Holger actually had to cur it our with an electric saw thing. When we finally got everything sorted out it had it down to an art.

For lunch Anita invited the whole team and some El Refugio people over for lunch. We all gathered into her house and sat in a square of sorts to eat the delicious food. (Have you noticed I say delicious all the time? Ecuador has my favorite food so far.) The first thing we ate was a soup with potatoes, chicken, and yummy broth. Second was pork, potatoes, and white stuff that starts with an m. Buen provecho!

After we got back from Anita's house we were going to take a break until the Manada Pequenas got there. They ended up coming much later than we thought they would so we got a huge rest time. When the last of them arrived we hopped into the back of the truck and drove back up to the cross place. It only took about an hour to finish the rest of the trees. I had the hang of it from last time so I got 7 done. At the end of our work we had 'reforested' the whole field. From there we rode back down and we're just in time for dinner. Dinner was beets (which were gross so I gave them to Jhonotan), 'steak,' and potatoes. Oh, and chocolate cake. Jhonathan tried to do some mindtwister puzzle with Anna and I, but we just couldn't figure it out. Harry played one called 'Numbers' and I couldn't figure that out either. Finally he told us, but I can't tell you guys the answers.

From dinner we went over to La Casa Grande for the Bible Studyish thing we were doing. We started off by singing "In the Quiet" in both Spanish and English. Then we moved into the Everything skit. It starts off with Jesus (played by Christian) creating the earth and then a person (Allie). He gives her breath and movement and then begin dancing. They dance together until Lust (Harry) cuts in. They dance for a bit and when he throws her to the Greed (Kacie) comes in and dangled money in front of her. After that Drunkenness (Mary) comes in and offers a bottle. When the bottle's empty Vanity (Bren) walks in, measures her, and makes her seem inadequate. Finally self-harm and death (Kat) come in and hands her a knife and then a gun. She begins to hold the gun to her head when the climax comes it says "You're all I need.." she throws the gun to the side and runs to Jesus who has been waiting for her the whole time. Only problem is though that everything in her life keeps getting in the way to push and throw her in the opposite direction. Finally Jesus sees that she has had enough and steps in to block all the things from touching her. When she falls to the floor in surrender Jesus throws His arms back and everyone else falls to the ground defeated. Jesus then helps the girl to her feet, dusts her off, and walks away with her in hand.

After the skit Bren took a quick minute to sum it all up and then we did cardboard testimonies. This is when you have one negative/before testimony on one side and then you flip it over to the transformation/after side. We did this to the song "Beautiful things" which says "You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of the dust. You make beautiful things, you make beautiful things out of us." After those testimonies Kat shared her short version of her whole life testimony. We then offered the floor to the Manada Pequenas to share. Jhonatan, Samuel, Santiago, and Wilmar all shared some of their amazing testimonies. After testimony time was done we decided to play Yahoola again. Harry explained the rules to the group and we got into a huge circle. We had a whole lot of fun. Bren had me in a full straddle before I finally fell while trying to reach Kat. Then later, Kat and Bren battled it out and Kat pushed Bren over. The final three were Esteban, Lydia, and another girl who were all pretty beast at this game. Esteban won. When the game finally ended (it lasted a while) Israel gathered us all around to tell us tomorrow's agenda with church and going into Quito. He told us that we had to listen, and play the part of tourist. He said it was late, that we had a long day, so we all said good night and headed to bed.

Ecuador Day Six -- Friday

2012-01-24T18:19:00.000-05:00

For this day I am going to use the blog post that Harry wrote for the Facebook page. Anything in italics is something that I added:

I am sitting down in the Casa Grande which has a beautiful white porch and I am eating a snack called “Coronita Galapaguitos” which are just animal crackers of animals from the Galapagos Islands that are dipped in chocolate and sprinkles. I am having a hard time figuring out which animals from the Galapagos these crackers are, they all just look like blobs. Any way Friday was an incredible dia.

It started for some of us (Kacie, Brenmarie, Mary, Christian, Israel, Bolt and myself) at 6:15 for our morning hike. Usually we treck up the pathways in the mountains, but today we took a walk on the road. We usually take the road to the left, which involves passing a bunch of children looking and laughing at us, sweet old women saying Hola, a bunch of dogs barking at us, and colorful painted houses. Today, however, we walked to the right. It was more spacious and more farms than houses. We saw a lot of cows and Bolt ran along with us (Bolt is the guard dog of El Refugio along with Brissa and we love them a lot and they love us a lot, so the relationship is mutual). We made it to a church and on the right of the road was a school. We saw kids riding bikes to school in their uniforms which looked like green adidas jumpsuits……take note PBU…………. Israel told us that the teacher of that school travels about three hours each way to teach there.

We made it back for breakfast which again was incredible. The two chefs at el Refugio are amazing and their nombres (names) are Angelica and Anita. They always greet you with a smile and an HOLA! On the menu was FRENCH TOAST CASEROLE…..bet you never thought about pairing those two words together…it changed my life it was that good. Brenmarie was a champ and got thirds and ate the last serving in one bite….talk about legends being made.

So unlike all the other days where we did work, Friday was the day we had off and got to go to………………..A RAINFOREST WITH A WATERFALL!!!! So we all get our swimwear on and head to the cabs for the 30 minute drive there. The cabs in Cala Cali are like mini flatbed trucks and you can sit in the back. The weather was beautiful and Christian and I (Harry) shard the back of the cab and stood up the whole drive. It was a gamechanger, one of the biggest in my life. JackJack, the missionary’s 3 year old son chose to ride with me the whole way there. The drive was one a long twisty road on mountains and the views were crazy. So many trenches and lush plants and sunshine. Standing up and being blasted by the wind only added to it.

We arrive at the place where we hike to get to the waterfall and there is a restaurant there. We hike and start to embark into the rain forest. There were bridges we had to cross which were questionable. Like really questionable. They were breaking so someone just threw pieces of plywood over the weak parts that were breaking and even then those plywood slabs were rotting……and then one of the bridges broke while we all were on it and were all held on as we dangled over a raging river that was very shallow and then we all fell in….nah I’m just kidding. None of the bridges broke and we all made it to the water fall. The walk through the rain forest was crazy too! Palm trees and some huts and plants everywhere, with a stream running through the center.

We made it to the waterfall and we all were scratching our head because the water was WAY TOO shallow to even go swimming. I mean if sitting in a puddle is what you’re into you would have fun. Then this awesome guy appeared out of nowhere (his name was Renee) and he asked “You want to swim, yes?” we all said “CLARO” (of course) and where there was a break in this small rock way for the stream to continue on he took a slab of metal and jammed it in there and then we all smiled as we realized the water in the area we were standing began to rise and we could swim.

Some of us swam, but Brenmarie, Christian, and Mary did their own little hike to some repealing wall that ended into another waterfall. Allie, Kacie, Kat, and myself stayed and I was the first to approach the waterfall. This was most likely one of the most incredible experiences of my life. First off the water was FREEZING and only got colder the closer to the waterfall. It also created wind that blew mist into your face. I went under the water and it blasted me, but it was all so refreshing. The water level now was overflowing the rock wall Kat was now standing on dipping her feet. I stayed in the water as Allie and Kacie then took their turns in the waterfall. It was so hard to stay in one place because the force of the waterfall was so strong. The waterfall itself was probably around 120 feet high. Campbell-Farrell and Anna (who is our facilitator at El Refugio who is a boss and an awesome leader) took a small hike. Eventually Brenmarie, Christian, and Mary made their way back to the waterfall and took their turns going under the waterfall. We all went as a group and went under the water which was a rush because of how freezing it was. It got so numb it felt warm. Paul and Beth (leaders at El Refugio) were there with their two young children Jack and Karleigh. We said goodbye to the waterfall as we each found individual moments to embrace our scenery and I stood in front of that waterfall one last time as the mist blew into me.

While all this was going on Campbell-Farrell had an experience that we cannot stop laughing about. She made it back to the restaurant earlier than anyone else and wanted to order a drink. She is not very good at speaking Spanish, so she looked at the menu and saw “fritter” and wanted a drink on the menu. She went up to the lady working and said “fritter” and made a rolling motion and the lady and said she wanted the drink as well. (Even as I type this up she is giving me crap, oh man). So Campbell-Farrell makes her way to the sitting area and the lady eventually carries her order up to her, but it is not a fritter with a drink. Instead it is a whole meal with a roasted trout with the head, yuka, rice, and platanos. She had no clue what to say, so she decided to go with the flow and eat the fish, but she wanted it cooked more, so she took it to the lady and pointed to the fire and said “more, more, more” and the lady miraculously understood her.

We made it back to the restaurant (which was outdoors) to eat out lunch Paul brought which was ham and cheese sandwiches, and we all laughed so hard when hearing what had happened to Campbell-Farrell. Brenmarie was interested, so she bought the fish as well and we all got to eat the trout and it was so good. As we left the lady prepared us sugar cane and gave us enough to last the month, but we all destroyed it later that night. The guy Renee continued to work, but was so nice and stopped to talk to us and patted our backs.

Sadly we left and we couldn’t even stand up in the back of the cabs on the drive home because it was raining and tarps were on the back. All of the girls in the back of my (Kacie’s) truck fell asleep… We had chill time when we made it back for 2 hours and most of us just slept or showered. The girls all piled onto Kat in her bed and ordered me to take a picture of it by screaming my name through the walls. 2 other people that have been awesome the whole time are other volunteers at El Refugio. First is Lydia, who also has worked at a Lutheran summer camp like me and spear heads the rock wall projects. She is funny and encouraging and is really good at playing Yaoola. Then there is Mike who is from Canada and has served in the military. The staff is a gamechanger. Then before dinner we practiced our skit one last time before we perform Saturday. After that it was Kacie and Mary’s turn to do devotionals and in this time Mary shared her testimony with us, which only brought the team even closer together. Mary was a last minute edition to the team, but has such an impact on this team. She’s a baller.

Then was dinner. Okay here’s what we ate, so you all can imagine it as I tell you how amazing it was, so you can be envious: roasted chicken, rice, and some weird pea salad casserole monster thing??? I was actually not a big fan of it, but the chicken was good. The store at El Refugio is open everyday at dinner. I got everyone cokes (which taste different) to pay them back for worrying/searching for me when I was lost in the mountains. After dinner Christian, Israel, Mary, Brenmarie, Kacie, and myself got packed to go camping at the high point campsite. We did not have to hike the whole way (thank God), but it was still intense. Being in this altitude is no joke. My lungs really hated me on this hike. Christian carried my bag so I only had to carry my sleeping bag and mat. I still had to stop a lot and I felt bad that I was slowing them down. But: We made it there and we were above clouds, but underneath some, like in some weird in between. We made the tents under the instruction of Israel and Bolt and Breeza followed the whole way. The sky was amazing. Just full of millions of stars. We made a small fire and we wanted to hear a bedtime story from Christian like he tells his children. First he told one that was seemed super serious until he yelled a part and made us jump and Bren scream. Then He told one about some kid with bunnies watching his whole life and a magic ball. Then I created a sequel that was not as endearing as Christian’s. Harry called it Labor Day…there was mutant bunnies involved. Kat, Allie, and Campbell-Farrell stayed back and chatted with the Santos brothers. They even sang together in different languages. Talk about cultural emersion.

Then we all went to bed (With Bolt and Brissa guarding our tents like the awesome guard dogs they are)!!!!! Sweet dreams errbody back in the U.S. or where ever you are and thanks for everything you’ve ever done for us. Special shout out to Chik-Fila for that fundraiser we got to do and because your food is awesome and the PBU special is almost a sin it is so good. Sorry to say that we only have 3 days left, but God will continue to do incredible this through and for us
Buenos Noches!

Ecuador Day Five -- Thursday

2012-01-24T16:57:00.000-05:00

Today we went hiking with Israel early in the morning.For breakfast we had fried eggs. Down at the garage we finished up texturing the rest of the boards. Snakes were frozen yogurt and chips. For lunch we had yummy grilled cheese and soup. After lunch we went up the top of the mountain in the back of a truck to a place called “Heaven” where there was a big cross. We planted trees as reforesting project. While we were digging we say lots of grub looking things which we were told had lots of protein. (None of us ate them though.) Harry, Allie, and Mary also sang 90s songs as loud as they could so that you could hear an echo. In only 2ish hours the group had planted 150 baby trees.

Instead of driving back down Mary, Bren, Christian, Cambell-Farrell and I hiked down. Harry stayed up there for some alone time. While walking down we stopped at this old pool. It had this Animal Kingdom looking tree with a swing next to it. When you swing you go over a minicliff and the old pool. When Bren was swinging though, she almost knocked Mary into the water. Close call. When we got down we all king hung out, but when it came time for dinner Harry still wasn’t back. Christian decided that he would go look for him. When Harry didn’t respond to his yells Christian gathered up a search team. All of the girls gathered together to pray because it was starting to get dark. In the middle of the prayer JFC gasped and we looked up to see him standing there. It turns out that he just lost track of time. He felt really bad so when the search team returned he bought them all a soda. For dinner we had spaghetti with meat sauce. At the fire it was Brenmarie and Harry’s turn. We sang two songs and Harry read Ephesians 4:25-32. Then we all had to go around the circle and say something nice about another member of the team. After that we had a foot washing service. It was really humbling actually. To end the fire side thing Harry taught us a game called Yaoolah. Your feet are crossed and you’re holding hands with the people next you, but the objective is to make everyone fall. It’s hard to explain on paper… Anyways the game got pretty intense and the final two people were Cambell-Farrell and Bren. C-F actually pushed Bren to the ground and won! It was hilarious. We apparently practiced the skit after that, but I don’t remember anything about it.

Ecuador Day Four -- Wednesday

2012-01-21T19:22:00.000-05:00

Today I wanted to get up to hike, but couldn’t so I slept. For breakfast we had baked oatmeal and it was delicious. Then we went down to the garage and Kat, Bren, and I did the second coat on all of the frames. When Kat took a break Dr.Cambell-Farrell came to do some. The talk was hilarious.

Lunch was soup and bread/ pansito with this sauce called ahi. After lunch we returned to the garage and while the rest of the team painted Harry, Christian, and I added texture to the boards. It was difficult at first and we had to start over a few times, but eventually we got the hang of it. Yeah? How ya been?

When we were done working for the day we all walked down into the town. It was beautiful and it really made me want to work with the people and pray for them. We took a public bus to this place called Mitad del Mundo or the Center of the World. While there we got about an hour to shop. Bren and I, inspired by Israel, got llama sweatshirts at the first store (a well worth it buy!).

Then Anna took us to a place where the lady knows Anna and El Refugio. She gave us water bottles and discounted prices. Everyone took a super long time in that store so Anna took me to the Tagua store. It looks like this prickely pinecone thing and is turned into jewelry.
From there we went to this monument and took pictures while standing in two hemispheres. From there we went to a restaurant to eat. On the way back we got to sit in the back of a truck. For fireside debriefing Christian told us his testimony. Anything after that though, I don’t remember.

Ecuador Day Three -- Tuesday

2012-01-21T19:06:00.000-05:00

This is what I posted on the PBU Ecuador Team Facebook Page for Tuesday:

The experience so far has been amazing. Coming into this trip not knowing what we were going to be doing was at first a bit daunting, but now the team and I look forward to the surprises and adventures of each hour. Allie did a great job summing up the first action packed day so I'm sorry if I'm not as detailed.

Second Day of the trip aka Christian’s birthday!
First thing this morning we all had the opportunity to do personal devotions. It was a great way to really let yesterday sink with a clear mind. When we step outside of our room everything within view is beautiful. From our two favorite llamas to the humming birds to the mountains, I am just left in awe of God’s creation. After taking a few minutes to adjust to the beauty (and the cold…really cold) we take the short journey to the porch for breakfast. Today we had eggs with some super delicious bread and tea (hot chocolate for me though). From there we went a little ways down the property to this garage type building to work on preparing huge sheets of wood for a rock climbing wall. The first step of the process was sanding down and cleaning out little holes on the sheets so that painting and securing hardware could be done easily. This isn’t easily done, but it is amazing what you can learn about someone while sanding wood. The next step is painting the inside of the little holes with the gray paint. It is kind of repetitive, but again the conversations had made everything worth it. From there the wood was transferred to outside where the whole thing would be painted.

Little tidbit of information… Did you know that Ecuador’s sun UV rays are over 20? Usually the weather channel puts out a warning if it gets over 12. Don’t be surprised if we all come back with a decent tan (or more likely a sunburn).

We continued all of these jobs until it was time for lunch which was amazing! We had these things called “walking tacos.” What we did was take a minibag of plain Doritos or cheese chips and then put all the ingredients of a regular taco inside the bag. So in one convenient bag we had the chips, ground beef, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, and avocado. Then we mixed it up and ate it with a spoon. Why have I not heard about this before? It’s a must have.

Directly after lunch we went back to continue the jobs that we were doing before. Kat, Dr.Campbell-Farrel, Bren, and I took on the job of staining/applying sealant to these giant frames of wood. There seemed to be a million of them, but in reality it was probably closer to 20. This was definitely a quality over quantity job because if we messed up the rock wall wouldn’t last as long. Doing this for hours was surprising a lot of fun. We talked about so many things from school, to the future, just anything that came to mind. Before we knew it we had done all of the frames in record time. It was perfect time also because it had started to drizzle steadily. We’re all building some arm muscle from all the lifting we’ve been doing. Everything we did we had down to a routine. I even told Brennmarie today that it is so amazing how we can communicate without speaking. We knew what the other person was going to do before they do it. It was great team bonding. It goes to show that God can bring people closer to Himself by drawing people closer to each other.

Since we had finished all the work that needed to be done for the day we had two hours just for free time. Some people just chose to take a well deserved nap, other talked, and a few even went on a hike lead by Anna. I attempted to do the hike, but when we up the super long and steep hill my lungs decided that that was enough for the day. While I sent the others (Bren, Mary, Christian, and Anna) ahead I just sat in the middle of woods where El Refugio has a rope course set up. It turned out to be just what I needed to refresh myself. I just spent time with God in the quiet. The only noises I heard were the light rain, birds singing, cows mooing, and the occasional dog barking. It was so peaceful. When the cold finally seeped through my two sweatshirts and tshirt I headed back to camp taking my time, though, to observe every flower, plant, bug, etc. It’s like seeing God’s fingerprints in nature. When everyone else got back from the hike they said it was amazing. They were surrounded by clouds…They’ll have to explain it to you because their faces were radiant. They weren’t even exhausted…It was amazing.

Dinner tonight was yet again an amazing meal. It was soup with two different kinds of empanadas. Two of the Santos brothers (brothers from the group that came yesterday) came back to open their little shop. We had the opportunity to buy El Refugio clothes, candy, and soda. Lots of people tried the Coke which is apparently different from the US’s, but I chose to get a flavored soda Manzana (apple). It was very similar to a drink that I had in Juarez, Mexico and it is sooo good. The Santos brothers hung out for a bit and one of them, Wilmar is doing a great job memorizing all of our names. All of us are really enjoying communicating with them even though most of us only have limited Spanish skills. After dinner we had a super special surprise. When Christian returned to the table from getting his sweatshirt we sang happy birthday to him in Spanish and presented a cake. We also gave him a bag of treats and a card that Bren and I had made with everyone’s messages. Allie and Mary also helped out by creating a rap for him to write inside. You can to read it with a beat or it doesn’t work. “We’re in Ecuador and the view is really nice. We see lots of llamas and for lunch we ate rice. You fell off the island and you took it like a champ. It’s bangin’ that you’re here in El Refugio Camp. So in this rap we just wanted to say hope you have a great Ecuadorian Bday.” (:

The only left after the mini birthday celebration was our little fire group. We sat around the fire and sang first. We sang a song that I don’t remember the name to, but the lyrics were perfect. It starts with “In the quiet, in the stillness…” and then the chorus “There is no one else for me, only Jesus…Crucified to set me free…now I live to bring Him praise.” It was summary of the past two days really. After worship people shared how we saw God working today. We are supposed to keep asking ourselves the purpose for us each individually being here and little by little we are all figuring it out. Hearing each other’s is also a real blessing…

Tomorrow I think we’re going to the Equator, but I’m not positive. Now I gotta go try to scrub the smell of wood sealant off of my hands…

Ecuador Day Two -- Monday

2012-01-21T18:56:00.000-05:00

When I woke up and went outside it was beautiful. Since we arrived late last night nothing was visible. There are banana trees and llamas! LLAMAS! The two youngest ones are called Panchita and Pedro, but I’m not sure what the other ones are called. We had a delicious breakfast of mora juice and orejitas. From there we went to an orientation meeting to learn more about International Teams, Youth World, and El Refugio (where we were staying). El Refugio is an outdoor adventure camp meant to disciple and train leaders to bring them to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. We met missionary Paul and his family. He has a wife Beth and two kids (JackJack-3 and Carly-1). Anna is another person we met who is an intern at El Refugio for a year. After meeting some of the staff there we started to do some team building exercises as led by Anna. We played games like Me Toca (My Turn), Alaskan Baseball, and Get Out of My Town.

As we all sat down after these tiring, fun games Anna told us about what El Refugio calls the “Full Value Contract” and the four points that go with it.
- Give 110%.
Just giving 100% isn’t really enough. You can give 100% at something you are already good at. The extra 10% is stretching yourself to attempt beyond the best. It can make a huge difference.
-Challenge by Choice
If you are being challenged without ‘consent’ then you aren’t going to accept anything you could learn from it. If you choose to go outside of you comfort zone with a willing heart and attitude then you can receive valuable lessons. As you choose challenges more and more your comfort zone becomes bigger and bigger.
-Be Here Now
When doing missionary work, or even work in general, it is really important to be focused on the work at hand. If your mind is wandering and you are worrying about unrelated things you’d miss out on so much and so would the people with you.
-Choose Joy
Really, what other choice do we have? We shouldn’t whine and sulk about anything. Unlike happiness, joy is never circumstantial. Through everything in life you consciously remind yourself to choose joy.
After discussing all of these points we, as a team, needed to pick a chant or motto to remind ourselves of the contract. Finally we decided on this:
“People in the front let me hear you grunt: Grrr
People in the middle let me hear you sizzle: Tsss
People in the rear let me hear you cheer: Si se puede, si se puede, si se puede, si se puede!”
Throughout the day we used this as encouragement whenever needed.

After that Anna gave us all blindfolds and told us to put them on. She then positioned us congo style. She would tell Christian which ways to go and it was up to the people ahead of us to relay the directions. Kat fell and managed to get up without taking her blindfold off. Finally, when we were told to take them off, we were up hill nowhere near where we started. Anna said we made it look easy.
We walked a little bit further and found ourselves at a ‘challenge’ called Islands. We all had to go stump to stump to the other side without falling off or dropping one of the three boards. With no talking. We were doing okay at first, but then Christian missed a jump, Bren fell, and Harry was stranded. Mary, Kat, Allie, and I were safe but Dr.Cambell-Farrell refused to leave Harry behind. He decided, as a last stitch effort to attempt jumping. He missed and flew over in a move that would win America’s Funniest Home Videos. So yeah…we lost. How ya been? Maybe later in the week we’ll have time to try in again.

By the time we got back to base I was feeling pretty crappy. I could only stomach one cracker instead of the delicious looking soup. I’m pretty sure I was just dehydrated so Israel gave me some fruitish drink and once I laid down and finished that I was feeling better.

After lunch we dug a ditch for a pipe that had to be go 2 feet underground. Bren and I were pretty pro. When the group of youth (called the Manada Pequenas) came we got a chance to get to know them. They greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, and in their culture, they make sure everyone in the room is greeted! They loved the effort we made to communicate with them, and we all enjoyed getting to know them! Eventually it was Christian, Bren, Wilmar, and I on one side and we finished in record time and even got a “Muy bien” from Holger for our efforts. While digging the group as a whole found some random objects. We found a bag of beans, a bone, an empty can of poison, a plate, a soda bottle, and a pot lid.

From there we went up the mountain a little ways to go ziplining. Ziplining! (And in the rain no less.) Apparently Wilmar and his older brothers Santiago and Esteban run the zipline so they were the ones who gave us directions and hooked us up to the harnesses. It was Christian, Mary, Brenmarie, and I’s first time, only Harry had done it before. To get to the start we had to hike to the other side first and it was super slippery. At one point the guys had to help us down a mini slope… I got past one step and right when I went to let go on the other side I slid and would have fallen if one of the guys wasn’t helping me across. Harry wasn’t so lucky though…he slid right onto his back in a spraw that had Bren laughing hysterically. Finally when we reached the spot Christian, Mary, and Jamie went. Bren was up next and after one false start she flew down screaming the whole way. Finally when my turn came Wilmar hooked me up and Jason asked if I wanted him to count to three. It took a few seconds to work up the courage and then told him lista. When he counted to tres I took off and it was amazing. I ziplined in Ecuador and in the rain. I was shivering, soaked, but satisfied.

Dinner was with the Manada Pequenas and it was arroz con pollo. When they left we were going to have a fire in this little chapel like thing, but when Christian and I got there, there was no one else around. So I stayed by myself until everyone else got there. Then for our debriefing session we had to give a word to describe the day…
Christian’s word was fall because he fell off the island today.
Brenmarie’s word was push because she stretched herself in all aspects.
My word was unexpected because I had no idea what we’d be doing here and the trip so far had exceeded my first expectations.
Allie’s word was remembering high school Spanish because she was able to communicate with the Ecuadorians.
Mary’s word was alike because she realized how much alike we all are in the body of Christ.
Dr. Campbell-Farrell’s word was different because so far everything is different than what she is used to.
Harry’s word was amigos because he bonded with all of the team individually, as well as with the Ecuadorians.
Kat’s word was elated because even when she fell, she didn’t give up.
Paul’s word was scattered because his mind was going in so many different directions at once.

Ecuador Day One -- Sunday

2012-01-21T18:54:00.000-05:00

So far so good. Because I am such an OCD packer last night was little stressful. I was sure that my bag would be over 50 lbs. This morning I discovered that my carryon wouldn’t zip, but a super quick switch fixed that issue. Though we left the house late we got to PBU on time. We prayed, said goodbye to family and friends, and headed out. The van ride was a little smushed, but still fun and filled with excitement. The airport workers were rude and sent us to a million different places to check our bags. When mine was finally weighed it was exactly 51! I’m sure God did that just for me. When I texted my mom to tell her she told me that the church had just prayed for me and the He gave an immediate answer. We went through security (a full body scan thingy) and arrived at the gate just in time for boarding to Houston, Texas.

Now on the plane to Houston I am reading a book called “Kisses from Katie” and it is comfirming something I’ve known in my heart for a long time. Maybe when I wanted to be a teacher God changed it into working with and loving on kids. I need to allow some radical changes in my life…but I’ll come back to Katie later.

When we arrived in Texas we had a two hour layover which was the perfect amount of time to grab our last bite of American food. Brenmarie, Allie, Harry, and I trekked all the way from E to B to find a McDonalds. It was our first adventure of the trip- taking the airtrain and finding our way throughout the airport. The plane ride itself was pretty uneventful, but I still couldn’t sleep. Now it’s about 1:30 am I am ready to sleep.

Two Years?!

2012-01-21T18:44:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe that it has two years since I have been on the foreign mission field. In two days (Sunday) I will leave for Quito, Ecuador with a team of 7 others.This was my first time getting to know my team before hand. There is two leaders, Dr. Cambell-Farrell and Christian. The other members are Allie, Mary, Kat, Harry, and Brenmarie. Every week out team met to discuss and bond. We ran 2 fundraisers together. A fun car wash and a chicfila night.

There was multiple times where the trip was almost canceled, but for some reason God wants us there. At our last meeting we skyped with the missionary and got some information from him. We're pretty much going into this trip with little information so I'm really trusting God that He has a purpose for me being there.

The Here and Now. Summer 2010

2010-07-28T11:18:00.000-04:00

This is my first summer without a mission trip and it's harder than I thought it would be. I feel like I've done nothing for the kingdom. It been a really rough summer. Plus, my newly diagnosed migraines can make it hard to do anything if the headaches bad enough. The only community service I've done is Cradles to Crayons and Habitat for Humanity.

I'm ready to work on VBS in the next two weeks...Then I'm ready for school. I miss the Cordero's from Guatemala...and I miss EVERYTHING about Juarez. It's pretty clear my heart is not going to let go.

At least I know what I wanna do in college. I'm going to (hopefully) be going to PBU and taking a Early Childhood/Elementary PK-4 Education with Special Education (K-8)...and Bible of course. Then hopefully I'll get a job to get on my feet and then spend sometime as a missionary like God wants me to be. (:

7/27/09 2 Days after Guat.

2010-07-28T11:15:00.000-04:00

You can't explain it. Especially not now, it's just to fresh. My heart is torn and confused between Mexico vs Guatemala. It's hard...

7/26/09 Back to New Life after Guatemala

2010-07-28T10:59:00.001-04:00

Coming back from any mission trip is hard. I had barely gotten any sleep and I knew I was going to start experiencing reverse culture shock. Guatemala was totally new experience for me and it required me to go way out of my comfort zone and just trust that God wanted me there at that time. So this is my thoughts from that Sunday:

At church back home I had to say something about my trip in front of the congregation...Something really haven't done with my other trips. What could I say about an amazing week in a few sentences? How can I explain what I learned, saw, and felt? -I already posted the I learned post-

At first service I just stood at my seat and said that the week was so crammed with no free time, but amazing nonetheless. Dad talked about distributing the food and how they had to turn people away. He started crying telling the story...This trip really impacted him.

Second service we had to go up front. Dad kinda explained everything but Pastor Norm wanted me to say something. I talked about holding the crying girl and how it stained my shirt and my heart...and then I started crying.

Guatemala Day 8: Homeward bound!

2010-07-28T10:47:00.000-04:00

I decided to sleep in until 8 because, like many other people, I was feeling sick. All I had for breakfast was some pineapple then I went on to the roof and down the street to watch a super long parade.

We said goodbye to Antigua, went to the airport, checked in, got through sercuity, and got McDonalds food.. Yummmmm~ I didn't know if I was going to get to say goodbye to the team since our flight boarded early... I watched Mall Cop on the plane and ate a weird noodle thing.

At Houston we had to go through customs and immigration and then I finally got the chance to say goodbye to everyone. I barely cried (compared to almost sobbing in Mexico)...got hugs from some people and off we went. Our flight to Philly was delayed and moved- Again. We got home at about 1:30 but I didn't go to bed until almost 4.
I can't believe it's over already.

Guatemala Day 7: Off to Antigua!

2010-07-28T10:26:00.000-04:00

To get on the road for Antigua, we had to go to breakfast super early... Once again our 4 hour drive turned into a 7 hour one. This happened because one van got a ticket and there was this huge union protest blocking traffic. The roads were going to be closed until 5 that night so we had to take back roads to get around the mob. And by back roads I mean like -desert and mountain, not completely a road, side of cliff, one way- roads. It certainly was an adventure. Jusui, our driver, was awesome at navigating and conducting traffic so that we could finally get going.

When we finally got to Antigua, we left our stuff in the Hotel Carmen and went off to shop. First dad and I went to the market where you can barder just like Mexico. Then we went into real stores. I got a shirt, a scarf, coffee, bracelets, a stuffed donkey and elephant, a nativity, knives, and 2 bags.

At 6 we met up with the whole group at La Casa de Flan which had yucky food so Kelly, Linsy, Kaylah, Byanat, and I went to McDonald's for McFlurries.(: After that we all got our rooms and I went out shopping again, this time with some other teens since dad wasn't feeling well. We were in the center square when Walker and Jeremy decide that we are all going to walk into a big crowd of people at different times and freeze in random positions. People were staring at us and taking pictures of us. It was out of character for me but still a lot of fun. Jonathan scared Mariela and Marylin by jumping out of a bush to which they both screamed LOUD and declared they'd get revenge. I got back to the hotel at 11, packed my souvenirs and went to bed...

Guatemala Day 6: Last Ministry Day

2010-07-28T10:09:00.001-04:00

Today is our last day to actually do ministry work. :/ We didn't have to wake up to 7:30.. Now in the summer that's early, on a missions trip it's a blessing! :P Breakfast was simply eggs and toast.
We went to the last school which was younger kids. We did the Daniel Skit, the Noah skit, the Doctor Skit, and the Statue Skit...They just kept yelling "Mas dramas, mas dramas!" They wanted more and more skits and we just kept going! I loved it because we really got to go and meet the kids like Sophia. (There was an iguana on the wall)

After that we went back to Palabra de Vida (The church) and splatterpainted 2 of the nursery rooms. Erica and I did alot of the work. We were worried we'd get high on the paint fumes..:P Hahaha it was alot of fun, even though we ended up covered in many different colors.
We got a long break from 2-4:45 to pack and hang out at the hotel. So a bunch of us went swimming and Amy even came along. (: When we got back to church I put everything back where it went while some others packed more beans. Lunch was chicken and beans.
The team got the chance to go to the Cordero's house which had a breathtaking (literally) view from the roof. It was just amazing... Jane took a couple people to the grocery store. On the way a girl on a moped crashed into the side of our van. We all screamed of course. At the store, I got powder for the yummy drinks, some chocolate, and some mint chocolate gum.
Dinner was rice, pork, and pina. (pineapple). A special treat was chocolate covered strawberries. Then we had to say goodbye to our amazing host family. <3 Amy cried as we said our goodbyes and I got a hug from the whole family.

Guat. Day 5

2010-01-28T17:47:00.000-05:00

we needed to get up at 6ish to be ready to leave by 6:45ish to eat pancakes and eggs for breakfast

soon after we left for a long day in the mountains which was about an hour away.

_____, dad, Todd, and John talked while Erica, Denise, Nolan, Leigh, and I talked until the twists and turns made me dizzy

dad actually made us stop for a snake

we stopped at a church/ house of Pastor Eliu and had to ride standing up on the back of a truck which was alot of fun with Denise and Jeremy

when we got there Erica and I painted hands for hours while others colored, and played. (it felt like 20 minutes)

one really cute girl just stood and stared... I don't think she spoke Spanish

I taught one group of boys how to blow bubbles because they've never seen them before. I also taught them to say it in English because no one knew the Spanish word for them. I also taught others how to throw a frisbee and one how to jump rope.

we gave out candy and bags of food

it was beautiful... the hills, mountains, fields... were just amazing

on the van ride back to Chiquimula I felt sick again so I got to sit in the front which helped a lot

we got a surprise and went to natural hot springs which felt SO good...it relaxed us a little to much because after that is when everyone started feeling sick

Kevin and I washed dinner dishes all alone and he didn't want anyone else to help. We talked some, got soaking wet, and just had a great time. Jane kept calling us the 2 KC's.

Guat. Day 4

2010-01-28T17:19:00.000-05:00

not as dizzy today as I normally am

breakfast was yummy mush cereal with "egg mcmuffins"

finally talked to mom on Johnathan's phone

Team 2 went to the mts and dad went to San Juan to work on wiring

Team 1&2 went to a mostly boys tech school where some of the girls felt uncomfortable

at the end only 2 people came up for prayer but when in was over we to just take to people. So me, Erika, Kaylah, Bethany , and Courtney spoke in broken Spanish to 3 girls. We asked if they went to church and 2 of them did. We ran out of things to ask so we told them to ask us anything. Finally, the one girl who's name is Heidy (didn't go to church) asked when we became Christians. When we answered we all knew she was interested in Christ. So we went and found Jane to translate and Heidy accepted Christ. We got her inf to put her in a cell group and told her we are now sisters in Christ. In the mist of the sunny, 100+ degree weather courtyard~ I was cold. Amazing.

We then had lunch of mush mix with peppers and rice and mango juice.

We bagged beans and made piles of food to take to the mountains with us tomorrow. (100+ bags)

Since we had extra they're going to distribute it at a land full

After that we went to an all girls school of girls wanting to be teachers. They were definitely more responsive than the guys. At the end the guys were just singing and Marilyn invited them up to pray; almost immediately girls came up alone or in pairs. This one girl came up to me and we just stood and hugged and rocked for 20+ minutes. I prayed and sang while holding her. She left a tear stain on my Orlando shirt with the Mexican tar.

Next we went to a college but I mostly just played with Amy while they did testimony's and a statue skit because we were only in each classroom for 10-15 minutes.

Dinner was meat, tortilla, cucumber, and potato

I had the opportunity to have a nice long talk with Kevin and he made an awesome statement. "I cannot declare something that I don't really know."

2009-11-03T12:30:00.001-05:00

I'll post the rest at a different time.

Guat. Day 3

2009-11-03T12:19:00.000-05:00

tried to call home with no luck at front desk
Breakfast was eggs, yucky beans with cheese, bread, and this awesome cereal drink thing that you sprinkle cookie on. It was was amazing.
we to a school and did Alleu song, name game, and Daniel skit.
Had 2 "services" there. One for younger and one for older. They really liked how wise men (which I was one of) were eaten by the lions at the end.
Went to 'Amigo' school and did a funny Noah skit (three services)
The team has lots of dramas- Sin skit (picato), a 'demon skit', and a hilarious doctor skit.
While Erica and I were walking out we stopped at a door with a weird lock on it. Josue came up behind and said, "Ladies, ladies its easy!" and then made fun of us for not figuring it out. :p :)
Lunch was stir fry and we each got a 'bag of water'
Dad built the church a stage
Went back to both schools to do a high school service
played with Erica and Amy afterward for a long time
3 people we saved and 3 people told us of how they were struggling with ideas of suicide
Dinner was fried tortilla with egg ans cheese inside, tomato sauce outside, with rice
Girls had a testimony time
Still homesick and dizzy.
Oseas' family sing their grace, "Gracias Senor por al pan, Muchos gracias Senor por al pan."

Quote: "Prayer is as natural an expression of faith as breathing is of life." -Edwards

Guat. Day 2

2009-11-03T11:57:00.000-05:00

Loud birds woke m up but I staying in a ACed bed till 6:30

went to breakfast of eggs, cinnamon buns, and fruit

We split into 2 groups and walked about 2 blocks handing out tracks that invited people to the church~Palabra de Vida (Word of Life)

The area of Chiquimula that we were in was not as poverty stricken as we imagined it to be. Looked very nice and well kept for the most part.

I walked up to this one lady and her granddaughter (Mariela) and gave them a tract and she kept talking. I got Marilyn to translate and she said that her daughter's leg was injured so we asked if we could pray for her. She actually took us back to her house so we could pray there. And in Guatemala that's a big dead. Zach lead us in an amazing prayer and we were on our way. The house inside the door was mostly like an outdoor courtyard.

We also met a lady with a cute little daughter named Natalie.

Church service was amazing. The spirit of God was felt by everyone. We sang "Friend of God," "Mighty to Save," and more.

Zach preached and Park West did their drama.

The church introduce their cell groups who also each did a skit.

They gave an altar call and lots of people came forward and we just put out hands on the nearest person and prayed in English for them. The lady I prayed for had a decision about work and a man. We cried and sang.

In Sunday School we got this string and we were told we couldn't cross out legs or arms and if we did anyone could take our string. Some 10yr year old kid tricked me and took mine. Kevin translated the whole time. We played this game where you stand in a circle congo line style and they say something the say A-Chi, a- chi, a chi, then faster. And you get closer and closer till the circle is really small.

A different game was 1,2,3 Chocolate? and you jump back (you can only move once). Then one person starts and they have to hop on the other toes and the other people can move once to try to get away.

Kevin is sometimes called K.C. because of his initials so we became the two KC's.

Lunch was awesome. Mashed potatoes, chicken, and green beans.

Had a youth service~ long and hot~ but dad rocked out on guitar.

Again really homesick especially in down times. Stressed.

Taco dinner.

Kevin came and gave me a string from the game that I could keep (:

me and kevin. the kid that took my string.

Bible Verse: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my fave and turn from their wicked ways, then I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Guatemala Journal- Day 1

2009-11-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

Its November now and I've just decided to post some of my Guatemala Journal even though I already posted my, "What I've Learned." I'll put one or two days into each post depending on length.

~I'll skip the flight info~

GUATEMALA CITY ARRIVAL

While waiting at airport some dude started a random conversation with dad and I.

Our 3 hour bus ride turned into a 6.5 hour bus ride because of an accident.

We were able to get out on the side of the road and walk around a bit because of how slow traffic was moving. Walker brought out his guitar and played some, while someone from the other van brought us sodas.

Very homesick at some points in the day~ really really wish for Team Miami.

Stopped at gas station and got some form of Lift, but they didn't have Manzana :(

Pastor Oseas, Jane, Kevin, Amy, and Nathan is the host family<3>
So exhausted that I actually feel dizzy~~

Got to ride on top of bus to the church which was a lot of fun.

Dinner was mushy stuff with chicken and beans and fried bananas. O.O

Bible Verse: "Let us therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience....For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any doubled sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from His sight. Everything uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account..." Hebrew 4:11-

host family<3

2009-08-06T16:56:00.000-04:00

I learned a lot in Guatemala...

I learned to step WAY out of my comfort zone and take steps of faith.

I learned that a simple touch, hug, smile, or eye contact can literally make the difference between Heaven and Hell.

I learned that nothing on earth has power comparable to prayer.

I learned that tears stain. Both on clothes and on hearts.

I learned that when the Spirit is moving its possible to feel cold in the midst of 100+ degree weather.

I learned that one little girl's hug and kiss can make a day so much lighter.

I learned that praying for someone else leads to your own blessing without you intending it to be that way.

I learned that its worth it to smile through the pain to brighten someone else's day.

I learned that everyone has a story. Even if its hidden beneath the surface. Everyone faces battles.

I learned while doing dishes in an unairconditioned, unlighted kitchen, that a ten year old can be so wise, yet so innocent and understanding.

I learned that I love how God sounds in Spanish.

I learned that everything happens in God's timing. Like being at school the exact day 3 people were going to commit suicide. And helping to start healing in their hearts.

I learned that by allowing people to ask you questions instead of probing them, they'll come to you for prayers. Even of salvation.

I learned that there are no language barriers.

I learned that its just as important to feed the heart as the body. "there is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread."

I learned the Bible doesn't contain "just words" and that God doesn't accomplish things through checks.

I learned that missions is a lifestyle. Not a one time thing.

I learned that you don't need to speak to preach. Silence speaks volumes.

I learned that attitude can change the way you look at everything.

I learned that the most important thing to bring on a mission trip is an open heart.

"I have a great need for Christ; I have a great Christ for my need."

"If you can't feed a hundred people then just feed one." -I learned everyone can do something for the cause of Christ.

I learned that my mission trips mean nothing about me.

One Week

2009-07-10T22:17:00.001-04:00

I have a week to prepare. Been to the dollar store.... yepp. A week from tomorrow I'll be in Guatemala~ my 4th country.

25 Days

2009-06-23T22:43:00.000-04:00

I leave for Guatemala in 25 days... I felt really excited for the first time last Friday. The pang of excitement caught me by surprise.. its the feeling you get like right before you get on a rollarcoaster. Its weird that I didn't realize how close that was. Next week is up the mountains, then a week with a doctors physical in the middle (yuck).. then Guat. The excitement I felt months before Mexico is hitting me now and I'm ready now.
I finally realized that my heart IS going to STAY in Juarez, Mexico-- and there is NOTHING I can do about it. And with that relization I'm able to stop dwelling on it (not mexico- my heart- I'll always think of Mexico) and move on to Guatemala. for this year. I'm not promising anything for next summer. I'm excited, researching, semi-packing. Its nice to feel... allowed... to be excited about Guatemala.
My babies in Mexico need prayer. 9-10 people are killed daily in Juarez because of the drug lords. The governments plans aren't really working and my babies need protection. Since I can't physically be with them to hold them.. I'll pray. And wonder. And keep dreaming that I'm there on that mountain.. or at Pastor Paciencia's, or Centro Victoria. Or at Las Tapias, or the market, with the Talahumaras, at Chivira. I'll even take a blazing hot roof top covered with tar.

~~~yepp~~ thats me.

my life is dedicated to: both my teams from miami vineyard, the phillies (not the baseball team), GI staff,some Peaches, individuals from Life Challenge International, Centro Victoria staff and members, Pastor Paciencia's church and family. Niellie, Kayla, Michelle, Avelana, Chris, Barissa, Lisbeth, Karen, Yadi, Liza's amiga, Keven, Adrianna, Christoph, Jennifer, and many many more precious faces. <3

Its June Now...

2009-06-14T17:54:00.000-04:00

My family is growing. Not adding, but growing internally. Oldest brother is moving out soon... going states away for college. We're proud, but we're gonna' miss him. Little brother is going to middle school. And little sister... well, she's not so little. She's going into first grade. My baby's big now and more independent.

This summer I am going to Guatemala for a mission trip with GI. People ask if I'm excited. Of course I am... but its not Mexico. Before Mexico, both times, I was estatic and had already started packing by now. I was not afraid, or nervous, or anything. I want to feel this way about going to Guatemala too. But I can't. This is the first time I'm going to a different country. This is the first time without my team. Even though my teams the first two years haven't been the same-- they were Miami. And Miami 'adopted' me. So now I have a new team, in a new country, doing new things. I actually don't know what we're doing. But I don't care. I know that God will use me in whatever way He sees fit. Afterall, He's the one that told me to go here in the first place. Its not that I'm afraid or nervous anyway. I just feel different. I think once I get there all of this will fade away... So to answer everyone's questions.... I AM excited, its just that my heart, or the majority of it anyways, is in MEXICO. People say I'm obsessed-maybe I am- but thats where I feel lead right now... and thats where I am going to go ASAP - reguardless of Swine Flu or Drug Lords.- :)

I just pray that I can give as much love to the peoples of Guatemala that I do to Mexico everyday. <3 3 =]

Summer

2009-04-20T19:11:00.001-04:00

For a while summer seemed to be falling apart.... now its coming together. Finally. With a couple disappointments and heart-breaks (that I'm still getting over) summer is looking bright(er). Its a secret until I'm ready or get the confirmation I need. Stay tuned and pray... :)

2009-04-10T10:35:00.000-04:00

LaLaLaLaLa!!!!!!!! Musicals over so now I have nothing to do...except for Holy Week of course. Lalalaalalalalalalala...... Now to figure where I am supposed to be this summer. Thats my main focus...

Oh, but church finally did a community outreach project! The Sr. High Youth Group made candies and cookies assembled Easter baskets, and delivered the baskets to our shut-in's. (ppl that cant come to church anymore. It felt great to see their faces and talk with them even if they forgot who we were the second we left. =]

I've Been Tagged...

2008-10-28T15:39:00.000-04:00

Alright, I'll fill this in for the sake of being bored and curious. Ok:

Rules consist of:Link to the person (Smithy) who tagged you.

Post the rules on your blog.

Write Six Random Things about yourself.

Tag a few other people at the bottom of the post and leave comments on their blogs to let them know they've been tagged.

And also let the person who tagged you know when you've written the post.

1. I get confused when it snows in OCTOBER such as today. (It hasn't done that here in my time)

2. I am afraid of needles, hospitals, doctors,etc. But not afraid of dying or actually getting hurt.

3. I am pretty sure that my little sister Kira is my favorite person.

4. I wish people wouldn't judge when others decide to be bold and be themselves for a change.

5. My family and I are obsessed with the movie National Treasure and could quote it.

6. Sometimes (a lot actually) I wish I could be in Mexico, cuz that's where my heart is. (I forget it last summer) =]

There ya go! =] Umm..... I can tag anyone cuz I don't really know of anyone who has a blog.... So I'll just end. Oh, and quote to go with # 4. "Yes, I am one of those people who secretly wonder why we can't just all get along..." And.." I'd rather be hated for who I am, then loved for who I'm not." K, I'm done.

Beverly Hills Chihuahua......Saw it and cried.

2008-10-06T14:50:00.000-04:00

Wrote this on Facebook on Friday.
Tonight was a reunion of the Phillies. No not the baseball team, but the outgoing, fun-loving, mission trip group from Philly region. Though we see each other often tonight was a special night in which we honor the memories of Mexico. Yes, Miami and GI is included in that. We decided to see Beverly Hills Chihuahua dedicated to my "little brother" Austin from Miami. If you are in on these Mexico "jokes" you would know (especially if you were in red van) that every chihuahua follows the "Austin Code." That is that they: have a short tail, under 30 pounds, pointy ears, and FOUR little legs. (Dogs with 3 legs might not count, sorry). So off we went, Liza, Ms.April, and I....We thought this movie would be a stupid kid movie not worth our money, but we were wrong. We laughed and cried. If we had not been to Mexico with our team/family we probably would have thought that it was not worth it. But we were in Mexico with our team/family and it was worth it. Some things that we remembered and laughed/cried at: crossing into Mexico, wanting a road trip, chihuahua's in general, in mi corizon, Manzana Lift (saw it in a store), stray dogs, and lots more. Then at the very end as the two main characters were going separate ways one of the ones that acted as a protector/ friend said "its not a good bye...." That's the last thing Allan said to us before we separated at the airport. We said if there is a dirty mattress mentioned we would have to leave. So yes, we did cry. And we're proud of it. Right when it was over I stood up and said alright lets go buy some plane tickets. Yes, I am a Jesus Freak. Yes, I am obsessed with Mexico. Yes, I am in love with four little girls that I may never seen again. Yes. Alright, I am done now.~Kacie

Sigh

2008-09-30T15:33:00.000-04:00

I am sad to say that the "it sucks" feeling Vale described is still with me. My heart is on fire for Jesus, Mexico, and anyone I encounter and yet Satan keeps finding ways two dampen it. He's having a party or something. Anyways, I've been trying to do ANY community outreach projects at church, but they are all shot down. I express concern about evangelizing and I "get in trouble." So yea, I have good days and bad, and on the bad days I'm frustrated and depressed. On Sunday when I was playing with Sarah and Sambu (two kids from Cambodia) I felt like I was on top of the world. Then someone tried to ruin it, but I didn't let them get to me and made the best of their time there. Mexico, Miami, memories, outreach, evangelism, kids, broken and needy people... the list of things running through my head goes on and on. To top it all off I am having a not so great school year. But again, I put on a happy face and try to make the most of the good days. I cant even talk face to face with my "accountability partner" and close friend because she lives so far. Yet, I can tell her close to anything because of that. I know I'm rambling but... I'm overwhelmed and well... bored. =] So yea friends in Miami, Georgia, Tulsa, Houston, Tennessee, etc. To far. Need a road trip. Pray please. =)

Revelation Generation

2008-09-05T15:55:00.001-04:00

Well, last Saturday I went to Revelation Generation with some church people. 4 teens, 2 adults. SO much fun. There were bands from Flyleaf to Bethany Dillon. Which April just so happened to really want to go to the interview for. So while April, Emma, and I were through the merch tent some lady stopped us with the tickets for the interview. Needless to say we were pretty excited. At 6 the three of us went in and listened to the questions, then at the end we had the chance to talk to her one on one. Or in our case three on one. We told her how April used her song for our mission trip video and typical questions to ask were, "Where, and for how long?" "Juarez, Mexico and for a week, we wish it was longer." Then I said maybe someday I'll just move there." Then Bethany Dillon said GO, Just do it. So that was confirmation that God really was telling me to go. Thanks Bethany Dillon!!! I prayed the other day and told God I'm now his hands and feet. =]

If Anyone deciedes to read this...

2008-08-16T21:45:00.000-04:00

For all you people who might decide to read this..
I tried to go back and fix spelling and grammar errors, but had to stop. I might go back another time but not tonight. As I read my words, I started to laugh a little about some inside jokes we shared, but then I started to cry. Not a lot. But enough to know I miss um a whole lot. Yeah, defiantly a whole lot more then I can describe. My babies in Mexico, the people we helped and prayed for, Team Miami, and the GI staff. Even "the Phillies" if I don't see them often enough. To top it off, there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of the kids from last year, the people we helped last year, Team Miami 1, and last years GI staff. So yeah, basically sorry for all the errors. I type to fast for me to go back and fix. Haha. I just wrote a pointless paragraph. Jeez, I'm tired. And hungry. =] See ya around.

Oh, and check out the song Trading My Sorrows on youtube or I like it in Spanish better... "Cambiare Mi Tristeza."

August 5, 2008

2008-08-14T21:07:00.000-04:00

I'm back to life but once again, I left my heart in Mexico. We talked about reverse culture shock, and mission trip high in Mexico. Vale described the feeling as "it sucks."I talk to a couple people online but. Well that "It sucks" feeling hit really hard today. I made it through church without crying but.... I just want to be there more than anywhere else in the world. ='[ =]

Teams and Thanks

2008-08-14T20:49:00.000-04:00

Thanks! =]

Thank you sooo much to anyone that supported "The Phillies" this year with thoughts, prayers, and financial donations.

Thank you to Team Miami 2 for "absorbing" us into their team. [words of Roger]

Team Miami: Stephanie, Sylvia, Ruth, Pam, Yani, Aimee, Ashra, Modesta, Ruth, Antonette, Antonne, and Vale [amazing friend]. All my amazing friends.
Roger, Rick, Danny, Andy, Matt. And Allan, Carl, and Austin [the 3 of you truly felt like family, fathers, and brother, and friends]
Both Team Miamis are my second family, I hope to visit you at the Vineyard in the future.

Thank you to the AMAZING Global Infusion staff: Philip [Phillipe], Summer [Verano], Liz, Danielle[Daniella], and Larry. You guys were amazing leaders, Christians, and friends. =]

To GI's Staff

Saturday August 2,2008

2008-08-14T20:36:00.000-04:00

Team Miami

Most of us woke up at 5:30 ,but went back to sleep. We were supposed to have our bags at the "curb" by 6:30. Chocolate chip pancakes were deliciously made for breakfast. Thanks Hannah and Jonathan! We took another group picture in front of the rainbow since Modesta and Yani didn't climb the mountain with us. Of course, not everything can run smoothly so when trying to load our luggage into the trailer they found out that they lost they keys. Next option was to saw it off, electrically by Jon and Matt. Sparks were flying and pictures were being taken. Larry drove the red van and acquired some revenge from the Van Wars. Hitting about every bump there was. This year we got across the border much quicker though.

Adrian started to cry as Miami walked over to Delta air check in so Liza and I started to cry. We were left alone for a few minutes at we got our tickets and we just stood and cried. When Adrian appeared out of nowhere again, I told him that HE made me cry,but he just shrugged and said sorry. When he came by a few minutes later though he saw I was serious and tried to comfort me and hug me which made me know I was going to miss everyone more. uhh. We then gave Miami and Vale our cards and said goodbye with more more more tears. Vale was the hardest as I felt and still feel close to her. I could go to her for anything and she'd try to help me out.It took at least a full 20 minutes [maybe more] for Liza and I to stop crying because every time we looked at each other it would start again. Allan told us, "Don't worry. This isn't a goodbye, its a see ya later."

Me and Adrian
As we were waiting for our flight we fantasized that the GI staff would come walking down the hall and we'd maul them with hugs. Our flights were uneventful and we were greeted to our family at the Philly airport.

Friday August 1,2008

2008-08-14T20:23:00.001-04:00

Last full day! ='[

We headed to the mountain!! My favorite place to pray and think!

SO beautiful up here. Life Larry said, in a sense, this is how God sees the world. He sees the lost, needy, and broken people. But he know that hope that it holds. And my favorite devo. Needs so explaining first.

Ok so when your on the mountain and you look right to left you see the whole city of Juarez, Mexico. Straight out you see El Paso and the wealth that it holds. So Larry gave this devotion and thought right before our quiet time: The people of Juarez keep looking there,[at El Paso], as the source and answer to all their difficulties. But, [this made me cry], if they would just turn around and seek the cross it would all resolve. Ms. April said it like a box of crayons, some are bright,some are dull, broken, etc. But we all live in the same box.

Before we went down Ruth came up with this idea. Larry was going to play Moses,bang his stick down three times and at the top of our lungs we were to scream "Jesus Te Ama!" Repeated 3 times!

I didnt fall on the way down this time. Just a couple of cactus pricks! [one right in my finger]

Lunch at the market

Market shopping! Liza, me, Carl, and Austin, sometimes Vale and Roger in a group.

MORE FUN

Summer and Liz were Red Van flight attendants. "If you feel you cannot handle this procedures. Get out"

Carl, Austin, and I were backseat buddies.

My Vale accent.

Larry hitting the fence. "It was killing the centipede!"

Manazana Lift

Many Andyisms y mas!

Thursday July 31, 2008

2008-08-14T20:02:00.000-04:00

slept real good

EVERYONE got up late so we were all late for breakfast. opps!

cereal for breakfast!

devos

We put a sign on the back window of our van saying "Red Van Rocks!" "Help Us-No AC" We actually were very lucky as the other van didn't have windows that open. Every time we went through a puddle everyone would scream hurry close the AC! And whoever sat next to it would have to pull it closed.

Sifting Sisters +Adrian

We had to sift through the sand to get the rocks out. Carry 6 buckets of the sifted sand inside, spill one packet thing of maurter (big not little) into it, 3 shovel fulls of cement, and buckets of water. You make a volcano with it then mix it all up.

Roberto told me and Liza to follow him and then told me I was strong. It surprised me! Later I attempted to maurter the wall but could so I left Liza to it. (who couldnt).

Sifting Sisters! Grrrr!!!!!!

Stephanie started to fling maurter at Adrian who flung back and her and Aimee. We all stuck our hands into it [thanks Ashra] to get rocks out. Then all of the sudden we were all flinging it at each other. Adrian so kindly wiped his hands on my back so I of course flung some! It covered us, but we soon cleaned up in the water buckets. Only to fling water at each other. But heyy, it was soo much fun!! =] Oh, and for some reason Adrian cant remember my name. Every time he says hi he calls me Lily. Why? I don't know. Everyone always corrects him,so today I gave him my permission to call me Lily.

Yesterday White Van blocked us into our van and we had to have an Emergency Drill out the back and drivers seat. So today Red Van had a Congo line around ours doing our SI SE PUEDE chant. A team that drove in from Canada did some praise and worship with us after lunch too.

A new favorite song of mine is "Trading My Sorrows" in both Spanish and English. Si Senor, Si Si Senor, Amen!

At VBS, there was a little girl who didn't want to participate in singing or clapping or anything for that matter. So Liza and I went over and talked to her and her older brother. I played peek with her for a little bit, then pulled her to sit on my lap and clap. After that she was mine! She clung tight, just like Avelana did last year. I asked her if Jesus was her friend. A little boy came out of nowhere said he was and ran away.She asked about my cross, Jesus, and about coloring. We sang, danced, clapped, "slept," played,jumped, and colored together. Her name was Michelle and she wanted me to come home with her. Michelle is 3 years old. Back at her house she now has a picture of Jesus that I colored with her, a note that says Jesus Loves Michelle and Kacie Loves Michelle, a small picture of me, and a piece of my heart that went to her as she begged me to go to her house. She gave me a hug goodbye and then she was gone. Though I might not see her again, I know I planted a big seed of love into her heart.

Planting Love Me and Michelle

Later we went to see the Talahumara Indians again. Beautiful people out of the mountains and canyons. We went to the park with them and found a see-saw type thing which Aimee and I tested out. So much fun, but probably illegal here in US.

Closer friends with Stephanie, Aimee, Ashra, and Adrian today.

Cake for Roger's B-day. And according to Mexican tradition smashed his face in the cake.

As I was writing in the van I said, " This ride is bubbly for me to write in." Tired anyone?

Oh and the Andyism of the day, "The Talahumara's can really run 100 MPH??!!"

Me n Aimee on the swing thing &&& the Talahumaras

Wed. July 30, 2008

2008-08-14T16:36:00.000-04:00

Pancakes!

Bathroom duty =p

Red Van to Chivida

I was in the back with Austin and Vale

We flew everywhere hitting my head on the ceiling several times.

Construction we made door stoop dirt stopper things.

Dig the hole armed with shovel and pick axe. =] Go Liza Go!

Mix the cement,carry it to the hole, pour it in, and even it out!

VBS was very hectic! They were very hyper and at least 1/2 the little boys were probably high. There were only 2 parents there and 1/2 the kids weren't wearing shoes. It settled out near the end and we let the kids do our face paint. I had a heart on face, a ring, a flower, and an iguana.

Its weird while I'm there I talk with an accent. Vale said I talk like I'm from Miami, then I realized I talk like her!

Park to debrief.

Told Carl my whole missionary testimony. Then he said "You and Vale seem really close, ya know tight?" I had to laugh at his wording but I agreed that I could and have gone to her for advice, laughs, etc.

At dinner there was chicken that reminded me of China so I didn't eat a lot.

More praise y worship.

I am a Miamian! 305!

While I was sitting in bed, Vale in hers across from me, we were just talking. She turned to say something to someone else, they walked out, but by the time she turned back to me I was half asleep. Sitting up, on my hand, shes like KC? Hello? Your falling asleep? haha it was quite funny.[if u were there]

Praise and Worship

July 29, 2008 Tuesday

2008-08-14T16:18:00.000-04:00

Breakfast was eggs and sausage. Yum. Today Team Dirty Mattress went to roof a house. We literally had to chisel the roof off with the back of a hammer. My muscle's are thanking me for that now. Then I swept the whole house's roof, then Liza swept the add-on thing. I developed a blister on my thumb will probably have a scar. Yay, another to my collection.
Funny Stuff
When passing an open manhole thing. "Its like ninja turtles. You can cool off. I'm the travel agent."-Phillipe ..... "Turtle in the half shell!"-Liz

After construction we returned our sodas bottles in to get one free. But there was no Manzana Lift! Its like my favorite drink, kind of like apple cider but lighter(?). Yummy,yummy! At VBS we had 65+ kids. I had a group of about 9. It was hard to tell where one group started and another began. We did a hard Oriental Trading Co. craft, lesson, balloon animals, and Vale did this one game where you have to reach,spin, and crouch when she says. All of us that did it, regretted it because our muscles yelled. It was fun though. Liza had this one little girl cling to her the whole time, while I had my Niellie! Adrian, Aimee,Ashra, Liza, and Me hangin out

After everything, the people we knew from last were the last ones to leave. We prayed with them and said goodbye, with some of them crying. Which made Vale cry, which made me cry. So yeah the whole way home I just laid down in my lap thinking,praying, and crying. When we were getting out Vale and I saw each others faces and decided to talk about it. It was really bittersweet with more tears. About how those kids saw how we really cared and how Gods not gonna give up on them.And even though we knew it was going to suck, we came back anyway.
=] I miss them all sooooo much. ='[ Carl and Rick show their Moves
Later that night, we went into the community and invited people to the Tapias for an outreach thing. We sang songs for the little kids than put on rap for the teens. They got up and started dancing. It turned into a dance off!! Carl, Rick, and Antonne all "battled out." Miami also did a skit based off of the well known "Life house" skit. When everyone went home some of us stayed up and sang praise and worship with Vale on guitar! It was amazing again!

Funny Quotes so far

2008-08-14T12:50:00.001-04:00

Dont worry, if you dont understand them... you really had to be there to get them.

"Si se puede, si si se puede, What?!"
Ms. April points behind, I look up.
Someone asks liza for a cup, she hands them hers with her name on it.
"Ask the Red Van"..ICECREAM!"...."SHHHHHH!!!!"
"Its so pretty"(about sunset)-me, Roger-"thats 'cause its a Mexican sunset"
Allan talking about how the kids remembered me and made me cry.
Allan,"how do you make the camera turn back on?" me- just tap it"so he pokes the side of the camera
Liza told 3 ppl," No hablo Englies (No understand English). The last time Pastor Pacencia's daughter corrected her in English saying "You mean Spainish?"

Monday--After VBS

2008-08-14T12:43:00.000-04:00

Red Van Rocks! But on the way back from VBS we noticed that all the traffic was coming towards us. Yes, we were on the wrong side of the road! We thought we were ok because someone else was behind us, until we realized it was Pastor Paciencia trying to get our attention! Since we had time before the White Van returned from Kilo 27 we stopped for ice cream! I got Pineapple Coconut. Later Aimee, Ashra, Liza, Allan, Matt, Adrian, and I walked to the corner store for some coke.
At dinner we has spaghetti soup thing with guacamole stuff. And Kayla became me and Liza's buddy. At dinner every night she would come and find us! We played "Hola" again and also played with stickers. Later at debriefing Aimee taught some of us how to make balloon animals.

My Chihuahua dedicated to Austin. Under 30 lbs. Little Tail. 4 little legs. Pointy Ears. Yep. Definitely a chihuahua! =]

July 28, 2008 Monday

2008-08-14T12:25:00.000-04:00

Vale volunteered to wake us up at 6:30.

Breakfast- french toast and oranges

Pastor Joel's group= "The Phillies-Liza, me and Ms.April", Stephanie, Sylvia, Philippe, Summer[Verano], Liz, and Adrian

On the way out we chanted "Joels, Joels, Joels" which then turned to chanting "Best Team Ever", but then we saw a stray dog and chanted that. Now if you think that's weird... we saw a dirty mattress and thanks to Summer we chanted "Dirty Mattress!" And that's how we got our construction team name. We became "Team Dirty Mattress." You really had to be there. Oh, Philipe isn't apart of the team. He's our 'manager, he books us.'

So yeah, we roofed the church! Ya know, pull nails, take off old, tar on new, nail down. Oh, I did a mini interview for GI, Pastor Joel, who remembered me, bought us all sodas. Then we took an amazing picture of us with our feet hanging off the roof.

Lunch was "pizza." Then we just hung out for a little bit waiting for VBS.

At VBS Pastor's daughter and Lisette were the first there and they both greeted me and Vale with tight hugs. Pastor Paciencia, some kids, and moms remember us! We played volleyball with the kids to kind of break the ice. The 3 yr. old from last year came and found me right away. Beautiful. Again, she wouldnt talk to anyone but me. Just plopped down on my lap. This year I could make out her name though. Niellie. (pro. Ni-elly) The lesson was the story of the 10 lepers and how only one came back to thank Jesus. Then the kids had draw something they were thankful for.

Another cool story.Well, its cool for me anyways. A mom of a 13 year old girl who came both years remembered Vale and I. She had gotten a cellphone during the year and wanted us to take a picture with her on it. So we did. Yeah, big deal right? Well, the next day she told her daughter to take a picture of someone. I just so happened to be sitting next to her so when she flipped open the phone, I saw me, her, and Vale! Its amazing that she care so much that me and Vale came back, to put us, 2 girls from USA as her cell phone background so that's who she looks at everyday. It may not seem important you,but it really makes me feel.. I don't know. Special, worth it, like I'm doing the right thing. It was an awesome day with an AWESOME team!

My Niellie

This Week's "Flexable" Schedule

2008-08-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

-Lights On 6:30-
-Breakfast 7:00-7:30
-Devotional 7:30-8:00
-Construction 8:00-12:00
-Lunch 12:00-12:30
-VBS 12:30-2 or 4
-Dinner 7:00-

July 27, 2008 --Travel Day

2008-08-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

32,000 ft. in the air...
Today is the day! Ms. April and Liza slept over last night. Well, Ms.April slept a couple hours. Liza and I did not sleep at all. At around 3:30 we loaded up and stopped at Dunkin Donuts. After getting tickets and saying goodbye, we were on our own. We waited at the gate for a half hour. Then at boarding Liza got a little nervous. [it was her first flight] Some of her faces during boarding and takeoff were priceless! =] Up in the air now, anticipating arrival.
Later that day-- App. 25,000 ft. in air...
We're done our first flight. It was pretty much uneventful. After landing we grabbed some food from Auntie Anne's. After more wait we got on the flight to El Paso. Liza go the window right next the motor/engine thingy and she was afraid it would shoot fire or something. When we get there I gonna' start looking for Vale right away.

Arrival!
Well... we got there. When we did, I spotted Miami but figured we would meet up with them after we got our luggage. Then I passed Tim too. So after waiting for our luggage, it was one of the last, Vale and Tim came over and I was greeted with hugs!! In the "new" vans we met Larry, Pam, and Roger. Philip aka Phillipe also greeted me with a hug. This year we drove straight into Juarez. We put our stuff down at the Tapias (meaning "unfinished work"), and left for church at Pastor Joel's. It was long and exhausting but you could just feel God there. We got to sing in Spanish and English and then listened to a sermon about not being afraid. After was lunch with the congregation like last year. Mashed beans, chicken thing, and rice. I saw Marcella, Nicole, Keisey, Miguel, Claudia, and Ave. [They remembered me!]
Then we headed out to the park. Different from last year because the other was over grown. I chased some little boy around but soon got tired and sat on the swings next to a girl and GI staff member Danielle [or Daniella]. I found out the girls name was Adrianna and we started this game where she screams one of our names and we shout hers. Later I played with Paoula and Jennifer on the swings. And even later I got to play with 2 year old Kayla in the sand. I developed a game called "Hola." Its just like peek-a-boo just following her and saying hola every time she peeks. She is the same baby from last year in my album that says "Precious" underneath of it. Her mom is 16 and lives at Centro Victoria.
I am also very excited because I get to go to the same VBS church as last year with Vale!! =] [Pastor Paciencia]

Me and Kayla Our Buddy

July 26, 2008 [Day Before]

2008-08-14T11:52:00.000-04:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! =]

2 Weeks Before Trip

2008-08-14T11:45:00.000-04:00

Remember how I said my heart stayed in Mexico? Yeah, well I finally started to like life here in the US during the school year. It was hard but I got my heart (most of it) to come back and live with me here. Now that I have two weeks left my heart couldn't wait. It left without me! I wanna go now! =]

Last year's blog can be found at krloucks.com