Well, it's Friday and here we are wrapping up our work and time at Refuge Ranch. The week just seemed to fly by! God has been faithful - none of us got down sick and our work wasn't more than our team could handle. On our last trip to the ranch, the work was on a grander scale where you could see lots of progress whereas our work this week has been of a more tedious nature. Until today, we couldn't see a lot of accomplishment. However, this afternoon it all seemed to come together. Today, we finished up odds and ends. Lisa and Grant organized the toolshed. Cory and Darrick wired up some of the T-posts. After scraping down the rest of the forms and Grant and Mallory oiling them, Andrea and Teresa twisted wires into straps to hold the T-posts up. Courtney and Mallory also started patching the steel stubs and cement on the walls. We just wrapped up and going out to dinner for tacos with the Zaragozas. This will be our last evening with Dale (aka "Pa-paw"), as he leaves on an early flight in the morning. He has been invaluable and indispensable. What a good leader and friend! The rest of the team will catch our flight Saturday afternoon so this will be my last post until we get home. Thank you so much for the prayers. We truly succeeded in laying some groundwork for God to continue His work here at the Ranch. Hopefully, the work that we've done will be a blessing to both the Zaragozas and for future teams that arrive.
Gloria a Dios!
Teresa & Grant
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
It's hot....
Today was a good day, but very hot. We are guessing around 85 degrees. The sun seem to take a toll on everyone today and zapped our energy and strength. But we continued on with frequent water breaks. Cory and I knocked out 30 more T-posts. These are the braces that go in between the columns to support the plywood that will be the form for the cement ceilings. We did a total of around 54 T-posts in 2 days I think. Things went a little faster with these today as Darrick cut our boards and fed them to us. Grant, Mallory, Andrea and Lisa continued to scrape, oil and knock down a slew of forms. Dale worked on the remaining wall that has a few forms on it. We are going to try to start putting up the braces tomorrow. We'd like to get them all up before we leave on Saturday. Cirino hasn't been here to help too much each day. I'm guessing it is because it's a different season here than last time and he has other things to tend to. As we arrived this morning, we saw a truck delivering a load of sorghum for the cows here. Andrea and I started out the day with devotions today. We took the family outside for a change and talked about God's love for each of us and how it's okay to be different from each other - each made in our own special way. We ended with Cory playing guitar for us and all of sung along. Diana and Angie dance with their church's dance group and will be dancing for us tonight - but agreed to only if Grant and Cory dance for them as well. That should be good. There was a little trickery going on at the hotel last night. Our trusty leader thought of a scheme that had something to do with a ladder that was leaning behind the hotel. Perhaps a photo will surface soon. = ) I will just say it involved Grant and Cory as they room together at the hotel. Please continue to pray for little Daniel. Victor and Julie have made arrangements for him to have some tests done on Friday and then will see the pediatric cardiologists in Mexico City on Saturday. He's a busy little guy with a hearty appetite! Please continue to pray for the team that we can maintain our momentum and finish out the week strong. I don't quite remember that the altitude was as much of an issue as it seems this time. We find ourselves huffing and puffing more often. But it's been a good week with everyone working together. Tomorrow evening, we will be going to a town about 30 minutes south of here for tacos. They are far from Taco Bell. Hope everyone is doing well! Hasta manana!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Workday Wednesday!
Today was a really beautiful day, in more ways than one. The weather was clear - 80's again with a refreshing breeze. It helps so it doesn't feel quite so hot. After devotions with the family today, we had the absolute joy of delivering the gifts to Cirino and his family at their house (pictured below). This is a picture of his children, who were peaking out the door as we waited for Cirino to come - too cute! You all can look forward to more pictures of this. Again, I'm reminded of how very little it takes to get by and live. We started off this morning with Darrick and I building T-posts, Lisa and Grant breaking down forms, Andrea and Mallory bending a few more re-bars, Cory and Dale stripping forms, and Courtney finishing up the garden fence. After lunch, some of us started hoisting up the stripped forms up the steep hill behind the north wall. Andrea and I wheeled a load of scrap wood in the wheelbarrow down to Cirino's house for him to burn to heat his water. Those of you on Team #1 can appreciate the hill to their house. Little did we know that the bottom of the wheelbarrow was full of huge nails and metal straps. Going down the hill wasn't as bad as pushing it back up! Ohhhhh! All of us are sore and achy this evening, but all is well. The rest of the team is out playing kickball/baseball with the Zaragoza kids inspite of being worn out. Please continue to pray that all of us will stay well. Two of the Zaragoza kids have come down with the virus that is being passed around. Last evening we had our devotions at the restaurant across from our hotel. I think that's the plan tonight too...it's fun. Well, I got the signal that we're ready to leave. More later!
Cirino & Jasmine's Children 
Stripping the forms from the backside of the north wall.
Heave-ho. Dragging them up the very steep hill.
The garden fence almost finished.
The Team in front of the column where Team #1 left their mark.Tuesday, July 28, 2009
You're Driving Me Up The Wall
Good Morning From Mexico,
We had a good, and productive day of work yesterday. Dale, Darrick, Cory and me-part of the day, started stripping the forms off the walls. Lisa and Grant continued to work on the fence for Josiah's garden, Courtney oiled the wood as it came down off the walls, Andrea, Mallory and me-the other part of the day bent re-bar. It was sunny and warm, but there's always a good breeze. I'm guessing it was in the 80's. However, it rained towards the end of the day several times. So needless to say, the construction site is a little muddy today. As I sit and type this morning, there is a spectacular view of Mt. Popo. It is an active volcano. It is clear today and you can see the peak covered in snow. It reminds me of God's majesty and His total sovereignty in all things. Last night, we gave all of the gifts that all of you provided to the family. It was so fun as one-by-one the children dug into their bags followed with huge smiles. Again, some things are universal....as soon as Ruth dug out her new princess wand, she bopped around the room saying "bippity-boppity-boop!" Today is market day so all are looking forward to see that and experience a part of the mexican culture. And then, it's back to work. Not sure what the plan is for today. I imagine that we will continue stripping the forms. They got all but the backside of the north wall done. Some of us are a little worried about our waistlines....we had the most scrumptous meal last evening of Tostadas de Tinga. It was shredded chicken on a hard tostada shell. We also had a juice called "jamaica." It is made by boiling hibiscus flowers. Well, I better wrap this up for now. During our devotions last evening, we all were aching a little bit, but agreed that it was a good hurt and we're glad that we are here to do the work that God has for each of us to do. Please pray for our health as a couple people (not on the team) have had the flu. Pray that we would have the opportunity and discernment to see how each of us may be a blessing to the family in our own way. I'm not going to be able to add pictures just yet as everyone is waiting on me to head out. I will try to later on today. But I wanted to just give an update as quickly as I could. Hope everyone is doing well! We'd love to hear from you on the comments portion!
Love & prayers,
Teresa
We had a good, and productive day of work yesterday. Dale, Darrick, Cory and me-part of the day, started stripping the forms off the walls. Lisa and Grant continued to work on the fence for Josiah's garden, Courtney oiled the wood as it came down off the walls, Andrea, Mallory and me-the other part of the day bent re-bar. It was sunny and warm, but there's always a good breeze. I'm guessing it was in the 80's. However, it rained towards the end of the day several times. So needless to say, the construction site is a little muddy today. As I sit and type this morning, there is a spectacular view of Mt. Popo. It is an active volcano. It is clear today and you can see the peak covered in snow. It reminds me of God's majesty and His total sovereignty in all things. Last night, we gave all of the gifts that all of you provided to the family. It was so fun as one-by-one the children dug into their bags followed with huge smiles. Again, some things are universal....as soon as Ruth dug out her new princess wand, she bopped around the room saying "bippity-boppity-boop!" Today is market day so all are looking forward to see that and experience a part of the mexican culture. And then, it's back to work. Not sure what the plan is for today. I imagine that we will continue stripping the forms. They got all but the backside of the north wall done. Some of us are a little worried about our waistlines....we had the most scrumptous meal last evening of Tostadas de Tinga. It was shredded chicken on a hard tostada shell. We also had a juice called "jamaica." It is made by boiling hibiscus flowers. Well, I better wrap this up for now. During our devotions last evening, we all were aching a little bit, but agreed that it was a good hurt and we're glad that we are here to do the work that God has for each of us to do. Please pray for our health as a couple people (not on the team) have had the flu. Pray that we would have the opportunity and discernment to see how each of us may be a blessing to the family in our own way. I'm not going to be able to add pictures just yet as everyone is waiting on me to head out. I will try to later on today. But I wanted to just give an update as quickly as I could. Hope everyone is doing well! We'd love to hear from you on the comments portion!
Love & prayers,
Teresa
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Day of Rest...
Courtney, Daniel, and Ana
A portion of the Hacienda ruins that we toured today.
Cory, Darrick, Josiah, and Grant working on the picket fence.Hola de Mexico!
God Is Good - what a night of rest will do for you. We started off the day today sharing a breakfast of huevos y jamon (scrambled eggs and ham) with muffins and rolls. After that, we had a time of worship with Julie playing the piano and singing praises to God. I looked at my watch and it should have been about the same time that you at UDC were praising God in the service there. We sang some of the same songs that we sing there during praise and worship (Forever, Come Now is the Time to Worship, Aleluia) except verses are alternated in spanish.
Victor gave our message to us and shared what was on his heart. God's message for today was about Jesus coming to be the light of the world and how He wants us to be His light in this world. He was animated in his preaching and used various objects to demonstrate and compare this with different types of christians....it was an excellent message. And of course, we wrapped up the service with none other than "This Little Light of Mine." Some things are universal! We all agreed that today was to be a day to catch up a little and a time to rest and hang out with the family. We loaded up the van and Victor took us to view ruins of a local hacienda or plantation,about 10 minutes away. It was when Spain controlled this area from around 1500 - 1800. After touring the ruins, we had a picnic lunch and there was a serious game of soccer. The rain clouds arrived and we headed back to the ranch. Josiah wants a garden and has started constructing a fence around the area because Beethoven(the St. Bernard dog) has wiped out his plants on numerous occasions. Several of the team helped with the construction of a picket fence. We just finished supper and are heading back to the hotel a little early tonight. It's been a full, but relaxing day. Please be in prayer for the Zaragoza family as they have been so busy the last several weeks. Pray for rest and peace in the family as well. Again, I'm reminded and refreshed of the simplicity of the life here on this mountain. The plan for tomorrow is to strip forms from the wall that the previous group poured. We will oil down the forms and bend a little more rebar. = ) Oh, by the way, eventhough it rains, the sun comes out and is still pretty warm. This is their rainy season here and everything is very green and lush. Pray for a good day of work and nice weather to proceed. That's all for now!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
We're Here!!!!
Just a quick post to let you know that we made it safely. It's been raining today and is a little cool. We just had a pizza supper and just finished singing "Happy Birthday" to Cory and we are enjoying a chocolate cake that Ashleigh had waiting for us. Our arrival wasn't without excite-ment as we were once again pulled over by the police. Victor had all of luggage in the back of the truck and the police wanted to know what it was. Victor showed his badge and off we went. We all are worn out, but looking forward to a week working. It's great to see all of the changes here at the ranch since we were last here....and also great to see all of the family and meet little Daniel. What a happy little boy! I promise to post some pictures as soon as I can. We are off to the hotel for a welcome night of rest!
Hasta Luego!
Teresa
Monday, July 20, 2009
Prayer Needs July 25th - August 1st
Saturday - For a safe departure
Sunday - For our eyes and hearts to be opened as we begin ministry
Monday - For our ability to encourage the Zaragoza family
Tuesday - For team unity
Wednesday - For strength as we continue to work
Thursday - For our hearts to feel God's heart for the world
Friday - For us to bless the Zaragozas as they serve our God
Saturday - For a safe return
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Rummage Sale
We had a very successful Rummage Sale! Thanks to everyone who came out and supported us whether it was through donations, purchases, helping us move stuff in and out of the building every morning and night, bringing us cokes, food, or whatever! Despite a 5 minute downpour on Saturday, we couldn't have asked for a better weekend...not too hot or too cold. The clothing that we had left was donated to a clothing ministry at a local church and the remainder of everything else to Goodwill.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Taco-Bar Fundraiser
After the worship service on Sunday, our Mexico Mission team hosted a Taco-Bar lunch to raise funds for the fast-approaching trip to Refuge Ranch. Our guests were "serenaded" by these two amigos, Grant and Cory. Their singing netted a few extra bucks as people paid them to go away so they could eat their lunch in peace.
We chopped lots of watermelon!
We have ham loaves in the works, a rummage sale at Kid Town in Galveston (July 17th & 18th, 8-5), picnic lunches to-go for next Sunday. Come, shop our rummage sale this weekend and see what all we have to offer and help out with our Mission Team's trip to Mexico!!!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
We're Hitting The Road Again....
Well, here we are again gearing up to head back to Mexico! We have a team of 8 people preparing to make the trek south. Here is a list of a few fundraisers we have going on now and in the coming weeks:
Selling Ham Loaves (sorry, orders are closed)
Hosting a "Taco-Bar" this Sunday (7/12) following the UDC worship service
Big Rummage Sale - July 17th & 18th at KidTown in Galveston
Selling "Picnic Lunches To-Go" - after church on July 19th
Check back soon for updates and photos!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Back Home Again...
UDC Mexico Mission Team #1Unfortunately, the internet service was down the last few days of our stay and I wasn't able to share anymore photos or news from the Ranch. Our days seemed to fly by so quickly, but at the same time, it seemed like we had been there for quite a while. Now, we're back home in Indiana and everyone is picking up with their lives where they left off - each of us trying to retain the lessons God showed us and not wanting to forget the sights, smells, or feelings. On Sunday after we got back in, we each shared a few thoughts during the worship services at Upper Deer Creek. In the next week or so, you should be able to go to: http://www.uppperdeercreek.com/ and listen to what each of us shared about our experience at Refuge Ranch.
I will try to post some more photos of where we finished off with the foundation work last Thursday and Friday. I think someone said that our rebar benders bent almost 1000 pieces of rebar! Wow! Good work, Teena and Emy! We got all the cement footers poured, all 7 towers put up, the cement poured for each column, and the west wall poured. Also, trim was stained and installed for inside the house, along with a door installed on Fidel's room. There's a lot of work to be done, but the UDC team completed the work that the Lord had for us in His timing. It reminds me of a puzzle....with each team that goes completing a portion of the puzzle until we can all see the design of the whole picture.
Thursday evening, Victor and Julie took us out for tacos. Yum! Their tacos aren't anything like I've had in the states. They serve a little bit of pineapple on them. The restaurant seating was mostly outside - roof only.
On Friday night, the Zaragoza family and friends put on a recital for all of us. What a tremendously talented bunch! It was great to watch each of them....from smallest to tallest.
Victor and Julie, thank you for allowing us to receive the love of your family. You have a beautiful family. It was tough leaving, but I know it's just a "see you later" and NOT a "good-bye." We would encourage anyone to go....be prepared to work hard...be prepared to have your heart touched forever.
As I said, I will post some more pictures as soon as I get them from my teammates. I hope you've enjoyed following us on our trip! Gloria a Dios! (Glory to God)
Dios es bueno - todo el tiempo,
Teresa
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Smokey and the Bandit?
Hi Everyone,
I will have to type as fast as I can as I don't have alot of time, but I do have alot to share . We just finished a supper of green enchilladas. Victor will be sharing his testimony soon and I don't want to miss that. We had something happen today that I especially wanted to post as it is funny and a reminder of God's awesome protection and provision for us while we are here. Victor and Julie have allowed us to take the burgandy 15-passenger van back and forth to the hotel. It is easier than having to pick us up and take us home each day. We started out this morning and our trip takes us through a local town nicknamed Tepa. In the morning, there is quite a police presence as the children are walking to school (cute as could be) and the road through town is a major highway. Policemen stand in the road and stop traffic so the children can cross. To cut down on the need for police, there are huge speedbumps scattered along the way. Our beloved driver, who we like to call Riggaberto (aka Ryan), was transporting us oh so safely. The road that we need to take, forks off to the right. Just as we forked, we noticed a police van behind us with his lights on. Uh oh....Riggaberto then said to me, what did I do? Just as we noticed the lights, the car approaching us was Victor!!!! He was able to stop and take care of Mr. Policeman. Oh, was he mad!!!! This would have been ugly for us had he not came. From what Victor shared with us, they saw us Americanos in the van and had hoped to extort some money from us for having some tinted windows in the van. Victor said that they know the van well and it was just an excuse to stop us. One thing that was neat about it was that all the way up to that point, we were rehearsing "God is Good, All the Time" in spanish "Dios es bueno, todos el tiempo." We had just said that when Victor appeared. God's sovereignty was amazing and His timing perfect in safeguarding us and placing Victor where we needed him at just the right time. GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!!! Victor was actually on his way to the bakery to pick up some sweet bread for breakfast. Needless to say, we didn't have the sweet bread. That's okay because all of us were reveling in how God had blessed us. I will try to share some information about what progress took place today. Jean, the scenery picture was taken on Julie's balcony in her office. It faces south. I didn't take it of Mt. PoPo as it was cloudy today and you can't see much of it. We got the cement mixer going again. As you can see, we poured the north wall, the column pads, the west wall. The chopsaw was going all day engineered by Mark. He is doing fine. The parametic from the clinic downtown came out to give him his second shot in the rear of antibiotic and looked at his wound. I saw his wound myself and it looks good (i.e. no redness, etc.). Okay, I'm typing so fast - I'm trying to remember everything. It seemed like today was a day where everyone had the opportunity to use a gift or experience that they've had. For example, Kyle worked on trim for the upstairs doors while the cement mixer was being fixed, Whitney and I embroidered the kids' initials on each of the towels that were sent down for them, Megan and Chelsey organized school materials for Julie. That was neat how God used that. It was a better day today and things are progressing. Everyone has worked together great and helps each other out. It rained a little last night, but not enough to settle the 5" dust bowl. HaHa. As you can see in one of the pictures, the columns are being formed up (wood is very expensive here). Tomorrow, the plan is to finish the foundation work and get the rest of the towers up and ready to be formed and poured. We will see as each new day has it's own path. To answer some of the questions, yes we eat every meal together. We have to put up extra tables and chairs. It is no easy undertaking and we have Pati and Rosa to thank. I don't know how many kilometers/miles the hotel is....it's about 10-15 minutes - de-pending upon who is driving. : ) It was cooler today, perhaps low 70's and partly cloudy, but people are getting sunburned. Jane, Cory is doing great! In fact, everyone is. It is such a happy and busy household with much joy. Oh, one other thing....Teena led devotions today and had everyone in tears. She shared letters that Lydia and the girls had sent each day for her and set up a slideshow of all the kids here - all to the song "Let Them Be Little." It was very moving. HOWEVER, I have devotions tomorrow and now I have to top that!!!! Mark follows me on Friday and he threatened to terminate our friendship if I didn't keep it simple. : ) I've got to go as everyone is waiting on me. (P.S. I will change the settings so hopefully more people can post comments if they want without any problems.)
Love & Prayers,
Teresa
I will have to type as fast as I can as I don't have alot of time, but I do have alot to share . We just finished a supper of green enchilladas. Victor will be sharing his testimony soon and I don't want to miss that. We had something happen today that I especially wanted to post as it is funny and a reminder of God's awesome protection and provision for us while we are here. Victor and Julie have allowed us to take the burgandy 15-passenger van back and forth to the hotel. It is easier than having to pick us up and take us home each day. We started out this morning and our trip takes us through a local town nicknamed Tepa. In the morning, there is quite a police presence as the children are walking to school (cute as could be) and the road through town is a major highway. Policemen stand in the road and stop traffic so the children can cross. To cut down on the need for police, there are huge speedbumps scattered along the way. Our beloved driver, who we like to call Riggaberto (aka Ryan), was transporting us oh so safely. The road that we need to take, forks off to the right. Just as we forked, we noticed a police van behind us with his lights on. Uh oh....Riggaberto then said to me, what did I do? Just as we noticed the lights, the car approaching us was Victor!!!! He was able to stop and take care of Mr. Policeman. Oh, was he mad!!!! This would have been ugly for us had he not came. From what Victor shared with us, they saw us Americanos in the van and had hoped to extort some money from us for having some tinted windows in the van. Victor said that they know the van well and it was just an excuse to stop us. One thing that was neat about it was that all the way up to that point, we were rehearsing "God is Good, All the Time" in spanish "Dios es bueno, todos el tiempo." We had just said that when Victor appeared. God's sovereignty was amazing and His timing perfect in safeguarding us and placing Victor where we needed him at just the right time. GOD IS GOOD - ALL THE TIME!!! Victor was actually on his way to the bakery to pick up some sweet bread for breakfast. Needless to say, we didn't have the sweet bread. That's okay because all of us were reveling in how God had blessed us. I will try to share some information about what progress took place today. Jean, the scenery picture was taken on Julie's balcony in her office. It faces south. I didn't take it of Mt. PoPo as it was cloudy today and you can't see much of it. We got the cement mixer going again. As you can see, we poured the north wall, the column pads, the west wall. The chopsaw was going all day engineered by Mark. He is doing fine. The parametic from the clinic downtown came out to give him his second shot in the rear of antibiotic and looked at his wound. I saw his wound myself and it looks good (i.e. no redness, etc.). Okay, I'm typing so fast - I'm trying to remember everything. It seemed like today was a day where everyone had the opportunity to use a gift or experience that they've had. For example, Kyle worked on trim for the upstairs doors while the cement mixer was being fixed, Whitney and I embroidered the kids' initials on each of the towels that were sent down for them, Megan and Chelsey organized school materials for Julie. That was neat how God used that. It was a better day today and things are progressing. Everyone has worked together great and helps each other out. It rained a little last night, but not enough to settle the 5" dust bowl. HaHa. As you can see in one of the pictures, the columns are being formed up (wood is very expensive here). Tomorrow, the plan is to finish the foundation work and get the rest of the towers up and ready to be formed and poured. We will see as each new day has it's own path. To answer some of the questions, yes we eat every meal together. We have to put up extra tables and chairs. It is no easy undertaking and we have Pati and Rosa to thank. I don't know how many kilometers/miles the hotel is....it's about 10-15 minutes - de-pending upon who is driving. : ) It was cooler today, perhaps low 70's and partly cloudy, but people are getting sunburned. Jane, Cory is doing great! In fact, everyone is. It is such a happy and busy household with much joy. Oh, one other thing....Teena led devotions today and had everyone in tears. She shared letters that Lydia and the girls had sent each day for her and set up a slideshow of all the kids here - all to the song "Let Them Be Little." It was very moving. HOWEVER, I have devotions tomorrow and now I have to top that!!!! Mark follows me on Friday and he threatened to terminate our friendship if I didn't keep it simple. : ) I've got to go as everyone is waiting on me. (P.S. I will change the settings so hopefully more people can post comments if they want without any problems.)
Love & Prayers,
Teresa
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Update
As it turns out, Victor went and bought a chopsaw because it is much safer to use. So some of the guys are out using it to cut rebar. However, it is sucking power from the house and causing power to flicker. We may be able to get a generator out here tomorrow to help out with that. Also, the rest of the group went ahead and went to the market. Aaron, we don't have any idea how many live at the dump....too many to count! The group that gathered together to hear our message was approximately 100.
All for now,
Teresa
All for now,
Teresa
Challenging Day But God Is Good...
First, I wanted to correct something from yesterday's posting. I had said that there would be 4 columns, but actually there are 7. Also, I wanted to share something else from yesterday that had happened. Caleb got up and wasn't feeling well - he had a fever and sore throat and was pretty miserable. We all gathered around him and prayed and within the hour he was up and about, swinging away with a bat at the pinata that we had brought for the kids. Glory to God! It was Marta's birthday and we celebrated with that. The same thing happened today with Diana and again we gathered around and prayed over her in her bunk. As I sit here typing, I can see her riding her bicycle around outside. Again, God is so good. So obviously, a virus is being passed around the Zaragoza children, please be in prayer about that. Now, onto today's activities. It has been a more challenging day with equipment failures. The cement mixer isn't working, so that slowed things down tremendously. We've also been trying to track down some new blades for the grinder wheel. Also, I've included pictures of the north wall and the trench that the men have been picking away at. Ted, that excavator would be great about now! We've decided that those will remain and be a part of the foundation and we will pour cement in the trench and on top. You can also see Cirino (the hired man) working on one of the towers for the columns. Julie is translating Cirino's instructions to the group. Teena was giving the children a science lesson with Bible School supplies that we brought with us. She was helping them make slime. Unfortunately, there was an accident today. Mark cut his wrist and we had to seek medical treatment for that. He cut it on the grinder wheel/blade. Again, Victor and Julie proved to be so valuable to us as we sought out medical treatment for Mark. We went to a nearby town, Tepa, and went to a medical clinic there. We found God's favor there as Julie said that it is usually packed, but no one was waiting when we got there and Mark was able to get immediate attention. The doctor stitched Mark's wound and everything is fine. We will share more about that when we got home, but again, through the power of prayer and God's protection, all is well. Julie's office, where I type this, is on the second floor of their home with window's all around. As I look out and see all the mountain peaks around, I'm in awe of God's majesty and have to pinch myself to believe that I'm really here and so far from home. Even with today's challenges, I know that God is in control and trust in His perfect timing to complete what He has for us to do. Thanks to all of you who have posted comments. I read your comments to the group at lunch and they all were so happy to hear from everyone back home. It was cooler today with more clouds. We will be sharing the gifts that everyone sent this evening as well. Oh, one other thing that we did today....about half of us went to the local market. It was so fun and a great way to get a feel for the culture. Due to today's events, the rest of the group will go later in the week.
We love you all and appreciate the prayers....please keep them coming.
Teresa
We love you all and appreciate the prayers....please keep them coming.
Teresa
Monday, February 2, 2009
One more thing...
Ryan just stepped in and took a look at what I just posted. He asked me to add this one additional comment to give some perspective....we used 50 bags of cement.
Adios,
Teresa
Adios,
Teresa
"How Firm A Foundation"
Buenos Tardes,
I couldn't resist posting this title!!! It has described our day perfectly!!! I will comment further about what progress we made today, but first I wanted to tell you a little about our trip to the dump yesterday. Our day began after breakfast and devotions. We jumped into two 15-passen-ger vans and headed back to Mexico City. Victor talked with his connections in order to gain en-trance into the dump. A tarp was set up just inside the entrance where all of the activities took place. There was a short skit put on by some characters (i.e. a bumble bee, an ape, and a bear). These characters were brought in by a friend of the Zaragozas. There were adults and children both present - all different ages - infant to senior citizens. Emy had put together speaking parts for all of us - done in pairs. Kyle and I spoke about how God is real. After that, we passed out candy to all of the children (and some adults too.) I was moved by all of the beautiful children and how they enjoyed all that was going on - giggling. The adults listened, some of them seemed kind of skeptical but still listened. We stood around afterward and tried to converse with those that we were able. After all that, we were given permission to enter into the actual section where people go to live and pick through the garbage. That is how they make their living. Just adjacent to this was a pretty nice soccer field where the leader of the dump was dressed in a soccer uniform and drinking a beer. It was an interesting contrast and a little puzzling. We were all moved at what we saw and I will leave our personal comments to share when we come back. Last evening at our group's devotional time, we all questioned why we are so blessed to live in Indiana and why all of those people live at the dump. For me, personally, it was heartbreaking.
I will speak more about that when we get back. But it was also challenging because people are not afraid to approach you and ask what your beliefs are. They want to know. As we were leaving, Julie shared that the mission was accomplished as they have been trying to get a foot in the door to minister. They were invited back to do a Medical Mission Crusade in March. That is awesome. Hopefully, that will lead to a weekly child-oriented ministry that they will call "RE-CYCLING SOULS." I'm not sure how much I will be able to post at a time, but hopefully, this will all go through. We started the day off with breakfast and devotions lead by Greg. Our work today focused on the basement addition. This is located just north of the main house. As you can see in the pictures, we started out with clearing rocks for the above-ground footers. There were many lava rocks to remove. Footers will be poured for the front and back of the building, along with 4 pads in the center that will be the base for columns. It was pretty slow going on the north side. That would be the picture with Ryan, Cory and others picking away with picks. You also can see Alijandro leveling the cement pads. Teena and Emy are now pro's at bending rebar - you can see them at the top of the hill in one of the pictures. As I type this, all 4 pads have been poured and they are starting to place rebar. Just one note....the cement is mixed extremely thick so it can just sit on the surface. They are still picking away at the rock on that north wall. I am amazed at the dirt. It is just like baby powder and we are all covered from head to toe, inside and out. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous...clear skies, sunshine all day - I'm guessing 75? The food has been amazing. There are 2 gracious cooks, Rosa and Pati (Victor's sister). We had ham and cheese quesidilla's (served with guacomole or green salsa), along with apple salad and watermelon juice. Everything is very fresh - fresh herbs, fresh fruit. Watermelon and oranges are in season so they try to eat as much as possible right now. Fresh o.j. put's our concentrate to shame. It is great!!! We pick it up on our way to the ranch every morning in a gallon size cooler. There are street vendors along the way in Tepa. It is a very busy household, and the children exude so much happiness and life. I had better wrap this up as dinner is about ready. We all share house chores when we can (i.e. setting the table, cleaning up, etc.). We are going to go to the market in shifts tomorrow and continue to work. We made some great progress today, but it has been a very physically challenging day for all of us. So please pray for restoration of our bodies tonight with a good night's sleep.
Hasta manana,
Teresa
I couldn't resist posting this title!!! It has described our day perfectly!!! I will comment further about what progress we made today, but first I wanted to tell you a little about our trip to the dump yesterday. Our day began after breakfast and devotions. We jumped into two 15-passen-ger vans and headed back to Mexico City. Victor talked with his connections in order to gain en-trance into the dump. A tarp was set up just inside the entrance where all of the activities took place. There was a short skit put on by some characters (i.e. a bumble bee, an ape, and a bear). These characters were brought in by a friend of the Zaragozas. There were adults and children both present - all different ages - infant to senior citizens. Emy had put together speaking parts for all of us - done in pairs. Kyle and I spoke about how God is real. After that, we passed out candy to all of the children (and some adults too.) I was moved by all of the beautiful children and how they enjoyed all that was going on - giggling. The adults listened, some of them seemed kind of skeptical but still listened. We stood around afterward and tried to converse with those that we were able. After all that, we were given permission to enter into the actual section where people go to live and pick through the garbage. That is how they make their living. Just adjacent to this was a pretty nice soccer field where the leader of the dump was dressed in a soccer uniform and drinking a beer. It was an interesting contrast and a little puzzling. We were all moved at what we saw and I will leave our personal comments to share when we come back. Last evening at our group's devotional time, we all questioned why we are so blessed to live in Indiana and why all of those people live at the dump. For me, personally, it was heartbreaking.
I will speak more about that when we get back. But it was also challenging because people are not afraid to approach you and ask what your beliefs are. They want to know. As we were leaving, Julie shared that the mission was accomplished as they have been trying to get a foot in the door to minister. They were invited back to do a Medical Mission Crusade in March. That is awesome. Hopefully, that will lead to a weekly child-oriented ministry that they will call "RE-CYCLING SOULS." I'm not sure how much I will be able to post at a time, but hopefully, this will all go through. We started the day off with breakfast and devotions lead by Greg. Our work today focused on the basement addition. This is located just north of the main house. As you can see in the pictures, we started out with clearing rocks for the above-ground footers. There were many lava rocks to remove. Footers will be poured for the front and back of the building, along with 4 pads in the center that will be the base for columns. It was pretty slow going on the north side. That would be the picture with Ryan, Cory and others picking away with picks. You also can see Alijandro leveling the cement pads. Teena and Emy are now pro's at bending rebar - you can see them at the top of the hill in one of the pictures. As I type this, all 4 pads have been poured and they are starting to place rebar. Just one note....the cement is mixed extremely thick so it can just sit on the surface. They are still picking away at the rock on that north wall. I am amazed at the dirt. It is just like baby powder and we are all covered from head to toe, inside and out. The weather has been absolutely gorgeous...clear skies, sunshine all day - I'm guessing 75? The food has been amazing. There are 2 gracious cooks, Rosa and Pati (Victor's sister). We had ham and cheese quesidilla's (served with guacomole or green salsa), along with apple salad and watermelon juice. Everything is very fresh - fresh herbs, fresh fruit. Watermelon and oranges are in season so they try to eat as much as possible right now. Fresh o.j. put's our concentrate to shame. It is great!!! We pick it up on our way to the ranch every morning in a gallon size cooler. There are street vendors along the way in Tepa. It is a very busy household, and the children exude so much happiness and life. I had better wrap this up as dinner is about ready. We all share house chores when we can (i.e. setting the table, cleaning up, etc.). We are going to go to the market in shifts tomorrow and continue to work. We made some great progress today, but it has been a very physically challenging day for all of us. So please pray for restoration of our bodies tonight with a good night's sleep.
Hasta manana,
Teresa
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Hola Amigos!
We made it to our hotel/ranch safe and sound. With the exception of a couple of delays and changes in Dallas, our flights and security checks have gone amazingly well. The drive from the airport to our hotel was longer than usual as it was rush hour. I would say the traffic was/is crazy, but that would be an understatement! There are traffic signals and police around, but no one pays attention and communication from vehicle-to-vehicle is through horn honking and hand signals. But our trusty drivers, Victor and Ashley, have gotten us to where we need to be safe and sound. Our hotel hosts have been most gracious and were waiting for us. We (Ryan & Cory) had to unload all 30 suitcases off the rack on top of the van when we got there so Victor could go on to the ranch and we could go through the luggage and get all of the candy out that we needed to go to the dump today. This morning then, all of it was reloaded and taken to the ranch. We had to take all of our stuff out of the hotel with us, eventhough we will still be staying there because the rooms we needed were already booked and the rooms we stayed in are rented out hourly. It was a very chilly night and morning this morning. The heaters in the room weren't functioning. But the hot showers felt great after a long day on the dusty roads. As I said before, we went to the dump today. I will talk about that in future postings after we have a chance to process all the sights and smells that we encountered there. Right now, there are no words to describe the poverty. However, I did go ahead and post a couple of pictures. One is at the hotel, which is very nice, clean and a quaint little place. The picture with the luggage is in one of the 2 driveways of the hotel. The rooms are decorated with dark wood floorings, wrought iron and dim lighting. The bathrooms are very nicely tiled and very modern. The other picture is of the group handing out candy to the children at the dump. The children are beautiful with their dark hair and black eyes. As I said, more on that later. As I type, I'm looking at Mount PoPo - gorgeous view. As far as the food, Victor took us to KFC on the way to the hotel before we left Mexico City. That was an experience, but it tasted good. Today before going to the dump Pati served us cereal with fresh strawberries and fresh milk. We packed our lunches and ate on the way to the dump. Victor served us delicious hambergers and papas fritas (french fries) with Strawberry shortcake for supper. I better wrap up now as we need to load up and go back to the hotel. We still have to unload all 30 suitcases again! We will be starting to help out at the ranch tomorrow. Hopefully, I will have more time to post tomorrow.
Dios Le Bendiga! (God Bless You)
Teresa
We made it to our hotel/ranch safe and sound. With the exception of a couple of delays and changes in Dallas, our flights and security checks have gone amazingly well. The drive from the airport to our hotel was longer than usual as it was rush hour. I would say the traffic was/is crazy, but that would be an understatement! There are traffic signals and police around, but no one pays attention and communication from vehicle-to-vehicle is through horn honking and hand signals. But our trusty drivers, Victor and Ashley, have gotten us to where we need to be safe and sound. Our hotel hosts have been most gracious and were waiting for us. We (Ryan & Cory) had to unload all 30 suitcases off the rack on top of the van when we got there so Victor could go on to the ranch and we could go through the luggage and get all of the candy out that we needed to go to the dump today. This morning then, all of it was reloaded and taken to the ranch. We had to take all of our stuff out of the hotel with us, eventhough we will still be staying there because the rooms we needed were already booked and the rooms we stayed in are rented out hourly. It was a very chilly night and morning this morning. The heaters in the room weren't functioning. But the hot showers felt great after a long day on the dusty roads. As I said before, we went to the dump today. I will talk about that in future postings after we have a chance to process all the sights and smells that we encountered there. Right now, there are no words to describe the poverty. However, I did go ahead and post a couple of pictures. One is at the hotel, which is very nice, clean and a quaint little place. The picture with the luggage is in one of the 2 driveways of the hotel. The rooms are decorated with dark wood floorings, wrought iron and dim lighting. The bathrooms are very nicely tiled and very modern. The other picture is of the group handing out candy to the children at the dump. The children are beautiful with their dark hair and black eyes. As I said, more on that later. As I type, I'm looking at Mount PoPo - gorgeous view. As far as the food, Victor took us to KFC on the way to the hotel before we left Mexico City. That was an experience, but it tasted good. Today before going to the dump Pati served us cereal with fresh strawberries and fresh milk. We packed our lunches and ate on the way to the dump. Victor served us delicious hambergers and papas fritas (french fries) with Strawberry shortcake for supper. I better wrap up now as we need to load up and go back to the hotel. We still have to unload all 30 suitcases again! We will be starting to help out at the ranch tomorrow. Hopefully, I will have more time to post tomorrow.
Dios Le Bendiga! (God Bless You)
Teresa
Friday, January 30, 2009
This is how it works....
Thanks, Aaron, for your comments and for your prayers. Your comment provides us with an opportunity to demonstrate how this blog works. For those of you viewers who are new to blogland, if you scroll down to the bottom of the 1st posting, you will see where it says "1 Comment." If you click on that, and on each posting hereafter where a comment(s) has been added, then you will be able to view what everyone else is saying to our posts. Thanks again, Aaron!! We are all so excited!
Teresa
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