When you’re working abroad you learn MANY things, like new ways to communicate, and to accomplish new things and you try new foods and customs. Sometimes you also learn things aren’t always what they seem.
One of the families we worked for last week taught us a valuable lesson. When we first heard about them it was confusing. Both were dentists and had a slightly bigger plot of land on the “good side” of town. That didn’t settle well with some initially. When you go to serve the less fortunate in 3rd world conditions, you picture rugged conditions. You envision extreme poverty, and slums and families who have NOTHING. You rarely think of two working parents in the medical field!
But, trusting in the Lord we began the work. We quickly learned that things aren’t always what they seem. Turns out a dentist in Mexico isn’t quite the same as in America. Even with two trained medical practitioners, they didn’t have much! This was humbling. And once we met the family, it was VERY clear how wrong our initial human judgments had been!
They were the kindest family. They were incredibly humble, grateful and giving. One day they even provided an amazing lunch for all 30 workers at the site (a gift that undoubtedly set them back). They had two boys who were beautiful and quickly became my best pals. We learned that both had been born very early and ill, and weighed just over 1 pound! The medical expenses had wiped out everything the family had, and as a result they had struggled to catch back up! Once again….very humbling.
As the week went on we came to love them. At the key passing ceremony they gave us the most touching thank you we’d ever experienced. It was a truly blessed experience. We all learned that in God’s grand plans, things aren’t always what they seem! We need to stop trying to see the world through our views and try and catch glimpses of God’s views! God sees what our limited views cannot see, and we can ALWAYS trust in that!
“The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.” Nahum 1:7
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Mexico Mission 2010- Days 8 & 9, Friday and Saturday March 26 and 27
Well……the time has come to head back to America. It is bittersweet. It has been a GREAT week, but man home is calling! So around 7:00 am we loaded up and hit the highway. It was an easy drive and went pretty smooth. We got stopped again at the military checkpoint. The soldier was much friendlier than usual. He was hitting on the girls and kept complimenting there eyes.
After a LONG line to cross the border, we found ourselves on American soil. We stopped with most of the rest of the group at Sonic for some grub. Did I mention that I had a kid hanging out the window as we drove to the border guard puking her poor lungs out???? Pretty awesome! The rest of the afternoon was spent trekking along I-10 to I-5 where we experienced some really crappy LA traffic. Why people choose to live in that stink hole I will never ever understand. But eventually, we made it quite road weary to the Comfort Suites and crashed. We watched the Duke game and cheered for our local boy, then got some In n Out Takeout before crashing.
Saturday was spent at Magic Mountain, a rockin’ cool theme park! When I say we spent all day…we literally spent all day! EXHAUSTING. I got to actually ride a few coasters this year which was cool. The rest of the day was spent with Jude on Kiddie Land and riding the Pirate Ship and swings over and over! I have a GREAT video I will soon post of Jude’s best friend Joey on the ship. It is AMAZING. It was a really fun, but unreal tiring day. We ended up that night with a final run to In n Out and crashed for the ride home.
The next day we hit the Interstate early. We made it to Sacramento in great time despite an unreal CHP presence. It was time to drop off the girls. It was VERY sad, and much harder than I ever imagined! Jude was on the verge of exploding into tears. It broke my heart. I really love those kiddos. And am, glad to have shared such a cool experience!
We trudged along for what seemed forever and finally made it home at about 6:15 PM! My girls!!!!!! Oh how I love and missed them!
What a week…..many wonderful memories. 2500 miles, a season of glee and many Ipod songs later, I still feel emotionally drained and miss it already, but real life calls, and I have a family to take care of. I hope you enjoyed this simple cliff note version of our trip!
After a LONG line to cross the border, we found ourselves on American soil. We stopped with most of the rest of the group at Sonic for some grub. Did I mention that I had a kid hanging out the window as we drove to the border guard puking her poor lungs out???? Pretty awesome! The rest of the afternoon was spent trekking along I-10 to I-5 where we experienced some really crappy LA traffic. Why people choose to live in that stink hole I will never ever understand. But eventually, we made it quite road weary to the Comfort Suites and crashed. We watched the Duke game and cheered for our local boy, then got some In n Out Takeout before crashing.
Saturday was spent at Magic Mountain, a rockin’ cool theme park! When I say we spent all day…we literally spent all day! EXHAUSTING. I got to actually ride a few coasters this year which was cool. The rest of the day was spent with Jude on Kiddie Land and riding the Pirate Ship and swings over and over! I have a GREAT video I will soon post of Jude’s best friend Joey on the ship. It is AMAZING. It was a really fun, but unreal tiring day. We ended up that night with a final run to In n Out and crashed for the ride home.
The next day we hit the Interstate early. We made it to Sacramento in great time despite an unreal CHP presence. It was time to drop off the girls. It was VERY sad, and much harder than I ever imagined! Jude was on the verge of exploding into tears. It broke my heart. I really love those kiddos. And am, glad to have shared such a cool experience!
We trudged along for what seemed forever and finally made it home at about 6:15 PM! My girls!!!!!! Oh how I love and missed them!
What a week…..many wonderful memories. 2500 miles, a season of glee and many Ipod songs later, I still feel emotionally drained and miss it already, but real life calls, and I have a family to take care of. I hope you enjoyed this simple cliff note version of our trip!
Mexico Mission 2010- Day 7 Thursday March 25
Play day has arrived! For the 1st year ever, both houses are TOTALLY finished! All we have to do is take a group picture at both and “dedicate” the other one. Then, we are free to play!
What a fun day. It was great weather as we chilled on the beach. We played and relaxed. We ate hotdogs together watching the Sea of Cortez roll in and out. It was just about perfect. Once the wind got to be a little too much, we decided it was time to head into town.
It was fun. We bought all kinds of stuff that we did not need, and had fun as we enjoyed the new culture. Jude was especially good today. He is a good boy. He made sure that he bought gifts for his family and friends before getting himself anything. We had DSB bracelets (our theme for the week in our van) made for our crew, with reach one made on that person’s school colors! We were excited to surprise the gals with those!
We ate fish tacos and drank Pina Colodas in a tiny little restaurant. They were great. We also drank way too many Cokes…but there are just SO good in Mexico….REAL SUGAR!
That night we went back to camp for our last dinner and night together in the wonderful country of Mexico. It was special. Jude pulled me aside that night. It was a touching moment. I could tell he was sad and melancholy. He expressed sadness. “I don’t want to leave dad. I made so many new friends. I love everyone here”. I tear up even as I type this. He was SO upset. I will always love this about him the most. His is such a sensitive and sweet boy. I pray that God never takes that from him. May he never be hardened by our cruel world! I appeased him and he asked to sleep with me again. I cherish these moments, as I know that in a no time at all they will be gone. I too felt pretty melancholy.
That night we let the teens stay up and spend bonding time. Terry and I sat around the fire in the shadows and watched the kids interact. It is SO entertaining really. The flirting and dynamics taking place are so great to watch some 20 years removed from it all. We can easily see every nuance and piece of drama from our experienced adult perspectives. The smooth moves and acts they think are so subtle are so glaringly obvious. But it is beautiful to watch, and remember how it felt at 17. I am blessed with some GREAT teens! I love them all….only adding to the sad feelings.
The week went so fast………thank you again lord for this blessing. I pray I was a good leader and helped teach your truths through everything this week! I am tired and weary….and ready to head towards the green grandeur of Oregon ………
What a fun day. It was great weather as we chilled on the beach. We played and relaxed. We ate hotdogs together watching the Sea of Cortez roll in and out. It was just about perfect. Once the wind got to be a little too much, we decided it was time to head into town.
It was fun. We bought all kinds of stuff that we did not need, and had fun as we enjoyed the new culture. Jude was especially good today. He is a good boy. He made sure that he bought gifts for his family and friends before getting himself anything. We had DSB bracelets (our theme for the week in our van) made for our crew, with reach one made on that person’s school colors! We were excited to surprise the gals with those!
We ate fish tacos and drank Pina Colodas in a tiny little restaurant. They were great. We also drank way too many Cokes…but there are just SO good in Mexico….REAL SUGAR!
That night we went back to camp for our last dinner and night together in the wonderful country of Mexico. It was special. Jude pulled me aside that night. It was a touching moment. I could tell he was sad and melancholy. He expressed sadness. “I don’t want to leave dad. I made so many new friends. I love everyone here”. I tear up even as I type this. He was SO upset. I will always love this about him the most. His is such a sensitive and sweet boy. I pray that God never takes that from him. May he never be hardened by our cruel world! I appeased him and he asked to sleep with me again. I cherish these moments, as I know that in a no time at all they will be gone. I too felt pretty melancholy.
That night we let the teens stay up and spend bonding time. Terry and I sat around the fire in the shadows and watched the kids interact. It is SO entertaining really. The flirting and dynamics taking place are so great to watch some 20 years removed from it all. We can easily see every nuance and piece of drama from our experienced adult perspectives. The smooth moves and acts they think are so subtle are so glaringly obvious. But it is beautiful to watch, and remember how it felt at 17. I am blessed with some GREAT teens! I love them all….only adding to the sad feelings.
The week went so fast………thank you again lord for this blessing. I pray I was a good leader and helped teach your truths through everything this week! I am tired and weary….and ready to head towards the green grandeur of Oregon ………
Mexico Mission 2010- Day 6 Wedensday March 24
If all goes well….today will be the day we finish the house! I cannot describe how great the week is going. Time is flying by. I REALLY REALLY miss m y girls, but I am not ready for this to be over. This year is affecting me differently. I feel emotionally attached to everything much more than usual.
Today went great. We cleaned the floors and get everything ready. We started putting up the trusses. It is amazing how cool this is. It really brings the final clear realization that this is a livable and comfortable space for some of God’s creation! They went up with only a few minor hitches. Once up…we can begin to fly. With so many teens on the crew, we adults mostly just watched as they whizzed away. The roof plywood went up efficiently as the 15 or so kids hammered away on the roof (OSHA safety guidelines followed of course ).
After lunch we got the roofing. It was green and black. It was shingling rather than the usual roll roofing. The rolls go on MUCH quicker so were a little bummed. But once we saw how wonderful it looked, we were glad! It was gorgeous! The rest of the day we cut out and nailed on the flashing and the gables. We also painted the exterior of the home. Next we painted and installed the trim around the doors and windows, and made a nice little walkway for the front door with the rock we had left over from mixing our won concrete.
By days end, the house was completely finished!!!! It was truly gorgeous! I cannot believe how good it looked. It is a proud moment……we did that in the name of Jesus Christ! WOW
That night we celebrated, played guitar and sang, worshipped, and enjoyed the day. The night was finished with Jude falling asleep in my tiny single bunk and snuggling the night away with me. It was fantastic.
DON’T STOP BELIEVING BABY!
Today went great. We cleaned the floors and get everything ready. We started putting up the trusses. It is amazing how cool this is. It really brings the final clear realization that this is a livable and comfortable space for some of God’s creation! They went up with only a few minor hitches. Once up…we can begin to fly. With so many teens on the crew, we adults mostly just watched as they whizzed away. The roof plywood went up efficiently as the 15 or so kids hammered away on the roof (OSHA safety guidelines followed of course ).
After lunch we got the roofing. It was green and black. It was shingling rather than the usual roll roofing. The rolls go on MUCH quicker so were a little bummed. But once we saw how wonderful it looked, we were glad! It was gorgeous! The rest of the day we cut out and nailed on the flashing and the gables. We also painted the exterior of the home. Next we painted and installed the trim around the doors and windows, and made a nice little walkway for the front door with the rock we had left over from mixing our won concrete.
By days end, the house was completely finished!!!! It was truly gorgeous! I cannot believe how good it looked. It is a proud moment……we did that in the name of Jesus Christ! WOW
That night we celebrated, played guitar and sang, worshipped, and enjoyed the day. The night was finished with Jude falling asleep in my tiny single bunk and snuggling the night away with me. It was fantastic.
DON’T STOP BELIEVING BABY!
Mexico Mission 2010- Day 5 Tuesday March 23
Day Two of building the house! It is always exciting on this day! From nothingness we watch as the walls grow and grow and in the blink of an eye, the controlled chaos begins to take form and we see that a house is being built, and God is building it through our hands! It is an exciting thing to be a part of!
Today was no different. This year was awesome. These walls were without a doubt the best I have ever been a part of. The team took extra effort to level each brick and keep them on the guide strings. I have NEVER seen walls so straight and flush. They were beautiful! I love this work. It is one area here where I feel like I TRULY have a grasp on it, and can do it pretty well. I had the pleasure of taking two “rookies” to be part of my wall crew and teaching them today. Jillian and Josh were their names. They were great students. They listened well, and took everything I told them seriously. Before too long I was very confident in their abilities, enough so that I was bale to leave them to finish several layers alone as I helped other teams build cornerstones and stretch the guide wires. It was awesome!
Around 12:30 my stomach reminded me that I was quite hungry and that we were late for lunch/. I found out why….the family we were building for were going to give away a HUGE gift to us! They had their entire church coming over to cook and serve us lunch, but were running late. So we kept n working! We even got to experience a rarity in San Felipe…a small rain storm! We pushed through and really made great progress. Around 2:00 lunch began and it was AMAZING! I seriously cannot describe how delicious it was. They set up tables with radishes, and limes. Then we went through the line………WOW. It began with a bowel of soup. It was a broth with what looked like Hot Dogs (Perros caliente ) and some strange mystery meat (last night we all were fed Stingray unknowingly in a soup …it was quite good). The main course was the big one! CARNE ASADA! My personal fave Mexican food…..only I have never had it like this before. The taste and general deliciousness was UNREAL! They were SO good! They stuffed each of us with 4 giant homemade tortillas filled with meat, and handmade salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole. After squeezing a lime on, it was literally the best carne I have ever tasted. It was awesome. And I was SO moved that they provided this for us, undoubtedly setting them back quite a bit financially. It was moving that their church, total strangers outside of the blood of Jesus, came to serve us. They refused to feed themselves or their families until each of us were full. Amazing!
It was hard to resist the urge for a siesta after such a feast, but we got back to work. It was a fun time as we watched the structure continue to take form. By the days end, we had all the widow and door frames set (despite having to start several of them over a few times due to some miscalculations), the anchor bolts set for the trusses, and the walls fully completed. We were making very good time and the place was truly beginning to look lovely.
The night was spent with a great lesson by Scott Kelley, and more fun around the campfire and basketball. The CO Crew taught us a GREAT game called Ninja! Somehow, I had never heard of it nor had my teens….EPIC FAIL as a youth minister! It was so addictive that I let us all stay up an hour late to play. And despite ripping off half a toe nail during game play…..it was fantastic! We hit the sack ready for another great day!
Today was no different. This year was awesome. These walls were without a doubt the best I have ever been a part of. The team took extra effort to level each brick and keep them on the guide strings. I have NEVER seen walls so straight and flush. They were beautiful! I love this work. It is one area here where I feel like I TRULY have a grasp on it, and can do it pretty well. I had the pleasure of taking two “rookies” to be part of my wall crew and teaching them today. Jillian and Josh were their names. They were great students. They listened well, and took everything I told them seriously. Before too long I was very confident in their abilities, enough so that I was bale to leave them to finish several layers alone as I helped other teams build cornerstones and stretch the guide wires. It was awesome!
Around 12:30 my stomach reminded me that I was quite hungry and that we were late for lunch/. I found out why….the family we were building for were going to give away a HUGE gift to us! They had their entire church coming over to cook and serve us lunch, but were running late. So we kept n working! We even got to experience a rarity in San Felipe…a small rain storm! We pushed through and really made great progress. Around 2:00 lunch began and it was AMAZING! I seriously cannot describe how delicious it was. They set up tables with radishes, and limes. Then we went through the line………WOW. It began with a bowel of soup. It was a broth with what looked like Hot Dogs (Perros caliente ) and some strange mystery meat (last night we all were fed Stingray unknowingly in a soup …it was quite good). The main course was the big one! CARNE ASADA! My personal fave Mexican food…..only I have never had it like this before. The taste and general deliciousness was UNREAL! They were SO good! They stuffed each of us with 4 giant homemade tortillas filled with meat, and handmade salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole. After squeezing a lime on, it was literally the best carne I have ever tasted. It was awesome. And I was SO moved that they provided this for us, undoubtedly setting them back quite a bit financially. It was moving that their church, total strangers outside of the blood of Jesus, came to serve us. They refused to feed themselves or their families until each of us were full. Amazing!
It was hard to resist the urge for a siesta after such a feast, but we got back to work. It was a fun time as we watched the structure continue to take form. By the days end, we had all the widow and door frames set (despite having to start several of them over a few times due to some miscalculations), the anchor bolts set for the trusses, and the walls fully completed. We were making very good time and the place was truly beginning to look lovely.
The night was spent with a great lesson by Scott Kelley, and more fun around the campfire and basketball. The CO Crew taught us a GREAT game called Ninja! Somehow, I had never heard of it nor had my teens….EPIC FAIL as a youth minister! It was so addictive that I let us all stay up an hour late to play. And despite ripping off half a toe nail during game play…..it was fantastic! We hit the sack ready for another great day!
Mexico Mission 2010 day 4- Monday March 22
Bright and early we were brutally awakened by the “singing” voice of our fearless leader Grant Newton singing “ARISE! ARISE!”. It was a little too early, but we all managed to roll out of bed and throw on some work clothes and crawl our way to the mess hall. After a nice meal and a short devotional thought challenging us to look for God in unexpected places this week, we were given our work assignments for the week. The girls and I were placed on “House 2” with Gabe and Bud Rennels in charge. The crew is really unfair as it is stacked with teen boys and adults all vets in Mexico house building. It should be a stellar week! Jude was assigned with the other kiddos to build trusses with Russ. I will be interested to see how he does this year!
We set off in a trailer, a Suburban and Special K to the site. It was a REALLY nice location away from the usual slums, across from the naval base and with no room limitations like usual. The site had even been dug out and leveled already! This alone should save us an hour or two!
We quickly got to work building the forms for the concrete floor and foundation. It went pretty quickly. We made QUICK time! The girls were quick to jump in and work, with Lyndee manning a heavy wheel barrel with Jed all day! We would have actually finished pouring the entire floor before lunch (an unheard of task) had we not been forced to wait for the elusive missing concrete bags we needed! So…..as is usually the case, we WAITED AND WAITED! Just before lunch Grant showed up…but with just 10 bags…some 25 short of what we needed!
We took of for lunch, with an unfinished floor. After lunch we were ready to get it rolling! But….STILL no bags. We literally waited for almost two hours. But when it showed up we went for it! Shoveling, heavy lifting, toweling etc…….by the end of the afternoon we had a beautifully finished foundation and floor with cornerstones anchored, ready for the walls to start going up tomorrow. We even started the first few rows of the walls. Despite waiting we were making better time than ever! Jude came back after lunch. He was in a rough mood, tired from the lack of sleep the last few days. He spent much of the afternoon whining and watching Harry Potter in Bud’s vehicle. He did get an exciting trip to the Policia Estacion though, when Uncle Bud failed to ALTO at a stop! He did a GREAT job working t0day according to Russ. He loved it, and was excited about it, but said it got too loud for him with all the saws and hammering.
We headed home after 5 and hit the showers. Dinner was delicious, the evening devotional was great and again much basketball, taking and innocent flirting occurred. It is a GREAT vibe this year. Everyone is happy and peaceful…….and God is good! Cannot wait to see what tomorrow has in store!
We set off in a trailer, a Suburban and Special K to the site. It was a REALLY nice location away from the usual slums, across from the naval base and with no room limitations like usual. The site had even been dug out and leveled already! This alone should save us an hour or two!
We quickly got to work building the forms for the concrete floor and foundation. It went pretty quickly. We made QUICK time! The girls were quick to jump in and work, with Lyndee manning a heavy wheel barrel with Jed all day! We would have actually finished pouring the entire floor before lunch (an unheard of task) had we not been forced to wait for the elusive missing concrete bags we needed! So…..as is usually the case, we WAITED AND WAITED! Just before lunch Grant showed up…but with just 10 bags…some 25 short of what we needed!
We took of for lunch, with an unfinished floor. After lunch we were ready to get it rolling! But….STILL no bags. We literally waited for almost two hours. But when it showed up we went for it! Shoveling, heavy lifting, toweling etc…….by the end of the afternoon we had a beautifully finished foundation and floor with cornerstones anchored, ready for the walls to start going up tomorrow. We even started the first few rows of the walls. Despite waiting we were making better time than ever! Jude came back after lunch. He was in a rough mood, tired from the lack of sleep the last few days. He spent much of the afternoon whining and watching Harry Potter in Bud’s vehicle. He did get an exciting trip to the Policia Estacion though, when Uncle Bud failed to ALTO at a stop! He did a GREAT job working t0day according to Russ. He loved it, and was excited about it, but said it got too loud for him with all the saws and hammering.
We headed home after 5 and hit the showers. Dinner was delicious, the evening devotional was great and again much basketball, taking and innocent flirting occurred. It is a GREAT vibe this year. Everyone is happy and peaceful…….and God is good! Cannot wait to see what tomorrow has in store!
Mexico Mission 2010 day 4- Monday March 22
Bright and early we were brutally awakened by the “singing” voice of our fearless leader Grant Newton singing “ARISE! ARISE!”. It was a little too early, but we all managed to roll out of bed and throw on some work clothes and crawl our way to the mess hall. After a nice meal and a short devotional thought challenging us to look for God in unexpected places this week, we were given our work assignments for the week. The girls and I were placed on “House 2” with Gabe and Bud Rennels in charge. The crew is really unfair as it is stacked with teen boys and adults all vets in Mexico house building. It should be a stellar week! Jude was assigned with the other kiddos to build trusses with Russ. I will be interested to see how he does this year!
We set off in a trailer, a Suburban and Special K to the site. It was a REALLY nice location away from the usual slums, across from the naval base and with no room limitations like usual. The site had even been dug out and leveled already! This alone should save us an hour or two!
We quickly got to work building the forms for the concrete floor and foundation. It went pretty quickly. We made QUICK time! The girls were quick to jump in and work, with Lyndee manning a heavy wheel barrel with Jed all day! We would have actually finished pouring the entire floor before lunch (an unheard of task) had we not been forced to wait for the elusive missing concrete bags we needed! So…..as is usually the case, we WAITED AND WAITED! Just before lunch Grant showed up…but with just 10 bags…some 25 short of what we needed!
We took of for lunch, with an unfinished floor. After lunch we were ready to get it rolling! But….STILL no bags. We literally waited for almost two hours. But when it showed up we went for it! Shoveling, heavy lifting, toweling etc…….by the end of the afternoon we had a beautifully finished foundation and floor with cornerstones anchored, ready for the walls to start going up tomorrow. We even started the first few rows of the walls. Despite waiting we were making better time than ever! Jude came back after lunch. He was in a rough mood, tired from the lack of sleep the last few days. He spent much of the afternoon whining and watching Harry Potter in Bud’s vehicle. He did get an exciting trip to the Policia Estacion though, when Uncle Bud failed to ALTO at a stop! He did a GREAT job working t0day according to Russ. He loved it, and was excited about it, but said it got too loud for him with all the saws and hammering.
We headed home after 5 and hit the showers. Dinner was delicious, the evening devotional was great and again much basketball, taking and innocent flirting occurred. It is a GREAT vibe this year. Everyone is happy and peaceful…….and God is good! Cannot wait to see what tomorrow has in store!
We set off in a trailer, a Suburban and Special K to the site. It was a REALLY nice location away from the usual slums, across from the naval base and with no room limitations like usual. The site had even been dug out and leveled already! This alone should save us an hour or two!
We quickly got to work building the forms for the concrete floor and foundation. It went pretty quickly. We made QUICK time! The girls were quick to jump in and work, with Lyndee manning a heavy wheel barrel with Jed all day! We would have actually finished pouring the entire floor before lunch (an unheard of task) had we not been forced to wait for the elusive missing concrete bags we needed! So…..as is usually the case, we WAITED AND WAITED! Just before lunch Grant showed up…but with just 10 bags…some 25 short of what we needed!
We took of for lunch, with an unfinished floor. After lunch we were ready to get it rolling! But….STILL no bags. We literally waited for almost two hours. But when it showed up we went for it! Shoveling, heavy lifting, toweling etc…….by the end of the afternoon we had a beautifully finished foundation and floor with cornerstones anchored, ready for the walls to start going up tomorrow. We even started the first few rows of the walls. Despite waiting we were making better time than ever! Jude came back after lunch. He was in a rough mood, tired from the lack of sleep the last few days. He spent much of the afternoon whining and watching Harry Potter in Bud’s vehicle. He did get an exciting trip to the Policia Estacion though, when Uncle Bud failed to ALTO at a stop! He did a GREAT job working t0day according to Russ. He loved it, and was excited about it, but said it got too loud for him with all the saws and hammering.
We headed home after 5 and hit the showers. Dinner was delicious, the evening devotional was great and again much basketball, taking and innocent flirting occurred. It is a GREAT vibe this year. Everyone is happy and peaceful…….and God is good! Cannot wait to see what tomorrow has in store!
Mexico Mission 2010 Day 3- Sunday, March 21
We woke up this morning around 7 for breakfast. The entire group of 77 is now here and we are all leaving at 8:00! We ate, had a short prayer and a few songs together and hit the road. We drove for about 1 ½ hrs through windmill alley and the Coachella valley, past the Salton Sea, to the bustling metropolis of El Centro California! There we had about 2 hrs to buy any last minute items while the group bought the last of our food needs at Costco. We ate lunch at Sonic and then headed to fix a new “problem” that had arisen. It seems that last night, my brilliant idea of loading up a foam cooler with ice and Gatorade fro the trip backfired. The cooler busted, dumping gallons of water into the carpet of the new van ! So……..we found a car wash with a super vac and sucked up the last of the excess water before rug rot set in!
After getting gas, it was time to roll out! Our huge convoy set out for the border at Calexico some 20 miles away. We got across rather quickly and hit the road to San Felipe. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things change by simply crossing some imaginary line. On one side is riches and opportunity. Just on the other side, we are quickly flooded with the realities of oppression and poverty. It takes your breath away, and I am sure our rookies were all a little surprised.
The next several hours were spent traveling through the hot desert of Baja California Mexico. I relented and let the gals listen to their music. Despite hurting, the country did not kill me! It almost got Jude though as he offered the quote of the year: “Dad this music is like a Dementor..it is sucking the soul out of me!”…..ahh I love that boy!
We finally pulled into camp only to be surprised that a huge and yucky junkyard had moved in literally RIGHT BEHIND camp and ruined what had been a nice view of the mountains before. We were quickly put to work as we unloaded the trailers and supplies, followed by finding our sleeping quarters and setting up our homes for the week!
That night we ate a nice dinner and worshipped together with song, the word of God, a reminder to be a mirror of God this week and communion. The rest of the night was spent with the kids all playing basketball knockout and the adults watching and struggling to stay awake. It was great to see the girls jump right in and make friends like they’d grown up together. It is going to be a great week.
After getting gas, it was time to roll out! Our huge convoy set out for the border at Calexico some 20 miles away. We got across rather quickly and hit the road to San Felipe. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly things change by simply crossing some imaginary line. On one side is riches and opportunity. Just on the other side, we are quickly flooded with the realities of oppression and poverty. It takes your breath away, and I am sure our rookies were all a little surprised.
The next several hours were spent traveling through the hot desert of Baja California Mexico. I relented and let the gals listen to their music. Despite hurting, the country did not kill me! It almost got Jude though as he offered the quote of the year: “Dad this music is like a Dementor..it is sucking the soul out of me!”…..ahh I love that boy!
We finally pulled into camp only to be surprised that a huge and yucky junkyard had moved in literally RIGHT BEHIND camp and ruined what had been a nice view of the mountains before. We were quickly put to work as we unloaded the trailers and supplies, followed by finding our sleeping quarters and setting up our homes for the week!
That night we ate a nice dinner and worshipped together with song, the word of God, a reminder to be a mirror of God this week and communion. The rest of the night was spent with the kids all playing basketball knockout and the adults watching and struggling to stay awake. It was great to see the girls jump right in and make friends like they’d grown up together. It is going to be a great week.
Mexico Mission 2010 Day 2- Saturday March 20
Today we slept in a little at our hotel just North of LA. We had a delightful; stale continental breakfast and got ready for the day. At the hotel it was PERFECT! By 9:00 the sun was blazing and it was clear and warm. So it seemed the day would be perfect for some play time! So, we headed to the world famous Santa Monica Pier. It was a blast. As we headed into town to find the parking lot, with Journey blaring on “Special K’s” stereo, the sun was still burning high in the Cali sky. We parked and headed to the beach. It was not too full, and perfect for the conquering!
We played a mean game of horribly sloppy and ruleless volleyball. It was about 12 on 12, and somehow incredibly fun. Many laughs were had and some sand was eaten! Without us really noticing a strange blend of fog and smog had rolled in and pretty soon you could barely see the mighty pacific, much less the buildings just across the street. The famous view of the Boardwalk disappeared. It was weird. So…it w3as foggy and cool the rest of the day .
We still managed to have some fun. We had a great lunch at some pizza dive outside the pier. Jude managed to wrangle the first of many frivolous purchases out of me, getting himself some knock off Kobe Bryant uniform. We decided against the Farris Wheel ride (a decision I already regret) and walked around awhile. We had some churros and Icees, and just had fun. As we were leaving a little Hispanic boy was lost and running around the huge crowd by himself. It was a little scary, and luckily Wyatt noticed him. I caught up to him and we managed to find his parents. It gave me the perfect opportunity to use the line “What, I’ve found a baby before”….so that pretty much sealed the day as perfect! Classic!
We left there early afternoon and headed to the hotel in Banning to meet the rest of the crew who’d been traveling all day. It was slow going as LA traffic seems to not know it was a weekend. But, we did get to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood sign much to Kenzie’s sheer delight! Eventually we got to the hotel and checked in. the rest of the night was spent making new acquaintances, playing, flirting and eating dinner at Chili’s. Tomorrow…..the REAL adventure begins!
We played a mean game of horribly sloppy and ruleless volleyball. It was about 12 on 12, and somehow incredibly fun. Many laughs were had and some sand was eaten! Without us really noticing a strange blend of fog and smog had rolled in and pretty soon you could barely see the mighty pacific, much less the buildings just across the street. The famous view of the Boardwalk disappeared. It was weird. So…it w3as foggy and cool the rest of the day .
We still managed to have some fun. We had a great lunch at some pizza dive outside the pier. Jude managed to wrangle the first of many frivolous purchases out of me, getting himself some knock off Kobe Bryant uniform. We decided against the Farris Wheel ride (a decision I already regret) and walked around awhile. We had some churros and Icees, and just had fun. As we were leaving a little Hispanic boy was lost and running around the huge crowd by himself. It was a little scary, and luckily Wyatt noticed him. I caught up to him and we managed to find his parents. It gave me the perfect opportunity to use the line “What, I’ve found a baby before”….so that pretty much sealed the day as perfect! Classic!
We left there early afternoon and headed to the hotel in Banning to meet the rest of the crew who’d been traveling all day. It was slow going as LA traffic seems to not know it was a weekend. But, we did get to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood sign much to Kenzie’s sheer delight! Eventually we got to the hotel and checked in. the rest of the night was spent making new acquaintances, playing, flirting and eating dinner at Chili’s. Tomorrow…..the REAL adventure begins!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Mexico Mission 2010 Day 1-Friday March 19
We took off today for our grand adventure. It will be a new experience, with a new crew, a new van and a new departure day. We chose to leave a day earlier than years past in order to relax a little more than normal, and to play a little as well.
We left the house around 9:00 but due to errands, and some backtracking for a forgotten DVD player, we didn’t hit the interstate until shortly after 10:00. The van this year was Kenzie, Lyndee and Emmalee (aka CO Girls), and the usuals: Jude, me, and Lora. We were not traveling in a pack this year, so we were free to take our time.
It was a great ride. We laughed and played. We played many many rounds of “Ipod Wars”….a shuffle game. Jude was the landslide winner. I heard much more country than I’ll ever need ☺. Most of my tunes fell on deaf ears, and Kenzie surprised us all with her vast library f death metal.
For lunch we hit In n Out….a MUST DO when in the golden state. SO GOOD………..
I am really enjoying this group. Been a pleasure to be with the girls. They are amazing girls. Lyndee is the sweet soul I’ve always known. Kenzie is a quiet and loving person…looking forward to knowing her better. Emmalee is a so fun and easy to get along with…looking forward to getting to know her too. Laura has hit it off well with them, like I knew she would and Jude is just great kid.
We made it to the hotel just after 9:30 pm. We met up with friends, stretched and hit the sack for a big day. Tomorrow we will play as we prepare ourselves for a big day of traveling and beginning our efforts for the Lord!
We left the house around 9:00 but due to errands, and some backtracking for a forgotten DVD player, we didn’t hit the interstate until shortly after 10:00. The van this year was Kenzie, Lyndee and Emmalee (aka CO Girls), and the usuals: Jude, me, and Lora. We were not traveling in a pack this year, so we were free to take our time.
It was a great ride. We laughed and played. We played many many rounds of “Ipod Wars”….a shuffle game. Jude was the landslide winner. I heard much more country than I’ll ever need ☺. Most of my tunes fell on deaf ears, and Kenzie surprised us all with her vast library f death metal.
For lunch we hit In n Out….a MUST DO when in the golden state. SO GOOD………..
I am really enjoying this group. Been a pleasure to be with the girls. They are amazing girls. Lyndee is the sweet soul I’ve always known. Kenzie is a quiet and loving person…looking forward to knowing her better. Emmalee is a so fun and easy to get along with…looking forward to getting to know her too. Laura has hit it off well with them, like I knew she would and Jude is just great kid.
We made it to the hotel just after 9:30 pm. We met up with friends, stretched and hit the sack for a big day. Tomorrow we will play as we prepare ourselves for a big day of traveling and beginning our efforts for the Lord!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ipod Shuffle
Been a CRAZY day! I am at my peak for anymore emotion. Here are the tunes that have been keeping me company:
Cannon Ball- Damien Rice
Aces & Twos- the Devil makes Three
Steady As We Go- Dave Matthews Band
Methamphetamine- Son Volt
Bullet the Blue Sky-U2
The Dearly Departed- Dr. Dog
Saved- Warren Barfield
To Make You Feel My Love- Bob Dylan
Chemistry Class- Elvis Costello & the Attractions
Honky's Ladder- Afghan Whigs
Walk on the Ocean- Toad the Wet Sprocket
Friends, Lovers or Nothing- John Mayer
Sowing the Seeds of Love- Tears for Fears
Rock n Roll High School- The Ramones
Why Bother- Weezer
Fifteen- Foy Vance
Tell Her This- Del Amitri
Dawn cant Decide- The Lemonheads
Miss World- Hole
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Coastal Camera Work
While the trip was a little more stressed than need be, we still managed to have a great time and make memories. here are a few of the fave pics for the weekend:
Friday, March 5, 2010
This Perfect Moment
The day was spent packing, finishing projects in the office and tying up loose ends. The 3 hr drive came after school ended, complete with crying babies and whiny kids. The van did it's job. Exhaustion seemed inevitable. But now......let me tell you about his moment:
I’m sitting on a porch under a dimly moonlit sky, Pinot in hand, listening to the tide roll in on the great Pacific Ocean……the children are tucked in after a night of dinner and laughs. It is quiet. The air is crisp, cold and electric. Life is good. I LOVE living in Oregon.
Now you want the REAL version? We spent the ENTIRE night (literally, all night) awake worried about our youngest daughter who has suddenly developed a thick nasty cough, complete with mucus that disables her ability to breathe. So back and forth we went...is she ok? Pneumonia? Croop? Should we find a hospital?
What I forgot to mention was the fact that her big brother decided it was the night he'd get the stomach bug his sisters previously had. So he and I spent the evening covered in youth puke.....oh so delightful! :) Oh...did I tell you the van brokedown when we got here too? :)
Ahhhhhhhhh...the American vacation weekend. There is simply nothing else to say
I’m sitting on a porch under a dimly moonlit sky, Pinot in hand, listening to the tide roll in on the great Pacific Ocean……the children are tucked in after a night of dinner and laughs. It is quiet. The air is crisp, cold and electric. Life is good. I LOVE living in Oregon.
Now you want the REAL version? We spent the ENTIRE night (literally, all night) awake worried about our youngest daughter who has suddenly developed a thick nasty cough, complete with mucus that disables her ability to breathe. So back and forth we went...is she ok? Pneumonia? Croop? Should we find a hospital?
What I forgot to mention was the fact that her big brother decided it was the night he'd get the stomach bug his sisters previously had. So he and I spent the evening covered in youth puke.....oh so delightful! :) Oh...did I tell you the van brokedown when we got here too? :)
Ahhhhhhhhh...the American vacation weekend. There is simply nothing else to say
Road Trip Tunes
The fam is headed to the Oregon coast for the weekend. Everyone grabbed a CD or two for the road. here is how the selection panned out:
Glee Sountrack: Vol 1 & 2
Beatles- Rubber Soul
Jars of Clay- Long Fall Back to Earth
Switchfoot- Hello Hurricane
Adel- 19
Glee Sountrack: Vol 1 & 2
Beatles- Rubber Soul
Jars of Clay- Long Fall Back to Earth
Switchfoot- Hello Hurricane
Adel- 19
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Karate Kid
Today my daughter Merrick got to take a field trip to a karate Studio. I REALLY wish I could have seen it. She told us all about the exercises they learned, the games, and the yells they got to do. She even broke a board with a massive side-kick! So, I thought I'd share a pic of the world's loveliest "daniel son"
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