Day Four

Matthew 25:37-40

"Then the righteous will answer him ,'Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?  When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?'

"The king will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least if these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

Today we completed Juan and Lourdes' home. We enjoyed a excellent meal prepared by Lourdes and her family. After  lunch we held the dedication and the famy was presented with the keys and a bible. It was a joyous occasion. We also presented the family with the blankets made by the church school children, a prayer shawl and some furniture for their new home. All this was done with the help and support of the parishioners of St. Peter's, this could not have been accomplished without you. 

Day Three

The readings for today reflected the day perfectly especially the readings from Joshua. The schedule for the day was to stucco the outside of the house and to apply sheetrock to the interior. The group was divided in two and everyone set about their tasks. By lunch the exterior was stuccoed and the sheetrock was well on its way to getting finished. As we approached the end if the day I spoke with Dan Klooster about getting a gift for the family. (It has been our tradition in the 

past to get the family a household item like a bed or stove or refrigerator as a housewarming gift.) He said that he would take us to the store but then he asked how we planned on paying for the items. We had always put the gift on the credit card it was then that Dan informed us that the store no longer accepted American credit cards. I didn't know what to do, but thanks be to God. We were able to collect enough cash to buy the gift for the family. God was truly working through our group.  As stated in Joshua chapter 1 verse 9 " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Tomorrow we finish the sheetrock and electrical work then we have the dedication.

Day Two

After assembling the shell of the house yesterday, today was spent putting on the roof, working on the inside, and of course cutting and applying the stucco netting aka chicken wire. The wind died down and after a cool start (39 degrees!!) the weather warmed up. By the end of the day the house was fully insulated with the electrical outlets roughed in. 

Shea putting up the insulation in the ceiling

The family is growing some fruit trees 

Applying the chicken wire

Cutting the chicken wire

Natalie and Warner working with the crew on the roof 

Day One

U

Romans 13:8 Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 

Today we started our 7th house in Cilonia Anapra, Mexico. It always amazes me how  we start with just a slab and a pile of wood and after a few hours we a standing structure.  This year we have 5 soon to be 6 new members on the team.  

Here are the pictures from the first day 

Last day

I'm finding it difficult to put into words the emotions felt today. We started the day finishing up the drywall and electrical work inside the house. Outside we applied the stucco, always a challenging task. Usually more stucco ends up on the ground than on the walls. Around 1:00 Father Zuniga arrived for the dedication. Both the family and the team members expressed how this build has impacted their lives, not just the physical act of building or receiving a house but making new friends and as one team member said meeting a part of their family. After the dedication, the family provided us with a wonderful lunch. Hugs and kisses were exchanged as we said goodbye.
Later we celebrated the completion of the house with a barbecue. The Mexican crew was there and much to our surprise the family came with their neighbors. I can't describe the joy we felt having another opportunity to spend time with the family. As Rev. Dan Klooster put it after seeing the joy, imagine what heaven is like sometimes we get a small glimpse of it on earth. Enjoy the pictures. We return to the US tomorrow after a quick visit to drop off school supplies in Anapra.

Day Three

Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart;
Test me and know my anxious thought.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.

After yesterday's rain and frustrations, we were anxious to start the day. Windy weather and a sand storm were in the forecast. God knew our hearts and provided a beautiful day. The wind started just as we finished for the day. Back at the compound we watched as the wind increased and blocked our view of the mountains and El Paso.
Today we finished sheet rocking the interior of the house. Outside the J Chanel and corner beading was attached. Tomorrow we stucco the exterior and install the fans then the big moment-the dedication. Check out the pictures below of the days events.

Day two

Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of The Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Today was a challenge for most of us here We started the day cutting and hanging chicken wire. The challenges began mid morning when it started to sprinkle. The sprinkle soon to rain then to a downpour AKA a gully wash. After finishing the chicken wire. Those of us working outside tried to move inside. Needless to say 17 people plus the Mexican crew inside a 450 sq foot area is challenging However we made it through the day. At the end of the day we were able to see that despite the days challenge, God had sent us to do his work.