It´s 8pm on Friday evening and we are wrapping things up. The storage areas/benches are completed and look fabulous! We built them, painted them, and then placed some colorful cushions on them. (Hopefully, photos will follow later!) We built about 17 or so bookshelves and one very large entertainment center. The extra storage space was needed and greatly appreciated by the kids. The girls started placing their items on them as soon as we left the room. The curtains were completed today with the final curtains hung, tie-backs inserted, and the couplers glued down. These curtains really brightened up the area and provided a more homey appearance.
Unfortunately the zip line did not get completed for a number of reasons, but we hope to try it again next year.
We´re about to pass out the Northwood t-shirts and some stuffed animals before we leave. The kids wear their Northwood t-shirts a lot and the stuffed animals they´ve received before are all over their room. They are put in good use!
God has been faithful in so many ways and for that we are grateful. The weather has been extremely favorable, we only had one team member become ill, no one was injured in the work, and our projects were completed on time and under budget (sans the zip line). We look forward to coming back again and serving Alto Refugio again.
Right now we look forward to eating and heading home tomorrow to reunite with our families.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Thursday, August 06, 2009
Mexico Construction Trip
Dennis
We had a safe trip down to Puebla. There were a few delays, but no big deal. The team is working great together. Everyone really has a servants heart and is willing to do whatever is necessary. Currently we are 95% through of the new seating area/storage space, 65% through with the new curtains, and 80% through with the zip line. We feel good about getting the rest of those accomplished today and tomorrow. Yesterday, we received the wood for the 16 bookshelves we will be building and are starting on those this morning.
Here are some highlights.
One of the boys when we arrived had not been obeying the rules and was asked to leave the house. He had been outside the orphanage for 5 days.He was sleeping outside in the bus or wherever he could find a place to rest and was eating very little. When we found out about this, we all laid hands on him and prayed for him first thing Tuesday morning. We found out Wednesday morning that he apologized to Purdy, he's doing his chores again, and is allowed back in the orphanage. Praise God!!!
The opportunity to cook and serve the children last night was a huge blessing to our team. Robin and Kim lead the charge with some delicious pizza burgers (the kids don´t often get to eat beef) and french fries. They loved them. We heard a couple of the boys ate in excess of 5 burgers. In fact, this morning when we arrived we saw about 4-5 kids eating those same burgers. We ended the night with ice cream and that was also a big hit. We got back to the hotel about 10:30pm.
Puebla, Cholula, and Mexico in general is a wonderful place. We've seen all types of things and experienced all types of things. Tracy, our fearless leader, was pulled over by the policia and after a quick review of drivers license and passport was set free to go. Cholula has to have more speed bumps per capita than any place in the world!!! We don´t always take the most direct route from place to place, but we´ve realized the "joy is in the journey"
We thoroughly enjoyed going to Tom and Sandy´s fellowship on Sunday. Fortunately while the entire time was in Spanish, Oscellia translated for us. I was reminded how big Father is while in that service.
Again, the weather has been great (heavy rain yesterday afternoon), the food has been awesome (especially the pizza and calzone Tuesday night) and we have thoroughly enjoyed our trip. We appreciate those who are praying for us and the kids at Alto Refugio!
We had a safe trip down to Puebla. There were a few delays, but no big deal. The team is working great together. Everyone really has a servants heart and is willing to do whatever is necessary. Currently we are 95% through of the new seating area/storage space, 65% through with the new curtains, and 80% through with the zip line. We feel good about getting the rest of those accomplished today and tomorrow. Yesterday, we received the wood for the 16 bookshelves we will be building and are starting on those this morning.
Here are some highlights.
One of the boys when we arrived had not been obeying the rules and was asked to leave the house. He had been outside the orphanage for 5 days.He was sleeping outside in the bus or wherever he could find a place to rest and was eating very little. When we found out about this, we all laid hands on him and prayed for him first thing Tuesday morning. We found out Wednesday morning that he apologized to Purdy, he's doing his chores again, and is allowed back in the orphanage. Praise God!!!
The opportunity to cook and serve the children last night was a huge blessing to our team. Robin and Kim lead the charge with some delicious pizza burgers (the kids don´t often get to eat beef) and french fries. They loved them. We heard a couple of the boys ate in excess of 5 burgers. In fact, this morning when we arrived we saw about 4-5 kids eating those same burgers. We ended the night with ice cream and that was also a big hit. We got back to the hotel about 10:30pm.
Puebla, Cholula, and Mexico in general is a wonderful place. We've seen all types of things and experienced all types of things. Tracy, our fearless leader, was pulled over by the policia and after a quick review of drivers license and passport was set free to go. Cholula has to have more speed bumps per capita than any place in the world!!! We don´t always take the most direct route from place to place, but we´ve realized the "joy is in the journey"
We thoroughly enjoyed going to Tom and Sandy´s fellowship on Sunday. Fortunately while the entire time was in Spanish, Oscellia translated for us. I was reminded how big Father is while in that service.
Again, the weather has been great (heavy rain yesterday afternoon), the food has been awesome (especially the pizza and calzone Tuesday night) and we have thoroughly enjoyed our trip. We appreciate those who are praying for us and the kids at Alto Refugio!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Back in Hanoi
The group is back in Hanoi. They have a mostly free day, and then head to the airport for a departure of noon our time Friday. Be sure to check with American Airlines for arrival information. They will have to clear Customs, so it will take them a little longer to hit the meet and greet area.
Monday, July 20, 2009
From Bac Ha
Kathleen H.
After a Health & Hygiene training class, I had a Vietnamese lady come up to me and tell me through an interpreter that "the world is round and I will see you again"...meaning that she had seen me in 2007 and now she saw me in 2009 and she believes that she will continue to see me again". This was very impactful to me to show me that, by following Fathers desire for me to teach health/hygiene in Vietnam, I am having people see me (some new, some several times), and I am building those relationships that hopefully will have some come to know Father as I do.
Niki R.
While on our trip and in Sapa, I had what can only be described as a "Divine Appointment". I was in the market and had a H'Mong lady come up to me and in English say "I know you...you were here about 10 years ago and I met you then". I spoke with Mo and learned that she had met me on one of my first trips to Sapa many years earlier. It amazed me that she would remember me after so long. This really lifted me up and reminded me that Kingdom work is really about relationships.
Andy W.
As the trip leader (and a "get-r-dun" type of guy), I have found myself becoming frustrated at times on this trip. However, through the Word, and Fathers love, I was reading in my quiet time that I am to "rest and trust" in Him. As I turned to my daily reading, I was given this same message. And then, as I began to be still and and listen, I again heard the same from Him. As I stopped and let the Spirit speak, I was reminded that "rest" does not mean not working, but to give it all to Him and find rest, trusting that He knows far more what I need than I, and will supply it!!!
After a Health & Hygiene training class, I had a Vietnamese lady come up to me and tell me through an interpreter that "the world is round and I will see you again"...meaning that she had seen me in 2007 and now she saw me in 2009 and she believes that she will continue to see me again". This was very impactful to me to show me that, by following Fathers desire for me to teach health/hygiene in Vietnam, I am having people see me (some new, some several times), and I am building those relationships that hopefully will have some come to know Father as I do.
Niki R.
While on our trip and in Sapa, I had what can only be described as a "Divine Appointment". I was in the market and had a H'Mong lady come up to me and in English say "I know you...you were here about 10 years ago and I met you then". I spoke with Mo and learned that she had met me on one of my first trips to Sapa many years earlier. It amazed me that she would remember me after so long. This really lifted me up and reminded me that Kingdom work is really about relationships.
Andy W.
As the trip leader (and a "get-r-dun" type of guy), I have found myself becoming frustrated at times on this trip. However, through the Word, and Fathers love, I was reading in my quiet time that I am to "rest and trust" in Him. As I turned to my daily reading, I was given this same message. And then, as I began to be still and and listen, I again heard the same from Him. As I stopped and let the Spirit speak, I was reminded that "rest" does not mean not working, but to give it all to Him and find rest, trusting that He knows far more what I need than I, and will supply it!!!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Mexico - GRINGOS ON PARADE
Day 7 (Friday, July 16th)
Because we are such a large group (35) of Americans, we have to take a bus around town. Whenever we get dropped off somewhere, the tourism factor is very obvious. We like to call it the "Gringo Parade." We have to walk single file down the narrow sidewalks. We don't dare step off the curb, as the traffic signs here are merely polite suggestions. There are many looks, a few whistles, and some honking of horns. You get used to it after awhile.
This morning, we visited the boys' home at Casa Juconi. They have an amazing program for working with street children and reintegrating them back into society. If you're interested check out there website here: http://www.juconi.org.mx/english/index.htm
The boys were happy to see us one last time, as were we. Of course, we had to have one last game of soccer out on their sports court before we left. The boys were wearing their camp t-shirts, and they wanted for all of us to sign. When we visited some of their rooms, we saw t-shirts from the camps of past years being used as pillow cases, and photos of us and them. There is much hope for them in this house, considering that many have come from a fairly hopeless situation.
After leaving Casa Juconi, we went downtown for lunch and shopping. Jonny was insistent for McDonald's, but Susan's team and my team opted for more local fare. We had delicious sandwiches and smoothies. My personal favorite is the avocado, tomato, and chicken sandwich. Actually, add avocado to just about anything, and I'll eat it.
We returned to the hotel this afternoon. Some are resting, and some are shopping just off the main square here in Cholula. We just had a brief shower, but the clouds are passing now.
Tonight our friends, Tom and Sandy Basile, are graciously hosting us at their home for dinner. Following dinner, we will have a share time, and a special communion service together. I forgot to mention that Omar, Gordon, and Rick arrived on Wednesday for some meetings about the future of the Mexico ministry. Omar is handing the ministry off to Rick's very capable leadership. Omar will be leading us in our communion service tonight.
We'll be leaving the hotel around 9:00 am tomorrow in order to make our 2:00 pm departure in Mexico City. Our flight returns to DFW around 5:00 pm, and we can't wait to see everyone at church Sunday. The team will all be wearing their camp t-shirts to celebrate the great things God has done here in Puebla this week.
Because we are such a large group (35) of Americans, we have to take a bus around town. Whenever we get dropped off somewhere, the tourism factor is very obvious. We like to call it the "Gringo Parade." We have to walk single file down the narrow sidewalks. We don't dare step off the curb, as the traffic signs here are merely polite suggestions. There are many looks, a few whistles, and some honking of horns. You get used to it after awhile.
This morning, we visited the boys' home at Casa Juconi. They have an amazing program for working with street children and reintegrating them back into society. If you're interested check out there website here: http://www.juconi.org.mx/english/index.htm
The boys were happy to see us one last time, as were we. Of course, we had to have one last game of soccer out on their sports court before we left. The boys were wearing their camp t-shirts, and they wanted for all of us to sign. When we visited some of their rooms, we saw t-shirts from the camps of past years being used as pillow cases, and photos of us and them. There is much hope for them in this house, considering that many have come from a fairly hopeless situation.
After leaving Casa Juconi, we went downtown for lunch and shopping. Jonny was insistent for McDonald's, but Susan's team and my team opted for more local fare. We had delicious sandwiches and smoothies. My personal favorite is the avocado, tomato, and chicken sandwich. Actually, add avocado to just about anything, and I'll eat it.
We returned to the hotel this afternoon. Some are resting, and some are shopping just off the main square here in Cholula. We just had a brief shower, but the clouds are passing now.
Tonight our friends, Tom and Sandy Basile, are graciously hosting us at their home for dinner. Following dinner, we will have a share time, and a special communion service together. I forgot to mention that Omar, Gordon, and Rick arrived on Wednesday for some meetings about the future of the Mexico ministry. Omar is handing the ministry off to Rick's very capable leadership. Omar will be leading us in our communion service tonight.
We'll be leaving the hotel around 9:00 am tomorrow in order to make our 2:00 pm departure in Mexico City. Our flight returns to DFW around 5:00 pm, and we can't wait to see everyone at church Sunday. The team will all be wearing their camp t-shirts to celebrate the great things God has done here in Puebla this week.
Vietnam-Sapa
The group made the train and van ride to Sapa. It is rainy, which makes things fairly muddy. Since they did not receive approval to complete any projects in Sapa, they hung out and continued relationships. The were able to make it to Tavan and Taphin and spend quality time with friends there. They will cut the Sapa portion a day short and move on to Bac Ha to begin their projects a day early. Things are going well. Walking through open doors.
Mexico Days 5 & 6
Day 5 (Wednesday, July 15th) GOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The theme of camp this year is FILL IT UP. We are all empty without Father. Today we focused on forgiveness - the forgiveness we receive from Him, and the forgiveness we need to extend to others. This is a very crucial point because many of the orphans come from homes where there has varying degrees of all different kinds of abuse. Also, some of the boys who have been living on the street have done things that fill them with shame. Our prayer is that they choose to receive Christ's forgiveness and give it to others.
We had many games and much swimming today, and we ended the afternoon with a soccer tournament. The color teams all took on each other, with equipo verde (the green team) and equipo azul (the blue team) making it to the final. Unfortunately, it ended in a tie, but Emily did score the goal at the end for the green team to even up the score.
Our nightly fellowship broke out into Spanish and English speakers singing in each other's languages. It was a beautiful thing to hear. We switched the iPod over to dance music, and everyone had a great time dancing the night away. It was a late, late night, but a wonderful night.
Day 6 (Thursday, July 16th) TEARFUL GOOD-BYES
Today was the day we all knew was coming, but we were sad to see it arrive. We knew we had to say goodbye to the kids this afternoon, and a spirit of melancholy pervaded the camp all day.
The big morning activity was the all-camp obstacle relay race. We pulled it off, with a little confusion, but each team ended up making it to all nine stations. We had our last free time of swimming and waterslides, and some were busy making necklaces and bracelets for each other as going-away presents.
We celebrated our fifth anniversary of camp after lunch with two beautiful cakes of chocolate and tres leches. Tres leches is a very rich white cake with fruit and white frosting. The chocolate cake was dark chocolate and walnuts.
Popo (the volcano) sent us off from camp with a large plume of smoke and ash that was very beautiful to see. There were many tears of goodbye, and many promises of "see you next year."
With sleeping in tents for three nights and going from sun-up to long after sundown, the team was exhausted tonight. We stopped by a great Italian restaurant on the way back to the hotel in Cholula for pizza, pasta, and, yes, even salad! Lori, Christi, Jamaka, and Shelley were especially excited to order salad.
Tomorrow is the tourism and shopping day. First thing in the morning, however, we will visit the home for boys (Casa Juconi) where street kids are rescued, and, if possible, reuinited with their families.
The theme of camp this year is FILL IT UP. We are all empty without Father. Today we focused on forgiveness - the forgiveness we receive from Him, and the forgiveness we need to extend to others. This is a very crucial point because many of the orphans come from homes where there has varying degrees of all different kinds of abuse. Also, some of the boys who have been living on the street have done things that fill them with shame. Our prayer is that they choose to receive Christ's forgiveness and give it to others.
We had many games and much swimming today, and we ended the afternoon with a soccer tournament. The color teams all took on each other, with equipo verde (the green team) and equipo azul (the blue team) making it to the final. Unfortunately, it ended in a tie, but Emily did score the goal at the end for the green team to even up the score.
Our nightly fellowship broke out into Spanish and English speakers singing in each other's languages. It was a beautiful thing to hear. We switched the iPod over to dance music, and everyone had a great time dancing the night away. It was a late, late night, but a wonderful night.
Day 6 (Thursday, July 16th) TEARFUL GOOD-BYES
Today was the day we all knew was coming, but we were sad to see it arrive. We knew we had to say goodbye to the kids this afternoon, and a spirit of melancholy pervaded the camp all day.
The big morning activity was the all-camp obstacle relay race. We pulled it off, with a little confusion, but each team ended up making it to all nine stations. We had our last free time of swimming and waterslides, and some were busy making necklaces and bracelets for each other as going-away presents.
We celebrated our fifth anniversary of camp after lunch with two beautiful cakes of chocolate and tres leches. Tres leches is a very rich white cake with fruit and white frosting. The chocolate cake was dark chocolate and walnuts.
Popo (the volcano) sent us off from camp with a large plume of smoke and ash that was very beautiful to see. There were many tears of goodbye, and many promises of "see you next year."
With sleeping in tents for three nights and going from sun-up to long after sundown, the team was exhausted tonight. We stopped by a great Italian restaurant on the way back to the hotel in Cholula for pizza, pasta, and, yes, even salad! Lori, Christi, Jamaka, and Shelley were especially excited to order salad.
Tomorrow is the tourism and shopping day. First thing in the morning, however, we will visit the home for boys (Casa Juconi) where street kids are rescued, and, if possible, reuinited with their families.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Vietnam-Water Trip
Everyone and their bags arrived in Hanoi as scheduled. Already on train to Lao Cai. Should be arriving in an hour or two, then van ride to Sapa. Will post as I hear something.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Fun, Games, and Swimming
Everyone enjoyed movie night last night. We ended up watching "Kung Fu Panda," but we didn't get the movie started until after 9:00 pm. The little children were especially tired, but they brightened up after we got out the snacks and candy. All campers bedded down for their first night of sleeping in a tent, and most were fast asleep. Some awakened in the night to a rain shower - fortunately most of the tents held, and we had little, if any, flooding.
It was rather cool this morning, but quite clear, and we had an amazing view of the volcano with its plume smoking out the top. "Popo," as the locals call it, is over 17,000 feet, and ringed by snow at the top. The air is fresh and clean, and, because of the recent rains, everything is very green.
We had our three game rotations this morning in our color teams: azul (blue), rojo (red), amarillo (yellow), morado (purple), naranja (orange), and verde (green). Everyone enjoyed the friendly competition. Afterwards, many were quick to jump in the still-quite-cold pool and enjoy the waterslides. Soccer and card games were also breaking out.
Those who brought snacks were very happy because lunch is not served until after 2:00 pm everyday. Fortunately, we have a morning and afternoon snack of fruit and anything else they can cover with hot sauce. We had an incredible all-camp soccer game with an enormous soccer ball. We divided everyone into two teams, along with cheerleaders, and had a great time. We are going to attempt s'mores again tonight after dinner since we did not get to it last night.
So many are renewing friendships and the new Northwood team members are building new ones. The team and the children are bonding beautifully, and it's wonderful to watch an expression of Father's love for the world as we love one another. Like always, there is no conflict or division on the team, but we are serving and caring for each other. Please continue to pray for good weather, good health, and safety for the team. Thank you!
It was rather cool this morning, but quite clear, and we had an amazing view of the volcano with its plume smoking out the top. "Popo," as the locals call it, is over 17,000 feet, and ringed by snow at the top. The air is fresh and clean, and, because of the recent rains, everything is very green.
We had our three game rotations this morning in our color teams: azul (blue), rojo (red), amarillo (yellow), morado (purple), naranja (orange), and verde (green). Everyone enjoyed the friendly competition. Afterwards, many were quick to jump in the still-quite-cold pool and enjoy the waterslides. Soccer and card games were also breaking out.
Those who brought snacks were very happy because lunch is not served until after 2:00 pm everyday. Fortunately, we have a morning and afternoon snack of fruit and anything else they can cover with hot sauce. We had an incredible all-camp soccer game with an enormous soccer ball. We divided everyone into two teams, along with cheerleaders, and had a great time. We are going to attempt s'mores again tonight after dinner since we did not get to it last night.
So many are renewing friendships and the new Northwood team members are building new ones. The team and the children are bonding beautifully, and it's wonderful to watch an expression of Father's love for the world as we love one another. Like always, there is no conflict or division on the team, but we are serving and caring for each other. Please continue to pray for good weather, good health, and safety for the team. Thank you!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Mexico Trip- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Day 1 (Saturday, July 11th)
Everyone met early at the airport, and we made it through security with Tracy and Clay pulling up the rear. Our flight was delayed about 45 minutes, so we didn't end up taking off until about 10:15 or so. We arrived in Mexico City around 12:30 and lunched on Subway and McDonald's in the airport. Everyone got to experience changing dollars into pesos, which made them feel rich because you get about 13 pesos for every dollar.
Our bus ride was uneventful except for Shelley gasping in horror and closing her eyes every time we "almost" hit another car, truck, bus, or person coming out of Mexico City. We were glad to escape the smog of Mexico city as we went over the pass in the mountains. It is so cool here. The highs are in the 60s or 70s and the lows are in the 40s. Many are throwing on long pants and sweatshirts at night. Sara is freezing, as always.
With a late arrival at our hotel in Cholula, we finally sat down to dinner around 8:30. Most everyone was starving and tired. Jonny ordered chalupas, which turned out to be five small corn tortillas with hot sauce. He was quite disappointed, and hungry. Most everyone had to run to the OXXO (Mexican 7-11) to have a late night snack. We met for worship with HollyAnn on guitar and devotions out of Colossians 3 led by Scott. We finally got back to our rooms around midnight.
Day 2 (Sunday, July 12th)
We had a delicious buffet breakfast with eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, cereal, and all the fixings. We stuffed ourselves and headed off to spend time with like minded people to spend time with Father. Tom spoke in Spanis. Fortunately, for our non-Spanish speakers, we had headset-translation courtesy of Azalia. It was a 2-hour event, beginning at 11:00. We did not leave for lunch until after 1:00, so our team was starving, especially Chase, Michael, Cory, and Troy.
We had a wonderful lunch downtown, just off the square at Tacos Tony. Pulled pork tacos, quesadillas, fresh limes, and drinks. We consumed about 6 kilos of meat. I think that's over 13 pounds, but I'm not up-to-speed on my metric conversion. The main square of downtown Puebla resembles a plaza in Spain. It looks very European. We prayer-walked through the plaza where bands and clowns were performing. Of course, we could not resist walking through the artisan's market for a preview of our shopping day on Friday. Some took advantage of the preview and made a few purchases of backpacks, bracelets, and assorted knick-knacks.
It was then time to go visit the children at Alto Refugio. The kids were standing outside the dorm waiting for us as the bus pulled in. Since many of our youth and adults are returning from previous years, the children went running into their arms. They were inseparable for the next hour. Of course, after a tour of the dorms, we commenced our annual futbol (soccer) game. This year, it was the men vs. the women, with the men overpowering the women, 7-1. Karina put in a nice goal for the girls, and Cory, Chase, and a host of others put in goals for the guys. HollyAnn proved herself more than worthy at goalie, stopping the men on their many chances. It was then a sad time for good-byes because many of the kids are now old enough to work and go to summer school, and they cannot come to camp this week.
After the orphanage, we made a trip to Wal-Mart for camp supplies, and everyone took the chance to buy some pillows, gifts, snacks, and goodies. We returned to the hotel for another late dinner of steak, chicken, and tacos arond 8:30. Aubrey and HollyAnn taught us "I am a Friend of God" in Spanish ("Yo Soy Amigo de Dios"), and Sara led a short meeting on 1 Corth 13. Tom Basile gave us an overview of his work and Northwood's work in Puebla, and he then reviewed some cultural faux pas to avoid. Off to bed at around 11:00 - another late night.
Day 3 (Monday, July 13th)
Justin convinced some to do an early run up to the cathedral on the hill at 6:15 am. When we all (about 8 of us) arrived in the lobby, he was nowhere to found! We had to go wake him up, and he returned the favor by beating us up the hill. We had a good time with Father and watched the sunrise.
After another delicious breakfast, we loaded up to bus with all our gear and all the camp supplies, and left Puebla around 10:00. It was a beautifully clear morning, so we stopped on the way to take a group picture in front of the volcano on the way to camp. We arrived at camp around 11:00, unpacked the bus, and proceeded to put up tents. We have about 16 tents set up at camp. The waterslides and the pools are quite cold, but many could not resist jumping in. After all, we were so hot after putting up all the tents!
The children from both orphanages arrived around 2:00. There were many smiles and hugs, for many of us have not seen our friends in a year! We handed out nametags and divided into color teams, each team having to create its own cheer. We had a short lesson focusing on our camp verse: Jhn 10 10. We want the kids to know that they can have a complete and full life, and the hardships of the past can disappear with the tremendous future he has for them.
Everyone is now swimming again with all the floats and rafts, having a great time. We'll probably eat around 7:30. After dinner is s'mores and a movie, "WALL-E." Even the locals were surprised to find out that the camp now has wireless Internet, so I am writing to you from Azalia's computer. Brittney just strolled by and said, "Why didn't I bring MY computer?"
Three more days of camp and then back to Puebla. We are excited, having fun, and loving on these kids!
Thursday, July 09, 2009
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