I toyed with the idea of just writing a half page of ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ as our post tonight but I think I will try to push on.
It's been a long two days of travel. We were met near the border by staff from Agua Viva and we joined another group who was also coming for the week. We made it safely through the border and only one vehicle of the whole group got selected to be inspected (theirs not ours). I misunderstood the process and more of less self-selected our vehicle to be inspected by pulling in to the wrong lane for a minute. After one question from the inspector, and one answer from me...in High School Spanish (Thank You Senora Fields!) I was waved on and we just moved along.
We have had the tiniest little hiccup with a car. While we were waiting we turned on our emergency flashers. One car's button would not turn off. Silver lining...I was able to see which car I should be following, without a doubt, while we drove on the busy highway toward Ensenada. We MacGyvered the switch at the first stop and all is well.
We got to the ranch with just enough time to unload the cars quickly and scoot on down to dinner. We learned about our job site and learned that we would be working with Pan De Vida church building an entire room designed for children's ministry. Some of the group worked with that very church the last time we were here. They are very friendly and I, for one, am anxious to see the progress they've made since the last time we were here. Our first experience was teaching VBS under a tarp next to the unfinished building. We didn't stop there on the way here tonight but I hear they have finished the building...it has a roof now!
We were given a great meal and a warm welcome when we got here. (Don't tell anyone at Agua Viva but a few of the kids were a little disappointed that there wasn't beans and rice at the meal) We're grateful we didn't have to drive all over trying to get food for our entire group...like we did last night.
We were given a challenge to not focus on what great things the people are doing "with so little" but we should instead focus and what is happening in God's kingdom with the gifts He has provided for them. I think we will find that there are more similarities than differences between our two cultures.
Well the lights have turned off. For camp alumni, I don't mean they announced it's lights out time...I mean there is no more power! The generator has been given the night off and we are settling in for a nice night with most of the windows and doors open due to how wonderful the weather is. I hear it is raining in Fremont....sorry.
One last thing...the campus is busier than we are used to. They are running a kids camp here the same week we are here. There are little kids everywhere! It's great! One thing though. They don't quite understand that we don't quite understand Spanish. While we were eating one of us was asked if we were done with a cup so they could take it to wash. Several rounds of charades ensued trying to get her point across (which our group lost) and the little girl just grabbed the cup and was done with these crazy people who can't even answer a simple question.
And now...Good night...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
It's been a long two days of travel. We were met near the border by staff from Agua Viva and we joined another group who was also coming for the week. We made it safely through the border and only one vehicle of the whole group got selected to be inspected (theirs not ours). I misunderstood the process and more of less self-selected our vehicle to be inspected by pulling in to the wrong lane for a minute. After one question from the inspector, and one answer from me...in High School Spanish (Thank You Senora Fields!) I was waved on and we just moved along.
We have had the tiniest little hiccup with a car. While we were waiting we turned on our emergency flashers. One car's button would not turn off. Silver lining...I was able to see which car I should be following, without a doubt, while we drove on the busy highway toward Ensenada. We MacGyvered the switch at the first stop and all is well.
We got to the ranch with just enough time to unload the cars quickly and scoot on down to dinner. We learned about our job site and learned that we would be working with Pan De Vida church building an entire room designed for children's ministry. Some of the group worked with that very church the last time we were here. They are very friendly and I, for one, am anxious to see the progress they've made since the last time we were here. Our first experience was teaching VBS under a tarp next to the unfinished building. We didn't stop there on the way here tonight but I hear they have finished the building...it has a roof now!
We were given a great meal and a warm welcome when we got here. (Don't tell anyone at Agua Viva but a few of the kids were a little disappointed that there wasn't beans and rice at the meal) We're grateful we didn't have to drive all over trying to get food for our entire group...like we did last night.
We were given a challenge to not focus on what great things the people are doing "with so little" but we should instead focus and what is happening in God's kingdom with the gifts He has provided for them. I think we will find that there are more similarities than differences between our two cultures.
Well the lights have turned off. For camp alumni, I don't mean they announced it's lights out time...I mean there is no more power! The generator has been given the night off and we are settling in for a nice night with most of the windows and doors open due to how wonderful the weather is. I hear it is raining in Fremont....sorry.
One last thing...the campus is busier than we are used to. They are running a kids camp here the same week we are here. There are little kids everywhere! It's great! One thing though. They don't quite understand that we don't quite understand Spanish. While we were eating one of us was asked if we were done with a cup so they could take it to wash. Several rounds of charades ensued trying to get her point across (which our group lost) and the little girl just grabbed the cup and was done with these crazy people who can't even answer a simple question.
And now...Good night...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Praying for you all to have eyes to see God in your midst.
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