Hello!

The team arrived safely (although Ken & Pat had to leave their car in a snow bank!) on Saturday.  They left in the midst of snow and were one hour late leaving Chicago.  They made their connection in Houston and connected with Dick and Amy in Harlingen. 

Keith & I left VH driving two vans needing to go to Home Depot and Walmart for supplies before we picked up the team.  Just about to the bridge, the brown van (with all the seats for the team in it) quit.  We were able to find someone with cables and got it started but in just two minutes  I was coasting to the side of the road.  We locked it up and left it, called back to Alicia and went on to Texas in the blue van (with no seats in it).  Javier and Alicia drove to Texas in their car and a smaller van, we met up and once again headed to the airport.  There was no time to stop for supplies and no room.  We found the team patiently waiting at the airport, loaded up with some sitting on luggage and headed for the  bridge back to Mexico.  Green light, no problems.

We drove to the work site so the team could see it before dark and then went to dinner in an outdoor “eatery” called, The Tree.  Our favorite, beef tacos, bean soup and potatoes were enjoyed by all. 

On Sunday we began a marathon at 9:00 a.m. at a praise and prayer service at Nueva Vida, Javier and Alicia’s Church.  We then changed clothes and headed for Nuevo Progresso, a market that is enjoyed by all.  While the team shopped, Keith, Dick Celia and I drove to Rio Bravo to meet with the Church the Minnesota team will be working with March 3 - 10.  We then returned to NP to pickup the team and head once again for Texas for supplies.  The wait at the bridge was one hour, so one van turned around and went back to VH while the others continued on to Harlingen.

At 5:30 we went to Pastor Gama’s Church for the music part of the service.  The team was introduced and Pastor Smith brought a greeting from Illionois.  We then went on to Pastor Hernan’s church for more music, team introductions and greetings.  At approximately 8:00 we arrived at Nueva Vida where the service had begun at 6:00.  At the end of the service, the team was once again introduced and greetings were extended.  At 9:30 the service ended and we were treated to tostadas.

It was a long day and a deep dive into culture.  It was great to hear the observations of the team members.  Everyone agreed that language is no barrier when it comes to the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit within us bears witness to the Spirit within our brothers and sisters here even though we can’t sing the songs or talk to each other. 

We are very thankful for Amy who translated for us in all the services!  She did a great job!

Today, Monday we began our “work week”.  However, as is the norm, there were changes immediately.  The team was extended an invitation to visit a Public School where Karen (Gama’s sister) teaches English.  We were greeted by the faculty as we watched their Monday Morning routine.  All the students (about 400) assemble outside to sing the Mexico National Anthem as well as their State Anthem.  Awards are given out and announcements made.  All the children in grades 1 to 6 are dressed in uniforms and are very orderly.  Following this, we were invited to “breakfast” with the Principal, Assistant Principal and some of the Teachers.  The team asked many questions and we then visited two classes. It was also our joy to pray with them.

We arrived at the worksite about 10:00 a.m., ready to work.  We divided into teams:  Terry, Lois, Judy and Greg on the painting team began on the outside walls.  Don, Deanne, David and Pat are putting up the insulation.  Ken and Sue are helping put the roof on the storage room so they can begin tiling it.  Dick is working on the roof on the laundry room.  Amy is officially called our “floater” which means everyone is calling her name as they work with our Mexican friends who have no idea what we are saying and visa versa. 

Keith shifted into overdrive last night and has that “look in his eyes” as he makes sure everyone has what they need.  I am the official driver (I am better at the topes than Keith), errand girl, and they have called me the “Mother Hen” as I try to keep track of everyone and everything. 

So, as you can read, all is well.  Everyone is fine.

Every trip we have a scripture that God has given us and here is the one for this week:

II Corinthians 9:6 - 15

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheer5ful giver.  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.  This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.  Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.  And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.  Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 

Thank you for your prayers!

Darla for the Team