Well, I have a lot to catch up on so here goes……

Team one left on Saturday morning.  We left at 6:30 a.m. and Sue and I drove them in the blue van to catch their 9:00 flight.  The Holmertz’s were renting a car to go on to Auston, TX to visit friends and the rest flew out on time. 

Sue and I then made a Walmart run for food for the coming week and then to Home Depot.  We picked up the two sinks, cement board, mastik and a few odds and ends.  The back door on the van has been giving us trouble and not opening, but when we needed to load all the “stuff” in the back, it opened right up! 

The plan had been to take the team, do our W and HD run, return to VH and unload, then return to Harlingen to pick up the team at 3:45—a lot of running for one day.  Edie and Bill were due in at 12:30 and would have had to sit at the airport until the rest arrived.  Plan “B”…….by the time we finished our store runs (and did I mention we had breakfast with the Holmertz’s while they waited for the car place to open?) it was time to make an executive decision.  We had about 45 minutes until Edie and Bill were to arrive.  The temperature was in the 90’s, no air in the van………a Dairy Queen just down the road from the airport…………we decided it was better to endure a chocolate dipped strawberry Blizzard than to make Edie and Bill wait. 

We picked them up and headed for the border (thank you for the note that boarder is someone who stays with you) and we prayed for a green light or favor with man as we had a full van.   The light turned red, we stopped and the man took one look in the van and let us go, no tax, no problem.  God has given us favor with man.

We dropped the supplies at the work site, the food, Edie and Bill at the Hotel, splashed cold water in our faces, rolled up our slacks and headed out again.  This had to be the hottest day we’ve had!  We suddenly had visions of Thelma and Louise………The van was running really hot, coughing and choking whenever we slowed down for the topes.  When we got the bridge there was a long line and Sue had to keep putting it in neutral so it wouldn’t kill.  When it was our turn, the border guard said, “Get going!  You need gas!”, so we sailed through.  I dropped Sue off at HD to pick up paint for the front door……..Mikruts…….Sue is an artist!  When you have cream walls, terra cotta tile and bars, you MUST have a soft green front door!  She was also unsuccessfully looking for nails for the nail gun.  For those of  you who were here last week, Keith DID find the other three rolls of nails, so it was good that Sue didn’t find any.

I drove to the airport and picked up Christa, Caleb, Demi, Bonnie and Lou.  Once again we headed for the border and this time we got a green light!

We arrived back in VH just in time to take a fast shower and dress for the evening.  Javier and Alicia’s daughter, Sharon was celebrating her quinceañera—a celebration when a girl turns 15.  It is the sign of her leaving childhood and entering adulthood.  The ceremony at the Church lasted 2 hours.  It is almost like a wedding.  Fourteen boys dressed in tuxes stand down either sides of the aisle holding pink roses to form an arch.  Sharon is escorted in by her parents.  She was dressed in a pink “Cinderella-type” gown.  There is a lot of sybolism in giving her gifts.  It was very interesting, and I wish we could have had it translated.  The party then continues at a local hall with a fancy dinner, followed by opening of gifts and games.  We left the party at 11:00, we were told it went on until 1:00 a.m.

Sunday morning we again attended the prayer and praise service at Nueva Vida…..still my favorite.  We then changed clothes and headed for Nuevo Progresso for a little shopping and lunch.  Keith, Dick and Ceilia went to Rio Bravo to finalize plans for the MN team.

We returned to VH in time to attend Church at Gama’s, Juan Manuell’s and then to Nueva Vida.  It was so neat as in each Church they introduced the “new team” all Ruiz’s except for Lou and Sue (we have adopted them tho!).  Bonnie shared how  their Father came from Mexico, but she had never been to Mexico.  What a blessing it is to have all his children returning to his homeland to work for the Lord together.  Keith and I sang, “Your Grace Still Amazes Me”. 

At Juan’s Church, the congregation prayed for us.  I love going to this Church as they always pray over the Team.  There is one lady who has been there since we began coming.  She has snow white hair pulled into a bun in the back.  She has a beautiful smile even with many missing teeth. She is always dressed in bright colors. In the beginning of our work here, she laid hands on Keith and prayed for him.  I will never forget her prayer.  She prayed that his hands would be strong and his feet would not grow tired in the work of the Lord.  I believe God has honored her prayer so many years ago. 

The team was once again introduced at Nueva Vida. They then told the congregation that they needed to feed the team again this week, two meals a day and needed help with the finances.  People began to come forward and give money.  They are so giving, it is very humbling.  We are so  thankful and pray that God will bless them abundantly.  (One member of last week’s team did leave money and we gave this to the Church to help offset the cost).

Today we began our day in II Corinth, chapter 9, praising God for the opportunity of serving Him.  We once again encouraged the team not to miss any “God sightings” and to share them with the group each morning so we can rejoice together. 

At the work site, Lou and Caleb are sanding the drywall. Jaimie is working on mudding and taping of the new walls.  Sue and Dick are finishing putting up walls–we only have the bathroom and kitchen walls left.  Ken and Pat are working on the electrical.  Bill is working on the plumbing.  Christa and Demi are painting……..hard act to follow, Terry!  Edie and Bonnie are keeping everything cleaned up and in order, manning the burn pile (miss you Judy!).  Keith is answering all the “hey, Keith’s” and trying to get the bathrooms ready for Sue and Ken to tile.  Me…….Keith told the team that I just go back to the Hotel and take a nap! 

Thank you for checking our website, and most of all thank you for your prayers.  No one was injured last week.  A couple had colds and the “usual” discomfort, but all in all everyone did great!  So much was accomplished, pray that we can now finish the work.

Thursday the leaders of the MN team arrive (John and Bev) and their team of 20 people begin their week on Saturday.  Pray for them as they prepare to come.  Pray for the Church in Rio Bravo as they prepare for their arrival and prepare to care for them.

Love!

We ARE Blessed!

Darla