It's beginning to look like a house

Although Day Two of our house builds are the longest, they are also when we see the most progress. Walls go up, the roof goes on, windows and doors are installed, and the first coat of stucco applied. Our family has chosen to keep their current home and to have us build their new one just a few feet away. We found out that the roof leaks so badly on their current house that every time it rains they need to move everything outside the next day to dry out. They will be using the new home as their two bedrooms and maintaining the old one for their kitchen and bathroom. A few members of the team felt moved to purchase and have us install two large, heavy-duty tarps to stop the leaks in the old roof. Joyful anticipation of Bety Guadalupe, Lluvia & Priscilla increased with each new task we completed today. Tomorrow we hand over the keys to their new home. Despite sore and tired bodies, the team can hardly wait!

Today's divine delay

Friday after our workday was done we stopped by the site of our very first house build to see Mara, Alexa and Oscar. They were not home, but we left a brief note that said we were sorry to have missed them and hoped to be back some time. To our surprise, Mara contacted 1Mission to find out where we were building and the whole family stopped by to see us today. What an absolute joy! She couldn't stop thanking us and telling us story after story of what a blessing the house has been for her and her children. When we saw the house yesterday we were so pleased to see the continued improvements and beautiful flowers she has planted in front. Pride of ownership was apparent.

The youngest member of our team, and third time house build participant Elijah Sanchez, was concerned when we stopped by the house yesterday that his buddy Oscar would not remember him. Wish everyone could have seen that reunion! We were all so very grateful that our lives have been forever intersected and connected by the one Lord of all. To Him alone be the glory!

A little girl's heart

Last night was our much anticipated hot dog & movie night. While we were prepared for a large crowd like last year, God had other plans. Through the heart of a little girl it became a neighborhood block party instead. As I mentioned in yesterday's blog, Priscilla was so excited about the hot dog and movie night that she created home made invitations and passed them out to their friends and neighbors. Both Priscilla and her sister, Lluvia, were superb hostesses, making sure that everyone who attended received their hot dogs and drinks. We showed the movie "Despicable Me," which was throughly enjoyed by both children and adults. When the movie ended, everyone pitched in to help stack chairs and clean up. There was a real sense of community, gratitude and joy. Our team left with a reminder about what truly makes a successful outreach event. This community is, as Pastor Brian would say, "Doing life together!"

What a great day!

As we drove up to our family's property there they were, mom & daughters, with the biggest smiles we've ever seen! We were greeted warmly with hugs and the traditional kiss on the cheek. We had a wonderful time working alongside Bette Guadalupe, Lluvia & Priscilla and spending time getting to know them.

The team did an exceptionally high-quality job, worked well together and never once complained despite the 88 degree temperature! Even the family dog found some shade and took a much needed break, but the team persevered through it all with great joy.

Priscilla is so excited about the hot dog and movie night that she created home made invitations and has been passing them out to their friends and neighbors. Some members of the team are taking a van load of donated food to the orphanage, others are taking a shower, the kids are enjoying some brief time in the pool and we will reconvene shortly to prepare for tonight's outreach event. What a great day - and there's still more to come!

Current Home of our Family

Ready to go!

We have arrived safely in Puerto Penasco - thanks for the prayers! Unfortunately, the internet access tonight is slower than a snail and we are unable to download any pics at this point in time. Hope to have pics by tomorrow.

After moving in to our bunkhouses and resting up a bit we headed in to town for dinner. A couple of us met with the church planter of our relatively new Nazarene church here in town to learn about the ministry and how we might be able to come alongside of them in the future. During their very first evangelistic outreach event last May 70 people gave their lives to Christ! God's Spirit is moving in powerful ways and they are already running at 100 faithful attendees each weekend. We hope to finish the house in enough time on Sunday morning to join them for Palm Sunday service.

The team is excited about meeting our assigned family tomorrow morning and serving hot dogs in the barrio in the evening. The best is yet to come!

House Number Three!

Tomorrow our team of twenty-one heads back across the border to build our third house for a family in need in the barrios of Puerto Penasco, Mexico, but we are well aware that we do not go alone. Not only does God go before us, but each one of you praying for us, each one of you who give faithfully to missions, the anonymous sponsor of our hot dog and movie night, our family and friends . . . you are all going with us as well. We are thankful for your partnership!

As I have been praying for each and every member of the team these past weeks, my heart is filled to overflowing with a joyful anticipation that words can not adequately convey. I sense that God has something very special in store for those who answered the call to give of their time, talents and treasures to bless the Galaviz-Enriquez family of four and their surrounding community. I am sensing blessings being poured out on the team in some very unique ways, known only to the Lord at this point in time.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)