Update #7 Final Day, Saying Goodbye

I am updating you now, since tonight is our fiesta and I probably won´t have time once we get back. The ladies completed their duties at VBS. We think there were around 115 today, but we didn´t get the final count. We should know later tonight. Praise God, he held back the rain again! Suzanne´s health has been good today and the drama went very well. The mexican teachers were also involved. The kids kept chanting for us to do it again. So at the end of VBS, we did repeat the skit one more time for them. We all had a lot of fun. Linda, the director of VBS wanted us to introduce ourselves by name to the children so they could see how many of us there were to come and help them. Even the men came off the work site to be acknowledged by the church and the children. All the children and VBS workers took time to sing the Mexican version of Happy Birthday to our team mate Tom, who is celebrating his 50th birthday today. We have a few more surprises for him tonight.

The men have worked VERY hard filling in more of the holes. We will see tonight how much they were able to get done. The beauty of bringing a team the size of ours is that the extra money that hasn´t yet been spent (our ¨project cost¨) will be given to the church so that they will be able to finish the wall that we started. Juan, a deacon of the church and the master mason who has led the building project, will be able to receive one week salary in addition.

We have enjoyed our time here but are beginning to feel the desire to return home to share with all of you our experiences. We love you all!

Our plane leaves Monterrey at 12:50 p.m. CST. We are scheduled to arrive in Dallas at 2:30 p.m. then take off at 4:05 p.m. to arrive in Philadelphia at 8:25 p.m.

Please pray specifically for:
1. Clear communication of our love and appreciation for our Mexican brothers and sisters.
2. Followup can be made with children that attended VBS this week.
3. Restful sleep tonight as we pack and say goodbye.
4. What we have learned here we will be able to bring home and apply.
5. Safe travel home to Philadelphia tomorrow.

Update #5 and #6 Connecting and Cleaning

What an amazingly busy two days we have had. We were unable to access the internet yesterday, so this update will include what I would have mentioned regarding Wednesday AND Thursday.

Wednesday was one of the first days that we felt like we were beginning to connect. We were asked to teach the Mexicans SOMETHING. We came up with sign language for the Bible verse, since it didn’t require us to actually speak spanish. The younger girls also taught the song motions that many of them learned last year at a different church. The Mexican teachers were simply thrilled to have us be so involved. Wednesday’s attendance went back down to 96. We are told this was due to the cooler weather and the rain. But praise God for holding off the rain both days! We are so thankful for his answer to our prayers concerning the rain. Thursday we saw 130 children return to VBS to hear how God’s love is always with us and saves us. They heard today from the apostle Paul how they can have life ONLY through Jesus Christ. We seem to be enjoying ourselves more and more. Following VBS on Wednesday, we returned to the hotel to freshen up. Then we took the afternoon to do some souveneir shopping at an outdoor market with vendors from 22 different Mexican states.

The men have been working extremely hard at mixing concrete, making forms for the posts, pouring concrete and refilling the holes. We learned on Thursday that the vision of the church is to add a gathering space for children by building a second floor on an existing building. We are trying to get a picture of their plan. Afternoon rain has slowed the construction work but having an afternoon off on Wednesday really helped the men to rest their sore, tired muscles.

Following lunch today, we were taken to work on hurricane disaster clean up work closer to the base of the mountain. Squatters living there “illegally” have been devastated. What very little they had was destroyed by the 5 foot high water that came rushing through from Hurricane Alex at the beginning of July. A medical team had been there earlier in the day, and we joined another smaller team in the clean up around a church there called “Church of New Jerusalem”. Many of us were overwhelmed by how very little these people had. One man came and joined us right away and was very helpful. Eventually he came to us and asked us if we had food for him and his two small children. We didn’t come prepared with food, just to clean up for a couple of hours. Thankfully we were able to direct him to the project leader who was able to get him both food and clothes for him and his two children. For those of us who have not witnessed this type of poverty and loss, the impact has been life changing. Our desire is that we can share with you what we have learned and how we can help. MTW has a special project called the Genesis Project. It has been specially designed to help the people of Monterrey to rebuild their lives and find hope in Jesus Christ as they sort through what good could possibly come from this type of disaster. Monterrey has been more crippled by this hurricane than the news has ever reported. They tell us it is the worst flooding here in 100 years. Please be patient with us as we sort through all that we have experienced here! It is hard to believe that we have one more work day left before we gear ourselves for home.

Our prayer requests for Friday:
1. To take full advantage of opportunities to talk to the Mexicans.
2. Rain to be held back so that VBS can take place outside and more work can be done on the wall.
3. Nathan and several girls will be involved in a skit at the end of VBS. Pray for understanding and clear speech.
4. We will not forget to do something about helping in the disaster relief effort here in Monterrey.
5. PRAISE that Crystal’s eyes have been very good. Suzanne has had some allergic asthma issues and Cheryl’s eye got dust under the contact. Pray that she gets all the dust out and it heals well.
6. We are responsible to teach more sign language tomorrow. Pray that the motions will come to our memories.

Thanks for your prayers.
Crystal

Lindsey and Cheryl review the verse Wednesday

Connie enjoys a game of keep away with her students

Travis and the guys begin to refill the holes Thursday

Pallet Homes rebuilt along river's edge

Update #4 Flexibility & Productivity

Our second day of VBS and construction has now come to a close.  With lots of changes in the schedule for VBS, we were humbled by the accomodating attitudes of the Mexicans and were surprised at how we responded to our own confusion.

With 130 children today, we were a bit overwhelmed with how things would go.  There was a misunderstanding of when snack time was, so the food was not ready at the scheduled time because it didn’t arrive early enough.  Teachers adjusted amazingly well coming up with games and reinforcing the day’s lesson that God’s love changes us. The language barrier is becoming more and more frustrating for Suzanne, Rachel and Michelle, though they seem to be adjusting well even if they don’t feel like it.  Connie was put on the spot to teach the kids some sign language as a filler for time.  God blessed her with being able to figure out what they wanted her to do and remembering a verse from our VBS that was on the side of one of the church buildings.

The men working on construction were actually able to do a lot of heavy labor today.  They mixed 5 batches of concrete and shoveled them into the foundation holes that the back hoe dug out yesterday.  Needless to say, they are all very tired…especially because after the brief but heavy rain storm, one of the holes collapsed.  Travis got into the hole and the other guys helped dig out the dirt that had fallen in.  Needless to say they are all very tired.

Today many of us were able to spend more time actually getting to know the VBS workers.  At the end of the VBS day, Linda, the director, put her hands on mine and Cheryl’s shoulders and said, “we LOVE you!”  How encouraging! We are also so proud of the men for all the hard work they have done today.

The women were able to leave the church following VBS to rest and prepare a Bible verse in sign language and song motions for tomorrow.  Dinner was especially exciting for Cheryl, Dom, Connie and I as we were able to sit down with the pastor and talk with him about the his testimony and the history of the church.  He told us about the community in which they are located and why their ministry to the children is so important.  We’ll report the details of that when we come home.  Travis was had the opportunity to speak at length to Kathy and Scott.

Coming up tomorrow to pray for:

1. Good night sleep for us all

2. Headaches seem to be frequent among the team.

3. Crystal’s eyes are improving daily

4.  Continued health and strength…Don never ceases to amaze us! He is an encouragement to all the younger teammates in endurance and strength!

5. Our sign language verse and the song movements that we will be teaching to the kids.

Thanks for your prayers

Crystal

Update #3 Our Work Begins

We are all praising the Lord for holding off the rain today as we began our first full day of “work”.  Following a quick breakfast at the church, (cheese cubes, peppers and onions in a tomato base broth, pureed (sp?) pinto beans, cereal and fruit soda) we met together with the Mexican VBS team to help prepare for the day.

Lindsey was our toga designer as she beautifully wrapped us all in our sheets.  As as the 95 children began to arrive, the demolition of the concrete patio began.  We sang songs, made the abacus craft, listened to the apostle Paul and heard from members of the persecuted church in Rome in 67 AD.  The children were reminded that God`s love is a gift.  Our snack was a half sandwich of olive loaf and cheese on white bread with mango juice.

A back hoe arrived and 10 foot ditches were dug…6 of them.  The men were very excited that they didn`t have to do that by hand.  Re bar was made and placed, but only after the sewer line that burst was repaired.

After lunch we prepared for the next day of crafts…tops, the kids played a lot of soccer and we enjoyed one another, even though we did not really have much to do since everything that could be done was already done.

Thank you to all who prayed for Crystal and her eyes.  She only had to use eyedrops 2 times!  They feel much better.  Connie is praising the Lord that her migraine that began on the way home was gone following a brief nap.  We are also praising the Lord for bringing many children to himself today.

Please pray for tomorrow

1. More conversations with Mexicans

2. Continued health

3. Safety for construction workers mixing and pouring cement.

4. Clear skies to work

Thanks for all your support…

Crystal

Update #2 Sunday at the Church

Following a restful night of sleep, we awoke this morning and drove about 20 minutes to the church we are working with. Most of our bus conversation revolved around how cold the air conditioning was and how silly we felt when we realized that we could actually adjust the temperature!

We arrived at Principe de Paz to find cereal, boxed milk, Pepsi and orange soda on the tables. Apple Cherrios and Honey Nut O’s were the favorites. It was Rachel that discovered if we pour the milk out of the side of the opening it wouldn’t spill out all over the table. It wasn’t long before we were served scrambled eggs with ham, accompanied by what looked liked creamed pinto beans. Some of us used warm flour tortillas to sop up the remains of the beans. Hot water was ready with instant decaf coffee available for those who wanted it. But Lindsey and I had our caffeine fix in our rooms with the coffee we made.

Scott Craig, along with interns Bethany and Daniel walked us through our orientation to Mexico and to Monterrey. We finally received a schedule and found out that one of our afternoons will be spent going closer to down town Monterrey to help with some disaster relief work that MTW has begun since Hurricane Alex came through. Even though Sunday school was supposed to be over at 11, we walked in to what we thought would be the beginning of church only to find out 20 minutes later that we had joined the last part of the Sunday school time. The worship service was certainly an experience for all of us. There was such a spirit of communion and fellowship among the Mexican believers who didn’t seem to mind that the bottom row of keys to the organ didn’t work. They didn’t mind that only a few of them had hymnals. The translator was put on the spot and really struggled through the sermon. So the man preaching (we think he is an elder) did his best to translate for himself…we were all humbled by the courage it took on both their parts to try to go out of their way to make us feel welcomed. We greeted the pastor and the elders at the door by 1:30. But no one seemed to notice the time except us.

We ate lunch at the church following the service. Meatballs with rice in them (similar to porcupine balls), mashed potatoes that were scrumptious, and salad, consisting of lettuce and tomatoes. So filling and comforting at the same time.

We got the chance to return to our hotel rooms for about a one hour “siesta” or rest time before heading back out to the church to pass out invitations to the neighborhood children and help set up for VBS. Again we sensed a spirit of excitement about the ministry we are helping with and warmth and love from the VBS workers here. Connie, Rachel, Cheryl, Lindsey and I, along with the females from Meadowcroft, joined groups of three Mexicans. In groups we walked through different areas around the church calling people outside to invite their children to the church. We learned a lot from the ladies we went with and were able get to know them better. Connie and Cheryl were both very impressed with how bold they were and how warmly the invitations were accepted. We met as one team, Mexican and American to go over what the program was all about. Linda, the director of Principe de Paz VBS ran the meeting while I, Crystal translated. We worked out ahead of time that she needed to speak slowly. We were all amazed at how much we could begin to understand. Nathan was given the chance to participate in a skit that will be held on Friday. He is eager begin to memorize his lines and practice with the other two teens from the church who will be in the skits. Travis and Dom and Don kept busy building some of the props that we will be using. Don also got the chance to spend the afternoon with the Scott Craig.

Dinner was ham, cheese and avocado sandwiches, salad (lettuce and tomatoes) and soda. They do have a cooler of water available at all times. So no need to worry about that.

We arrived back at the hotel by 8:30. We held our first “debrief” session. It was really neat to hear about what others were experiencing and what they had been learning.

Tomorrow is a brand new day. VBS begins and construction on the block wall will start. Our updates will probably be posted around 10:30 each night, so don’t worry if you don’t hear from us all day. Thanks for your prayers. Here are some special requests:
1. Transportation is 2-3x harder now that the main roads are blocked or missing after the hurricane. Scott is under a lot of stress because of this.
2. Nathan will need to memorize and practice his soldier character part for Fridays skit.
3. Crystal’s eyes have been bothering her all day. Pray for relief.
4. God will reveal himself to each of us where we are and that we will hear him when he speaks to us.

That’s all for now. Until tomorrow…
God bless, and thanks for your prayers.

Crystal

Update #1 We are here!

We made it safe and sound! After a very lengthy check in process this morning and slight concern as to whether or not Rachel and Suzanne actually had a reservation, we all made it to our gate with time to spare. Our flight to Dallas was about 3 hours. To Monterrey we had a little over an hour. Cheryl, Don, Travis and Connie took the opportunity to talk to those around them about why we were going to Mexico and learned more about who the others were. From Dallas to Monterrey, we ended up meeting several members of other MTW missions teams. Today was a good day to practice using our time productively while we waited. Once we got to Monterrey, we waited for nearly two hours before all of us got through customs. We had to figure out all which forms to fill out, who to give them to and FINALLY saw Scott Craig and Bethany Kiehl who were waiting for us.

Scott Craig was able to rent a small airconditioned tour bus for us for the week. It will transport us where we need to go. We were thrilled to finally be able to eat lunch, as American Airlines provided only drinks…not even snacks …for either flight. So when the homemade lunch was served to us at Principe de Paz, we were so thankful for the food we were eating,

Nathan and Rachel seem to be getting to know the other teens from Meadowcroft. Travis is meeting with all the teens tonight for some young team fun. The rest of us are just going to rest peacefully in our well airconditioned suites, complete with microwave, coffee pot, refrigerater. We were able to stop at Sorianas, Monterrey´s version of WalMart for some goodies to for the week.

Please pray for our time of orientation tomorrow and meeting the members of Principe de Paz. Later in the afternoon we will be handing out flyers into the community to invite the children to VBS.

Thanks for all your prayers. We´ll try to keep you posted as we are able!

Crystal

On our way!

We will check in with American Airlines at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 24, to fly out at 6:00 a.m. As many of us have been up all night so far packing those last minute things, we covet your prayers for our families. Two of our original members are grieving the loss of a family member and needed to step down this year. Our hearts grieve with them. We are praising the Lord for HIS providence in the provision of two substitutes. Rachel (RPCB) and Suzanne (from Meadowcroft Presbyterian Church) will be joining us in just about 2 hours.

Pray today for traveling safety and for our families we are leaving behind. Most are excited with us, but there are others who will struggle with missing their family member or with understanding why that member is leaving to go so far away.

We are scheduled to land in Monterrey, Mexico, at 11:55 a.m. local time. They are one hour behind us here on the east coast. So as you are eating lunch or enjoying yourself at the pool, please remember to pray for our team as we head in for our final landing.

God Bless you!
Crystal (Team Coordinator/Leader)

One Week to Go

We are excited about what God is doing among us. God is faithful to provide ALL our needs. So many of our friends and family have given financially to help us minister to the Guadalupe neighborhood in Monterrey, Mexico. We don’t have a final tally in, but we are very close to reaching our minimum goal. Thank you. We will do our best to keep you posted.

So many others of you have offered words of encouragement and blessings for our trip. We can’t tell you how much this means to us.

As we enter our final days of preparation, please pray that we will remember everything we need to take with us. Many of us have doctor’s appointments either for us or our children. Our prayer is that we will trust the Lord in ALL things…even when we don’t understand why things happen the way they do.

While you’re here, check out our prayer calendar too. The link is on the main web page for RPCB.

Have a very blessed day! Thanks for checking in with us.
Crystal (team leader)

Monterrey, Mexico Missions Trip 2010

Trip Dates:  July 24-31, 2010

We are heading into the final weeks before we head off to Monterrey, Mexico.  Our mission is to help a neighborhood Mexican church with their annual Vacation Bible School in addition to continuing the second phase of a block wall surrounding the church grounds.

RPCB is joining Meadowcroft Presbyterian Church.  Together we are sending 19 people.  This particular blog will be posts from the ten members from RPCB.  We are so grateful for the many friends and family who are sending us.  Your love,  encouragement, prayer and financial support is making this all possible.

Please keep us in your prayers as we make our final preparations.  We are still in need of approximately $2300 as a team to pay for all of us to participate.  RPCB Members include:

1. Travis (Leader)
2. Crystal (Leader)
3. Domenic
4. Cheryl
5. Connie
6. Nathan
7. David
8. Beth
9. Don
10. Lindsey

We’ll keep you “posted”.