Croc 2017:  Day 7

Day 7, last work day.  As we started the day there seemed to be too many loose ends left to possible get completed but we managed to complete every project and a few other bonus items as well.  The big task for the day was to complete the new canopy cover to replace the pergola that we tore down earlier in the week.  Mike, Clark and Brady did tons of on the fly engineering and seemed to need to spend as much time repairing tools as they did constructing the roof but everything came out beautifully.  We also finished the wall at Peluche’s house, finished off the widened door frame, installed a kitchen sink faucet, re-hung a steel door entering the church courtyard, and painted doors, window frames and one side of the dorms.

It feels good leaving with all this work done but during our closing meeting we reflected on the week and most of our take-aways had more to do with the relationships the we created with the people of Croc and not the work.  We closed the week out by having a dance party at the Club House with many of the kids.  It was another day where we should have been too tired after our work but when we were surrounded by the excited kids we seemed to muster up enough energy to have a great time with them. 

Brad shared a reflection with the group early in the week, that in all situations God’s grace is sufficient, and we saw that so many times during the week.  Whether at the border, waiting for materials that never seem to show up, working in heat that our winter bodies don’t seem ready for, enduring a cut in the leg (ask Clark to see his scar sometime), but more importantly when we can visit with an old friend, Jonathan, who some watch grow from a child into a troubled teen who had friends that got swallowed up by all the dangers that Croc presents but in spite of that is now is a husband and home owner with a stable job and a bright future.  God’s Grace is Amazing.

Pray for safe travel and a safe border crossing tomorrow.  To our families, we are very eager to see you again soon.

Croc 2017:  Day 6

Hola Faith CRC.  Today it’s the other youngest member (DJ) of the service project writing the blog.  In the morning, we went on a little trip around Pasquria.  We went to the local market and stores. We tried some Mexican pastries and other sweet foods and drinks such as chicharrons (a fried pork skin).  We also checked out the KIA/Hyundai factories.  They all combined a huge super factory that mesmerized the whole team.

We started work in the afternoon.  We got some more painting done at the church; we’re getting close to being done with the painting.  While Jill, Helen, and I were painting, the others were working on Peluche’s wall. They put in foam chicken wire panels.   After that, they spread mud (cement) on the panels.  After that, we broke down a portion of the wall of the church to build a French door.  The work today was a lot easier due to the cloudy, cold weather and the work we did.

After our work was done for the day, we went on home visits to people in the community.  My dad and I visited a lady of the church.  She often times has bible studies with Rudolfo. Our house visit went quite well.   She talked about what she did in the town for work.  She worked in the mayor’s office.  Apparently, they are more concerned with local politics than national or state politics.  When we got on the topic of politics it turned to the state of our country as well.  We talked about our new President and some of his pros and cons.  She also talked about her kids.

We’re thankful that your praying for us.  We know God is answering us in the little things that happen here.  We still ask for you to keep praying for us and for our ride home the day after tomorrow.  God be with you.

Croc 2017:  Day 5

Day 5 was another hot workday in the Mexican sun.  We spent most of our time at the Clubhouse today.  The Clubhouse as a large two story building with a huge open courtyard area that they use for the after-school program which serves about 50 kids.  Most kids get done with school shortly after noon and they need a place to stay while their parents are still at work.  There are a few teachers that spend their time helping the kids with their homework from regular school and also provide activities to keep them entertained, all in a place where they can openly express and show Christ’s love for every child.

On Day 4 we had dug up a stone sidewalk in the courtyard and today we formed that up to pour a new one.  We also dug footings for a half wall that would extend in front of Peluche’s house.  Earlier I indicated that we had a meal at Peluche’s house the first night but that was actually Leo’s house, Peluche lives in a little house inside the courtyard of the Clubhouse.  We were all prepared and eager to start pouring cement by early afternoon but the supplies were delayed in getting to us.  It turned out to be a blessing because the afternoon was very hot and by the time the materials came the skies were a little more overcast and the hard work was a little more tolerable.  We worked a little later than normal but finished up the footings, sidewalk and a new cement ramp leading in from the street.

 

Needless to say, after a second very hot work day with very hard tasks to complete, we were all pretty tired and most would have been content to have a quick dinner and retire, but the teachers at the Clubhouse had set up a special night for the kids to come back and play with the Americano’s after dinner.  Each and every kid was genuinely excited to spend time with us and play a variety of games.  Most all of the girls were clinging to Lauren as their new big sister and most of the boys wanted to get lifted up high in the air by Mike.  The highlights of the night were a long spirited game of dodgeball with the kids against the Americano’s and then we finished by letting the each child sign his name in the fresh cement sidewalk.

 

We closed the night with our team meeting where we reflected on how God’s grace is sufficient for us in all situations of our lives and also on how we have been blessed by the people of Croc every bit as much as we have blessed them.  God truly is great.

Croc Day 4

Hello to everyone back in the United States. Today I (Lauren) am writing the blog post. This means it's probably not going to be as incredible as the previous posts(Jeff's).
I suppose I'll start with a little run down of how our morning went. We woke up late in the girls dorm, took cold, low pressure showers, and reflected on the things we take for granted --> warm water, good water pressure, good lighting for applying makeup, etc. We then walked to the club house to enjoy our breakfast. We arrived late, proving that we women have fully adjusted to Mexican time.
After breakfast, the guys began working on the church area. They filled an old cistern with rocks so that the area can be used for more space (and spent a few minutes contemplating putting in a hot tub). They began tearing down old cement banisters (they had to stop because they nearly destroyed the steps up to the girl's dorm). They also tore out an old stone walkway. Lastly they tore apart a pergola. While the guys were demolishing things, the women spent the day painting window grates.
The highlight of the day was the evening. We played dodge ball with the kids, ate a delicious supper, and then went to the soccer field where those of us who weren't getting our butts kicked at soccer enjoyed some ice cream and Mexican candy.
Thanks for your prayers. We'll keep you updated on how they've been answered. We love and miss all of you.

Croc 2017:  Day 3

Sunday is a busy day on the streets of Croc.  We took some time to walk around the town and observe the busy street markets.  Food, clothing and household goods stands lined the streets as the entire population of the town seemed to be out socializing.  We then made our way back to the church to get dressed and ready for the service.  We had the privilege of sharing communion with the local congregation.  Kurt shared a message with both Spanish and English speaking believers about how we all are equal members at the table of our Lord.  After the service, we shared a family meal with the everyone.

We spent the afternoon touring Monterrey.  The first few hours were spent at a downtown market.  Mexicans were celebrating Family Day as a national holiday so the market and park were busy with food vendors and musical performers.  We then took the winding drive up to the top of a mountain overlooking the sprawling city.

After a wonderful dinner and another round of Survivor Mexico we headed to bed late and plenty tired for a third night in a row.  We are eager to roll up our sleeves and start our mission work tomorrow.

Croc 2017:  Day 2

Travel day number 2 ended incredibly well but we had our challenges along the way.  We picked up Kurt at the San Antonio airport from an on-time flight.  We then proceeded down to Columbia for our border crossing.  The line there is much shorter than Laredo so we had hope that our crossing would be quick and uneventful.  There were issues with the rental agreement on the van (VIN missing from rental agreement and was rented to a Brad De Vries but Bradley De Vries was our driver).  It appears that the border crossing folks are setting a new tone after the recent election.  We needed to have a new rental agreement emailed down to us and then find a place to allow us to print it out, but 3 short hours later we were on our way again.

After that discouragement, we were blessed to be welcomed to Croc by Peluchie and his family and were treated to a wonderful meal at their home.  Bean soup, tortillas, carne asada, fresh guacamole, homemade salsa and salchichas (Dutchmen call them hotdogs) were enjoined by all.  Many old friendships were re-connected and new ones formed.

 

We are eager to worship with the local church members today and enjoy a time of exploration in Monterrey.  We are also excited about rolling up our sleeves and getting to our work projects on Monday.

Pray that our work will be an opportunity to show the love of Jesus to others and be an opportunity for us to reflect on our relationship with Christ and his calling for us in our lives.

Croc 2017: Day 1

Travel day 1 was relatively uneventful which makes for a great travel day.  We started with a short send off from church where Pastor Bob lead us in devotions reading from Philippians and praying for blessings on our trip.  The road trip was lots of fun, filled with cards, fellowship and lots of laughs.  We arrived safe at our hotel south of Fort Worth and established our Survivor Mexico Teams for the week.  The older generation formed as team Los Frijoles Frescos (The Cool Beans) vs the young bucks forming team Green Bandanas.  Say a short prayer for the old folks to have the energy to keep up this week!

Tomorrow we plan to pick up Kurt at the San Antonio airport and then head for the boarder.  Pray for safe travel for all and a smooth entry into Mexico.