I wanted to update you on the latest project that has come to completion. It is the playground that was donated by Sika. Last year, the local construction company made a generous donation to many of the projects that needed to be done to complete the immediate vision of Pan de Vida. One was the second floor of the on-site Christian school, which was finished in April. Then the auditorium roof was installed and the stucco is now done and ready for paint. The water truck was delivered and is used daily.
One of the most necessary items was the paving of the road but it has been delayed due to logistics. In the beginning, the land that Pan de Vida is on, was in the middle of no where with no formal roads. The existing road is actually the result of a beaten path. After surveying and many meetings, the conclusion is that the current road is on someone else's land and the owner didn't want it paved. They have now resolved the issue and the road will be re-routed and paved. We do pray this will happen before the next rainy season. I am attaching a photo of it dry but you have to experience it in the rain to really appreciate the need for a paved road.
The volunteer apartments above the kitchen continue to progress. The roof is getting prepared to be poured. The plan is for the roof, plumbing, wiring to all be in place so that the teams next year can come in and do the finish work inside.
Also, as we were on the way home from Pan de Vida, the truck tire went down on us and we stopped in to get it aired up and by none other than Lupillo. He grew up in Pan de Vida and graduated this past June and is now working at the local tire shop. When I saw him working, I was instantly reminded of the fruit God has produced through the ministry of Pan de Vida.
Lupillo hard at work
the finished school and playground
kids doing homework
apartments in progress
the road..actually looks good dry
the girls still have their hideaway
donors for the project
the completed playground
As everyone in Canada celebrated Thanksgiving weekend, the missionaries of Children of Hope got together for a spiritual retreat. Brian and Bety, directors of CoH, felt led to bring the volunteers of both Orphanages together and update things within the ministry in Canada and to learn about what is going on in our lives on the field.
Gord Isaak of Abbotsford, BC was the guest speaker. He served in India for 5 years and then came to Mexico City and planted churches for 10 years. He shared experiences and insight to things he learned during his service. He had 3 sessions 1) Building a winning team 2) Learning through cross cultural experiences 3) Principles in Leadership. We did some physical exercises in unity and trust and were challenged to put together a Biblically based vision about our ministry.
After the business end of the weekend, we then went bowling as a group and then for a supper at Chili`s. On Sunday we visited a Christian Church and then regrouped for final thoughts on what we learned and will take away from the experience.
It was inspiring to fellowship with everyone and share the struggles we go through and learn ways we can encourage one another. We hope this is the beginning of team building. We are proud to be a part of the family of God, joint heirs in Jesus as we travel this sod!!
The Children of Hope Family
Ira and I are still at the hacienda with the boys. The good news is that the original budget for repairs is lasting to accomplish many things. The bad news is that there is still so much to do and few workers to get it done as far as the maintenance and repairs. This is why it is taking so long.
I have worked daily doing laundry and prepping things for supper. Ira has fixed doors, toilets, showers, lights, pumps and this week is working on cleaning out a clogged sewer. Yesterday, he literally got into his work. One of the old concrete tops had deteriorated to the point he fell in. I would be in heaven with Jesus right now had it been me!!
It gets lonely at the hacienda during the day with the boys at Pan de Vida for school. However, with us spending nights out there we get to enjoy them and fellowship with them. This last week, Geno's Mom and sister-in-law were there to help with meals. I really enjoyed their company and learning things about their cultural cooking. We boiled chili's and blended them, ground up spices in a concrete "thingy" and were even able to have conversation as bad as my Spanish is.
However, I was stretched when they pulled out our lunch. It was soup and I love soups but this one is made from boiled intestines and who knows what else. This is where my Spanish really kicked in trying to explain how we like things we grow up on. I am sure they would no more be interested in the "Tom Alley" of the lobster than I am eating a cows head.
Things at Pan de Vida are changing so quickly, even being away a few days and going back you see new things. Last year Sika donated several items, one being a playground. That has been started and I will post a picture. The other pictures I thought I would entertain you with a day in the life at the hacienda...BOYS!!
the playground in progress at Pan de Vida
grinding up spices in that "thingy"
This was our lunch of membranes..YUM(rolling eyes)
Augustine making a sweet treat for after supper
Oh wait.....what is that going on in the background?
There is a rat in there Claudia!
oh I think they have flushed it out!
Yes..there it is on the wall....I was on a table thinking I was safe and the thing climbed UP!!!
Rats gone and bread is done...God is Good!!!
