We said “Hasta Luego” to another team that has become family to all of us here at Pan de Vida. The Waterloo/Seaforth team of Ontario Canada started coming when the Orphanage was in it’s infancy of being built. As the years have gone by, many come yearly and some are coming for the 1st time.
The trip started out with the team going to watch several of the older boys play football. There are about 6-8 of the boys aged 16-18 that are a local team called the Gigantes. Spectators wanted to know who all the “white” people were and it allowed opportunity to tell them about Pan de Vida, the ministry and how many teams come to serve God through it.
As the work week began, again we were faced with the challenges of the rain. It has been extremely unusual weather for this time of year having it rain for a few days in a row day and night. Work continued on the paving project behind the kitchen. Again, due to the weather, the supplier was unable to keep up with the supply needed for this project so the team would get the blocks that were delivered down within a couple of hours.
Several had the not so pleasant job of digging the septic and getting it ready for concrete to be poured. The temporary system has brought challenges of its own as the pumps do not work properly and have to be tended day and night.
The girl’s dorm received a facelift with a thorough and fresh coat of paint while the older boys dorm got shelving for closet space. Also some wiring and lighting was installed to the outside of the dining area. Also the retaining wall around the tree near the church entrance was completed.
The team worked while the kids were in school and then at recess time, they stopped to play with the kids. There was floor hockey, football, soccer and guitars played throughout the week. Each evening the team ended with worship, devotions and testimony time. Real nourishment for the soul.
Agustine and Geno ended the teams trip with a supper at the current boys home. Since they will move back to Pan de Vida this week, they wanted to have one last “party” .
The team has left us with some great gifts as well. They have purchased pots, pans, knives and other utensils for the kitchen. A big hooray for industrial washing machines for the girls and boys, tires for one of the vans, support for Amealco ministry and more toward projects. The worship band also received 3 new guitars.
It is a blessing to have teams come and pour so much of themselves into the ministry here. We know that as much as they bless us, they too leave being blessed by the love of all the children.
Philippians 2:17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
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