Sunday, August 16, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Mountaintop experience
During a lull in the patients a group of folks started walking / climbing the hill that the clinic was setup next to.
After the first group was well on their way, beyond where we could see them, a second group of four decided to join them. I was in the second group.
Not long after we had gotten on our way, we started to look back and see that we probably should have given this journey a bit more thought. When we reached a small plateau, we looked down and saw that we had made it quite far, but also that the path down would be a bit more difficult than any of us had considered.
Being in a situation when you realize you should not have begun, but couldn't simply turn away from is strange. It was beautiful from where we were, it would be much more beautiful higher up (plus we might encounter the first group in hopes that one of the local climbers would have a bit more insight as to how to come down).
We determined to continue onward. As we went on, we realized another thing as we panted...
No one brought water. At 6,000 + feet elevation at the base of the mountain, we could be in more trouble the more we climbed. We plodded on.
When we finally reached the next plateau (beyond the sight line of the base and our clinic), we finally saw the first group. We also were greeted cheerfully with hellos and requests for water! (Oops).
After a while we decided to take a group photo and begin the path down. Thankfully for technology, Jake had his iPhone and we could see where we were against a satellite view of the switchbacks that led to our portion of the mountain base.
Keeping the best climbers in the front, we found the safest route along the rocky path. After a time, the path became quite steep, so we alternated an adult holding the hand of a younger climber.
And thus, we slowly made our way back to the clinic.
Fun!
Where did the time go?
Three years... Four days...
Both seem like a short time depending on your perspective.
It's been three years since our last trip to Guadelejara and so much has changed. The 'kids' that were running around from the Santa Ana church are now grown up, getting married, having children of their own. It's easy to recognize the difference with those you haven't been around.
But the same sun, moon, and stars have been passing over all of God's earth.
The 'kids' that were running around our little 'Village' in New Jersey are now grown up, getting married, and having kids of their own. It has taken some difficult passages this week for me to recognize the difference in those I see all the time.
It's been four days since we arrived in Guadelajara and so much has changed.
Growing up is a hard thing sometimes...
Both seem like a short time depending on your perspective.
It's been three years since our last trip to Guadelejara and so much has changed. The 'kids' that were running around from the Santa Ana church are now grown up, getting married, having children of their own. It's easy to recognize the difference with those you haven't been around.
But the same sun, moon, and stars have been passing over all of God's earth.
The 'kids' that were running around our little 'Village' in New Jersey are now grown up, getting married, and having kids of their own. It has taken some difficult passages this week for me to recognize the difference in those I see all the time.
It's been four days since we arrived in Guadelajara and so much has changed.
Growing up is a hard thing sometimes...
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Long Day...
We had hoped to reach a lot more people here and did.
We saw many more people than yesterday in both medical and dental.
Now, we are weary until the evening energy boost after pizza! :-)
What a difference!!!
is now quite clear. The rains have settled the dust which was very bad
yesterday.
... We are also getting in touch with our nurturing side and
becoming quite comfortable with each others needs... :-)
Lights Out... Part deux :-)
The power is still out, but the rain stopped.
Forgot about the moon! Not the greatest picture.
Seems like God doesn't need the local power grid... :-)
Lights Out!!
<
I got up early to capture the sights and sounds of an approaching thunderstorm and got some good footage.
Shortly afterwards, the storm arrived and knocked out power for a couple minutes and again, but this has lasted for quite awhile. Pastor Ted, 'Uncle' Roy, and I are volunteered to make breakfast in 45 minutes, but we may all end up having cereal...
Pray for us as the med/dental team will be attempting to setup in an area at the base of a mountain, (but uphill quite a bit from the area's entrance point). With the very steep dirt roads already treacherous from the last storms, it will be by God's grace we make it to the clinic site.
The Lord appears to be working already! As I was typing the last paragraph, the rain let up some an has slowed to a drizzle. We have a little more than 4 hours before we expect people to arrive. He can do great thing in that time! :-)
I got up early to capture the sights and sounds of an approaching thunderstorm and got some good footage.
Shortly afterwards, the storm arrived and knocked out power for a couple minutes and again, but this has lasted for quite awhile. Pastor Ted, 'Uncle' Roy, and I are volunteered to make breakfast in 45 minutes, but we may all end up having cereal...
Pray for us as the med/dental team will be attempting to setup in an area at the base of a mountain, (but uphill quite a bit from the area's entrance point). With the very steep dirt roads already treacherous from the last storms, it will be by God's grace we make it to the clinic site.
The Lord appears to be working already! As I was typing the last paragraph, the rain let up some an has slowed to a drizzle. We have a little more than 4 hours before we expect people to arrive. He can do great thing in that time! :-)
Monday, August 10, 2009
First Day on Construction
The first day on construction can be summarized by "paint, paint and more paint!" The six of us (Roy, Stephen, Chubby, Nathan, Mark and PT) got an early start with Jon and Jose (who was here three years ago). Some may remember Jose as the man that Dr. Boyajian had the opportunity to help in a very significant way by removing a growth from the back of his neck that was stopping him from functioning in many ways on a daily basis. He still remembers and is still very thankful as his whole life was changed from that day on. Now he leads a team of master brick layers who are amazing to watch as they lay tile and brick all throughout the Santa Ana church and school. He does amazing work! Most of the day was spent in painting the interior of the new kitchen and dining area which look great. It is wonderful to see the changes that have happened over the past three years and how the Lord has so richly blessed the church and people here. Perhaps Roy will send out some picture (hint, hint) soon so you can see some of the building and progress.
We are grateful for the Lord's protection and were reminded of it in a tangible way today! Let's just say that the wiring here leaves a lot to be desired. At one point when Roy and Chubby were doing something other than painting (pulling some wire through some conduit) Chubby accidentally sat upon some exposed wiring that he didn't see and received quite a shock! Not long after that he leaned back with his hand and touched another exposed wire! Again, quite a shocking experience! Thankfully, there was no damage done just two quick reminders of how dangerous some things can be and how gracious the Lord is in protecting us all... (and I do think Sue already knows the happenings of the day and is no doubt grateful for the Lord's protection of her husband!)
Keep praying for our safety and for the Lord's blessings upon our work here. And pray for daily strength as we are already tired from the first day of activity! Tomorrow looks like it will be a little wet so we will have to see what the Lord has in store for us. He always keeps us trusting in Him as we know He has His plans for us for every moment of every day here in Mexico and there at home...
Blessings in Him...
PT
We are grateful for the Lord's protection and were reminded of it in a tangible way today! Let's just say that the wiring here leaves a lot to be desired. At one point when Roy and Chubby were doing something other than painting (pulling some wire through some conduit) Chubby accidentally sat upon some exposed wiring that he didn't see and received quite a shock! Not long after that he leaned back with his hand and touched another exposed wire! Again, quite a shocking experience! Thankfully, there was no damage done just two quick reminders of how dangerous some things can be and how gracious the Lord is in protecting us all... (and I do think Sue already knows the happenings of the day and is no doubt grateful for the Lord's protection of her husband!)
Keep praying for our safety and for the Lord's blessings upon our work here. And pray for daily strength as we are already tired from the first day of activity! Tomorrow looks like it will be a little wet so we will have to see what the Lord has in store for us. He always keeps us trusting in Him as we know He has His plans for us for every moment of every day here in Mexico and there at home...
Blessings in Him...
PT
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Humility
Today we start the first day. It will be a challenge for each of us in a different way. As we were reminded in this AM devotion. May we keep in our forethought that Christ came to earth and there was no room for Him in any inn. He was stuck in the stable. A very humble beginning. As I look around in the area of the medical clinic I am struck at how the "stables" here are little more than a very smelly shed, and this is where the Lord chose too come into this world. May I learn to be joyful, to serve in humility for my most humble Lord, in this very humble location where I have been called. Pray that God would humble us, and mold us more like our most humble Christ.
On a different note, why do I need to watch out for my interests.........I have a God who is all powerful doing that for me?
Random Quote: "Yes," said Queen Lucy, "In our world, too, a stable once had something inside it that was bigger than the whole world."
Could it be any worse?
Some of our first impressions of the trip are interesting for us to share and we have been since arriving here on Saturday at around 11:30 AM. We have met two times as a Team to process some of our initial thoughts before beginning work tomorrow morning--bright and early. For those of us who came "last year, three years ago, in 1996" (a team joke regarding how I keep time!)--really in 2006--the impressions have been striking. I think each one of us being impressed with the scale of poverty we saw then thought we couldn't see anything worse. We were wrong. I am sure that you will see pictures of the events of this week (and already have) and you will see then and certainly in our report to the church that this place is plagued with deep and debilitating poverty. And this poverty is palpable as we drive and walk through the streets. It was good as a team to be reminded by the Lord through Pastor Fisher's sermon last Sunday morning that God takes note of the poor and we, as His people, are to take note of them as well. Caring for the poor is taking on new meaning here as we prepare to enter their lives and bring the hope of the Gospel. We sang a hymn this evening in our time together that has taken on additional meaning to us as we prepare to work this week:
O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
He breaks the power of canceled sin
He sets the prisoner free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me.
He speaks and listening to His voice
New life the dead receive
The mournful broken hearts rejoice
The humble poor believe.
It has been good for each one of us to be reminded how poor in spirit we really are and how dependent we are upon the mercy and grace of God on a daily basis! Just like the people we will be meeting tomorrow who are lost without Christ. We may not be able to relate to the tangible poverty we see with our eyes, but we can surely relate to that poverty of spirit common to us all.
So I guess it couldn't be any worse than it really is with each one of us--all sinners desperately in need of His grace. But our Savior is far better than any of us really know or understand fully and that is what gives us great hope as we begin the week!
Please continue to pray for us all and we will keep you all up to date as much as possible...
Blessings in Him...
PT
O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
He breaks the power of canceled sin
He sets the prisoner free
His blood can make the foulest clean
His blood availed for me.
He speaks and listening to His voice
New life the dead receive
The mournful broken hearts rejoice
The humble poor believe.
It has been good for each one of us to be reminded how poor in spirit we really are and how dependent we are upon the mercy and grace of God on a daily basis! Just like the people we will be meeting tomorrow who are lost without Christ. We may not be able to relate to the tangible poverty we see with our eyes, but we can surely relate to that poverty of spirit common to us all.
So I guess it couldn't be any worse than it really is with each one of us--all sinners desperately in need of His grace. But our Savior is far better than any of us really know or understand fully and that is what gives us great hope as we begin the week!
Please continue to pray for us all and we will keep you all up to date as much as possible...
Blessings in Him...
PT
Another great day...
Today we attended the English services at the church where we are staying, then attended bilingual services at the church that is 'hosting' the clinic this week.
Afterwards, we had lunch with the Cummings (including a great nap).
Then, we went to the neighborhood where the clinic will be held and passed out fliers.
Finally, we returned to the church and had grilled ham & cheese sandwiches.
Now, I'm seriously considering going to bed!
Tomorrow will be a very busy day.
Afterwards, we had lunch with the Cummings (including a great nap).
Then, we went to the neighborhood where the clinic will be held and passed out fliers.
Finally, we returned to the church and had grilled ham & cheese sandwiches.
Now, I'm seriously considering going to bed!
Tomorrow will be a very busy day.
Yesterday we scoped out where we are to set up the medical portion of the trip. It is in an area much different than Santa Anna. All around are half built houses that represent people's dreams. The houses are little more than what we call sheds. Made from concrete and bricks, they offer little more than protection from the elements. And yet these homes (yes they are homes) are lifelong dreams of the people who live in them.
This setting is going to present huge challenges to the medical team. It will be a challenge to keep a reasonable flow through the clinic. The smells are indescribable. So please be in prayer that all goes smoothly for the next week.
Phil 1:27-30 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
This setting is going to present huge challenges to the medical team. It will be a challenge to keep a reasonable flow through the clinic. The smells are indescribable. So please be in prayer that all goes smoothly for the next week.
Phil 1:27-30 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Jake and his games
Jake taught us a new card game. Basically an excuse to argue over the
rules. Nice team building idea Jake.
rules. Nice team building idea Jake.
Scoping out sites
Checked out the construction and medical work sites. Deep poverty and you
can read general resignation in faces. Excitement building for the week.
can read general resignation in faces. Excitement building for the week.
On our way back from the location where the Medical and Dental clinic will be setup
The rain is really threatening to come down...
--
Sent from my mobile device
Orientation
Jon gives us an idea of what to exspect for the rest of the week.
Josh and Asser have arrived safely as well.
-- Post From My iPhone
Arrived at Houston
We all have arrived at Houston safely. Now on to Guadalajara, Mexico!!!
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, August 7, 2009
Waiting... Waiting...
So....
A whole bunch of mission minded folks gather at the Costas in preparation for our night's stay at the airport.
We're *just* about to walk out the door when Mr. Fidanza asks about VISAs to work in Mexico. Pastor turned 'stone faced' according to some observers. Others noted several shades of red in the face of our esteemed and beloved team leader (although he was the ONLY one to arrive without a team shirt).
One (very pale) poetic minded mission goer said "While we were looking for a leader, Pastor was looking for his passport".
Suddenly (and before the video cameras were able to capture the moment), Pastor ran out the door and sped off into the night on his way to Maple Shade.
So we wait. And wait.
We hope he's back by 3:00.
A whole bunch of mission minded folks gather at the Costas in preparation for our night's stay at the airport.
We're *just* about to walk out the door when Mr. Fidanza asks about VISAs to work in Mexico. Pastor turned 'stone faced' according to some observers. Others noted several shades of red in the face of our esteemed and beloved team leader (although he was the ONLY one to arrive without a team shirt).
One (very pale) poetic minded mission goer said "While we were looking for a leader, Pastor was looking for his passport".
Suddenly (and before the video cameras were able to capture the moment), Pastor ran out the door and sped off into the night on his way to Maple Shade.
So we wait. And wait.
We hope he's back by 3:00.
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