mission:HAITI

note from daniel: we are in “mission trip” mode right now and all our interns have, are, or will be experiencing ministry in a cross-cultural context. Three of our interns recently returned from Haiti. Here is a highlight of that trip. Written by Mary Catherine.

Once arriving in Haiti, we stayed at New Life Children’s Home for two nights.  It was located right in Port-au Prince.   This is an orphanage; however I was surprised to learn that many of the beautiful children staying there still had two parents.  Their families couldn’t afford to feed them and send them to school.  Staying at the orphanage was definitely a highlight for me, as it was for many others.  The kids were adorable – words can’t explain.  They all had so much love and joy, even when they had so little when it came to material things.  I couldn’t help but feel guilty staying in the guesthouse.  Even thought it was complete with ants and cockroaches, it was a mansion compared to the dorms the kids lived in.  During our stay, we painted some dorms and a bathroom, but the majority of our time was spent holding the hands of a child in a wheelchair, comforting a crying baby, playing some intense soccer (and getting badly beat), or pushing a little boy or girl on the swings.

On Wednesday our group had some once in a lifetime experiences.  While at a museum, we ran into a man named Jonas.  He knew our leaders, Phil and Chad Snyder.  He told us his testimony about how both his father and grandfather were witch doctors.  Jonas was “next in line,” however he became sponsored to go to a Christian school and became a follower of the Lord.  He took us to his house, way in the “backwoods” of Haiti.  Many kids stated running towards us, jumping on us and fighting to hold our hands.  As we walked down a hill, we went inside a house here a baby had just been born.  The umbilical cord was still attached!  After many pictures of the newborn, we moved on to a church, where there was loud singing and dancing.  Some people then began speaking in tongues.  I had never seen anything like it before.  After our excursion to this little village, we learned that most of those kids had more than likely never seen a white person before.

Thursday was my favorite day.  We went on a three hour trip up a stone road to the mountains.  We arrived at a town called Fom Batise.  GLOW (the organization we went to Haiti with) has a school there.  Phil Snyder (one of our leaders) told us that before GLOW came, most all of the children had red hair and brain damage from being malnourished.  Now, after a feeding program and a school, the town is improving, as well as the health of these beautiful children.  This was a humbling experience for me, as it showed me that the money we donate and put in the offering bucket at church goes such a long way, and helps so many people.  Giving can at times be a hard thing for me, as I’m sure it is for many others.  However after seeing the impact it has had over Fom Batise, it makes it easier for me to want to give.

All in all, Haiti was an amazing experience.  I can’t wait to go back!

KIDS CLUB GOT STARTED TODAY

Kids Club is for elementary age kids to come and play games, learn about God, and have fun in a safe environment. There is also a snack we give out and drinks for everyone. It’s held in a neighbor lady’s yard. She is very generous with allowing us to bring lots of kids to her lawn. The kids can do all different things, like play with sidewalk chalk, play basketball, hula hoop, or just sit on a blanket in the shade and talk. It is for all the neighbor kids, and most of them know each other so it’s fun for them to play with their friends.

The first day of kids club was a success. We went around the neighborhood before it started and told the kids and parents where it was and what we would be doing. A lot of kids already knew about it since they have been doing it for 3 years now. The location changed from last year though, so we had to tell people where to find us. I think the kids really look forward to coming and hanging out with us and their friends, playing games, and of course, getting to eat ice cream.

About 20 kids showed up. They had lots of energy! We played different games like red rover, basketball, tag and we had a Bible Story. We got volunteers and the kids acted out the story of Noah. Many of them were familiar with the story already, so it was good that we brought along props to make it interesting. We also had a squirt gun that Mary Catherine shot out on the kids to symbolize the rain. The kids listened well so we hope it was meaningful for them.

Before today’s events started, we circled up and prayed and asked God to bless what we have going here, and we asked Him to be present in everything that goes on this summer. This is such a great opportunity to be able to go to a neighborhood and show Jesus’ love to the kids, some of which who are not used to being in a safe, fun environment. We’re hoping God will keep blessing the kids lives through Kids Club.

A DAY OF TEAM BUILDING

Written by Mark Haskin

We started the day by hoping into a church van and headed up to Grace Adventures, a wonderful camp that has been doing youth and team building ministry for years.  Our leader for the day did a great job helping us think through what it will take for us to be the best team possible as we minister to others.  We set some expectations and personal goals for the day as well as goals for each specific team building exercise we attempted.

Some of the expectations for the day were:

• Learn how to work together knowing we each have different leadership types
• Know that we are all in this together
• Have a common sense of mission
• Listen to each other, not just what is being said, but what is not being said, which was explained as being a ‘Jesus Listener’

Our personal goals were:

• Even when I am afraid, I’m going to go for it!
• Push myself farther than I would like to
• Keep getting better at the task at hand
• Give everything I’ve got and encourage others to do the same

It was very helpful that we would revisit our goals and keep them as our focus point throughout the day as it helped us continually evaluate whether or not we were keeping our goals in mind, not just accomplishing the task at hand.  We learned that there was a difference between the two, accomplishing our goals and completing the task.  For one of our tasks our goal was to have effective communication between the members of our team and the task was to get from one side of a “river” to the other by using planks of wood and bricks.  We completed the task, but our communication was not as effective as it could have been during the entire activity, but by the end, it had improved greatly.

At the end of our day at Grace Adventures we each wrote down things that are going to be important to keep in mind and practice during our summer here at Calvary.

They were:

• Be flexible
• Continually challenge ourselves, wisely challenge each other and be open to accept those challenges
• Incorporating everyone on the team into what we are doing
• Talk about what we are thinking and what our plans are for the next step

Some other highlights for the day: On the ropes course, completing an element that we were not sure we could do. Completing our ‘log across the river’ puzzle

Experiencing this all with “Stand in Jake”.  I didn’t mention this earlier, but we brought a Stand in Jake since the real Jake was in Israel during our time at Grace.  We brought along a life-size foam man and named him Jake so he could experience all of the team building exercises with us.  Taking him along on the ropes course as well as the ‘logs across the river’ exercise served as a metaphor making us include a team member even if they were not able to come up with ideas or physically help with the problem solving.
All in all the day was a great success, we met all of our expectations for the day, grew closer at a team, learned how to work together and how our different leadership styles complement one another.  I am very excited for the rest of the summer as grow closer as friends and a team and as we work together to show God’s love to others.

IT BEGINS

Yesterday the interns gathered for the first time this summer. They are a great group. This is going to be a good summer.

One of the things I wanted to do first with them is consider who they are as emerging leaders. So we spent a lot of time yesterday looking into the types of leaders they are becoming. Here is how they scored on an assessment on each interns leadership type:

• Emily & Mary Catharine are RELATER Leaders.
• Ben had a combination of being a DOER & THINKER Leader
• Mark is a MOVER Leader
• Jake is yet an unknown because he hasn’t joined the internship yet (he is in Israel). However, I have a suspicion that he is a MOVER Leader.

So what the world are Relater, Mover, Doer, Relater leaders anyway? (oh yeah, there is also leaders known as THINKER Leaders… that is what I am). Here is a simple description of each:

• DOERs are primarily concerned about the tasks to be accomplished by the team. They like to focus on the task at hand, make checklists, get things organized, correct errors, and hit deadlines. Doers want the team to get it right.
• THINKERs are primarily concerned about generating new ideas and solving team problems. They like to gather information, analyze a situation, brainstorm new ideas, develop plans, be creative, and get all the pieces working together. Thinkers want the team to develop creative solutions.
• RELATERs are primarily concerned about people and team relationships. They like to get to know the other team members, build relationships, encourage others, be a good listener, and be supportive. Relaters want the team members to get along.
• MOVERs are primarily concened about achieving goals and getting the team from here to there. Movers like to accept challenges, set goals, get others involved, make decisions, take approopiate risks, and persevere over difficulties. Movers want the team to win.

Yesterday we also spent time setting individual and team goals for the summer. I am not going to post their individual goals, but here are the team goals that were set by the interns;

• The kids we work with this summer will have a better appreciation of Jesus.
• The kids will have lots of fun and want to be a part of the activities
• That there will be a friendly environment and the kids and interns will know each other well.
• That each intern on the team will be meaningfully invested, using their personalities, gifts, and passion to better the ministry to children.
• That kids and their families will get increasingly connected to the Calvary Community
• That the kids will get a better understanding of the Bible and Church.

Tomorrow I will be taking the interns off site to do some team building. They will come back tired, but a functioning team. We will have pictures and an intern will journal the day. Look for it on Friday.

Daniel

2008 SUMMER INTERNSHIP IS RAMPING UP!

We are only a few weeks away from starting the summer internship!

We are very excited about it and those who will be joining us.

Here are the five interns:

• Jake Waterway,
• Mary Catherine Tien,
• Ben Lemmen,
• Emily Johnson,
• and Mark Haskin (our college intern).

Welcome!

Go here to see their summer schedule.

WEEK 6 IN REVIEW

TODAY STARTED OUT WITH ONLY TWO

Today started out with only two of us, Kyle and I. We started the day with Daniel. We prayed and pondered over a Bible verse. It really made me think about what I do with my life during the school year.

Then Kyle and I went to go start planning Sunday’s lesson and Dustin then joined us. We got a lot accomplished. Dustin and Kyle got the speakers back up and the computer hooked up again. (The speakers had been taken down so the walls could be painted.) While the guys were putting things back together I went and copied the next three lessons. I also got the Bible story and coloring pages for Briarwood.

When we got to Briarwood we had to make a few trips to pick up the kids because the van wasn’t back from Cedar Point. We played a game of red rover. After the kids got to warm we had them sit down for snack and the story. This is when we realized that I had grabbed the wrong story. I grabbed tuesday’s story. So thanks to Dustin. He gave the story today. Luckily it was a well known story from the Bible. Thanks again Dustin. I will make sure I grab the right story next time. We then played game of drip drip drop to cool down. It felt good. After they got sick of that a few if the kids wanted to go on the swing that the neighbors let us use. So Kyle pushed them while I guarded the tree so the kids wouldn’t hit the tree. I think that Briarwood went very well today. We had many kids and they all had a great time.

I am sad that the summer is almost over.

I hope that Rob had a great time at Cedar Point and that April had a good time at dance camp. We missed you both.
Erin Rietveld

OUT OF THE ORDINARY

Today was a little out of the ordinary.

Instead of our usual planning sessions for Kid Zone and Kid Club, we took a break and stepped back to try to plan next years Youth group. This was no simple feat! We needed to plan around a central theme, and then come up with sub-themes and activities/lessons for every week under each sub-theme. Confused? I don’t blame you.

We set out at 9:15 for the Wierda’s barn where we started with a couple of “thinker” games to get the creative juices flowing. Then we set about the formidable task of planning youth group for next year. Before we started, however, we bathed the process in prayer for about a half hour, asking God’s spirit to lead to the things that He wants to work through. It was a very meaningful time of supplication. After planning for most of the morning, we took a break and grabbed some lunch at China King Buffet. Mmmmmmm……Chinese food. Then, with our stomachs full, we went back to the Lodge and continued planning for 3 more hours.

We got a little giddy toward the end, but we got the job done.

All in all, it was a fun day. We got to break out of ordinary and enjoy a day of fun together, planning the youth groups future. What a responsibility to be a part of the planning team. I think I speak for all of the interns when I say that I was humbled and honored to be able to take part in such an important time. I look forward with anticipation to the year ahead of us.

Kyle

VBS IS ON!

VBS is quite possibly one of my favorite times of the whole year. It’s busy, but such an incredible week. After seeing God at work in Mexico, it’s been great to see Him so visibly at work at home too. One of the best parts for me today was seeing people catch on to the motions as we sang in the opening and closing programs. During one song we sing “…and give Him the glory, great things He has done.” The motions for that line have us all putting our hands high in the air. I wish everyone could see this from the music team’s perspective as 600 some kids and leaders put their hands in the air and praise God. It is an amazing view. God really has done and will continue to do some great things at VBS.

As an intern, I have been blessed with the opportunity to be a middle school leader as well as sing on the music team. As nervous as I was for this, I have been more than pleasantly surprised by my group of 5th, 6th, and 7th grade “green beans” (we are the green group). Judging from their determination to get me in the dunk tank on Friday, I’m assuming they’ve warmed up to me at least a little. It’s been so much fun to watch and interact with them as they answer questions about Ross and Luke’s teaching, make crafts, and play games. It has also been great to see kids from Briarwood coming to VBS. It’s so rewarding to see the results of the investment that we’ve been making in their lives. One boy in particular has been growing and changing before our eyes this summer. From a quiet, shy, and somewhat scared kid in June, I have seen him grow and display some great leadership skills with the younger ones at Kids Club. I was so happy to see him come to VBS yesterday and today. However, there is another boy who desperately needs prayer and attention. He didn’t come today, but from what I learned about him yesterday, he sounded pretty hopeless and joyless. It broke my heart to see him like that. He is definitely in need of some love.

It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is already the half way point of the week. Although each morning flies by, it is a very demanding three hours. And as I experienced today, there is still a lot of work and planning to do. Continue to pray for all the leaders so they will be able to keep up an energetic and fun but also educational and loving environment. I can’t begin to describe how much I love VBS and how excited I am for the next three days.

April

WEEK 5 IN REVIEW

GUESS THEIR FEET

We put up a new header image of the interns (at the top of this page). Can you guess the intern’s feet? First to get it right wins
o n e m i l l i o n d o l l a r s.

note: Interns not allowed to play -you already make lots of money because of this internship.

TODAY WAS HOT (in more ways than one)

Today was Hot!
This morning started out in prayer with Daniel, and then we started the routine of organizing Sunday mornings, and prepping for VBS. Soon we began to help out on little things that people were in need of, and somewhat stressing on due to VBS. We did the little but important jobs, such as, cleaning all the toys in the nursery, both infant and toddlers. We spent time on getting the things that people needed, and further more, more prep towards the fact of having a magnitude of kids here in a matter of days. It’s definitely been a huge project for everyone. – Everyone here, whether we see it or not is contributing towards VBS. I never knew how much work it actually takes to make it come out the way it does, so I want to applaud the staff and the numerous volunteers that make it happen. They’re the ones that give the kids the ultimate week. Along with the kids that attend VBS are many kids from briarwood, the neighborhood that we work in. Today’s experience was another good one and it’s always as if the number of children never cease to grow. There’s value going into a neighborhood in a white van driving by houses seeing kids in windows, yards, and friend’s houses just waiting for that van to stop at their house. Although, some days it’s hard, I have seen a lot of value being with these kids. In some of these kid’s lives they don’t necessarily have a strong source of love, and giving us the chance to be that is definitely an awesome feeling.

VBS starts next week, so any viewers keep VBS in your prayers for a phenomenal turnout! Thanks!

(Did I mention today was Hot??)

Robbie

BACK AT IT IN HOLLAND

Today was a great day, besides that fact that I don’t have much of a voice.

We finally had all the interns together. When we first go to church Daniel had the four interns that went to Mexico share some things. What a trip they had.

After that was staff prayer. We split up into four groups and went to different sections of the building to pray for Vacation Bible School.

Then we had a brainstorming sessions of crafts and games for the middle schoolers to do for VBS. It took us awhile to all agree on somethings but we came up with some good plans. We then went to staff lunch.

Pastor Frank asked those that went to Mexico to share some things. Wow! They had an amazing trip. I missed out. But I could relate to a little bit of what they were saying because I had a similar expience during spring break. I went to Haiti. There is alot of poverty in this world and are things that have to be done. Going on a trip to Mexico, Haiti or another place that has major poverty really makes you do some hard thinking about your life and the way that you live it.

After lunch we went to Briarwood. We had around twenty kids today. We had a lot of fun. The kids really liked our skit on baby Moses. I am looking foward to going to Briarwood again on Thursday!!

Erin

PICTURES!

We just posted a bunch of new pictures from Mexico…check em out here

You have pictures from Mexico and want to share them with the WORLD? Get them to the church office (Daniel, to be specific) and we will post them for all to enjoy.

MEXICO VIDEO

Thanks for joining us on this journey.

Robbie Writes Again (last time from Mexico)

It’s Friday!!!! The last day before things go back to being rich, successful, hardworking… Okay lets get real… Greedy, careless, irresponsible, and corrupt- As this week closes, I’ve begun to notice almost too much. I’ve seen a whole different world, a different higher class of people, the personal sides of friends, and finally my dissatisfaction with hitting my “Wall”. We’ve talked a lot of our walls the last couple of days and I’ve been feeling great… I’ve had no intention of hitting any kind of walls, but I spoke to soon. It happened Thursday, it was difficult to continue to look on the bright side of situations and problems like I’ve been trying to do according to James 1. (One of my personal verses that I try to abide by during hard times). Its been tough, it’s been hard, I try to do something to help someone and we end up recognizing the problems, analyze them, and realizing what it’s going to take to fix them. My frustration came when I thought we had figured out the problems and later I realized that we hadn’t, but we are continuing to try to find solution to the remaining problems. So Now My Wall Is Going Up … So foundations to frustration have been set and the conglomeration of some of my own personal problems, and other’s personal problems have both effected my worship and my individual life. Fatigue and several other problems have started to form this so called “Wall”. I’ve allowed other people’s situations to effect me, and I’ve been working them out through quiet time and realizing what is and isn’t important, and what should and shouldn’t make me upset. I’ve had to think a lot during this adventure and have appreciated what it has done to my mind. Although my “Wall” wasn’t large enough to “knock me down” it was large enough to trip me up and make me think about how I would handle things, which I couldn’t have done without my new/old friends. This journey has also given me new friends and profound new friendships. Without my friends this would’ve been much more difficult and not nearly as fun. If you haven’t ever seen a close friend become closer with the Lord then you won’t know how much fun that is. You would have any idea how much fun it is to pray over one another, and have each other’s back. To trust someone as yourself— On the other hand, our house has been brought up very efficiently through hard work, good ideas, leadership, and team work. More importantly is our neighboring Mexican families, THEY ARE AMAZING! They are the ones that I have witnessed God through, they are the ones that made me think and allowed me to learn. I came to Mexico thinking, “ Alright, I’m going to a third world country to help build houses for people that don’t have as much.” And now I’m thinking when I leave this place to go back to the U.S.A. I’m leaving a greater place filled with much of what really matters, family love, care, simple fun(simply dropping a ball and kicking it around brings smiles as large as a man winning a lotto), and joy to go back to a greedy and selfish nation. They’ve taught me so much! Again, it’s one of the things it’s hard to describe with words. Especially when I saw the faces and tears when we dedicated the house to Elizabeth(The New Owner). Her face was exuberant and over come with endless joy, tears were streaming, and I can tell her heart was pounding fast. Only after that was she to be push in her joyful feelings when she opened an envelope filled with money that was donated by the phenomenal servants that I was privileged to have in my group! This time in Mexico has been beyond the description of words and in certain scenarios surpasses the descriptive words in the dictionary. I have felt just about every kind of emotion and feeling. I have shed tears, laughed, smiled, been frustrated, been upset, been sad, and many more. This trip has been more than just a trip but also a test allowing growth for my individual and a test for servitude. It went from doing clean-up after dinner, to doing dishes every morning with my friend Lindsey, to building a house, to doing VBS for many Mexican children, to praying with neighbors, to helping others with personal problems, to playing soccer with the children in the streets and yelling CARRO for Car and AQUI for here/pass. This trip has been definitely one of the most dominant highlights of my life, and I feel like I could go on with this writing continuously. One big thing I’ll take away from this trip is even though living in the U.S.A. has many opportunities and doorways for success temptation and evil lurks in the dark and around every corner, it’ll get you when your tired and seek you when your weak, it will hate you when you worship, and hunt you when your lost— I know I’m not lost, God shines his rays over my path eliminating the shadows, he leaves no room for error and promises success, through him he guarantees happiness, and fills my night with refreshing ZzzzzZzzzz’s, he is my protector and my guide, my only one I share with through pride. He is my Savior and my best friend. Closing- In doing all that my peers and I have accomplished, there has formed many stories, one being about the Mexican people as a whole or at least how they were portrayed to me. They aren’t these dirty, little, poor, good for nothing people! They are amazing with exceeding morals and characteristics. Their love for life is true and technology doesn’t stagger their love for God and peers as our possessions possess us thoroughly and fully. They are who they are, they are real, and they are and forever will be Mi Amigos. I’ve come to love them, and they’re style of living, even though their water won’t cooperate with any kind of stomach.  The story isn’t how many houses we built, or how much we accomplished physically, it’s what we accomplished in the relationships with them, and how much they’ve shown us! As of now I have no desire to leave, but like we discussed as a group tonight, God’s path goes on, and perhaps one day I’ll see my friends again.

LAST POST FROM THE GROUP (not many)

Hey mere, rachey, nana, and daddy-o

Today was the last day with the kids and we gave the house to Elizabeth. First we worked on it a bit then we ate and went to vbs. Then we went on the bus to vbs and I had a great time playing with the children they are all so very loving and you can tell even when you don’t speak their language. But after that we ate some Mexican food our “neighbors” made and then we gave the house away. We had gotten a rug, food, and given her the rest of the money, but she wouldn’t accept the money…so we had to convince her, and she then took it. But soon the bus was coming and we had to say goodbye I started balling and I couldn’t stop, little Louise and a girl I didn’t even know her name that only had diapers on clung to me as I cried and didn’t know what was happening. Eventually, we got Andrea to finish translating what we were doing which was leaving and then Louise understood and he held onto me so hard and I never wanted to let go of him. Getting on that bus was one of the hardest things that has happened so far in my life I think, just seeing them for the last time and I can’t do anything more but at least I know that I tried to do all I could. I hope god will watch over them while I am gone.

Love you all very much

Angela Miedema (sha-sha)

  

We finished our homes and had to say good bye to the families. It was tough to do and tears were shed because we probably never see them again. All of us grew attached to the families especially the little kids. It was such a joy to see the smiles on their faces.

As the week passed the students became more and more aware how really blessed we are. Both the leaders and students are praying that what we learned will not be forgotten in the rush of the world we live in.

Please keep all of us in your prayers both now and in the future.

Jim Visser

4th Set of Comments from the Group

I wanted to say that Mexico is going great.  It is amazing to see the joy that we can bring to these families and also the joy that they can bring to us.  We are building our home for a family that needs a sanitary place for the grandpa’s dialysis.  It was becoming to expensive for him to have to drive to Taiwan every week, so they need to come to his house.  This family and all of the homes and families around them really show me how rich I/we are.  It is great to see these people be able to get joy from little things and how simple their life’s are.  They are receiving a blessing from us as a home but we are learning just as much if not more in return.  This week has been a great time and hopefully will finish as good!

Lance Jongekrijg

 

Sall Family – I finally got to get on the computer and throw you guys out an update on how everything down here is going. It is so beautiful. We are set in the middle of mountains and in constant sunshine so my tan is going real wellJ. Our days have been on a regular schedule of Breakfast, Work, Hangout time, Dinner, worship, and then hangout till we go to bed. Today was our beach day and we got to go swim in the Pacific and go shopping the huge local market of street vendors. Tomorrow is my BDAY! JJJ So I am pretty psyched about that one. We will be working but that is ok because we are finished with our house and all we have to do is dedicate it and then work with the VBS, after that it will be hangout and repacking time because we leave so early the next day. So I am hopping it’s a low key day. How is everyone doing up there? I miss you all a ton! Jenn and Katie we have a dog on our work site that is about the size of mia when we first got her. He is so cute I’m thinking about taking him back in my carry-on. Anyway I am going to head back to the pool which is about 90 degrees but still a nice refresher. Hope all is going good and I will see you all on Saturday.

Nick (your almost 18 year old brother/sonJ)

ALL IN!!!

Hello from Mexico.   As a leader I think the one with the most seniority, I have to let you parents know that this is he most incredible group of young MEN and WOMEN that I have had the pleasure to work with maybe ever.  As I think about the week I think about what we have been hearing from Brandon, our evening speaker.  He has been awesome by the way.  Brandon is a minister from Elmbrook church and has been talking about how rich we are.  He has such a great way of speaking to students and ok, me too.  One of the things that I have been so impressed about is how generous your kids are.  First to give up a week of their summer to come here and build a house for some very deserving and grateful folks that have next to nothing.(in our eyes)  Then to think about how they have been up at 6:00 without complaint for breakfast.  Once at the job site they work again without complaint.  I would even go so far to say, very willingly and excited to be there.  My group has been working on a house for a single woman, (Elizabeth) that has her dying mother living with her.  She was only able to come out to the site the first day because she has had to work, so I think she will be very surprised when she arrives tomorrow as to what has been done.  Ok, back to your kids.  Every morning my group arrives at the site and we stand on the property and pray over it.  Once the house (16’x12’) was up, we started praying inside the house and yesterday we all prayed over a different spot on the property (which barely fits this house).  I think the kids really took this to heart.  Ok, I got away from what I really want to say again!  I just love bragging about your kids.  So here goes my main point.  A couple of days ago we decided it would be great if the students were given an opportunity to give monetarily as well so we could buy a few items for Elizabeth.   They all agreed that would be cool.  I have to be honest I was blown away!  By the end of the next day I collected just over $100.  WOW, I think that is incredible.  But wait, more kept coming in.  By the middle of today our small work group of about 16 kids were “all in”.  When we counted the money, we had over $300!  I said that correctly, $300.  That’s like $3000 to Elizabeth.  I have seen cars for sale here for half that.  I am so blown away; I can’t even put it into words.  I am continually amazed by your kids.  But wait there is more!  Not only were they “all in” monetarily, I believe your kids are “all in” for Christ.  They get it!  Isn’t that the most cool thing folks?   I think you will see some different kids when you see them next.  Having kids ALL IN as sophomores, juniors and seniors in high school is something to be very proud of.  You all have done an excellent job with the upbringing of your kids.  So in closing I would like to say this.  At club in the evening we are asked to share God sightings, and here’s mine.  I  am one of the fortunate few that gets to see God every day.  I see God in your kids!  From the bottom of my heart I want to say thank you for the opportunity I get to hang out with them.  Elizabeth will definitely see GOD too.  They are ALL IN!

Dave Spaulding

 

 

Hola from Mexico!!!  This past week has been amazing, I couldn’t have asked for a better time or trip. Everyone here is so friendly and caring; they appreciate so much when they have so little. Being here in Mexico has really opened my eyes and made me really appreciate what I have back home. I know it is going to be really rough for all of us to live, let me tell you, many of us would love to stay here longer. Mexico has become a second home to many of us, especially me. With one day left, reality is setting in, we have to leave sooner or later, but in our hearts we will always remember what an amazing time we had in Mexico. So as I leave you all tonight, I would just like to say thank you so much for all of the prayers, they are very much appreciated. We will all be home soon!

With much love, Rachael Van Oss

 

Hey Rachy, Mere, and Nana, and maybe daddy-o!

This week has been really tough and now its almost over and I don’t want to leave the kids, but I do miss you guys! This place has been a blessing to many different families and the woman (Elizabeth) at our house helps us so much and gives so much while she has nothing. A little girl and her friends were walking around the site with some nails they found and a hammer to find scraps of wood so that they would copy what we were doing, and I helped hold the nail while she pounded it in, it was really cute. But it shows that we were making an impact because they were learning just by watching us work on the house, although I did get hit quite a few times while she was trying to hammer that nail into the scrap of wood. Today we went to the beach and the market and I rode horses on the beach, and shopped at the market. I learned to haggle! Sorry I didn’t get you guys anything really great but I gave away a lot of my money for our family so I got some small things for Rachel and Mom and me. I love you all so much and am missing you tons. I just hope that when I return that I keep up the good work that I have done here. It is much easier to notice the poverty in places here than in Holland. But I will try to find those places where I can do great work and help the way god would want me too.

Missing you guys tons!

Angela Miedema

 

Hi.

Jake

Andrea Writes (an intern last year)

We are now coming to the last couple days of a week never to be forgotten. Many challenges have been thrown our way, and many completed. The first day we were given the opportunity to meet our families whom we are building for. My group, led by Monica, Sue, and Dave, was blessed to meet Elizabeth. She lives with her mother who is very ill. Actually, Elizabeth and her two younger sisters and younger brother are surprised that their mother has made it this long. I have not been able to talk with Elizabeth’s mother yet, but I have asked a few questions to Elizabeth. First, I was saddened to hear the news that Elizabeth has had two miscarriages, and then she had one child. However, this child had anemia, and being difficult to get all medical attention needed, her child passed away at the age of one yea old. Changing the topic a little, I asked Elizabeth a little about what she likes to do. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys to do ceramic paintings of flowers. I wish to have the opportunity to see some of these. When we asked her when she will be back again, so we could talk some more, she told us that her job won’t let her off again. She was only given one day off. Due to the circumstances, she is going to try to get off Friday so we will meet again. It would be a gift from God if she could be at the dedication ceremony. I know it will mean a lot to here mother and herself. Elizabeth has been a blessing from God from the first second we met her. She got right to working on her house that we are building for her. How incredible that she would help build this when there was 16 students and adults working to build this house. When the walls were painted and up, I stood next to Elizabeth as she viewed the beginnings of her house. She looked to me, with tears in her eyes and said (in Spanish of course), “This color makes me happy. You people are gifts from God.” It was a touching moment for us. I am looking forward to see how God will work through this last day tomorrow. Wait and see if she comes back and hear how things went.

 

I also have one other lady who has changed many in our group. Let me start at the beginning with an explanation of how we met. Dave suggested that we canvass the neighborhood and greet people. We came upon a small house where Maria, an elderly woman lives. I began talking to her, as Spanish is her only language. We became friends and our group couldn’t wait to see her on Tuesday. Tuesday morning we went to her house again. This time with the intentions of finding out about her. She is a Christian, who struggles to share God’s story with her family and neighbors. A suggestion was made that we pray with her and lift her and the family up. You could see in her eyes that it hurt her to see some of her family on a different path than she. We joined in a circle and people began lifting up prayers. Hoping she would understand, I translated as things wee said. Every time a prayer was said for her, she blessed God and lifted her voice in gratitude. Wednesday morning we went back to start our day in prayer with her again. This time she asked that we pray for direction from God so she can know how to reach out to her neighbors. It was good for us to see her passion in this situation. At the end of our time together, we took a picture of our group, and shared a few hugs. Later that day, Maria came on the VBS bus with us to give her time with the kids. Maria has been a blessing and I truly feel that God has called our group to this location for a reason. A reason that is not what we expected. I don’t want to speak for others, so I will speak for myself. I was reading in 1 Corinthians about strengthening your faith, and I read that you need to keep yourself in groups and encourage one another. Maria has been an unbelievable encouragement for me. She has encouraged me to stay strong in my faith. It is not always easy to share with those you love, especially your family, and she showed that with prayer and support it is possible. I look forward to meeting with her again tomorrow and have the opportunity to know how her family life has been going. Honestly, her smile brings me to tears. She is a fragile woman with a heart for God.

 

I will try to wrap this up, as it is getting long. However, this week has been so changing for me. Brandon Brown, the speaker every night, has sent so many challenges spiritually. He has encouraged us to dig deep down in our hearts and open doors that are not always opened. Tuesday night, we were given the opportunity to meet in small groups and share what is on our mind. I felt convicted by God and I felt that God was telling me to change some areas of my life. I had doors closed to God. Doors that were opened Tuesday night. I never knew how difficult and relieving it was to share your fears and worries with others. My favorite verse reads: “Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” –Isaiah 40:30-31 This verse has been put into perspective this week. I have truly felt God lifting me up on eagle’s wings. I have seen true poverty. Not only physically but also spiritually. I feel that I was at a point in life where I was a little tired, struggling to keep up. But this week has renewed my strength. My faith in God is stronger than ever before. A song I love to sing when struggling with faith is titled, “Everlasting God”. In this song, the chorus reads “You are the Everlasting God, the Everlasting God, you do not faint, you won’t grow weary. You’re the defender of the weak, you comfort those in need, you lift me up on wings like eagles.” If you haven’t noticed, this song is based on Isaiah 40:30-31. Again, it is another reassurance of the strength God gives us. I hope that when I come home, I will be able to share this strength with others. God has worked in so many wonderful ways this week. God is always working; we just need to learn how to look for Him in all we do. Praise God for a week of growth and strength!   

~Andrea Rietveld

 

Pictures

We are trying really hard to get pictures up for you to see. However, it has not been easy. The connection is really slow and there are two other leaders with laptops trying to get their pictures up as well. So we will keep trying and post little by little.

You can view the pictures we currently have up here

We will keep trying to post more… we are off to the beach and market today. The students are waiting at the bus now… goto go!

Daniel

Dustin Rocks

Through out this week I have been going full-bore trying to every thing at once. But to day I just realized it’s not about me it’s about something greater. Something in me says to take hold of every situation in my day to day routine. Being human I tend to shove every thing that would over ride my plains out of the picture. The week that has already past has brought me to the realization that when I see God acting the most is when I choose to let less of me and more of him show up in my life.  This mission trip has brought me to the realization that we as Americans actually have less than the people hear in Mexico. These people have time, they don’t have money to worry about, and they don’t have the technology to distract them from family life. They in fact are richer than I am with a joy that can’t be hidden. Then I look at myself God has been there though my life I have everything I could ever want but it seems that I can always find something that I’m not content with. Contentment, God says in his word to cast all your cares upon him in he will provide.  I don’t know about you but the greatest struggle in my life is letting go and letting God. Looking at the mountains around me has made me think about the real rock am keeping him small or big in my life, is he a pebble or a mountain. The rock I am talking about is God. The second part of Psalms 40:2 says “he (referring to God) set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand”. Too many times I keep God to pebble size limiting the space I give him. I think that God is so real on mission trips because we let oursevles go. In these times I think that I am in more need of the mission trip than the people who I am helping. I want God to be a mountain over shadowing and protecting me. Rocks have been used by men since creation. Jesus the rock though all ages said this “And surely I will be with you always, to every end of the age. –Matthew 28:20

Third Set of Comments from the Group

Hey family! I love ya and miss you very much! We had a good week so far building houses and today I did VBS. Tomorrow we are going to the beach and the market. Keep praying for me.

Abby Branderhorst

 

Hey dad, and Steven if you’re listening, I miss you tons but I’m having a blast. Tomorrow we head to the beach and the market. I miss you and love you. Tell Cassie I said hi too. J

Paige Douglas

 

Hi Mom, Dad, Josh, Grace, Henry, and Nathaniel. I’m having a great time in Mexico. We have gotten a lot of work done on the house. I miss you tons! Kiss Snickers for me.

Love Katie F.

 

Hey mom, dad, Andrew, ben, and Kelsey,

I’m having a great time here, and am not gunna want to leave. I’m loving the kids…theres one girl who wont leave me, and always wants to be with me…she is soooo cute!!….i love her!…so I will see you Saturday and am excited for camping!! Wahoo…

Well love you all a ton!!

Katelyn TuckerJ

 

Hey mom, dad, matt, and Alyssa,

Im having an awesome time here in mexico!! Im so glad that I went!! I can feel myself changing for the better and I want to keep it going when I get back home!! Its hot during the da, and cold at night (NO SWEATSHIRT)….but im loving all the people here and the way people live here is definitely eye opening!! If the baseball party is this Saturday I wont be able to make it, but tell coach that I love him and I’ll miss him…..i miss you all a ton ad I love you all sooo much!! I’lll definitely cya’ll when I get back!!

~Josh Garvelink~

SECOND COMMENTS FROM THE GROUP

FROM DEB GRITTER: Happy Anniversary Mike and Rach!! We love you and are praying for you today.  We know God has been with you this past year and praise Him for His faithfulness.  Happy belated Anniversary Kris and Brad!  Sorry we missed it last week. Hope you had a great time and we can’t wait to see you and the rest of the family in a few weeks!

This week has been great.  The high-schoolers have done a good job being an example to the other students staying at the camp.  There is truly a heart of service in our teens at Calvary.  I’m so proud to watch them volunteer to work hard and take a seat behind others.  Thank you for your prayers.  Please continue to pray for patience, tolerance and compassion in our group.  Our  group is processing a lot regarding how we are to help the poor and be Christians that God would be proud of in our own lives in West Michigan.  We appreciate all of the parents support and encouragement and want to say that you’ve done a good job raising your kids!! We’re enjoying getting to know them on another level this week.  It’s been wonderful! ~Deb Gritter

 

FROM COURTNEY DEBOER:
Hi Mom,

Thanks for the note. 

About Brenna… that sounds gr8.  I’d love to see her, but yes I am babysitting for the Snyders Monday and all day at that.  I think that Sonya would be okay with Brenna b-sitting with me though.  Maybe you can ask Brenna and Sonya about that for meJ.

I love you oodles.  Say hi to Dad and the rest for me.  I’m having a gr8 time, thanks for letting me go.

Love Courtney (Rosita) De Boer

 

FROM JASON VISSER:
This week I found out that the family we are building the house for lost their home in a fire. When I came I thought that we could give so much to these people. I soon found out that I was wrong when a boy of the family we are building for tried to pay us for doing this, with what was probably the only money he had in his pocket. My life has most definantly been impacted, but more than that it has showed me that God is in this place and he was in that boy. ~ Jason visser

 

FROM JIM VISSER:
We are being challenged to look at things differently this week and there is a new maturity showing among the kids. They are building a house that is not much bigger than their bedrooms. All of the students are finding things they enjoy doing which might be playing with the neighbor kids who are just starved for attention. They are smiling most of the time except around 6am when are call wake up. Please keep us in our prayers as the work HE as started will be finished.

Love in Christ     Jim Visser

 

FROM DAVE SPAULDING:

What another great day!!  I can’t stop marveling at the students attitudes.  Another day of no complaints.  These kids are the best group of kids I have had the pleasure of working with in youth group in a long time.  REALLY!!!!! I hope all you parents realize the gifts you have.  I’m sure that you do.  That’s it for me today.  Thank you for entrusting your kids to us.  I love it!

 

FROM ROSS GRAVELING

Last night was a great night I got to do what I love most, which is to have meaningful, insightful and life changing conversations with a small group of students. We were discussing and wrestling with some really deep life questions. What makes us different than the people we are interacting with here?  How can I love God if I have money? What are treasures on earth verses treasures in heaven?  What is God trying to teach me?  Do I have to sell everything I have in order to follow Jesus?  What does it mean to truly have a heart for Jesus, not just check things off a list to make me look more spiritual? 

I’m not saying we really answered any of these (if so we could write a book<LOL), but what we did is struggle (including some tears) and hopefully opened our eyes more to a bigger picture of who God is and what the Bible is really trying to say!!!  I can’t wait till we get to continue again tonight.

The work day went awesome for my group today as well, despite adverse conditions we were able to get all of our walls up and our trusses up.  The lady we are working with (one who had the fire) continues to smile more all the time.  You could see the joy on her face when she looked at all of her walls to her new house standing.  There were other times though when you could see she was deep in thought (I can only imagine about what).  Continue to pray specifically for her and her family as they try to begin to rebuild their changed lives. 

 

FROM MONICA GRAVELING:

Another beautiful day here in Mexico.  The weather is amazing!  It is sunny and hot-my favorite-during the day and the nights cool off into the 50’s.  The landscape screams of God’s majesty and power.  The boulders are definitely crying out his praises.

 

The kid’s here in Tecate have touched me greatly.  They are so fun!  I love their energy, hugs, smiles, and patience (since I speak very little Spanish).  They are absolutely adorable and precious.  They have shown me Jesus in several ways.  The older kids always take care of the younger children.  They usually let them eat and drink first.  They watch out for one another.  They carry around the youngest kids as well.  They smile and hug you.  They love to play games and tease you.  We play a lot of duck, duck, goose with the children at our project site. 

I have met a group of women who sell English books in the area.  One women speaks English really well.  She came to the camp with some friends and ate with me last night.  Tonight she is going to show me her home.  It has been an experience to hear her life story and learn more about her city.  She is a very loving and kind lady.

I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to work with these wonderful young people.  They have been so mature and hard working.  Way to go CSM!

 

We have also met a woman named Maria.  She lives down the street from our home.  She is a Christian woman.  She prayed with our group this morning and asked us to please pray for her family members who have not invited Jesus to do life with them yet.

 

Praise God!  We had around 150 kids at our VBS today.  They sang songs, listened to a puppet show/story, made a craft, and had snack.  They were so excited.  Several of the children showered and made themselves up just for VBS!  It is great to see our students developing special relationships with individual kids.  It makes your heart smile!  Please pray for the message of Jesus to match our actions and words.  Pray that they may meet him at VBS and see that he loves them deeply.

 

Thank you for your prayers, love, and thoughts.  We can feel them and know that God is blessing your diligence. 

 

FROM SUSAN DOUGLAS:

This is my first mission trip, and I am surprised and amazed at the experience.  I was told by seasoned mission-trippers that I would be touched by the people of Tecate, but that is an understatement.  Because although I miss my family very much, I am wishing I could stay longer to help our family even more.  One building? No, let’s build two!

 

I miss you so much, Mark and Steven.  I don’t wish I was home, though.  I wish you were HERE!  What an experience…one day we’ll do this as a family!

 

Hey Mom and Dad!

     “I wear my sunglasses at night!” –Anonymous-

 

FROM EMILY WEHRMEYER:

Well its hard to put into words of all that I what to say. This mission trip has probably  been one of the most live changing things I have experienced. Two week ago I went to Queens, NY on a mission trip with church an I loved it! Days after that I was wanting to go on the trip that was going there the same week as this mission trip instead of coming here to mexico. I now know that God called me to come here because he knew he struggles in my Faith and knew that this trip was going to help me see beyond the oundries I have set for myself, to step out of the box I have placed myslf in and reach out to others. He has shown be on this trip that even though people can hurt you so much emotionally you still have to forgive them, God forgave us and even though its hard we have to learn to forgive them. God had mad me a new person on this trip.

 

FROM KRISTEN HEITMAN:
This has been such a great mission trip so far. Most of us have become very attached to the families and the kids that we are building for. This morning we arrived at our work site and started to pray. While we were praying the little kids of the family ran around us and stood with us and bowed their heads. I don’t even really know how they knew that we were praying because they don’t really speak and English and it was just a God moment to see those little kids so eager to pray with us.

Kyle Schaap Writes (one of our interns…)

There is a night on every mission trip that has affectionately become known as “Cry Night”. It is the night where the pastor pulls out all the stops and delivers his best message. It’s when the worship leader pulls out the best songs and they all try their best to give you a real experience with God before you leave. Now this night is usually reserved for the final night. Well…ours was tonight. Tonight, Pastor Brandon challenged us with something I have never been challenged with before. He challenged us to accept that God is as willing to save us as He is willing to save the world. As willing to save us as He is willing to save the drunk, or the prostitute. Now this may sound pretty obvious, but let me try to explain. Most of us accept Jesus as our personal Savior, but what does that really mean? It means that He is ready and willing to free us from every sin that entangles us. That He literally can’t wait for us to ask Him to take our sins away for us “as far as the east is from the west”. How many sins do you hold onto? Those “dirty little secrets” that we try to hold onto and fix on our own. Can we really…I mean REALLY surrender those to Jesus? Are we willing to give those up for the joy of the Lord, as is promised to us? I’ll be the first to admit that I am not. Tonight we really struggled together, with tears and hugs, to find out how to let go of those sins. Let go of the doubts. Let go of the pain. It was a truly Spirit-filled evening. We wrestled…and we grew.

 

We have all been working hard on the houses that we have been building and have been getting to know the people in “la colonia” where we are working. They all have such amazing stories to tell, but there is one particular family whose story is almost unbearable. It is the story of a mother with 5 children and a drunken, estranged husband. One night 2 weeks ago, her husband came back, drunk. He got angry and started pouring gasoline around the house. His wife didn’t know what to do. He was stronger and couldn’t be reasoned with. He was on a mission…to burn down his wife’s and his children’s home. Well, when the smoke settled, her house was gone, and head count of her children came up one short. Her ten year old son, the older of the 2 boys, had been trapped inside the house and perished in the flames. This happened two weeks ago. All this week we have been hearing about the poor and the lessons that we can learn from them and how we can be blessed by them just as much as we can bless them. This family has definitely blessed the team that has been working on their house. People from this team have told me that everyday they show up to work, the family can’t wait to greet them. They are so excited to have a home again, that they almost forget, for a few blissful minutes, that their son and their brother wont be able to enjoy the new home with them. This team is doing more than providing a house. They are providing hope, which could possibly be the one thing that this family needs most of all.

I’ve been thinking a lot about divine appointments over the past week. I had sort of considered this trip to be a divine appointment for me to bless the people of Tecate. But what if this trip is a divine appointment for the people of Tecate to bless me? What if I was meant to be here, not for the sake of the Mexican people, but for the sake of myself? Can that be possible? What if it is? Will I be receptive? Will you be receptive? Will we see it? I sure hope so.  

First Comments from the Group

In the order that they were written in our notebook:

Jim Visser:  The kids were awesome!!

Courtney DeBoer:  You don’t have to worry about the 50 girls in the shower before you hogging all the hot water because there is none!  Who’s complaining though?  We’re clean 🙂

Andrea Rietveld:  Dear Mom and Dad!
Today my dream came true.  I spoke Spanish all day long and was able to use it with the kids.  I helped translate for the group.  Oh, let me tell you about the group.  Everyone is getting along great and there is no drama.  Everyone gives 110% and the heat hasn’t held anyone back.  Back to the kids.  Today we met about 20 kids and 10 of them hung around.  We learned the word “pato” for duck and “ganzo” for goose.  That game became very popular.  It was great to see the kids so happy!  Now, I can tell you about Peter.  The cutest kid I know!  He has Downs Syndrome but that doesn’t stop him.  It all began when we asked him to come to our VBS program.  He ventured to our work area and, with interest, picked up a hammer and started hammering the couch.  We didn’t feel right having him use a hammer and nails, so we invited him to paint the walls with us.  He did an amazing job and always kept smiling.  Then, when Elizabeth, the new home owner started picking up trash with us, Peter came and got right to work.  He picked up anything with no complaints.  He loved what he was doing and you could tell.  I saw it in his face, actions, smile.  One of the songs we sang said “give us a picture of your face, give us hearts to be your servant.”  That is exactly what I saw in him.  He was a blessing and always will be.  Later, I had time to sit down and talk with Elizabeth, she told me about her life (in Spanish, so I’ll tell you what I caught).  I came to learn that she has lost 3 children and has quit having kids.  She lives with her mother, who is extremely ill.  She is definitely a sad woman, but she always had a smile on.  I think I even caught a few tears.  She was a blessing to me.  I wish that all reading this could experience the love and acceptance of this humble place.  This day alone has changed my views toward what I own.  I am a rich person who just got knocked into reality.  The world is not always rich and cheery.  (However, the kids here are happy all the time.  The adults are the ones struggling.)  I can’t wait to see what the rest of  this week will bring.  I love you all! Love, Andrea

Angela: Hey Mom and Daddy-O!
This was the firs day we really worked, and I realized the actual poverty of the people . But yet the people are All so nice and always mile and wave when they don’t even know us. I can’t hardly put into words about the children, all are weet, beautiful, and care about each other. I also got to play with Peter, and the prettiest little girl who was very skinny and had no shoes, she sat on my lap, not knowing anything about me, knowing I dont speak spanish, and putting trust into me. It also makes me realize how good I have it even after that I cryed though, I’m not homesick , Im not tierd, and it’s not because of the problem I had before I left, with friends. I feel conceited but it seems like everyone here has a friend. It’s at those oments where God reaches out and has someone come and make me laugh, or jus somone who cares. I want to change like that, and I wish that God will move me. Love Angela

Liz Deleeuw: Hey Mom and dad.
So I’m having a really good time and I feel like God is really using our whole group. Its not that hot so thats good. we are getting spoiled too…the food is reallly good! My group is helping a family that house burned down. They are so greatful for everything… I just love them already. This trip is making me be a different person and I’m excited for what God had in store for me and who he is going to form me into. I hope that I become selfless just like all the kids that we met becouse they are so happy with so little. This experiance makes you think and I hope everyone gets to experiance this too; love you and Miss you. Love Liz DeLeeuw

Dana Jongekrijg: Mom and Dad & Jenna
I’m having a really good time here. The plane ride and everything went well. It’s not very hot here which is nice. We are helping build a house for a family whose house burned down and the Lady’s son died in it. We went there and she was so happy that we came and helped here. There whole family is so happy with so little. I see God in them and in a lot of people around here. I think this trip is a great experience for me and I hope I cahnge and instead of thinking of myself, I will learn to think of otheres. I love you gjuys & I miss you! Love Dana Jongekrijg

Dave  spalding: I have been thinkin to day About the old lady in the Bible who gave here couple of coins she had at the alter! It was all she had ! Wow! Then there were the wealthy who gave their 10% or whatever! To him it was a lot of money and he was probobly proud he gave so much. Today the woman House we are Buldig worked with us while her sister made us tortilla’s and grilled chicken, tortilla chips and salsa whith all the toppings. She/They are the woman who gave phone! they probobly spent a months worth of salary ! Wow!! O;h how Lucky we are to be So richs! God changed our hearts to be more like you ! I think our students are getting it! Dave Spaulding.

Allison,Devin, Katelyn, Elizabeth, and Kayleen: Today we started building our one room houses for needy families. Our group is building for and older couple. Although coummincating was hard, we had a good time getting to know the family especially their 4 year old grandaughter. Obviously we reliezed that the family didn’t have much nomey, but they still wanted to repay us with home made rice and bean tocos(she told us beans was all she had.). We also noticed how friendly Everyone was. The people passing in cars always waved, and the kids would come out to see us. We don’t need their tacos as payment though, the way their blessing us is enough….but the tacos were amazing.