Puerto Vallarta Mission Trip Update #2

October 7, 2010

Daniel, Leonardo, and Noel

Well, the week is almost over, and it has been amazing! I wish I could have posted

Italia

more pictures, but I have to sneak off to Burger King to use WiFi, and there hasn’t been much time (and their ice cream machine has been down).

As Juan has said, “we work hard… and play hard…”. We’ve definitely done both! I’ve watched these kids work hard for years, so that’s no surprise, but yes, they really know how to have fun too! Juan has surprised me the most. I’ve known Juan for many years, and I didn’t know he was so funny. I  think he usually has so much responsibility that he doesn’t have much of a chance to let his guard down and just have fun. He’s filled up a 1GB memory stick in his camera, has taught me how to pronounce “Burrow” in Spanish, and is a constant encourager as well.

I’ve also been practicing my Spanish colors by playing Punch Buggy with Liliana. I have to call the color in Spanish and she in English. I’ve learned 2 things: Lilly is much better with English than I am with Spanish, and there are a lot of VW Bugs in Mexico!

The ladies from Calvary Chapel Puerto Vallarta cooked dinner last night, and it was fantastic. However, not to be out done, Diana and Cynthia cooked lunch today: Green spaghetti and chicken wings. We need to keep a little healthy competition going!

Angela

I think the kids are really understanding their role as missionaries and that God

Paloma, Lilliana, and Yolanda

desires to use them to make a difference in this world. They’ve certainly had a huge impact on me. Thanks to all the kids of Casa Hogar Elim for helping me see life a whole lot clearer. Also thanks to Brice and Manny of Niceville UMC, Kenny of GiveMeShelterMinistries, and Ray White. You guys are awesome for all you’re doing this week!

Shaun

Dinner at Los Carmallita's

Puerto Vallarta Mission Trip 2010 Update #1

October 4, 2010

Well, we made it to Puerto Vallarta! There were a few bumps getting here. Mexican customs stopped Ray as he was delivering the suitcases and clothes to Nuevo Laredo, and after 8 hours, finally let him go with more than half of the clothes (did I say that politely enough?). This was a REAL bummer, but it wasn’t something we couldn’t overcome. Ray and Kenny were also told they couldn’t get on the plane with the kids in Nuevo Laredo, however, a last minute phone call by Mama Lupita, or maybe it was a direct call from God, put them on the plane as they were closing the door.

The kids from Casa Hogar Elim are having a blast. Honestly, I thought this would be a great trip, but it is so much more fun than anything I had imagined. They are so excited! I thought us Gringos were supposed to look like tourists, but they are taking pictures of anything and EVERYTHING!

They were anxious to see the beach yesterday, so after church and lunch, we went to la playa. They rounded the corner, took off running, and didn’t stop till they were waist deep, which quickly turned into neck deep, and they were still wearing their church clothes! It was the first time any of them had ever seen the beach or ocean.

Today we went to the mission site which is located at the dump community, and the kids worked so hard! They all worked hard, but Iracema and Juan get the “hardest worker of the day” award. They are all having so much fun helping others.

I so wish everyone who helped sponsor these kids, provided clothing, or committed to pray for us could be here with us. I don’t deserve to be enjoying this as much as I am. I wish I could share it with all of you. I know this short snippet won’t do it justice, but just know that you are providing a life-time opportunity for these children. Keep praying that the Lord would use this to grab their hearts, help them see beyond their circumstances, and help them see that He desires to use them in a powerful way for a lifetime.

Shaun