Well, let me catch you up on the last couple of days before we head out (no internet access for a couple of days)...
Thursday was a day for tying things together. There were a few tasks that needed to be finished and several smaller projects that we did. With the painting project completed on Wednesday, I was given the task to lead the "gravel sidewalk" crew. This didn't take very long so we quickly moved to cleaning up the yard behind "Maintenance Dave's" house. Amy finished up painting the trees with the kids for the first part of the morning and then moved over to helping with the lawn. Justin was pretty much done by lunch so he got the afternoon off. Lauren continued with tree painting. Now, when I say we cleaned up the yard behind Dave's house I mean we tilled up the entire thing (which I did) and then picked out rock, cement and tile from under the ground. We had a TON of tile and cement. I don't know what the people who lived there before were thinking but it was just weird to have all of that stuff buried like that. Anyway, by the end of the day we had that all done and found out today that they actually planted grass seed there today.
After that HOT project was done I was dripping in sweat (like just about everyone else) so we all headed straight for the ocean and walked right in...clothes and all. It felt sooooooo good. After that it was time to do the dance of joy after completing our work.
After dinner we headed into Ponce for what we thought was a jazz festival. We thought this because last Thursday there was a jazz band down there and they said that they played there every Thursday but we found out last night that it wasn't every Thursday just the first Thursday of the month. So, that was pretty disappointing but we just walked around town did some souvenir shopping, got some "King's Cream" and came home.
Today was our last day and our day off. We headed into Ponce at 7:30AM to catch the ferry over to Coffin Island. It was a beautiful island with a great beach and many fish to see while snorkling. We walked up to the lighthouse on the highest point of the island and had a great view of the island. After swimming, hiking and swimming some more we came back, had dinner and went to the mall. Now we are getting ready to come home. Amy is packing, Lauren and Justin are playing golf and I am here writing this for you.
Tomorrow we are heading out early to go into old San Juan to see on of the old forts there and walk around the shops. After that it is on to the airport and home.
Thanks for following our adventure. It has truly been a blessing for our family to experience this together. The kids did a great job working (actually better than I thought they would) and I believe we are all better for taking this trip. The Lord did some great things in us, through us and despite us on this trip. We met some great people here and I would come back in a heartbeat to help this camp and the people of Puerto Rico.
Thanks to all of you for your financial and prayer support throughout our journey. We are truly blessed to have family and friends like you who support us in this way. I do believe that the Lord used us for his purpose on this trip and that we were all meant to be here at this time and at this place. We love you all!
To God Be The Glory,
Mike (for the fam)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Carbon Copy
Well, if you thought that you missed something by me not posting anything yesterday you didn't. Today was pretty much a carbon copy of yesterday. The weather was pretty much the same - mid-90's, I painted the staff housing all day yesterday and today (a project which we finished by the way), Amy worked on power washing, picking up paint chips, digging a trench, laying gravel and painting trees. Lauren painted, helped with digging the ditch and laying gravel and Justin did some painting, helped Lisa put poison on the fire ant hills (a job which he loved because he saw the ants take the poision down into the hills) and went into Ponce with maintenance Dave to help him pick up screens for the windows in the chapel.
Tonight for dinner we went back near the location of the infamous waterfall to the Starlight Cafe. We had some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. It was very tasty. Amy and I particularly enjoyed the Pina Colada's (they came highly recommended).
After that it was back home for some more euchre for me, and golf (card game) for Justin . Amy didn't feel too well so she went to bed as soon as we got back from dinner (all of the food was fried so I don't think it set too well). Lauren played a few hands of golf and then went to bed too; she was pretty tired. Justin is still playing golf as I type at 11:00PM and would probably play all night if I let him. He WILL NOT go to bed before anyone else. He doesn't want to miss anything (which is just how I was as a kid).
Well, I think that is all for now. Not sure what tomorrow will hold with the painting and trench/gravel projects are done so that will be fun to be able to do something different. The plan is to tie up loose ends on the projects tomorrow then head into Ponce after dinner to catch a little of the jazz festival downtown, shop and whatever people want to do. On Friday we finish off the trip with a little rest and relaxation on Coffin Island.
Until tomorrow,
Mike (for the fam)
Tonight for dinner we went back near the location of the infamous waterfall to the Starlight Cafe. We had some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine. It was very tasty. Amy and I particularly enjoyed the Pina Colada's (they came highly recommended).
After that it was back home for some more euchre for me, and golf (card game) for Justin . Amy didn't feel too well so she went to bed as soon as we got back from dinner (all of the food was fried so I don't think it set too well). Lauren played a few hands of golf and then went to bed too; she was pretty tired. Justin is still playing golf as I type at 11:00PM and would probably play all night if I let him. He WILL NOT go to bed before anyone else. He doesn't want to miss anything (which is just how I was as a kid).
Well, I think that is all for now. Not sure what tomorrow will hold with the painting and trench/gravel projects are done so that will be fun to be able to do something different. The plan is to tie up loose ends on the projects tomorrow then head into Ponce after dinner to catch a little of the jazz festival downtown, shop and whatever people want to do. On Friday we finish off the trip with a little rest and relaxation on Coffin Island.
Until tomorrow,
Mike (for the fam)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Back At It
Well, with the adventures of yesterday behind us we began another day with great anticipation of getting back to "normal". By normal I mean getting back to work on the projects around camp.
I must admit that the day started off a little rough for me. I found it difficult to get to sleep last night. It seemed that my adrenaline was still going from the events of the day and parts of my body began to hurt coming off of the rush. I woke up this morning with bruises from my pec, to bicep down to my forearm on my left side. I believe this occurred when I slipped down the rock face saving Lexi from falling into the water. Funny how those things don't hurt until everything is over. Amy had some bruising on her legs and arms as well.
After breakfast we got back to work. After calling our eye doctor, Amy found a Lenscrafters in the local mall and found a pair of glasses on the clearance rack (a couple of scratches on the frame) and was able to be back at the camp, able to see, by the early afternoon (total optical expense - $120; surving a flash flood and being rescued by people who don't speak English - priceless). I assumed the "foreman" duties on the painting crew and we managed to get much of the house(s) primed and finished coated. It looks like I will be on that for the remainder of the week. You know me, once I start a project I have to see it out until it is completed. I wont' feel like I accomplished anything if we leave and that house isn't done. Lauren and Justin helped on various jobs during the day from picking up paint chips to helping prime the house.
After work it was time for a shower and a frappe from El Frappe. My first frappe of the trip...strawberry/pina colada if you were curious. After frappes we had dinner and called dad to wish him a happy 70th birthday (happy birthday again, Dad). At 7:00PM we had a short meeting and the dialogue centered around our weaknesses and how God can do great things through not only our strengths (on which we tend to focus) but also on our weaknesses. One of the stories out of yesterday was that as we were stranded on the rocks Julio, the program director of the camp who went with us to the rain forest, was able to witness to some of the local kids who were stranded as well. It was one of those stories that you sit back and think, "you know if it takes being stranded on a rock for a few hours so someone comes to know the Lord" I'm okay with that.
All in all a pretty normal day in our lives here. Hopefully I sleep better tonight. Can't wait to see those bruises tomorrow :-)
Love to you all,
Mike (for the fam)
I must admit that the day started off a little rough for me. I found it difficult to get to sleep last night. It seemed that my adrenaline was still going from the events of the day and parts of my body began to hurt coming off of the rush. I woke up this morning with bruises from my pec, to bicep down to my forearm on my left side. I believe this occurred when I slipped down the rock face saving Lexi from falling into the water. Funny how those things don't hurt until everything is over. Amy had some bruising on her legs and arms as well.
After breakfast we got back to work. After calling our eye doctor, Amy found a Lenscrafters in the local mall and found a pair of glasses on the clearance rack (a couple of scratches on the frame) and was able to be back at the camp, able to see, by the early afternoon (total optical expense - $120; surving a flash flood and being rescued by people who don't speak English - priceless). I assumed the "foreman" duties on the painting crew and we managed to get much of the house(s) primed and finished coated. It looks like I will be on that for the remainder of the week. You know me, once I start a project I have to see it out until it is completed. I wont' feel like I accomplished anything if we leave and that house isn't done. Lauren and Justin helped on various jobs during the day from picking up paint chips to helping prime the house.
After work it was time for a shower and a frappe from El Frappe. My first frappe of the trip...strawberry/pina colada if you were curious. After frappes we had dinner and called dad to wish him a happy 70th birthday (happy birthday again, Dad). At 7:00PM we had a short meeting and the dialogue centered around our weaknesses and how God can do great things through not only our strengths (on which we tend to focus) but also on our weaknesses. One of the stories out of yesterday was that as we were stranded on the rocks Julio, the program director of the camp who went with us to the rain forest, was able to witness to some of the local kids who were stranded as well. It was one of those stories that you sit back and think, "you know if it takes being stranded on a rock for a few hours so someone comes to know the Lord" I'm okay with that.
All in all a pretty normal day in our lives here. Hopefully I sleep better tonight. Can't wait to see those bruises tomorrow :-)
Love to you all,
Mike (for the fam)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Rain Forest and the Flash Flood
First, before you read this let me assure you that everyone on the team is alright. I can't take credit for all the content in this. This is the blog that went on the FBC blog as well. It was easier to get all the perspectives into one blog than try to remember everything myself. Let the story begin........
No one knew what adventures, lessons, and deliverance God would provide. The team led the worship this morning at a Grace Church in the barrio. Erin, Sam, Mike, Justin, John M. Kathy M., Amber F., Lexi and Lauren led the special music. Sam and Johnny M. gave an object lesson. Amy, Kathy D., and Sam shared their personal testimonies. Dan gave the message. Several individuals in audience commented on how the testimonies spoke to them personally. After the service there were many hugs and other expressions of love and appreciation.
After the service it was back to the camp for a quick lunch and prep for a day trip to the rain forest and the much anticipated jump off the 30 foot cliff. We arrived at the jump around 2:30pm. A good portion of the team scaled down the wet and mossy rocks along the falls, swam across the current, and traversed up the cliff edge for the privilege to jump off the 20 and 30 foot plateaus. Troyce demonstrated no fear by jumping off the 30 foot ledge five times. All were having fun until the water started turning brown. Julio, a full time staff at the camp, quickly encouraged everyone to seek dry land as soon as possible. In a matter of a few short minutes, the falls more than tripled in size. The current became unmanageable. Amber F., Erin, Lexi, Shari, and Sam, already at the bottom of the falls, started climbing the rocks along side the falls. Mike came down the falls to assist them. The water continued to rise. The holds and crevices quickly became submerged. Amber F., Shari, and Mike, ¼ of the way up the falls, became surrounded by rushing water. Unable to continue to climb they slide down the falls into the strong current. Thank God all where strong swimmers and were able to beat the current and make it to a large eddy. Once they reached the shore line they climbed a rock edge and waited on higher ground. Now safe from the rising river they found themselves trapped next to a slippery and steep mountain. The team was safe for the time being but was divided. Mike, Amber F., and Shari where stranded on one side of the river. Aubree, Lauren, Amy, Troyce, Dwayne, and Julio climbed the cliff edge along with 13 other Puerto Rican’s. Both groups found themselves trapped with a steep mountain behind them and the raging river below. The remaining portion of the PR team gathered on top of the mountain to pray.
John M. called Pastor John at 4:50pm and immediately initiated the prayer chain. The well trained Puerto Rican fire and rescue arrived in the high elevation quickly and started the rescue operation. With the rescue helicopter scrambled and in route the two rescue teams began their work. The first team set up the climbing ropes and scaled down the side of the mountain where Amber F., Mike and Shari waited. After about an hour and a half the rescuers were able to get a harness down to them and Mike and Shari were hoisted to safety. A rescue worker made his way to Amber and they clawed their way up the mountain, through the jungle, without the hoist and ropes (and with only one shoe). Finally safe, these three were reunited with the other group already on the mountain top having only a few scrapes and bruises to show for their experience.
The other rescue team began the trek around the mountain to help the 19 others stranded on the cliff edge. The group on the cliff was exposed to the open air and huddled together to keep warm. Once the rescue team arrived the group began to hike barefooted across the other side of the mountain. The rescuers made a temporary trail but the way was still tricky. The group climbed up the rock edge. The way turned into a wet, muddy path, full of leaves. On two occasions the make shift path was too steep to walk. The group needed climbing ropes to avoid falling back. At 6:00 this group finally made it to a road. Two hours after the flash flood the group arrived at the road where rescue vehicles were waiting. They transported the group back to where the other two groups waited prayerfully. Fortunately the rescue helicopter was not needed.
Later we found out that the heavy rains caused the dam higher up the river to automatically release. This created the flash flood conditions (which covered the main bridge up to the mountain; our only exit). Even though the river was still at flood stage as the team traveled back to the camp, the water had receded enough to pass over the bridge for a safe return to camp.
This was supposed to be the night when we were going to the Starlite Café (the Puerto Rican restaurant in town). Given the events of the afternoon we voted to come back to camp, shower up, dry off and order pizza from Pizza Hut and hang out in the cafeteria.
All in all an eventful day, to say the least. But the Lord protected us all and the sum of our casualties were a few bumps and bruises, Amber F.’s lost water shoe and Amy’s glasses (I just think that she didn't like them any more and this was a good excuse to get new ones).
Praise the Lord!
Mike (and the rest of the FBC PR team)
No one knew what adventures, lessons, and deliverance God would provide. The team led the worship this morning at a Grace Church in the barrio. Erin, Sam, Mike, Justin, John M. Kathy M., Amber F., Lexi and Lauren led the special music. Sam and Johnny M. gave an object lesson. Amy, Kathy D., and Sam shared their personal testimonies. Dan gave the message. Several individuals in audience commented on how the testimonies spoke to them personally. After the service there were many hugs and other expressions of love and appreciation.
After the service it was back to the camp for a quick lunch and prep for a day trip to the rain forest and the much anticipated jump off the 30 foot cliff. We arrived at the jump around 2:30pm. A good portion of the team scaled down the wet and mossy rocks along the falls, swam across the current, and traversed up the cliff edge for the privilege to jump off the 20 and 30 foot plateaus. Troyce demonstrated no fear by jumping off the 30 foot ledge five times. All were having fun until the water started turning brown. Julio, a full time staff at the camp, quickly encouraged everyone to seek dry land as soon as possible. In a matter of a few short minutes, the falls more than tripled in size. The current became unmanageable. Amber F., Erin, Lexi, Shari, and Sam, already at the bottom of the falls, started climbing the rocks along side the falls. Mike came down the falls to assist them. The water continued to rise. The holds and crevices quickly became submerged. Amber F., Shari, and Mike, ¼ of the way up the falls, became surrounded by rushing water. Unable to continue to climb they slide down the falls into the strong current. Thank God all where strong swimmers and were able to beat the current and make it to a large eddy. Once they reached the shore line they climbed a rock edge and waited on higher ground. Now safe from the rising river they found themselves trapped next to a slippery and steep mountain. The team was safe for the time being but was divided. Mike, Amber F., and Shari where stranded on one side of the river. Aubree, Lauren, Amy, Troyce, Dwayne, and Julio climbed the cliff edge along with 13 other Puerto Rican’s. Both groups found themselves trapped with a steep mountain behind them and the raging river below. The remaining portion of the PR team gathered on top of the mountain to pray.
John M. called Pastor John at 4:50pm and immediately initiated the prayer chain. The well trained Puerto Rican fire and rescue arrived in the high elevation quickly and started the rescue operation. With the rescue helicopter scrambled and in route the two rescue teams began their work. The first team set up the climbing ropes and scaled down the side of the mountain where Amber F., Mike and Shari waited. After about an hour and a half the rescuers were able to get a harness down to them and Mike and Shari were hoisted to safety. A rescue worker made his way to Amber and they clawed their way up the mountain, through the jungle, without the hoist and ropes (and with only one shoe). Finally safe, these three were reunited with the other group already on the mountain top having only a few scrapes and bruises to show for their experience.
The other rescue team began the trek around the mountain to help the 19 others stranded on the cliff edge. The group on the cliff was exposed to the open air and huddled together to keep warm. Once the rescue team arrived the group began to hike barefooted across the other side of the mountain. The rescuers made a temporary trail but the way was still tricky. The group climbed up the rock edge. The way turned into a wet, muddy path, full of leaves. On two occasions the make shift path was too steep to walk. The group needed climbing ropes to avoid falling back. At 6:00 this group finally made it to a road. Two hours after the flash flood the group arrived at the road where rescue vehicles were waiting. They transported the group back to where the other two groups waited prayerfully. Fortunately the rescue helicopter was not needed.
Later we found out that the heavy rains caused the dam higher up the river to automatically release. This created the flash flood conditions (which covered the main bridge up to the mountain; our only exit). Even though the river was still at flood stage as the team traveled back to the camp, the water had receded enough to pass over the bridge for a safe return to camp.
This was supposed to be the night when we were going to the Starlite Café (the Puerto Rican restaurant in town). Given the events of the afternoon we voted to come back to camp, shower up, dry off and order pizza from Pizza Hut and hang out in the cafeteria.
All in all an eventful day, to say the least. But the Lord protected us all and the sum of our casualties were a few bumps and bruises, Amber F.’s lost water shoe and Amy’s glasses (I just think that she didn't like them any more and this was a good excuse to get new ones).
Praise the Lord!
Mike (and the rest of the FBC PR team)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Resting On The Sixth Day? Can They Do That?
Well, I know it is not theologically correct, but on the sixth day the Puerto Rico team rested. As I arrived late yesterday afternoon I could tell that the troops were a bit worn out. The heat can get to you very easily and without a place to get away from it can really cause problems physically. As the group discussed what to do today the consensus was to use today as a recovery day and hit the ground running again on Monday.
So, after lunch today we all went into Ponce and did some walking around the city taking in some of the sights. We were in downtown Ponce for a couple of hours and then headed over to the Ponce harbor to walk on the boardwalk. There were some shops, places to eat and Justin and I got some sardines and fed the fish, pelicans and seagulls. I actually got the seagulls to take the fish right out of my hand as I held it over the side railing over the water. It was so fast that I almost didn't know that he had taken it. What I really wanted was an alka seltzer (those of you who are from the south know what happens when you feed a seagull on of those.....I hate seagulls).
Anyway, we got back to the camp around 5:45PM (just in time for dinner) and had beans and rice with sausage in it....very tasty! After dinner just about everyone went for a dip in the ocean (my first time). It was like bath water and very refreshing after a hot day. After that it was time to hit the shower and head into the dining hall for some card games, which is where everyone is right now.
Tomorrow morning we are taking the service at John and Kerry Cox's church. We will be doing music, giving testimonies, an object lesson for the kids and a "mini-sermon". After church we will come back for lunch and then hit the rain forest for the afternoon before returning tomorrow evening.
So, that gets you up to speed on today and tomorrow. I will let all of you know how tomorrow goes when we get back tomorrow night. Please pray for all of those involved with the service tomorrow. I know that there are some (like Amy) who are a little nervous about getting up in front of the people to give their testimony.
For pictures and other team member perspectives please visit the FBC Puerto Rico Team blog at:
www.fbcpr10.blogspot.com
Until tomorrow!!
Mike (for the Riemersma family)
So, after lunch today we all went into Ponce and did some walking around the city taking in some of the sights. We were in downtown Ponce for a couple of hours and then headed over to the Ponce harbor to walk on the boardwalk. There were some shops, places to eat and Justin and I got some sardines and fed the fish, pelicans and seagulls. I actually got the seagulls to take the fish right out of my hand as I held it over the side railing over the water. It was so fast that I almost didn't know that he had taken it. What I really wanted was an alka seltzer (those of you who are from the south know what happens when you feed a seagull on of those.....I hate seagulls).
Anyway, we got back to the camp around 5:45PM (just in time for dinner) and had beans and rice with sausage in it....very tasty! After dinner just about everyone went for a dip in the ocean (my first time). It was like bath water and very refreshing after a hot day. After that it was time to hit the shower and head into the dining hall for some card games, which is where everyone is right now.
Tomorrow morning we are taking the service at John and Kerry Cox's church. We will be doing music, giving testimonies, an object lesson for the kids and a "mini-sermon". After church we will come back for lunch and then hit the rain forest for the afternoon before returning tomorrow evening.
So, that gets you up to speed on today and tomorrow. I will let all of you know how tomorrow goes when we get back tomorrow night. Please pray for all of those involved with the service tomorrow. I know that there are some (like Amy) who are a little nervous about getting up in front of the people to give their testimony.
For pictures and other team member perspectives please visit the FBC Puerto Rico Team blog at:
www.fbcpr10.blogspot.com
Until tomorrow!!
Mike (for the Riemersma family)
Back In The Game!!
Well, I figured I would get something posted here. As Amy said I arrived late yesterday afternoon. I actually got less than 2 hours of sleep but I didn't want to get the idea that I wanted a "pitty party".
I didn't sleep on the plane to PR because I was sitting next to a girl that was just about Lauren's age and she had on a TON of those bracelets that are in shapes of various things (I forget what you call them but most of you know what I am talking about). She put them on her tray table (which was not in it's forward and upright locked position) and we went through helping each other with the English and Spanish words for all the shapes (she didn't know any English....and for the most part I do so it worked out quite well).
After a GREAT night sleep I got up for breakfast with everyone and then went back to bed (which was just what I needed). After I got up I took a shower (which really doesn't make much difference because I start to sweat after I get out...but I do it for the betterment of the team) and now I am back to my old self. We just finished going over who was going to do what at the church service so i thought I would get you caught up.
Justin came to get me for lunch so I will say goodbye for now. After lunch we are headed for Ponce for a while.
TTYL,
Mike
I didn't sleep on the plane to PR because I was sitting next to a girl that was just about Lauren's age and she had on a TON of those bracelets that are in shapes of various things (I forget what you call them but most of you know what I am talking about). She put them on her tray table (which was not in it's forward and upright locked position) and we went through helping each other with the English and Spanish words for all the shapes (she didn't know any English....and for the most part I do so it worked out quite well).
After a GREAT night sleep I got up for breakfast with everyone and then went back to bed (which was just what I needed). After I got up I took a shower (which really doesn't make much difference because I start to sweat after I get out...but I do it for the betterment of the team) and now I am back to my old self. We just finished going over who was going to do what at the church service so i thought I would get you caught up.
Justin came to get me for lunch so I will say goodbye for now. After lunch we are headed for Ponce for a while.
TTYL,
Mike
Another day in paradise...aka...Puerto Rico
First off I want to apologize for not posting every day. Our work schedules are crazy and when I do have a moments chance I have to take the computer over to the office (oficina) to get connection. The only draw back is that there are a TON of mosquitoes and gnats there and I just get eaten alive. I will try and post every day, but sometimes I just can't cope with ALL the buzzing. Some of the other group have wireless cards that they use and they are able to be in the comfort of the dining hall. Please go to our church's website for more updates as well as photos:
www.fbcpr10.blogspot.com
Friday: We were up and working by 9am. I had gotten alot of sun on thursday, so the maintenence guy took me off of powerwashing in the sun to an office job in the air conditioning. (suffering for the Lord). Lauren was really suffering because she was on her hands and knees picking up the paintchips out of the lawns that I had knocked off with the powerwasher. Justin was with me checking out a BIG box of markers to see if they were dried up or not and he was playing with the Marshall's kids.
Michael arrived in the afternoon. Dwayne Huff and myself, Lauren and Justin all drove to SanJuan (1hr 15min) away to pick him up. It was great to see him, but he was exhausted. Poor guy only got 2 hours of sleep the night before and no sleep on the plane. So happy he is here finally!! Pray that he gets caught up on his sleep.
Just a side note our van just pulled up and I have moved inside of it. PTL!!! I was being SWARMED with gnats while writing this blog. It is DRIVING ME CRAZY!!! Please pray for me I am on the verge of cracking with all these creatures!!!
In the evening (8ish) we went to the barrio for a youth group meeting. There were about 17 kids there and the ages ranged from 10-18. Erin, Lexi, Aubree, Sam, Johnny, Troyce, Lauren and Justin, Michael and I all went. It was so nice to interact with kids. Justin really enjoyed playing that games (tag). Then we came back around 10pm and just hung out for the rest of the evening and got to bed after some card games.
Saturday: We are having the day off today. We are taking it easy for the morning and then after lunch we are heading into Ponce, PR for the afternoon. I will try and post tonight if I can get a van again.
We are all very well and coping with the heat. I guess the hardest thing for me is all the mosquitoes and gnats. It is hard to concentrate. Also, we are preparing for the church service tomorrow so please pray for wisdom and the right words to say tomorrow.
Love you all and PLEASE, PLEASE go on the other blog to check out in more detail of the goings on here.
Talk to y'all soon!!!!
Amy
www.fbcpr10.blogspot.com
Friday: We were up and working by 9am. I had gotten alot of sun on thursday, so the maintenence guy took me off of powerwashing in the sun to an office job in the air conditioning. (suffering for the Lord). Lauren was really suffering because she was on her hands and knees picking up the paintchips out of the lawns that I had knocked off with the powerwasher. Justin was with me checking out a BIG box of markers to see if they were dried up or not and he was playing with the Marshall's kids.
Michael arrived in the afternoon. Dwayne Huff and myself, Lauren and Justin all drove to SanJuan (1hr 15min) away to pick him up. It was great to see him, but he was exhausted. Poor guy only got 2 hours of sleep the night before and no sleep on the plane. So happy he is here finally!! Pray that he gets caught up on his sleep.
Just a side note our van just pulled up and I have moved inside of it. PTL!!! I was being SWARMED with gnats while writing this blog. It is DRIVING ME CRAZY!!! Please pray for me I am on the verge of cracking with all these creatures!!!
In the evening (8ish) we went to the barrio for a youth group meeting. There were about 17 kids there and the ages ranged from 10-18. Erin, Lexi, Aubree, Sam, Johnny, Troyce, Lauren and Justin, Michael and I all went. It was so nice to interact with kids. Justin really enjoyed playing that games (tag). Then we came back around 10pm and just hung out for the rest of the evening and got to bed after some card games.
Saturday: We are having the day off today. We are taking it easy for the morning and then after lunch we are heading into Ponce, PR for the afternoon. I will try and post tonight if I can get a van again.
We are all very well and coping with the heat. I guess the hardest thing for me is all the mosquitoes and gnats. It is hard to concentrate. Also, we are preparing for the church service tomorrow so please pray for wisdom and the right words to say tomorrow.
Love you all and PLEASE, PLEASE go on the other blog to check out in more detail of the goings on here.
Talk to y'all soon!!!!
Amy
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