Thank you to each and everyone of you who have sent us words of encouragement and humour. Sharing of the "blog" is definitely a great way to end our day. The weather has turned colder today - going down to 8 tonight - going to be a cold one! Tomorrow we are finally going to get to go to church and it's party time with the kids. For those of you who have never attended church in Mexico, it is quite the experience. They sure do know how to have a good time. Tomorrow will also be a bit of a sad day for us having to say goodbye to the kids and the three awesome people who take care of them. Briggie thanks for collecting the toiletries for the kids, tomorrow's the day they will get them. Can someone do me two favours: 1) Please call Murray and Debbie Moffat and tell them to blog Beckie - she thinks her mom and dad would never send her an online message. She has been singing to us as we write our encouragement cards (Andrew also has singing talent - his shower songs are really quite good); 2) can someone please tell Marlene to respond to Spencer's note he left for her on the blog - he is desperate for advice. Good night and again thank you for your prayers, kind comments and humour. See you soon!
Maxine
Today I had my Sirva "Yay God moment". The other night we heard how one of major challenges for the orphanage was sponsorship for the children. Since then we've had considerable thought and discussion about that. Anyway, today I went over to the second building to dig out a rectangle for a second concrete pad. Before leaving I asked one of the fellows to send someone to come get me for lunch. Didn't happen. Instead, I got to "work and fast" while another Mexican group on the grounds was "prayer and fasting". For whatever reason, the thought that kept running through my mind was the the folks at the retreat needed to hear about the needs at the orphanage. Shortly after that a fellow from the group, David, who had pitched his tent on the pad we poured yesterday came over and chatted with me. My few spanish words and his few english words coupled with his curiosity of who we were and what we were doing allowed me to share our commitment to building and the need for sponsorship for the children. Very cool. We also got the extra rectangle dug and poured so we won't be leaving a lot of unused cement behind to get hard in the bag.
Art
p.s. Yes, please, someone contact Marlene to help Spencer out. He just seems so distracted.
p.p.s. I'm very glad I treat every meal like it's my last!!
Would I really go public with my girl problems...?
Spencer
So I'd just like to say thanks for all the blog comments, they are a highlight in our meetings. A few key points of the last few days are that I've been initiated as a cougar cub by the cougars of the group (they may include the two 35+ year olds in Spencer's previous post), after 5 years of Sirva trips the kids are actually learning my name, even if they do call me "Ana", it's better than nothing, the shower in our room has not broken down once, but twice and then we set the one next door on fire... Yes, we set a shower made of concrete on fire, we had pancakes for breakfast and they were delicious, all our concrete pads that we dug at the second orphanage are filled plus the one Art dug by himself (!!!), Brett held a scorpion all by himself and tried to feed it to Spencer, and we went to La Estacion again and Jon ordered for all of us what we all wish we'd ordered on Wednesday night.
So it's late and the boys are waiting for me to finish this post but I'd like to say: Kari I haven't even touched the mustaches yet but tomorrow there will at least be one picture with them, I hope. Buenos noches!
Anja
Well....it was an incredible last day of work! We pushed so hard all day and we completed ALL the projects we started out doing....right at the end of the day....everything came together. The second floor is looking BEAUTIFUL! What a crew we have....digging deep on their 6th straight day of hard labour and without a complaint. It was a remarkable day for us as a team all around. We were able to take Moses and his family out for supper last night and treat them (something that they probably haven't done since we did it last year)....and then when we came together for our meeting we were awestruck by what God has done amongst us....by the incredible care the children receive....and also by the need that seems so apparent at Casa Hogar. One of the things that struck us was how alone these caregivers are that care for the children day and night everyday without a break...ever. Their lives are totally consumed by what is happening there....and yet they never complain...they are always full of faith. We thought of how meaningful it has been over the past 5 years to not just support the orphanage with work and labour....but to have that relationship that feels so deep developed with them....and how that relationship is SO important to Cecy and Modesto, the caregivers, to let them know they are not alone and have a church in Canada that cheers them on...and supports them.
Last night was a sweet one....one knowing that we gave everything we could....that we pushed the second floor to inches within being lived in....and that we have continued to build an incredible depth of relationship with Casa Hogar and the children. I for one went to bed very proud of our team and our church.
On Sunday, we have the special opportunity of going to church and then throwing a party for the children. We're BBQ'n hot dogs and having tres leches cakes....they are amazing and made locally here. Also, Andrew and Dana Willms who are Riverwood'ers living in Mexico about 4 hours away from where we are will be visiting with us on Sunday. We are so excited to see them!
Anyway, I'll post a few pictures of the day and we look forward to Sunday very much!
Dios les bendiga mucho Riverwood.
Juanito
7 comments:
Spencer, I talked to your Dad this morning about your post. He said they some how have missed that one. Well, I sent word, so hopefully you will be getting a response soon!
Art, I'm glad you treat each meal like it's your last. It'll give me something to think about when I don't feel like cooking. But you're so easy to cook for, even KD is a great supper for you!
Praying for safe travels and for your re-entry into the US. Praying especially for safe travels for Art and Kirk.
Lots of luv to you Art. Miss you lots. Only 3 more sleeps!
Hello Sirva Team!
This is Debbie Moffatt writing to you in very unfamiliar territory so I hope it reaches its intended destination. Becky & Andrew, your dad and I are so proud of you and miss the pitter patter of your 'little' feet in the house. It has been practise for us to be empty nesters when that day has come. We have been keeping up with the blogs and love to see the pictures. It's so awesome to see that the team is doing well, connecting well and loving what they're doing. You can see it on the faces in the pictures. Know that God is keeping a close eye on you and delights in watching you serve those who have less than we. Everything here on the homefront is good, a little snow but not a whole lot. Hot tub gets closed today, sorry guys! Anyway, Becks and Andrew, the dogs miss you, they told me and I gave them a big hug for you. Can't wait to see you all at the airport on Tuesday. Love and much blessings.
Maxine, thank you so much for sharing your trip with me. I have loved looking at the pictures and reading what an experience your team is having, by the way, who's got that AWESOME camera? The pictures look so incredible. Anyway, I'm was happy to collect the shampoo's and stuff for the kids and I will continue to do so. Can't wait to see you this week and hear all about it. I am praying for your safe return. PS. Don't say goodbye out there, just say, see ya later.....
Hey Becky and Andy,
So apparently mom thinks that only her and dad AND the dogs miss you guys... well she's very wrong! Thought I'd write a little not to say that Jax misses you too! Just kidding! Hope you guys are having a great time. Sounds like Becky is fitting right in and Andrew is up to his usual. Karl was just saying that he misses your singing Andy... what's annoying is I think he's trying to compensate. Please come home so he stops singing to Owen in the melody of the American National Anthem!
Owen is doing well... he's say ma ma and da da... but I don't know if he knows what that means yet. He sends kisses and smiles to you both.
Oh and Becky, just so you know your friend says he misses you and hopes you are well. He has facebooked me a few times asking about you. Did you get his text messages? He has been trying to send you them.
Well, Love you tons you guys! Can't wait to see you home!
God bless the Sirva team for all your hard work and loved you have poured out on Casa Hogar.
Take care and God bless your safe return home!
Mackenzie & Karl Jansen... and Owen, and Jax!
Hey Spence it's your bro. Just like I wrote in yesterdays comments what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico, you kiss as many of those ladies as you'd like. I know they all want a piece of the Spence Man. No matter, i know you'll do the right thing. Bring a couple home for mom and dad to meet, i'm sure they'll love that. Later
I have been enjoying so much reading what you each have written and following each day. You are are so wonderful and we are do proud of you and your hard work there. Been praying for you and know the Lord is blessing you with a great time of work and lots of fun. Will pray for a safe return home. Love you all and miss you. Sue Courtney (Mom to Jon--Love to my son)
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