Bloggers from June 29 - 30

July 30, 2008 Wednesday 11:00 PM

This morning we had a little scare. Alex Johnson had an asthma attack and had to be brought back to the states. He and his dad are staying with Rob’s sister in Dallas, TX. Rob said Alex is doing a lot better and his sister has all the medicine for Alex. Today the rest of us split into three groups and went to separate churches. Two of the churches were painting, playing with kids and doing some Vacation bible school. We met a lot of new kids today and it was a blast. The other church was doing some construction on a floor and will start lying concrete tomorrow. One group got pulled over AGAIN on the way back to Juan’s church. The police were trying to get some money off of some ‘stupid’ Americans. Good thing Enrique was with us because he helped us clear up the situation. We got away with a warning to slow down. Tonight we went back to the pool again and it felt great. We ate dinner at the pool. The locals cooked us delicious authentic Mexican food. Everyone loved it! Keep us and Alex in your prayers! Good Night and God Bless!

By: Zac Johnson, Sarah Wolf and Collin Strehlow

Watched By: Kirsten Svaleson, Siri Gylland, and Tim Bjornson

Today was amazing! The weather was beautiful. I am really getting used to the heat down here. We started our work projects today. Sierra, Jennifer and I worked through the afternoon painting the sanctuary at Juan’s church. It looks amazing with a new coat of pain. Tomorrow, I am going to re-draw the message on the front of the church. We got home from the pool and supper and had a tickle fest in the streets with the children. I have made so many friends with the kids. They know how to have a great time. Tomorrow, we start VBS and my “Family Group” is really excited. Can’t wait to tell you all about it, Mom and Dad! I love you!

--- Courtney

This trip is cool.

--- Kim Stalmo

Mexico is nothing what I expected. I’m enjoying this mission trip mucho. In Fargo, I would complain about the heat and bugs and filth and sweat. But somehow, not here. I’m really pumped about speaking Spanish in an actual conversation and not just school. I haven’t even thought of home yeat. I can’t wait for the days to come! Que Bueno!

--- no name

Hola! Mission Mexico has been quite the experience. The kids are wonderful. It’s crazy how we can communicate with them even though most of us can only say two sentacnes. It’s going to be sad when we have to leave the neighborhood and the kids to head back to the US>. I can’t wait for air conditioning!!!

--- God’s Blessings, Ashley Hull

Hola mi familia! Mexico is great. The children are awesome and a lot of fun to play with! Today, we taught VBS. FUN! The food we have had is extremely good too!

--- Adios, Paige

The kids are awesome! I’ve had so much fun with them. So far the food is great!

--- Anonymous.

I am amazed and so proud of your kids. Today, they played for hours in 100 + weather with children that had A LOT of energy. The Mexican children can’t seem to get enough of this group. The rooster crows at 5 am and the kids start peering at us through the door way at about 8:30. If we leave the area for awhile, they are here waiting for us when we return.

One little girl, Viji, (pronounced Veedie) has become a favorite. She is a sweet little girl and would steal your heart, but all of the children are special.

We accomplished a big painting project today and we’ll do more tomorrow. Your kids have handles so much , so well. Each one has interacted with the Mexican children in their own way and shown a lot of love. No wonder the kids can’t wait to come back each day.

I’ve been reminded that with God’s love, we can handle and accomplish anything. I appreciate this opportunity and especially being with my daughter and seeing how she loves children. God’s perfect timing of this trip has impacted my life and made me a better person. Each day is an adventure and another chance to make a difference in someone’s life. I’ve forgotten about my problems at home and realize how small they are. Thank you for your prayers.

--- Cathy Nelson

The trip has exceeded all of my expectations. Everything is so amazing and crazy here. I love this place and hope to be back soon. Vegi is my favorite (Soy Guapo!) Hasta Luego.

--- Peyton Vane

Hola.

It’s Wednesday night as I write this. It has been a blast so far and I can’t wait to work with the kids for the next two days. This trip has been an awesome opportunity for me to use the Spanish that I have learned in school. As the student with the most experience with the language, I have become the groups interpreter and am frequently called from one group of people to the next to translate things form Spanish to English. Though it’s sometimes frustrating to be constantly beckoned, my Spanish has allowed me to connect with the people, especially the kids. One in particular, Mario, has become attached to me. Mario is the son of a gentleman named Emanuel, or Meme. Meme is helping us with a project a Pastor Perla’s church. Earlier tonight we ate a home cooked meal by the pool where we swim and shower after a hard day’s work. Some of the church members and the pastor’s family made us a delicious meal of beef and tortillas, soup, salsa and pop. After supper we spent time hanging out and having fun with Meme and his family and other people from the church. Towards the end, I was walking with Mario around the group and he said to me, “Es mi amigo” You are my friend. It made my long, stressful day a lot better.

Mario and all of the other children, I have encountered down here are very kind and quick to love. Simply picking up a child and spinning around or playing with them is enough to make them grin and shriek with delight. It is definitely a good way to lift your spirits. Mom and Dad, If you are reading this, I hope all is well at home! Hasta Leugo.

--- Mason

Wow! It’s already Thursday. The time goes so fast, even in the heat. Heat, stifling heat! Yesterday, my group started work on an excavation job in preparation for concrete. We are removing sand, dirt and rock from an area by about 12’ x 50’. After we get the dirt out, the ground leveled, and sloped away from the church, we will start pouring concrete. We have to mix it by hand. Erika, Kylie, Jake, Zach, Peyton, Reuben, Dan, Andrew, Mason (our communicator) and our new friend Leo worked very hard in the sweltering heat. We learned quickly that we had to take lots of breaks and drink lots of water to avoid heat exhaustion. During reflection last night, I thought about previous times I’ve been to TX and Mexico and commented (aka judged) about how slow work got done. I have a new perspective now. Hopefully I will think twice before I pass judgment again. Kids – are kids are like magnets and the Mexican children are like small pieces of steel. They cling to our kids like small pieces of steel. They are so much fun to watch. Last night, Pastor Enrique’s friend prepared supper for us at the pool/park. Grilled steak, tortillas, bean and pork soup. Mmmmm. It was delicious. After supper it was fun to watch our kids visiting with local Mexican teens. Gotta go! Breakfast is ready. Mmmmm. Yogurt!

--- Gene Anderson