March 27, 2016 Sunday

Easter! Norbi & Arielle from Vista came in town. Then shortly thereafter the Gavrilovic's came in too. Church services included general singing, a resurrection message, kids singing and a special number by the work team. A buffet table full of various foods was served for lunch. 

The young (junk) people went to a candy store. We then all met at the Cervantes home and said our farewells. Brad, Hanna, April, Andrew and John left. Ronnie drove us to the border, traveling the opposite way on a one way street the entire distance!

Dushan intended to work on the drywall his remaining 2 days. Rick, Sam and Sid were planning to work on some water equipment at the orphanage on their last day.

Thank God for His provision and the blessings He's allowed us to share. Glory to His name!

A sewer hole with in the middle of the street with no cover. 

Norbi and Arielle 

Back in America! 

March 26, 2016 Saturday

Some of the group had difficulty getting going in the morning due to the late night. Rick suggested that they get up at the scheduled time "how else are they going to reap what they sow?"

Work was completed today as the final material was delivered. The roof, gable ends and fascia were all completed. An extra project was added - new drywall for the ceiling as well as new plaster. Most of us finished what we were working on so we left at 3:30.  Dushan and Jose stayed to work on the drywall. Sam and Ronnie rode in the back of a pick up truck thru the streets of Tecate, causing significant disruption to traffic as they squirted water at other vehicles. :)

Rick and I went for a hike on a mountain near the Cervantes home. The view of America, Tecate and the fence in between was beautiful. Border patrol was always present, perched on hilltops facing Mexico.

Tonight we went to church. First was some singing from a Spanish hymnal that had no notes, only words. There was a guitar accompaniment by a Gonzales brother. The heartfelt singing of the church members was heartwarming. Afterward, Rick shared some thoughts:

• Selfishness is the root of all sin
• Excellency vs. Perfection
• Truth vs. Honesty
• How much do we want God in us?
• Following the Lord vs. Serving the Lord
• The best way to serve is to follow Him.
• How close do we want to follow the Lord?

After that, Sam shared his testimony. After church was over, pizza was delivered to church and we all ate. Our first and only meal during the entire trip where no salsa was served.

After church, the young people (and even a few older ones) went to a local park to play soccer and volleyball. Moses and Carlos ("come on"), as well as the others were incredible soccer players. It was impressive to watch their fancy footwork.

March 25, 2016  Good Friday

Before we left the Cervantes home for work today, Rick and Brad (he's in college) were scoping out the international border fence. They took one last look at it before Trump tears it down and has the Mexicans pay for a new more formidable fence.

As we got to Concha's house, the run away horse from across the street was lingering in the street. Some of us were petting it, then after a bit it decided to cruise on down the road again. 

Today is Good Friday. A crucifixion reenactment was taking place two or three lots over from where we were working. It was well presented and had full audience. The parade of actors and people made their way down the street. A few vendors set up their wares along the parade route. We bought mango and lime slushi's from one of them. 

For lunch, the church members brought over a beef stew with rice and beans.  

The word of the day was geometry - which we abused with geology and geography.

Most taco stands were closed in observance of Good Friday. We finally found one open very near the church. The food was muy bien! The same guy playing the guitar at another taco stand that we were at earlier in the week showed up and serenaded us again. From there we went to the orphanage and hung out. Young (junk) people from the church were all invited. A campfire was made. Andrew crafted a homemade headlamp out of his phone. Then a group went up the mountain for a night hike.