Recap of June 13 – 20
THE TEAM IS FINALLY HERE!! I head to the airport to pick them up that afternoon and we make the walk to the apt. After all the luggage and all 10 of them entered into my apt, my apt did not feel quite as big as it normally does with Brody and I! So while the youth relaxed and swam, I tried to empty bags that were things that my mom and friends had sent with the team. Then I took a walk with Laura, Mackenzie, and Rian. It was so good to have them there…it was unreal to have the youth group their with me after all of the planning! That evening we ate at Crepes and Waffles, of course and walked around the old city. We came back, had a brief meeting, and then blew up all the air mattresses, and went to bed.
Thursday, we wake up early to pack up the car and a van. They met Jorge, Darlys, Luz Mercy, and Caleb who were going to be working with us during the week. We loaded everyone up, pryd and were off. The van had a few problems on the way to the village as Jorge and I arrived in the village at least 30 minutes before them and left at least 30 minutes after they did. Laura later told me that was normal with their group and as they entered into the village they had a flat tire. Oh and not to mention that I had not been able to communicate with anyone in the village because the cell phone tower was down, there was not electricity, and we were arriving just in time to make lunch! The good thing…they were waiting on us and there was water in the village that day! We unloaded all of our stuff, divided into groups, and went to work. We started that morning in K’s backyard preparing the ground to plant a garden that she would use to have food for her family and sell to have money. The goal of this project was to show the Palenquero youth how we can do this project and connect it to His Words as a form of evangelism. It was a great morning of working, getting to know each other, and adapting to village life.
We all had lunch together and after a brief siesta, we went out to the streets to play soccer with local youth to give them something else to do besides all the activities in the plaza. It was during this activity that I saw the two groups open up, laugh, and come together to tell His Truths. The goal of this tournament was to show the Palenquero youth yet another way we can evangelize here in Palenque. We came back from the soccer tournament, ate some dinner, and tried to cool off. Although, the climate was incredible the entire time the group was here…so thanks to all of you who pryd for great weather. I have never experienced such nice weather in all my time in the village but it was great!
That evening, the Palenqueros came to the house for a night of integration. We had a fun game to break the silence, an amazing time of worship in four different languages, and Luz Mercy shared her testimony. It was a blessing and I wish that I could accurately describe the entire day. My words are not sufficient but HE was present in all activities. You could feel HIS Presence in everything. At lunch, HE opened up more conversations for me to have with locals that normally would not have happened because we don’t always spend the entire day together. HE worked in the lives of the GHBC youth by stripping them of all their comforts, even their language and showing how HUGE HE is and how lucky they are to be Americans. It was a great day full of worship of Our Father!
On Friday, we went on a pryr walk through the village early in the morning. The youth had not walked very far as all of our activities were centered or close to the house where we stayed for security reasons. It was a special time of reading His Words, reflecting on Him, and pryng for this village. As we were heading back to the plaza, they were able to experience a mad cow/bull running through the streets and people yelling at us telling us to get out of the way. John David was able to go to the tienda…he, Randy, Jorge, and Caleb’s male bonding activity in village.
We came back, ate breakfast, and divided into our groups again. I don’t think I mentioned this earlier but there were two groups working on a project in the village and one group who stayed in the house to prepare the next meal (over fire) and intercede in pryr for what the other two groups were doing. So each GHBC youth were able to experience cooking over a fire for 30 people and cooking without modern conveniences! So two groups went to prepare K’s backyard and begin to plant seeds while another group pryd and prepared the lunch. During this last time in K’s backyard, the GHBC youth along with Luz Mercy told the story of the seed and 4 different soils. It was a great teaching time for both the Palenqueros and the GHBC youth of the power of His Words. And you could not wipe the smile off of K’s face as she saw people loving on her and accomplishing something that would have take her 5 weeks to do. She could not stop praising HIM for this blessing!
We ate lunch and as I looked around at all the faces who were exhausted (both Palenqueros and the team), I gave them a choice to either finish the soccer tournament that afternoon or watch a movie that night together. We still had to plan for Saturday’s kids club together and they looked exhausted. They chose the movie that night but wanted to teach the GHBC team a dance and song that they could do together during the kid’s club. So we rested for a little bit and headed to the club to practice and plan. It was hilarious and I will soon post the videos on here or fb so that you can see them! It was a great time to break down even more barriers and walls that the Palenqueros have up! I praise HIM for this time!
That afternoon, we returned to the house just as it began to rain. And while we were sitting on the front porch, the activities for their festival began. HE had held off their activities for an entire day and a half! They tried to begin their horse race and followed it by their procession with their god…but it was raining thus putting it off even longer. HE was answering the pryrs of you and blessing His People by having His Presence in this village and preventing other worship while we were there! HE is so good! HE opened up so many doors for His gospel to be shared! HE is SO GOOD!
That evening, we were not able to show a movie because of technical difficulties so the Palenqueros returned to their homes to pack for their retreat that they were going on the next day. The team and local Colombians had an amazing time of worship and study of His Word. It was beautiful to watch as HE broke one young lady and she responded. I was a little disappointed at the blank faces as we were reading HIS Life changing Words but He had already revealed many things to me about this group earlier that changed our activities. They were not all there…ready to have a face to face encounter with The Holy Dad and respond in the ONLY way you can respond when you have this type of encounter. Just like the young lady who was broken and joyful all at the same time…who was full of things to say but yet speechless at the same time. I pry that each one of these GHBC youth have that experience and truly fall in love with The Holy Dad of the Universe!
Saturday, we began to clean, eat breakfast, and head over for the kid’s club. Not to my surprise the Palenqueros are an hour late but HE still blessed this time. There were not as many kids as normal but it had rained and that always differs people from leaving their homes. It was neat to watch both groups work together for a common purpose with such a language barrier. HE is so perfect in His Timing and everyone played a part in the service and was able to serve HIM that morning. We finish the service and say goodbye to the Palenqueros and the village and load up in the van again.
We arrive to the farm, eat lunch, and begin working. Some people played and loved on their precious kids, some cleaned out and organized sheds, and others helped pack down dirt floors before being tiled. They each also took some time to process what HE had shown them in the village about Himself. And then HE gave us the most beautiful sunset and we sat outside and just praised HIM for His Great Name!
That evening, we continued working as some prepared dinner, some played with kids, and then the best job…making the fire! Mackenzie, Micah, John David, and I were in charge of that job. Well, you know now that I think of it, it was just us Girl Scouts until the young weeble wobble decided that we were not doing the best job. We had a nice bon fire, roasted mallows, and made smores with the kids. It was a lot of fun to just sit and be together…telling stories, getting to know new faces, and more reflection on Who He is.
Sunday, we ate breakfast and prepared for the club service on the farm. Mackenzie and Caleb lead worship, the pastor preached, and the youth group did a skit. It was an amazing day of worshipping The Father. The youth were able to experience yet another way to live out your life in radically obedience as they spent time with the people on the farm. That afternoon, we celebrated one of the girl’s 5th birthday with some pudding and then it was back to work for the team. Some of them played with the kids, some painted walls, and others cleared out trash/brush to burn in the front yard. And when we were all done, we headed back to Cartagena.
Now these youth had gone from American life with every creature comfort known to man…to my apt where all 12 of us slept…to village life of cooking over a fire, bucket showers (1 per day without washing hair), toilets that done flush and all 16 of us in two rooms on the floor…to farm life of cooking over a fire, water spicket showers, toilets that occasionally flush, and some beds that are less than comfortable, and bugs everywhere…back to apt life in the city. John David came to me thinking that all of these changes were too much for them and that they needed to sleep in air conditioning and on their own beds, so we went to get hotel rooms. To his surprise, they all preferred to sleep wherever in my apt than to have their own air-conditioned rooms.
That afternoon, I took them to eat some street food and we unpacked what HE had taught them during these 4 days. It was a great time to hear what HE had taught each of them, what they liked and didn’t like, and how they felt that they were changed by this experience.
Monday, I had received a stomach bug that did not let me get away from the bathroom all night but did not want to just make the group suffer for my violent stomach virus. So we all pack into the van again and head to the beautiful white beaches of an island close and relax. I slept most of the time but they said that they had a great day of relaxing and swimming. That night, we took them out to the nicest area of Cartagena where we ate dinner and they went shopping. You know, just trying to get them acclimated step by step to American life.
Tuesday, they leave and Mallory stays. She decided to stay an extra week to see what M life looks like. I think that entire day she slept and I slept off my fever/stomach virus and tried to organize the house.
She was able to experience all kinds of normal M life…errands that take twice as long, grocery shopping, cleaning the apt, paying bills, and being sick. We went out to Palenque a day late because of my illness and I wanted to give her some time to spend with HIM and rest. In Palenque, HE did some incredible things…
THE TEAM IS FINALLY HERE!! I head to the airport to pick them up that afternoon and we make the walk to the apt. After all the luggage and all 10 of them entered into my apt, my apt did not feel quite as big as it normally does with Brody and I! So while the youth relaxed and swam, I tried to empty bags that were things that my mom and friends had sent with the team. Then I took a walk with Laura, Mackenzie, and Rian. It was so good to have them there…it was unreal to have the youth group their with me after all of the planning! That evening we ate at Crepes and Waffles, of course and walked around the old city. We came back, had a brief meeting, and then blew up all the air mattresses, and went to bed.
Thursday, we wake up early to pack up the car and a van. They met Jorge, Darlys, Luz Mercy, and Caleb who were going to be working with us during the week. We loaded everyone up, pryd and were off. The van had a few problems on the way to the village as Jorge and I arrived in the village at least 30 minutes before them and left at least 30 minutes after they did. Laura later told me that was normal with their group and as they entered into the village they had a flat tire. Oh and not to mention that I had not been able to communicate with anyone in the village because the cell phone tower was down, there was not electricity, and we were arriving just in time to make lunch! The good thing…they were waiting on us and there was water in the village that day! We unloaded all of our stuff, divided into groups, and went to work. We started that morning in K’s backyard preparing the ground to plant a garden that she would use to have food for her family and sell to have money. The goal of this project was to show the Palenquero youth how we can do this project and connect it to His Words as a form of evangelism. It was a great morning of working, getting to know each other, and adapting to village life.
We all had lunch together and after a brief siesta, we went out to the streets to play soccer with local youth to give them something else to do besides all the activities in the plaza. It was during this activity that I saw the two groups open up, laugh, and come together to tell His Truths. The goal of this tournament was to show the Palenquero youth yet another way we can evangelize here in Palenque. We came back from the soccer tournament, ate some dinner, and tried to cool off. Although, the climate was incredible the entire time the group was here…so thanks to all of you who pryd for great weather. I have never experienced such nice weather in all my time in the village but it was great!
That evening, the Palenqueros came to the house for a night of integration. We had a fun game to break the silence, an amazing time of worship in four different languages, and Luz Mercy shared her testimony. It was a blessing and I wish that I could accurately describe the entire day. My words are not sufficient but HE was present in all activities. You could feel HIS Presence in everything. At lunch, HE opened up more conversations for me to have with locals that normally would not have happened because we don’t always spend the entire day together. HE worked in the lives of the GHBC youth by stripping them of all their comforts, even their language and showing how HUGE HE is and how lucky they are to be Americans. It was a great day full of worship of Our Father!
On Friday, we went on a pryr walk through the village early in the morning. The youth had not walked very far as all of our activities were centered or close to the house where we stayed for security reasons. It was a special time of reading His Words, reflecting on Him, and pryng for this village. As we were heading back to the plaza, they were able to experience a mad cow/bull running through the streets and people yelling at us telling us to get out of the way. John David was able to go to the tienda…he, Randy, Jorge, and Caleb’s male bonding activity in village.
We came back, ate breakfast, and divided into our groups again. I don’t think I mentioned this earlier but there were two groups working on a project in the village and one group who stayed in the house to prepare the next meal (over fire) and intercede in pryr for what the other two groups were doing. So each GHBC youth were able to experience cooking over a fire for 30 people and cooking without modern conveniences! So two groups went to prepare K’s backyard and begin to plant seeds while another group pryd and prepared the lunch. During this last time in K’s backyard, the GHBC youth along with Luz Mercy told the story of the seed and 4 different soils. It was a great teaching time for both the Palenqueros and the GHBC youth of the power of His Words. And you could not wipe the smile off of K’s face as she saw people loving on her and accomplishing something that would have take her 5 weeks to do. She could not stop praising HIM for this blessing!
We ate lunch and as I looked around at all the faces who were exhausted (both Palenqueros and the team), I gave them a choice to either finish the soccer tournament that afternoon or watch a movie that night together. We still had to plan for Saturday’s kids club together and they looked exhausted. They chose the movie that night but wanted to teach the GHBC team a dance and song that they could do together during the kid’s club. So we rested for a little bit and headed to the club to practice and plan. It was hilarious and I will soon post the videos on here or fb so that you can see them! It was a great time to break down even more barriers and walls that the Palenqueros have up! I praise HIM for this time!
That afternoon, we returned to the house just as it began to rain. And while we were sitting on the front porch, the activities for their festival began. HE had held off their activities for an entire day and a half! They tried to begin their horse race and followed it by their procession with their god…but it was raining thus putting it off even longer. HE was answering the pryrs of you and blessing His People by having His Presence in this village and preventing other worship while we were there! HE is so good! HE opened up so many doors for His gospel to be shared! HE is SO GOOD!
That evening, we were not able to show a movie because of technical difficulties so the Palenqueros returned to their homes to pack for their retreat that they were going on the next day. The team and local Colombians had an amazing time of worship and study of His Word. It was beautiful to watch as HE broke one young lady and she responded. I was a little disappointed at the blank faces as we were reading HIS Life changing Words but He had already revealed many things to me about this group earlier that changed our activities. They were not all there…ready to have a face to face encounter with The Holy Dad and respond in the ONLY way you can respond when you have this type of encounter. Just like the young lady who was broken and joyful all at the same time…who was full of things to say but yet speechless at the same time. I pry that each one of these GHBC youth have that experience and truly fall in love with The Holy Dad of the Universe!
Saturday, we began to clean, eat breakfast, and head over for the kid’s club. Not to my surprise the Palenqueros are an hour late but HE still blessed this time. There were not as many kids as normal but it had rained and that always differs people from leaving their homes. It was neat to watch both groups work together for a common purpose with such a language barrier. HE is so perfect in His Timing and everyone played a part in the service and was able to serve HIM that morning. We finish the service and say goodbye to the Palenqueros and the village and load up in the van again.
We arrive to the farm, eat lunch, and begin working. Some people played and loved on their precious kids, some cleaned out and organized sheds, and others helped pack down dirt floors before being tiled. They each also took some time to process what HE had shown them in the village about Himself. And then HE gave us the most beautiful sunset and we sat outside and just praised HIM for His Great Name!
That evening, we continued working as some prepared dinner, some played with kids, and then the best job…making the fire! Mackenzie, Micah, John David, and I were in charge of that job. Well, you know now that I think of it, it was just us Girl Scouts until the young weeble wobble decided that we were not doing the best job. We had a nice bon fire, roasted mallows, and made smores with the kids. It was a lot of fun to just sit and be together…telling stories, getting to know new faces, and more reflection on Who He is.
Sunday, we ate breakfast and prepared for the club service on the farm. Mackenzie and Caleb lead worship, the pastor preached, and the youth group did a skit. It was an amazing day of worshipping The Father. The youth were able to experience yet another way to live out your life in radically obedience as they spent time with the people on the farm. That afternoon, we celebrated one of the girl’s 5th birthday with some pudding and then it was back to work for the team. Some of them played with the kids, some painted walls, and others cleared out trash/brush to burn in the front yard. And when we were all done, we headed back to Cartagena.
Now these youth had gone from American life with every creature comfort known to man…to my apt where all 12 of us slept…to village life of cooking over a fire, bucket showers (1 per day without washing hair), toilets that done flush and all 16 of us in two rooms on the floor…to farm life of cooking over a fire, water spicket showers, toilets that occasionally flush, and some beds that are less than comfortable, and bugs everywhere…back to apt life in the city. John David came to me thinking that all of these changes were too much for them and that they needed to sleep in air conditioning and on their own beds, so we went to get hotel rooms. To his surprise, they all preferred to sleep wherever in my apt than to have their own air-conditioned rooms.
That afternoon, I took them to eat some street food and we unpacked what HE had taught them during these 4 days. It was a great time to hear what HE had taught each of them, what they liked and didn’t like, and how they felt that they were changed by this experience.
Monday, I had received a stomach bug that did not let me get away from the bathroom all night but did not want to just make the group suffer for my violent stomach virus. So we all pack into the van again and head to the beautiful white beaches of an island close and relax. I slept most of the time but they said that they had a great day of relaxing and swimming. That night, we took them out to the nicest area of Cartagena where we ate dinner and they went shopping. You know, just trying to get them acclimated step by step to American life.
Tuesday, they leave and Mallory stays. She decided to stay an extra week to see what M life looks like. I think that entire day she slept and I slept off my fever/stomach virus and tried to organize the house.
She was able to experience all kinds of normal M life…errands that take twice as long, grocery shopping, cleaning the apt, paying bills, and being sick. We went out to Palenque a day late because of my illness and I wanted to give her some time to spend with HIM and rest. In Palenque, HE did some incredible things…
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