Today again started just like yesterday. We rode in to the work site, and worked all morning. The walls of the houses grew higher, and the holes we were digging grew deeper. The thing that was different about today was our interactions with the local families. They were more comfortable with us, and we were more comfortable being in their communities, so far away from home.
Yes, Anthony actually does work!
The work at the sites for the morning session, was more limited, because of our limited time on the sites. It gave us more time to take in the surrounding area. The thing that we heard all morning long was the laughter of children playing. It doesn't matter what you have, you make the best of it. And these kids could care less where they are. They have their families, their homes, and they love life.
The children are always so important for change. With the civil war over, now the country is growing, and continuing to evolve. Knowing that these communities are slowly getting adequate housing, with a central community center where kids can learn, it give a sense of achieving the goal of development and a better future.
After the jobsite, we had lunch (local, homemade food) and we moved out on a bus to an older Thrivent Builds project. It was pretty incredible that the houses and the community has evolved. The community looked more established, and the owners took pride in their properties. They put personal touches on their yards with plants and flowers.
Much more homelike and welcoming
There was also a community center here, where again, we got to play with the children and interact with them at school. This site is called Villa Esperanza, it is a site that Thrivent Builds has been at in the past, and is complete now. The kids loved our presence, and we definitely loved the kids.
Two big kids playing
Guess who worked their way into playing with the kids...
We met these children, and started singing a children's song. Once the song was done, we had another lined up. When we asked the kids if they wanted to sing another song, they said NO! So then they were just chased around and tackled!
A special Flory's Flowers....two!
Tomorrow will be a very full day of hard work at the job sites, and more time in the community.
How can these flowers just keep getting more unique and better each day! It looks like you are having beautiful weather (at least from the pictures). That is such a blessing and certainly helps out with all the work you can do. Any earthquakes yet that people have felt? I do like the picture of Anthony working. I will tell ya, a couple of years ago we did question the amount of work. Let's just say that year we had a LOT of pictures! Peace be with you all and keep those spirits and the energy up!
ReplyDeleteMark
I praise the Lord to see Anthony engaging in manual labor--way to go! Know that the Spirit of the Lord is working through you all for His greater glory and for the good of His people. The passage of Scripture for today is from 1Peter 5:6 Therefore humbe yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.
ReplyDeleteYou have indeed humbled yourselves and taken on the form of servants--to be servants of the Lord. In the power of the Lord keep up the good and inspiring work that others may know that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior.
We continue to pray for you, and for your safe return.
Blessings in Christ,
Pastor Kinne
Looks like you are all having a great week and getting some good work done. At this point in the week, it is important for someone to provide Jenelle with some good/comfort chocolate. We would (like we did last year) but we are just too far away. Hope that Jacob and James are keeping up with their homework. Hard for us to imagine working all day and trying to stay caught up with homework at night. By now you all know that Megan is rooming alone so her room is the party room - have a great time tonight! We'll miss you at class tonight. Doug - what do you think about the plumbing systems in El Salvador? Basic but effective? We like seeing all the kid pictures. We were also amazed by the simple things that bring them joy. By now you've probably all figured out that Andy is the brains of the operation so be especially nice to her. We expect that Anthony will be whipping up one of his special meals soon so we are sure you all will enjoy that. Brian, Doug, Tricia, James - we hope you are really enjoying your first time in El Salvador - thanks for representing Joy! Sue - help Dale make sure there are no strays. Thanks again to all of you for doing God's work! Blessing to all - Mark & Rose Froseth
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