It’s hard to believe that one week ago...

The team has been working hard since our arrival on Tuesday evening. They’ve stripped tin off the roof that we’re fixing on one of the buildings and began building and installing new trusses. They’ve also been painting the outside of the dining hall. It looks like Robert will have the opportunity to paint a mural on the building, and he seems pretty excited about that. The weather has been nice. The first few days it was pretty cool outside. It has warmed up a bit and it now in the low 90s.

It has been fun getting to know our team. We have Kyler, Sylas and Josiah who are go-getters and love working hard at whatever task given. Aspen is always eager to help and is such an encourager. Enzo has truly been a servant as he translates for the leaders and workers at Refuge of Hope, and he does it with a willing heart. Alia, Isabel and Laurna always have a smile on their face throughout the day, even when we know they’re tired and ready for rest. Moses and Ayden are very wise in the words they speak and always have great insight during Bible class and group devotions. Tabitha and Penny have great Biblical knowledge and are eager to share and help others through what the Lord has taught them. Elizabeth always puts the needs of others before her own and wants to help her teammates and leaders by making sure we’re all taken care of. Robert and Isaiah are always smiling and bring a lot of joy with their positive attitudes. Obadiah always has the best questions and is also rarely seen without a smile. Janaya and Charity may appear quiet at first, but they love to talk and share among their team.

On July 4th, the team celebrated Independence Day with hamburgers and homemade french fries, cold sodas and later after supper everyone enjoyed M&M cookies, better known as firecracker cookies. Team members take turns each day to help in the kitchen, and they seem to enjoy being able to help prepare the meals. They are definitely a blessing for the lady leaders!

Saturday after lunch, the team was able to walk to the mall, which was only about a 5-10 minute trek. Refuge of Hope is right beside South American Mission, so we were able to walk through their property which is across the street from the mall. While at the mall, most of the team members handed out Spanish tracts. This morning (Sunday) we attended the church that is on property. The team did a presentation. Two of the team members shared a short testimony (Penny and Aspen), and Mr. Brant preached the morning message. Later this afternoon we will be doing Bible verse quizzing.

We look forward to what the Lord has in store for us this week. Please continue praying for good health and safety, for continued team unity and growth in the Lord!