Hello Everyone!!!!
It has only been a couple days since we wrote, but SOOO much has happened!!
So, here is the update so far….
On Thursday, we all visited La Jolla. Everyone had a great time on the beach and spent time meshing as a team! In the afternoon, we split in half. Some went to Mission Beach ….a beach with a roller coaster, souvenir shops, and some nice sand. Others went to Seaport Village downtown, while 10 of us went sailing on Mike´s sailboat! Dinner, of course, was In and Out Burger. Overall, it was an awesome, relaxing day!
On Friday, we had quite the interesting day. We like to say that we had a bad day and didn´t even realize it because we were so busy enjoying each other and sunny Cali! We started the morning with an awesome faith experience. Ask your students about the donuts they received in Cali! We then spent the morning hanging out inthe hotel, swimming, and getting ready to cross the border. We then went to Fiesta Island to have a 20 minute lunch while Becky picked up Mike and Jamie from the airport….only we were there for about 2 hours! The airline had lost Mike´s luggage, so we had to hang around and see if it was going to show up. Never fear…it did! …the next day. It worked out perfectly, though, because we had two San Diego visitors coming down the next day. They picked up his luggage so that we could head across the border!
We then headed towards Mexico. The drive went quickly, the border crossing easy. Then within a quarter mile of crossing the border, The Silver Bullet…Jeff and Chris´s van…went up a curb and came down with two flat tires! Some say this was because Team Purple Mongoose stole the Silver Bullet from Team Les is More. It was amazing, however, to see how well everyone handled the problem. WIthin a couple minutes, the guys were out of the cars, taking charge of the situation. No one was stressed or upset and everyone was back on the road in just a few minutes! We finally made it to camp, where we set up tents, picked up Saul from his house, ordered DELICIOUS pizza and had our AWESOME Good Friday Experience! Overall, it was a great day to build our team unity and transition to the mission portion of our trip!
On to Saturday…
Here I must pause to say that our team this year is comprised totally and completely of incredibly awesome, wonderful, fantastic students and leaders!!!! The teams all stayed at camp all morning and built 17 walls for the house! This took many hours in the HOT HOT sun. We went through 15 5 gallon waters!!! The teams worked together and had a great time building the walls. Through’out camp, we heard many compliments.
The building team went to the actual site to build the house. They were remotely surprised to find that not all the houes had been demolished and the family is once again planning on staying onsite while the construction takes place. Although…what would Mexicali be without a few fun surprises?!?!? They handled it really well and went right to work. What some of you may not know, is that our building team, who is going to build and entire house complete with plumbing and electricity, is only comprised of 4, yes, count them, FOUR guys!! It was amazing, then, to look up an hour later and realize that over 20 people were working on the house!!!!! Many neighbors, friends, and family members were helping. It was great!
After the wall building, each team took the time to visit with their pastors and their church. They then returned to camp where we had our opening worship. While lights out was not until 10:30, all of our students were quietly in bed by 10:00…and many even before this!!! Yes, we exhausted your kids yesterday! They did love it, though!
FINALLY, today, EASTER Sunday! We started witha sunrise praise…after the sun was up…oooops. All the nails had been taken out of our cross overnight and the sins that had been on there from Friday were in ashes at the base of the cross. There were flowers on the cross and white drapings. We then had our morning worship with the entire camp and headed out to our sites. We will let you know how everyone´s first day went tomorrow. We SHOULD be able to write daily now!
Everyone seems to be happy, healthy, and hydrated. Everything is going AMAZINGLY well, and both youth and adults alike are incredible!!!
Thank you for sharing your family with the Mexican community on this special and important day!
In his Grip,
Amy and Becky
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:20 pm Hello everyone and Happy Easter!! Thank you for keeping us up to date, I love hearing what is going on! This is new to me. Ashli we miss you very much especially today! We had a great breakfast at church (Richard came)and a wonderful Easter service. I guess I shouldn’t brag considering you are all working so hard and sacraficing your time and bodies. Thank you so much for that!! Hope you are having good times. Stay safe and healthy. We love you and miss you Ashli!!
March 23rd, 2008 at 6:57 pm Happy Easter Claire and Mexicalli Members. Just wanted to send an Easter Blessing to everyone. Claire new nickname for Toby (yolk head). He got a hard boiled egg and ate the entire thing shell and all. Happy Easter to Toby too. We keep asking him where Claire is and he cocks his head and looks up the stairs (like your sleeping). We love you and miss you and are oh sooooooooooooooooo proud. Everyone at church asked about you also especially Pastor and Mr. Pritchard. Love you Mom P.S. I miss my french lessons.
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:16 pm Hey sis! Sorry I missed your call, but I do want to wish you and the group a Happy Easter as well! Your segment on fox news was AWESOME! Aaron said that you all sounded excellent. Guess what? Even though octane ministry wasn’t spoken verbally on the newscast, there is a VERY prominent link on the web to your site! What fun ways the Lord blesses those who work in His name. There’s nothing wrong with a little free advertising! You’ll be glad to know that Elizabeth seems to be doing better…pink eye is clearing up and we’ll check the ears at her doctor’s in a couple weeks. Her mood has improved, so I figure they have as well! We have had a wonderful Easter weekend. I look forward to hearing what you all are up to the next couple of days. God bless you all in both your work and play! (yes, I borrowed that phrase from Dad…but I like it =) ) Stay healthy, get a lot done, and HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!
March 23rd, 2008 at 7:28 pm It was great to hear about all the wonderful experiences you have been having. It’s hard to imagine being too hot. It got up to about 39 today, and that seemed almost warm! Joe, round 2 is over. The games don’t start again until Thursday. Kansas, Texas, UNC, Tennesee, Memphis and Texas are all still in. We had a nice Easter, but after church it was rather quiet with just the 3 of us. (Amy had no one to fight with). Amy even played a board game with me, she was so bored! Dad just watched basketball allll afternoon! I took advantage of the opportunity to do some cleaning in your room. Don’t worry, I didn’t through much out! We’re looking forward to hearing more news! G Woman says Hi too!
March 23rd, 2008 at 9:34 pm Happy Easter everyone! We miss you! It sounds as though you’ve been having an awesome, yet eventful time. It’s incredible to hear all that you’ve done so far, and to think about what you will accomplish in such a short span of time…I thank God for each of you, and for your willingness to serve and follow Him. Please give Christina our love. Say Hi to Jamie, Carissa, Eric, Ian, Amanda, and Jake too. You’re all in our prayers! Keep up the team work! See you soon!
March 23rd, 2008 at 10:24 pm Happy Easter, Carissa & Eric! We’re glad to hear that all is going well, and all are safe and healthy! We want to wish you luck as you begin your journeys with children and families this week. With the passion you both hold for learning and for the Lord, you are sure to inspire many this week. Things went very well with the family dinner…lots to share when you return! Maggie is doing very well, and looks like a little lamb with her new haircut. Mom and Dad send their love. Take care! Colleen, Joel, Sparky, Dakota, and Maggie, too!
March 24th, 2008 at 1:02 am A very blessed Easter to everyone. Te amo, Jamie! Your son and I miss you! Learn some Spanish songs to sing to him. He already knows Alabare.
March 24th, 2008 at 8:44 am Just sending a simple word of encouragement - to let you know that this parent is praying for Carissa & Eric, AND the team, the work, the ministries, and the people of the Mexican Community , , , may the people Know His Love and Presence because of His Love & Presence in each of You and may all of you be Blessed as you Serve Him!
March 24th, 2008 at 9:11 am Hi Amy, Matt and Jamie, How great to see you guys on the news and promoting being Jesus hands and feet! Hope it’s not too hot (it’s 33 in Chicago today). Can’t wait to hear all about the great things you’re doing there for the people, and especially the kids. God bless everything you’re doing and all the people you’re in contact with. Jamie, we’re taking good care of our grandson while you’re gone….. God bless, Cindy (and Paul) Quitmeyer
March 24th, 2008 at 4:11 pm Hi Eric, we miss you and are so proud of you. Your phone calls and this web site have made me feel closer to you. I know you will be safe. I hope you enjoy yourself while you are working so hard. You are truely making a difference in the lives of others. You and everyone there are in my prayers every day. Love mom, dad, and keith too!