Hello all! (from a nice warm 93 degrees…enjoy your snow!!…sorry, that was a bit evil for ppl on a mission trip! 
)
Sorry that the site was down, thank you to all of you who let us know! Thank you also to Jeff and Cindy who worked so hard to get it back up!!!!! We allllll appreciate it! < ?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />
First things first! Everyone is safe, happy, and healthy!
Second things second Here is the list of teams for you.
Carlos’s team: Chet, John, Jason, Chris, Sydney, Claire K, CJ, Saul, Ariel, Riley, Desiree, Arturo
Lilly: Doug, Andrea, Joan, Norman, Christina, Cara, Conner, Ashley, Amanda, Jake, Sebastian, Kelly, Melissa & Bernise.
Luna: Beth, Les, Sarah, Maddalyn, Dan, Joe, Claire H, Kathie, Ian, Catherine, Mackenzie, & Nahum.
So…Here is what has happened so far! (I don’t remember what I have already said, so please forgive repeats! ) We got to camp and set up in a crazy wind storm, built walls, and met with our pastors. I think that is where I left off!
Camp services started on Saturday evening. We had a great time of fellowship and worship along with some…great?… camp food. With no wind, life was MUCH better!!!!!! It is, however, FREEEEEEEZING at night!!! We have all made multiple trips to the market to buy blankets! Be ready for an influx of Mexican blankets for all your souvenirs! (Used AND smelly, I am sure!)
Sunday was our first official day of VBS at our sites. I have to tell you, our teams are AMAZING. Each of you would be extremely proud to see your child/neice/nephew/grandchild/sister/brother/friend/spouse/student/teacher/random acquaintance in action I assure you! The dramas were a challenge as they had to work with the Mexican teams for the first time, communicate for the first time, and figure out how to work as a team with dramas that they may or may not have known!
Ok, so, team updates. (I only have one from a team and I am writing the rest myself, so they should be more amusing tomorrow!)
Lilly’s site has been ASTOUNDINGLY awesome!!! THey have been working together as a great team. They have a ton of kids and every time I pull up, they tell me how great their VBS went, how much fun the kids are and how they can’t believe this is so wonderful! Norman is doing a great job translating and Christina and Claire are doing a great job leading. I drop off 12 kids at their site daily from our old build sites. (Including an 8 day old baby and her new mom!) It is fun
Carlos’s team has been especially challenged at their site as there have not been many kids. They faced this head on, however with TONS of prayer! They were then presented with the options of doing two sites, either one by the old build sites so that thoise 12 kids could have their own church or a church close to all our other churches that was promised a team and did not get one. They then had to make a difficult decision as to what to do. They chose to leave their site, but invite the youth from that church to their new site. They will then take on BOTH churches, doing double duty each day. Pray lots for their ENERGY!!!!! They are goig to need it!
Luna’s site: (An update from the team) has had a TON of kids. Our first day this year we had as many as the last day the year before. We can only guess how many kids will b there by the last day this year!!!! We were greeted by many familiar faces and were excited to introduce the new members of our team to our Mexican family. The dramas have been GREAT! There is a true partnership at this site between the Mexicans and Americans. Pastor Arturo has been helping with the messages and all has been going well. Bible verses and songs are a strength at this site!
Finally, the build team. WOW!!! We have 12 exra builders each day, plus Ian, Joe, and Connor and today, Ashley (members of our junior build team) The house is going up quickly and beautifully doe to all thier hard work and the leadership of Dale and Kevin. Steve is translating beautifully and Mark is an incredibly hard worker! This team is amazing.
Now, my internet time is up and I must go! Will write more soon!
Love,
The Mexicali Team 2009!
April 6th, 2009 at 6:21 pm Hey Claire - miss you lots. We are in grandma’s old condo in Fla. The weather is not so good. We trried to sens you a message earlier but the site was down. We hope you are having fun and learning more about the lords word. The people of Mexicali are fortunate that you and all your friends from octane love to serve. We also hope you don’t have montezuma’s revenge or anything !! AHAHA We’ll send more messages.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:20 pm Mrs.carrier the sub on Monday was mean…. She wouldn’t let us do anything. She is here for the rest of the week. We can’t even watch the movie because she asked mr. Martin if we could and he said no. We can’t wait for u to come backk. Oh yea shay say hi and she want u to bring a t-shirt. Have fun.
April 6th, 2009 at 7:23 pm Hello To Everyone. I’m glad to see the site is back up, thank you Jeff and Cindy. I’m sure there are lots of friends and families here that are also thankful. I’t sounds like all is going well there. I just want to tell you all how proud we are of everyone there, and send our love to Dan. We miss you bunches. Joe says hi and he loves ya. He thought you were gonna be back today! He said you have been gone for over a week! I guess he misses you alottt. Everyone, keep up the great work. GOD BLESS
April 6th, 2009 at 7:52 pm Snow,snow,snow. Tell Riley and Mackenzie that they only missed a 1/2 day of school today as Mr. Hess decided to dismiss school at 11:00 a.m. Amy - Becky stayed in P.H. overnight - actually, her mini-van decided she needed to stay!!!! (Good van - more time with E and M!!!) E and M loved Holy Land Adventure!!!! Becky and Aaron put a bid in - I think the house may be close to you (but what do those Illinois people know about MI geography). I’m glad all is going well. Hope Riley’s team gets a lot of kids now!!!!!! Love you Amy (and miss you tons) Mom
April 6th, 2009 at 8:03 pm Quick messages from Claires family: 1. Cassie says that Paul Anka is so attached to her that he will not want to sleep with you when you get back (we’ll see, I know). 2. Dad has been taking care of your share of the cookies (I know that makes you sad) 3. Mackenzie loves you and can’t wait to see you. 4. Michaela says god bless you and the families in Mexico and she loves you. She is also worried that you are not staying warm at night (how sweet!) Also Mike is in Iraq now so please add him to the prayer list in Mexico. As always I am proud of each and everyone of you. Please all give Claire a hug. Also hug Dale for us and tell him how happy I am he is also there.
April 6th, 2009 at 8:56 pm Greetings from our “Winter Wonderland!” I think Trinity was the only school insession in the Blue Water area today . . . but we cancelled at 11:00. They were predicting continuing troubles, but it seemed to let up a bit once “someone” had convinced us HE didn’t beleive we should be in school today. It’s half-time in the State game . . . they are down by 18 or 19 points, , , it doesn’t look promising. I want to send special greetings to Amy, Ashley, McKenzie, Riley, Sebastian, and Andrea. You have all been in my prayers each night. We included in the prayers by name on Wednesday. You were in again yesterday and will continue to be in our upcoming services. By now you should be perceiving the amazing opportunity God has presented you for service in the name of Jesus. I look forward to the opportunity to go again myself . . . I believe I got far more out of the experience than those we served. May God watchover you and keep you safe! We are looking for some great pictures and stories from your experiences there upon your return! PC PS the score is currently State 36, UNC 59.
April 6th, 2009 at 9:14 pm Thanks so much for posting the team updates, and thanks to those who got this site working again. We are excited to hear that the build project is going so well — thank the Lord! What a blessing. We continue to keep everyone in our prayers.
April 6th, 2009 at 10:17 pm Hi Kenzie, It was GREAT hearing from you today. Sebastians mom is jealous! (LOL). Tell Riley, Sebastian and Andrea I said HI and hope everyone is doing well. Maybe Riley can teach the Mexican children her Chipmunk song or maybe she can learn it in Spanish?
April 6th, 2009 at 11:04 pm Greetings! It sounds like things are going pretty well. We enjoyed about 7″ of snow today and below freezing temps. So enjoy the warmth. The Spartans lost the championship. Sorry John. Keep up the good work and know that all of you are in our prayers. God bless. The Heppers
April 6th, 2009 at 11:49 pm Hello to all you stead fast travelers from here in Omaha Nebraska!!! We are glad to hear that everything is getting off to a great start. Ashley’s family here… Sorry that we have not responded sooner – mom just got back into town. I went with Papa Jerry and Aunt Sheree to see your Aunt Chin in Champaign IL (fill you in all the details later). Can you believe that your Dad stayed with the kids for three whole days without you or me? They had no power for six hours on Sunday after the rain & hail/ice/snow storm that went thru. It is almost gone by today, but still cold 33-35 degrees. Burrrhhhh! We all miss you terribly! Will-E-Man says “The prettiest girl ever! I miss you please come home soon” “Is she ever going to come back again?” – I told him you would just for him! Dad says “Donde estas el bano? Are you using your Spanish?” Ian and Ella are at G-ma Dawdy’s. Have a great trip Beaners! We Love you!!!! Your Family
April 7th, 2009 at 12:00 am PS: Forgot to say… We are glad to hear that they are putting you (Ashley) to good use! On the building team! Ask Ashley - Isn’t it ironic that she is helping with the house in mexico, remembering those other people who put on roofs here. Dad says “Boy I hope her tent doesn’t look like her room!” Have a great time! We are keeping the group in our prayers. Mom and Dad Dawdy
April 7th, 2009 at 5:37 am i am extremely happy to hear that things are going well for everybody and im sorry it took me this long to write but this past weekend has been a really long one with my court date and all that fun stuff and i am really sad that i couldnt make it on the trip i am praying for everybody down there as often as i can hoping that everybody is safe and have a great time spreading God’s word to everybody at thier sites and on a lighter note thank you everybody thatdid a shot of wheat grass for me if you have been on the trip with me before jamba juice is one of my absolute favs to go to in the morning it just brightens my day up well i have to get going i will write you all soon enough cant wait for everybody to get back so i can hear stories and see pictures take care and have fun BIG JOSH
April 7th, 2009 at 6:14 am Hi Riley…you’re doing great and I’m very proud of you! I posted a comment last night but it went to the 4/4 blog. Hope you’re having a great time! MSU unfortunately did not win but they put up a good battle! Love you bunches!
April 7th, 2009 at 6:57 am Hey everyone, it’s still cold here today, 31 degrees, and the snow is still here, but we aren’t getting any new snow at the moment. The final score of the MSU game was N. Carolina 89 MSU 72. Keep up the good work!
April 7th, 2009 at 8:58 am Hey There… I am glad to hear you are doing well. Elizabeth wants Aunt Amy to know she is doing her job, so here ya go! (Hi Ashley! I hope you are having fun and keeping busy…hopefully we will get up to see you guys soon so we can see pics of your trip after your return!) NOw..here’s Elizabeth EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ (Elizabeth and Jesus love Amy…)
April 7th, 2009 at 9:48 am We love you…..!!!!
April 7th, 2009 at 9:53 am Claire - Grandma Kittle posted one on April 12 2007’s “last day” site. I don’t know of you would see it or not. She loves you and misses you and would like for you to call her when you get home.
April 7th, 2009 at 10:49 am I’m actually a lil sad - I never experienced a Mexicali windstorm…ah well, glad everything is going so well. We miss you, pray for you, and are grateful to God above to all he’s doing thru you!! Sorry ’bout MSU Joe
April 7th, 2009 at 3:40 pm Hi John, and Hi other team members! It’s exciting to hear that everything seems to be going well, and I’m praying that God will really bless the extra energy Carlos’s team is pouring into helping two churches
April 7th, 2009 at 4:05 pm HEEEEEEEEEY!!!!! GOOD TO HEAR ABOUT THE TEAMS… OH…KENZ AND RILEY…YOU GUYS DID NOT MISS MUCH AT THE SCIENCE CENTER….NOTHING TO MEMORABLE…IT WAS STILL ENJOYABLE THOUGH!!! LOL! i aM GLAD YOU ARE ALL HAVING AN AWESOME TIME!!! MSU LOST….AS I AM SURE YOU ALL KNOW!!! YOU GUYS NEED TO COME BACK BECAUSE AS SOON AS YOU LEFT….IT GOT COLD HERE!!! PLEASE COME BACK!!! WE ONLY HAD A HALF DAY ON MONDAY!!! IT WAS AWESOME!! we can’T wait till you all come back….(WHICH BETTER BE SOON) lol…. oH AND BRING…UM…LETS SAY ABOUT….35 DEGREES OF THAT 93 DEGREES BACK WITH YOU…..(IT WOULD BE NICE) lol CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL AGAIN!!
April 7th, 2009 at 4:52 pm I’d be glad to have a Mexican blanket about now. It’s cold, but it’s April and I’m wearing a sweater and I will not, absolutely WILL NOT turn up the heat. For crying out loud. That ice shelf that broke off Antarctica wouldn’t have done it if it was in Michigan. Miss you.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:04 pm Hi Chris…How’s it going? I love you and I miss you. I hope you’re having fun. See you soon.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:05 pm Hi Chris! How are you? I miss you…it seems weird around here without you. I love you. See you Saturday.
April 7th, 2009 at 5:09 pm Julia wants to say hello to Ariel: “Hi!! I’ll miss seeing you at church this week. Have fun playing with the kids at Mexico and I’m done and I’m gonna say bye, BYE!” Julia’s message to Ms. Beth and Sydney: “My daddy sang in church on Sunday but you weren’t there! Nicole was. There’s my sister Ava” I hope you enjoyed random comments from Julia. We are praying for guys!
April 7th, 2009 at 5:47 pm Claire - Grandma realized her mistake and reposted her message to the first day of this trip. You can read it from the April 4th replys.
April 7th, 2009 at 7:02 pm Just to tell you I love you both and am expecting to hear the joyous reports of all God has done in you while serving Him. You must call me when you return home….smile. G’ma
April 8th, 2009 at 7:56 am Hello to all in Mexicali, especially Ariel. We have enjoyed reading the posts and are glad to hear that you are all happily working with your teams to bring the word of the Lord to the people in Mexico. Enjoy the warm days, they are much better than here. We can’t wait to have you back and hear all about your awesome experience.
April 8th, 2009 at 8:21 am Des, Sure are proud of all the things you and the teams are doing. Love you and miss you. Can’t wait to see you on Sat. Love, Mom & Dad