Yesterday, Tuesday, we started the day with a delicious breakfast prepared by Katie Johnson consisting of quiche, fruit and the yummiest, gooiest cinnamon rolls we had ever eaten! Not to mention coffee from a real life coffee pot which was a greatly appreciated after several mornings of either instant Nescafe or the mixture of 1 part coffee, 2 parts sugar from the restaurant. After we were well nourished we were more than ready to begin the days activities. First, the medical team and a couple of others headed back to the town where we held the clinic the day before to pass out the medications. All went well and the team also got an unexpected encounter with wildlife as they were able to hold a dove when they made a home visit. Not sure if doves are considered wildlife but lets go with it...
Meanwhile, the majority of the group headed over to Chico and Carmen's house for some painting. We were looking forward to some manual labor after a few days of being out in the community working hard mentally to engage the people of Ometepec with our limited Spanish. So Todd agreed to be our fearless leader and did a superb job as "el Hefe". With 6 brushes, 2 rollers, and many, many gallons of LIME green, "lead free" paint we were more than ready to transform the living room and kitchen walls of this already beautiful home that Chico has built with his own hands. Vail, Tait, and Bryce all spent time demonstrating their home makeover skills, and the interns worked skillfully and diligently even though they were becoming a little loopy towards the end of out first shift. Kacie RN had to intervene at one point when Mary started to forget the lines of her favorite Pocahantes song. Jokes...but the fumes were a bit strong at times but Carmen kept us well hydrated and we retreated to the outdoors when needed. It was quite rewarding watching the once white walls become this vibrant green! On our paint breaks, we also got to observe some interesting things such as a pack of goats running through the streets and a litter of young puppies at the house next door where Carmen's mom lives.
Back to the Woods house for a wonderful lunch of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, and bread. I think we were all a little surprised to be eating mashed potatoes in Mexico, but we loved it. We also had the treat of eating with Chico's family an also hearing about the Lord's faithfulness in his life and were able to pray for him and the sports ministry he has here in Ometepec. After lunch, half of the group went back to finish painting while the other half stayed at the Woods to work on a couple of things. At Chico's we reassumed our positions and got back to work but this time we all joined in with Mary for some sing alongs. Not sure if the fumes had gotten to us all or not but we had a great time singing Disney music "..hakuna matata.., Whitney Houston "...the children are our future..", Boyzz 2 Men, Tom Petty, Fresh Prince, Vanilla Ice Ice Baby, etc, etc. Yes, we are diverse...and grew up in the late 80's...some of us, anyway. The boys did some painting of their own back at the Woods place as they applied an even more noxious paint to the van rack. Adam who won the consequence of hitting the deck upon hearing fireworks became increasingly listless due to the fumes to the point where he could only utter the phrase "get to da choppa" at the sound of the fireworks.
Dinner was amazing!! We ate Tamales and drank an interesting oatmeal, cinnamon concoction that tasted just like the Hot Tamales one would purchase at the movie theater. We ended the night with incredible stories of the Lord's goodness, faithfulness, sense of humor, and LOVE before falling fast asleep.
Hey Sweetie and Bryce, It sounds like you and the rest of the team are having an incredible trip. We are so thankful for all you guys are doing and are able to be a part of. We are praying for you. Things are going well here. It was Wacky Wednesday at camp today and the kids had signs on that said "We Love Cowabunga" and had pictures of him taped all over their bodies. They won the Wacky Wednesday contest. It was so fun to see you guys on Skype for Klotzy. It is was an amazing night together. Worship, sharing, prayer and games. Klotzy may or may not have ended up on the zip line after the game. There were lots of laughs, and lots of tears. Rob Rudder kissed me... on the lips... haha
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to believe you guys are headed to Ac UUUL Puulco (said like a Johnson kid) I hope it is restful and beautiful for you guys.
House projects are getting don #justsayin
I ove you Sweetie, and miss you
Bryce we are all proud of you and praying for you.
Off to do more house projects.
Love you
yt
Did Farrell write this blog post?!? It really sounds like it is coming from Farrell's perspective, which I always love to hear. :) Although the mention of Whitney Houston's 'Children are the Future' makes me think it could be CC, Farrell, or Kacie - yet it seems that each of them would know that it's "Boyz II Men" (not this other 'boyzz 2 men' group)...it's a mystery!
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of the Cameo - season 10 of project runway starts tonight! I hope y'all set the DVR before you left. :) It sounds like y'all are 'making it work' in Mexico, Tim Gunn would be proud.
Mary, Den, LeeAnna, Bryce - it has been too quiet here without y'all! I was at the Birchcroft apartments on Monday and saw the camper "Miss Pink" (Bwai Par) in her Camp 658 shirt - she said she wished camp was still happening!
Maria - Nearly everyone who came to the clothing project said, "No Maria?" Clearly you are missed!!
Kacie - I tried to go camping last weekend - we had to use the REI first aid kit which meant camping was cut short, we could have used your RN skills! (Do you get REI points for using the equipment?)
CC - I miss you.
Farrell - Seriously, did you write this?
Praying for everyone - thankful for what sounds like an incredible trip so far!
--Reba