So nice to be back where the signs are in English! I’m blogging from my phone so this one will be short. We are safe and sound in Orange County. We had a short wait at the border, maybe the shortest I’ve ever seen. After that it was dinner at In N Out and now we are at Richfield Community playing ping pong and foosball. Can’t wait to see you all tomorrow evening! We should be at WCPC around 8pm.

–Brendan

Happy Turkey Day to everyone in the States! I hope you’ve all had good food and good football. We’ve had a great day! This morning, many of us woke up early for a boys versus girls game of volleyball, because we haven’t had daylight to play yet! No better way to celebrate Thanksgiving than sports with good friends.

We got SO much done on the house today. We almost finished the roof (it would be completely done, but we ran out of shingles) and it is completely painted except for one overhang. We got a chance today to pray over pastor Garcia and his wife, who are the recipients of the house. It was amazing to hear today that they have been patiently waiting 3 YEARS for this house to be finished. I can’t imagine have patience or faith like that. I know it was meaningful for them to see it so close to finished, and it was powerful for us to have a role in that.

This afternoon at VBS was bittersweet. It was by far the best day we’ve had with those kids, but so hard to say goodbye. As we drove off, many waved at the vans and asked to come home with us. Our craft this afternoon is by far my favorite; at the beginning of the afternoon, we take their picture and then print it on a portable photo printer. They make and decorate frames and we give them their picture. For some of them, it’s the first picture they’ve ever had of themselves. When they get their photo, I can’t think of a gift that would mean more to them than a picture. It’s so hard to say goodbye to them and have to wait another year to come see how much they’ve grown.

We are about to have a real Thanksgiving dinner…the program director crossed the border and got turkey for us! I’m excited to surprise our students with that…they think we’re having beans and tortillas. Which will probably also be served with the turkey…

Thank you so much for your prayer! We should be across the border around 5 pm tomorrow and arrive at Richfield Community Church around 7:30. I’ll most likely be posting on the blog around 8 pm, a little later than usual. Hope all is well back home and that you’re all sitting around, stuffed, contemplating another piece of pie. If anyone has an extra slice of pumpkin, eat it for me.

–Brendan

The week is going by so fast! We are more than halfway through the trip so far. Today was a great day, and we got a LOT done on the house. We have it almost completely painted, except for the trim, and the roof officially has shingles! Then, our afternoon time today was the best yet. The neighborhood kids are getting to know and trust us, so they’re getting more into the songs, games and just playing together.

Last night we had a great sharing time before lights out. The students all had a chance to share what they’re experiencing, and it was really meaningful to see OUR students open up and share more than they would at home. This experience is bringing them together and they’re becoming more comfortable being honest with one another. Tonight’s meeting time will consist of some time in worship and an opportunity to encourage one another is specific ways. This is always one of the more meaningful times together on the mission trip, as it connects us to one another as well as recognizing how each person is serving.

One experience I’d like to share; yesterday morning at breakfast we were talking about how good the food was and one student said, “I’m usually so busy that I don’t even eat breakfast. It’s cool to have so much time to slow down and actually EAT.” This struck me as a profound statement, and when I brought it up last night, the students all resonated with how the entire trip is like that; we take time to do things that we usually hurry through when we’re at home. The group talked about HOW we can create that space at home, and I was so excited to hear their reflections on how to take these lessons home with us. Please pray for more opportunities for growth such as that one.

–Brendan