Our eighth day in Puerto Rico started overcast. Gray and dreary clouds replaced the glaring sun we have become so familiar to experiencing on our way to morning devos and breakfast. As a few nervous comments were exchanged about whether or not rain would interfere with our cementing projects, a break in the gray shone a most magnificent stream of sunlight and settled perfectly on the surprisingly calm ocean waters. It became a refreshing reminder of the sun hiding beyond what we could see and the blessings to be found despite sunburns, achy muscles, and complete exhaustion.
Our day also began early. The boys were awake long before breakfast to meet up with the cement truck in order to begin solidifying (quite literally!) much of the work we have been doing all week. Only brief morning sprinkles (which gave way to our favorite equator sunshine) invaded a day full of concrete, concrete, and more concrete. The runner and pool we dug and formed was laid this morning (did you see the cemented wading pool in our picture??) and we moved as a team towards the fogada (outdoor/semi-enclosed fire pit area) to fill the forms for benches...including the tedious process of edging and smoothing...for much of the day. We're looking forward to moving our wooden forms tomorrow and seeing the finished product for so much of our hard work.
Our day also included laying down the drainage pipe and filling in that giant trench we dug. (Having the whole gang on this project proved yet again what we've been claiming all week - our team rocks!) Filling in took an exponentially less amount of time to fill than to dig. A little depressing but we keep looking to catch the vision...to "see it". We are continuously reminded of how many lives are going to be blessed by the work we've accomplished. Having both immediate results that can be seen and the realization our work may have results we will never personally experience...God working in and through our hands far beyond what we can imagine...makes what we are doing now worth so much more. These hints of God showing up are easy to imagine after spending the evening with youth group (last couple of pictures) once again and interacting with young people who are looking to live inside what it means to be faithful Christ followers in Puerto Rico.
Thank you so much for your continual prayers as we finish off what has been an incredible adventure! Please pray for extra energy to complete our mission and safe travels as we look to returning to the states. We cannot wait to share the many stories which have made up our trip!
Mucho amor de Puerto Rico!
~Anika
Thanking God for every thought of your work. What undescribable joy and pride I have sharing in your ministry.
ReplyDeleteSurely, HE is working in you to prove the worthy calling He has placed on your lives. May this hope grow deep in your hearts, "cement" the truth and hope in Jesus Christ to complete you and His work at the camp as you leave. Forget not His spirit who has perfectly molded and built this team, each of you individually. To accomplish what He had predestined before time...for just a time as this. Trusting HIS good and perfect plan will go forth.
Be encouraged knowing HE is faithful and will sustain you. Nothing is too difficult for our God. I rejoice with you! Be blessed and filled knowing when you feel you don't have enough HE is more than enough, Father by the power of Jesus Christ you son and holyspirit take your rightful place and lead them on!
in Jesus name, Amen....HALLELUJAH!
Sonia G
Your last day...sad, I know. But just look at all the work you were able to accomplish! And you did it together, there's no way it could have been done otherwise. You entered the island as individuals and are leaving as a team...now that's something.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are awesome, but God is awesome-ER. (And yes, awesome-er IS a word...at least in my book anyway)
Finish stronger than you started! Welcome home tomorrow team! I'm so proud :)