Last full day

Much excitement

This morning started as most of our mornings have this week.  Waking up a little sticky and hot, braving a bucket shower with cold water and gathering for a simple breakfast of cereal down the street at the church by 8.  The plan for today was a softball game at 9 the lunch and a visit to the construction site.  That was to be followed at 5 with the farewell meeting and then show a movie to the community in the evening.

There was a disturbance this morning resulting from a man trying to steal a motorcycle.  The FH staff and a number of Christian leaders got involved to make sure that there was not mob justice.  The police came and took the man away.  But these events caused our timetable to be thrown off.  Praise God for those who intervened and made sure the police were called.   

Group Picture after the baseball game.

So the baseball game was started rather late but had a very fun time with the local group of boys who are being trained in baseball.  Daniel, is a very fine man who has worked with the teenagers here training them to be better baseball players.  He is such a good coach he was hired by a baseball academy to  train young men who might make it to the Major Leagues.  4 boys from Sierra Prieta are at the academy, trying to improve enough to be professional.  Daniel still comes to the community 2 days each week to help the kids learn baseball.  It’s his passion to help develop their potential.  It is a common dream to become a professional baseball player.

We played 4 innings of softball with them and really enjoyed the game and these fine young guys.  The prevailing thought was that we need to practice more before we come next time.  It was a great opportunity to build relationships with teenagers who tend to keep to themselves.  Jeff shared with them briefly after the game.

Praying at the site of the new house.

After lunch we toured the construction site one last time.  The foundation and block base for the walls is in place, but the wood had not been delivered yet, so there was no work that could be completed at this time.  But by next Saturday Aleda and her 4 kids will have a new house, whose roof does not leak every time it rains.  The leaks cause them to live at her mothers home for a while until things dry out.  Crucito, the contractor who is overseeing the project is a very fine builder and we have been very impressed by his attention to detail.  As we prayed inside the partly completed house, it was evident that this will have a huge impact for this family.  This particular project was selected by the community as they saw the need of this widow and her kids.

The farewell ceremony.

The Farewell ceremony was very humbling and reminded us that God is doing a great work here to glorify himself.  Many community members spoke of their  appreciation of not only the Team and Food for the Hungry, but also our families and Cornerstone as a church.  We assured them that many people were behind us and were faithfully praying for them and providing for this trip.  God continues to work here and we have seen great strides in the community.  It was not a time of tears, but of many Hasta Luego’s, see you laters.

Packed house emptying after  the movie.

The movie we showed this evening was Facing the Giants.  People filled the church and cheered along with the football games on screen.  It was well received and we hope that the message of Trusting God no matter the outcome was well understood.  Afterwards many people came to us to once again wish us well and to say goodbye.

We look forward to seeing God’s continued work here and believe that these people are on their way to exiting poverty in it’s various forms.  Their world view is beginning to converge with Biblical principles and truth.  And truly those who have been here are being changed as much or more.  We are very grateful for the opportunity to be here.  As we leave the community in the morning we will be encouraged by what God has been and continues to do here, and very glad for the small part we play. 

There have been so many moments small and meaning full and but and impacting that haven't fit into the blog.  Those who sent and support us can be very sure that this week was meaningful for the present age and the one to come.  Thank you so much!

Rochel leading the children's Amo Program, which teaches them Biblical values and Truth.

This is the community center we have called home this week You can't see the tarps we added to cover the holes in the roof, but you can see the outhouse with attached "shower" room to the left.

DR Bob, helping our friend Estarling with a cut. 

 

Construction continues on the new 2 story school 

Final Good-byes.