CAMT is beginning to plan for its next mission trip to Mexico January 28 to February 4, 2006. We will work again in Reynosa, but may also work in Naranjito, a neighborhood (colonia) about 15 minutes away. The church compound there is almost completed. It includes a sanctuary, medical clinic, and an all-purpose room with dorms on the second floor for mission teams who come in the summer. Some of the newly completed rooms need painting, nurses on the team can help in the medical clinic, and there is a request for our team to paint another mural.
The big change in our plans for this trip is a greater emphasis on crafts. In the past, we planned an afternoon of crafts for children, but in view of the fact that the women who came with them enjoyed the crafts at least as much as the children—and often demonstrated considerable artistic talent—we decided to plan a whole week of crafts for adults. This work will be done in Reynosa since the women there are familiar with us and have already worked with crafts.
For people who live in such extreme poverty, even a few extra dollars now and then can make a difference. If we teach them how to make crafts that would be useful and/or decorative, they could make some to sell at one of the many flea markets in the colonias. In some poverty-stricken areas in the world, such humble beginnings have sometimes turned into a cottage industry. We don't know if our efforts will lead to this, but we feel led to take these first steps at this time.
We're looking for ideas for relatively inexpensive crafts that preferably can be made from materials purchased locally with profits from initial sales. Some of our ideas include knitting and crocheting (believe it or not we’ve found pattern books in Spanish!), macramé items, jewelry (beading and sculpting clay), bean bags, tote bags, and needlework using plastic mesh. Donations of yarn as well as craft/needlework kits that are gathering dust somewhere would be appreciated.
If you have more ideas, let us know at the address/phone number/e-mail listed above! We would especially like ideas for things children can play with. We've never seen a child with a toy other than a ball. Bean bags would be a change, but we’d like more suggestions.
Pray for us. Donate ideas and craft supplies if you can. Join us on our trip! Based on costs of previous years, the trip will cost about $800 (fuel costs may drive this up next year), but Covenant offers scholarships for those who need financial help, so don’t let $$$ stop you from coming with us!
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Monday, August 01, 2005
West Virginia Wrap Up Report
It is a wonder that as soon as you get home you fall into the routine of work and just being busy. Two weeks have gone by since we were in West Virginia with CAMT but it almost seems longer.
The mail arrived today, and it took me back immediately. In the mail were the “Note Envelopes” that were written to Pat, Carl and Quintin during those two weeks.
In previous reports I explained that everyone in attendance at a PACE (PA Christian Endeavor) work camp had an envelope with their name posted in the hall of the school. The kids are encouraged to write notes of encouragement to the people they meet during the week.
One of the incentives for Pat and I to return each year is the fact that we are appreciated, not only during the meals we serve, but afterwards through these notes. Here is a sampling:
To Quintin (My ten year old grandson who went along to work and got up every morning with me at 5am) “If you can get up early morning to prepare breakfast for us, I guess I should be able to get up and get ready to work too.” from an older teen.
Also “Thank you so much for all the things you have done. The food was great. You’re a great hard worker and I really admire that.” Andrew.
To the whole kitchen staff – “The disaster relief for those who can’t afford it and to serve the Lord makes me come to camp, but the meatloaf makes me never want to leave.”
“I want to thank you for all of the hard work and time you put into making us the best meals. I’m sure it’s hard feeding 150 people, but there’s no one better at it than you!" Mara
"Delicious doesn’t adequately describe the food this week. It was the best I’ve had on a mission trip. French toast, pancakes, eggs, chicken, meatloaf, pizza, tacos, spaghetti –it was all superb." Thank you – Diane
Quintin had made up his mind while we were still in WV that he wanted to go back next year. Pat and I were pretty tired after two weeks and were not really sure. But, now we are rested and those two weeks I mentioned in the opening of this email are long past. Are we going to do it again? I think the notes that arrived have once again persuaded us. Sure we’ll be there next year starting July 9th for two more weeks. We’re easy. All we need is to be appreciated.
Carl
If you'd like to join the mission team next year during one (or both weeks!) let us know next May or June 2006. Or you can even sign up now by contacting the church office at the address and phone number listed above.
The mail arrived today, and it took me back immediately. In the mail were the “Note Envelopes” that were written to Pat, Carl and Quintin during those two weeks.
In previous reports I explained that everyone in attendance at a PACE (PA Christian Endeavor) work camp had an envelope with their name posted in the hall of the school. The kids are encouraged to write notes of encouragement to the people they meet during the week.
One of the incentives for Pat and I to return each year is the fact that we are appreciated, not only during the meals we serve, but afterwards through these notes. Here is a sampling:
To Quintin (My ten year old grandson who went along to work and got up every morning with me at 5am) “If you can get up early morning to prepare breakfast for us, I guess I should be able to get up and get ready to work too.” from an older teen.
Also “Thank you so much for all the things you have done. The food was great. You’re a great hard worker and I really admire that.” Andrew.
To the whole kitchen staff – “The disaster relief for those who can’t afford it and to serve the Lord makes me come to camp, but the meatloaf makes me never want to leave.”
“I want to thank you for all of the hard work and time you put into making us the best meals. I’m sure it’s hard feeding 150 people, but there’s no one better at it than you!" Mara
"Delicious doesn’t adequately describe the food this week. It was the best I’ve had on a mission trip. French toast, pancakes, eggs, chicken, meatloaf, pizza, tacos, spaghetti –it was all superb." Thank you – Diane
Quintin had made up his mind while we were still in WV that he wanted to go back next year. Pat and I were pretty tired after two weeks and were not really sure. But, now we are rested and those two weeks I mentioned in the opening of this email are long past. Are we going to do it again? I think the notes that arrived have once again persuaded us. Sure we’ll be there next year starting July 9th for two more weeks. We’re easy. All we need is to be appreciated.
Carl
If you'd like to join the mission team next year during one (or both weeks!) let us know next May or June 2006. Or you can even sign up now by contacting the church office at the address and phone number listed above.
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