Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Photos are trickling in ..
See the 2007 CAMT Mexico Gallery for the first photos from this year's CAMT mission trip to Mexico. Here's a sneak preview ...
Saturday, February 17, 2007
NOW I understand!
Saturday, February 17
Sometimes a photographer takes an extreme close-up picture of something, and because it looks so large and isn't in its usual context, we don't recognize it for what it is.
Such was my experience in seeing the mountain of sewing and craft materials Covenant's congregation was moved to give this year. All I saw was an abundance of supplies whose sorting and packing almost drove me to exhaustion and that not only filled the van, but also three large boxes that had to be mailed. While I was touched by the outpouring of generosity, I could only think that this was much more than the women in Reynosa could use in one year—perhaps even two years.
At the end of our mission week, when everyone was getting ready to leave, I took a break, sat down, leaned back, and thought about the proposed plan presented on our last day by Faith Ministry's Deantin Guerra, that the women of Reynosa and Naranjito churches would work together, share the four sewing machines and the supplies Covenant had donated, and have a sale every two months of things they have made.
Naranjito pastor's wife, Silvia, who had an opportunity to meet with Covenant's team and the Reynosa's sewing group to discuss the proposed plan, seemed accepted as the probable leader of the combined group.
The big picture started to become clear.
And when I looked back over the whole week, I realized how the timing of Becky's joining the team this year also played an important part. When Becky and the Reynosa clowns took their Good News skits to Naranjito, it was, I believe, the first time people in the two churches had ever really been together when they could laugh and share a very special experience.
Covenant people were moved to donate box after box, bag after bag because the supplies were going to have to be sufficient for women in two churches!
Connections between the two groups had begun. Four sewing machines were available. Materials were ready for creative expression, and a sewing and crafts oriented leader was available and looking forward to working with the two groups.
What an amazing God we worship!
Sometimes a photographer takes an extreme close-up picture of something, and because it looks so large and isn't in its usual context, we don't recognize it for what it is.
Such was my experience in seeing the mountain of sewing and craft materials Covenant's congregation was moved to give this year. All I saw was an abundance of supplies whose sorting and packing almost drove me to exhaustion and that not only filled the van, but also three large boxes that had to be mailed. While I was touched by the outpouring of generosity, I could only think that this was much more than the women in Reynosa could use in one year—perhaps even two years.
At the end of our mission week, when everyone was getting ready to leave, I took a break, sat down, leaned back, and thought about the proposed plan presented on our last day by Faith Ministry's Deantin Guerra, that the women of Reynosa and Naranjito churches would work together, share the four sewing machines and the supplies Covenant had donated, and have a sale every two months of things they have made.
Naranjito pastor's wife, Silvia, who had an opportunity to meet with Covenant's team and the Reynosa's sewing group to discuss the proposed plan, seemed accepted as the probable leader of the combined group.
The big picture started to become clear.
And when I looked back over the whole week, I realized how the timing of Becky's joining the team this year also played an important part. When Becky and the Reynosa clowns took their Good News skits to Naranjito, it was, I believe, the first time people in the two churches had ever really been together when they could laugh and share a very special experience.
Covenant people were moved to donate box after box, bag after bag because the supplies were going to have to be sufficient for women in two churches!
Connections between the two groups had begun. Four sewing machines were available. Materials were ready for creative expression, and a sewing and crafts oriented leader was available and looking forward to working with the two groups.
What an amazing God we worship!
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
The End...And A New Beginning
Wednesday, February 14
WOW! We had an ultimate goal in mind for our craft work with the Mexican women in Reynosa, but we learned today that the “powers that be” have moved so fast, we have to run to catch up!
Deantin Guerra, founder and director of Faith Ministry arrived in Reynosa to lead a dedication service for our work done with and by the women (which we expected), but what we didn't expect was his announcement that the women of Reynosa and Narenjito (where we did the last clown show Sunday) would meet together periodically to plan and complete projects for local sales every two months!
We have a lot of questions about the details, and our heads are spinning, but we are very pleased. One of the best things about the arrangement is that Silvia, the Naranjito pastor's wife, is adept at sewing and crafts and will work with the women. Equally important is that the Reynosa women seem receptive to the new direction which assumes sharing of the four sewing machines and the mountain of materials left at the end of our stay.
Another neat development is that Pastor Tony at Reynosa, who you may remember asked that banners for the sanctuary be made, says he will work with the women to make them. We have the feeling he'll do a good job with that, and it will be good for him to work closely with the women.
During the dedication ceremony, the women proudly showed some of the things they made this week: embroidered denim jackets (especially nifty items), felt picture frames, some Christmas ornaments, a beautiful tote bag with a design drawn by one of the older children and outlined with fabric paint by one of the women, and several other samples of embroidery work in progress. We've found that, with a little direction, the women do beautiful work.
One item of interest to Covenant contributors: we didn't buy one bag of batting all week! In fact we had a fair amount left over which will be used when they finish the beautiful but time-consuming embroidered pillows Barbara taught them how to make using checkered material.
The team made it back across the border in good time, had dinner at Shoney's and arrived at the motel by about 7:30. In view of the fact that Barbara seems to have picked up the “bug,” and with an early start in the morning, devotions will be read privately.
All in all, it's been a great mission trip. Check back in about a week and hopefully by then we'll have pictures posted. Internet capabilities don't allow that as we go, unfortunately, but they will give an added dimension to what you have read.
Thanks to the many gifts of the staff and congregation at Covenant, to those who contributed to the devotional booklet, to Ed Elrod for computer support, and to all who have supported us with their prayers.
WOW! We had an ultimate goal in mind for our craft work with the Mexican women in Reynosa, but we learned today that the “powers that be” have moved so fast, we have to run to catch up!
Deantin Guerra, founder and director of Faith Ministry arrived in Reynosa to lead a dedication service for our work done with and by the women (which we expected), but what we didn't expect was his announcement that the women of Reynosa and Narenjito (where we did the last clown show Sunday) would meet together periodically to plan and complete projects for local sales every two months!
We have a lot of questions about the details, and our heads are spinning, but we are very pleased. One of the best things about the arrangement is that Silvia, the Naranjito pastor's wife, is adept at sewing and crafts and will work with the women. Equally important is that the Reynosa women seem receptive to the new direction which assumes sharing of the four sewing machines and the mountain of materials left at the end of our stay.
Another neat development is that Pastor Tony at Reynosa, who you may remember asked that banners for the sanctuary be made, says he will work with the women to make them. We have the feeling he'll do a good job with that, and it will be good for him to work closely with the women.
During the dedication ceremony, the women proudly showed some of the things they made this week: embroidered denim jackets (especially nifty items), felt picture frames, some Christmas ornaments, a beautiful tote bag with a design drawn by one of the older children and outlined with fabric paint by one of the women, and several other samples of embroidery work in progress. We've found that, with a little direction, the women do beautiful work.
One item of interest to Covenant contributors: we didn't buy one bag of batting all week! In fact we had a fair amount left over which will be used when they finish the beautiful but time-consuming embroidered pillows Barbara taught them how to make using checkered material.
The team made it back across the border in good time, had dinner at Shoney's and arrived at the motel by about 7:30. In view of the fact that Barbara seems to have picked up the “bug,” and with an early start in the morning, devotions will be read privately.
All in all, it's been a great mission trip. Check back in about a week and hopefully by then we'll have pictures posted. Internet capabilities don't allow that as we go, unfortunately, but they will give an added dimension to what you have read.
Thanks to the many gifts of the staff and congregation at Covenant, to those who contributed to the devotional booklet, to Ed Elrod for computer support, and to all who have supported us with their prayers.
Happy Birthdays
Tuesday, February 13
The day started with two maids and the cook staff in the Day's Inn kitchen singing Happy Birthday to Dick in the breakfast room. The team (still minus recuperating Millie and Joyce) stopped for donuts to celebrate the birthday of one of the Mexican women. She wasn't there today, but we'll give her her birthday card tomorrow and any remaining treats.
About 8 or 9 women came to work this morning and several more, plus about 20 children, came in the afternoon. Barbara showed the women the embroidery work she did on her denim jacket and was thrilled to see how they were able to decorate their own.
Adults and children painted vases, wood boxes and Christmas ornaments, and the children also painted designs on tee shirts. Barbara showed sample appliance covers they could make, and a final unpacking and sorting of donated materials was completed. Roman reemphasized that the women were beginning to sell some of the things they made to buy more materials and also add to their financial resources. It has seemed to take a while for that concept to take hold, but they now seem to understand what we were encouraging.
As Faith Ministry's David Rodriquez said, “You're not just giving them fish. You're teaching them how to fish.” Akin to that is that, by giving them raw materials and “starter” ideas, they can do their own thing, which is a real self esteem booster. In a macho society, women don't garner a lot of respect, and we have seen an increase in their confidence and in their ability to make decisions about how to handle materials we leave with them. Those who took part in the clowning also seemed to increase in their confidence and “showmanship.”
Frank worked this morning in the Medical Clinic popping calcium tablets out of their blister packs so Nurse Betty and her assistant, Marta, could dispense them in prescription bottles. Some churches donate used prescription bottles for use in the clinic, and Frank, on Friday, had separated about 700 of them into small, medium and large sizes while Millie helped dispense prescriptions.
Oaks Family Dental Practice had once again donated toothpaste and toothbrushes which are given to patients who come to the clinic. They had also donated large blow-ups of Crest toothpaste tubes which are about 4 feet long. Frank and the nursing staff found it hilarious to watch the children try to blow them up this morning. There was a lot of huffing and puffing, but they loved it!
Millie and Joyce finally recuperated from their 3-day “bug” and joined the team at the Olive Garden to celebrate Dick's birthday, complete with a small chocolate cake and a song by the wait-staff. The team also gave Dick and Ginny a belated wedding anniversary card.
Stopped at Michaels to pick up stencils for the letters on the banners and then to—where else—Wal*Mart to pick up Barbara's films. Then it was back to the motel for devotions and a sharing of how our work has seemed to reach fruition during the course of the week. Of course we use the term “our work” advisedly....
The day started with two maids and the cook staff in the Day's Inn kitchen singing Happy Birthday to Dick in the breakfast room. The team (still minus recuperating Millie and Joyce) stopped for donuts to celebrate the birthday of one of the Mexican women. She wasn't there today, but we'll give her her birthday card tomorrow and any remaining treats.
About 8 or 9 women came to work this morning and several more, plus about 20 children, came in the afternoon. Barbara showed the women the embroidery work she did on her denim jacket and was thrilled to see how they were able to decorate their own.
Adults and children painted vases, wood boxes and Christmas ornaments, and the children also painted designs on tee shirts. Barbara showed sample appliance covers they could make, and a final unpacking and sorting of donated materials was completed. Roman reemphasized that the women were beginning to sell some of the things they made to buy more materials and also add to their financial resources. It has seemed to take a while for that concept to take hold, but they now seem to understand what we were encouraging.
As Faith Ministry's David Rodriquez said, “You're not just giving them fish. You're teaching them how to fish.” Akin to that is that, by giving them raw materials and “starter” ideas, they can do their own thing, which is a real self esteem booster. In a macho society, women don't garner a lot of respect, and we have seen an increase in their confidence and in their ability to make decisions about how to handle materials we leave with them. Those who took part in the clowning also seemed to increase in their confidence and “showmanship.”
Frank worked this morning in the Medical Clinic popping calcium tablets out of their blister packs so Nurse Betty and her assistant, Marta, could dispense them in prescription bottles. Some churches donate used prescription bottles for use in the clinic, and Frank, on Friday, had separated about 700 of them into small, medium and large sizes while Millie helped dispense prescriptions.
Oaks Family Dental Practice had once again donated toothpaste and toothbrushes which are given to patients who come to the clinic. They had also donated large blow-ups of Crest toothpaste tubes which are about 4 feet long. Frank and the nursing staff found it hilarious to watch the children try to blow them up this morning. There was a lot of huffing and puffing, but they loved it!
Millie and Joyce finally recuperated from their 3-day “bug” and joined the team at the Olive Garden to celebrate Dick's birthday, complete with a small chocolate cake and a song by the wait-staff. The team also gave Dick and Ginny a belated wedding anniversary card.
Stopped at Michaels to pick up stencils for the letters on the banners and then to—where else—Wal*Mart to pick up Barbara's films. Then it was back to the motel for devotions and a sharing of how our work has seemed to reach fruition during the course of the week. Of course we use the term “our work” advisedly....
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
A Change of Pace
Monday, February 12
We're a bit late posting Monday's entry to the blog because Millie and Joyce (who writes the blog along with editor Frank) are still feeling the effects of the digestive problems they've been dealing with since Sunday morning, and Joyce was just not up to writing. They didn't venture from the motel today except to join the team for dinner. Actually, except for a little soup, it's more accurate to say they watched the others have dinner—but they enjoyed the company.
In past years, we have planned to have dinner with David Rodriquez, who is one of the administrators of Faith Ministry and the one through which we make our basic arrangements for our mission trips. Besides his being good company, it gives us a chance to learn more in depth about their work.
We also have closed up shop early the last day in order to make a trip to Progresso, a popular tourist town in Mexico which is just across the border not far from where we are located.
Because we had to take Becky to the airport late Monday morning, we rearranged our week's schedule. The hale and hearty among us had breakfast at Denny's with David, took Becky to the airport, then headed for Progresso, primarily to buy vanilla. Mexican vanilla is very cheap and very good, and friends look forward to our coming home with bottles to share.
Dinner at the Golden Corral Cafeteria and another stop at Wal*Mart rounded out the day. We look forward to our last two days which will be spent with all the women and children of the church who are able to come to work on various craft projects. These will be very busy days!
We also will begin work on a project requested by Pastor Tony—banners for the church. We're not sure what happened to the felt banners we made several years ago, but he requested that we not use material that would get damp and stick to the wall, so we suspect that's what happened with the first ones. We'll line the backs of these in order to eliminate that problem. He's given us a list of words to put on them, such as love, forgiveness, and mercy. If we can't finish them before we leave, the Mexican women will be able to complete the project.
We're a bit late posting Monday's entry to the blog because Millie and Joyce (who writes the blog along with editor Frank) are still feeling the effects of the digestive problems they've been dealing with since Sunday morning, and Joyce was just not up to writing. They didn't venture from the motel today except to join the team for dinner. Actually, except for a little soup, it's more accurate to say they watched the others have dinner—but they enjoyed the company.
In past years, we have planned to have dinner with David Rodriquez, who is one of the administrators of Faith Ministry and the one through which we make our basic arrangements for our mission trips. Besides his being good company, it gives us a chance to learn more in depth about their work.
We also have closed up shop early the last day in order to make a trip to Progresso, a popular tourist town in Mexico which is just across the border not far from where we are located.
Because we had to take Becky to the airport late Monday morning, we rearranged our week's schedule. The hale and hearty among us had breakfast at Denny's with David, took Becky to the airport, then headed for Progresso, primarily to buy vanilla. Mexican vanilla is very cheap and very good, and friends look forward to our coming home with bottles to share.
Dinner at the Golden Corral Cafeteria and another stop at Wal*Mart rounded out the day. We look forward to our last two days which will be spent with all the women and children of the church who are able to come to work on various craft projects. These will be very busy days!
We also will begin work on a project requested by Pastor Tony—banners for the church. We're not sure what happened to the felt banners we made several years ago, but he requested that we not use material that would get damp and stick to the wall, so we suspect that's what happened with the first ones. We'll line the backs of these in order to eliminate that problem. He's given us a list of words to put on them, such as love, forgiveness, and mercy. If we can't finish them before we leave, the Mexican women will be able to complete the project.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Sunday's Time Line
(Point of clarification--given the long days, sometimes news isn't posted until after midnight which means the computer-generated day and date are not accurate. The Storm... post was for Saturday, 2/10. This one is for Sunday, 2/11.)
9:00 am: Breakfast in the Day's Inn breakfast room. Joyce and Millie eat almost nothing because their stomachs don't feel like they will welcome anything.
9:45 am: Stop at the local gas/convenience store for lunch supplies.
10:30 am: Arrive at 1st Presbyterian Church in Reynosa. The clown cast, including Dick, get into full costume, and Becky applies make-up. Everyone is excited about how great the costumes look thanks to the Four Seamstresses and Hat Decorator Ginny.
11:00 am: Frank practices the hymns he will accompany during the service. The regular pianist is no longer in the area, so they welcome having the piano for the five hymns they sing (all verses) before the service begins—in contrast to Covenant's “sprinkling” the hymns throughout the service.
11:45 am: The clowns do one skit, and the congregation responds enthusiastically. Not mentioned before is the fact that the clown cast spans three generations—from a 7 year old to her grandmother, one of the most lively of the cast! This is Becky's first multi-generational clown cast, and she's excited about how well it works.
12:30 pm: The service ends, and the team (minus Millie and Joyce who still are not feeling well) walk an incredibly muddy 10 blocks to the lot where the flea market provides a stage for their skits. Once again, they are well received and Becky and the cast hand out all 80 of the colorful bracelets she uses to illustrate the steps to salvation and eternity with God and distributes tracts inviting people to church.
3:00 pm: The team and the clowns return to the church with shoes covered with mud. Frank and Ramon go for fried chicken for all for a late lunch.
4:30 pm: Alfredo, pastor of the church in Naranjito, another of Faith Ministry's churches, arrives to help transport people to his church for a worship service that includes the clown skits.
6:30 pm: Everyone returns to 1st Presbyterian and the clowns, especially ,look thoroughly worn out. Becky reports that the women talked about ways they and the children could continue to use clowning in the church and community. (Now that's an answer to prayer!!)
A side comment: we learn that one of the 7 year olds, who went with her friend to Naranjito, had never before ridden in a car! What a ride for her first one with the rough roads and many kids bouncing in the back!
7:00 pm: The team piles into the van for the return trip to McAllen. Since Joyce (who rides in a third row seat) and Millie (who rides in the front passenger seat) have “emptied” their stomachs several times during the day, they carry with them 13 gallon bags because smaller ones are not available. Dick, who sits in the second row of seats next to the sliding door, is not in costume, but still wears his clown make-up.
8:00 pm: Nearing the end of an almost two hour traffic tie-up to cross the border, Millie loses what's left in her stomach—fortunately into the trash bag. We wonder what to say if Border Patrol asks what's in the bag.
8:30 pm: We finally reach Border Patrol who asks if we are US citizens. We respond, “Yes.” He then spies Millie's bag and asks what's in it. We all laugh, and Barbara explains that she had gotten sick. “I'm sorry to hear that,” he sympathetically responds, and then asks us to open the sliding door. When he walks around he looks in almost at eye-level with Dick, complete with clown make-up. He laughs, shakes his head and asks himself, “Why did I ask you to open the door?” You probably had to be there, but we laugh off and on for miles.
9:00 pm: Arrive back at the motel. Order pizza for those interested (and able), decide to skip devotions tonight and double up tomorrow night. Frank scrubs his very muddy sneakers in the sink using his hairbrush to get into the tough places. “The mud will wash off the brush,” he says. Joyce simply agrees.
After a 12 hour day with no real breaks, lots of laughter, lots of wonder at the power of clowning, especially under the enthusiastic direction of Becky, we are absolutely amazed at how God works His will in spite of mud, upset stomachs, tie-ups at the border, and an adventure in which one never knows for sure what's around the next corner.
9:00 am: Breakfast in the Day's Inn breakfast room. Joyce and Millie eat almost nothing because their stomachs don't feel like they will welcome anything.
9:45 am: Stop at the local gas/convenience store for lunch supplies.
10:30 am: Arrive at 1st Presbyterian Church in Reynosa. The clown cast, including Dick, get into full costume, and Becky applies make-up. Everyone is excited about how great the costumes look thanks to the Four Seamstresses and Hat Decorator Ginny.
11:00 am: Frank practices the hymns he will accompany during the service. The regular pianist is no longer in the area, so they welcome having the piano for the five hymns they sing (all verses) before the service begins—in contrast to Covenant's “sprinkling” the hymns throughout the service.
11:45 am: The clowns do one skit, and the congregation responds enthusiastically. Not mentioned before is the fact that the clown cast spans three generations—from a 7 year old to her grandmother, one of the most lively of the cast! This is Becky's first multi-generational clown cast, and she's excited about how well it works.
12:30 pm: The service ends, and the team (minus Millie and Joyce who still are not feeling well) walk an incredibly muddy 10 blocks to the lot where the flea market provides a stage for their skits. Once again, they are well received and Becky and the cast hand out all 80 of the colorful bracelets she uses to illustrate the steps to salvation and eternity with God and distributes tracts inviting people to church.
3:00 pm: The team and the clowns return to the church with shoes covered with mud. Frank and Ramon go for fried chicken for all for a late lunch.
4:30 pm: Alfredo, pastor of the church in Naranjito, another of Faith Ministry's churches, arrives to help transport people to his church for a worship service that includes the clown skits.
6:30 pm: Everyone returns to 1st Presbyterian and the clowns, especially ,look thoroughly worn out. Becky reports that the women talked about ways they and the children could continue to use clowning in the church and community. (Now that's an answer to prayer!!)
A side comment: we learn that one of the 7 year olds, who went with her friend to Naranjito, had never before ridden in a car! What a ride for her first one with the rough roads and many kids bouncing in the back!
7:00 pm: The team piles into the van for the return trip to McAllen. Since Joyce (who rides in a third row seat) and Millie (who rides in the front passenger seat) have “emptied” their stomachs several times during the day, they carry with them 13 gallon bags because smaller ones are not available. Dick, who sits in the second row of seats next to the sliding door, is not in costume, but still wears his clown make-up.
8:00 pm: Nearing the end of an almost two hour traffic tie-up to cross the border, Millie loses what's left in her stomach—fortunately into the trash bag. We wonder what to say if Border Patrol asks what's in the bag.
8:30 pm: We finally reach Border Patrol who asks if we are US citizens. We respond, “Yes.” He then spies Millie's bag and asks what's in it. We all laugh, and Barbara explains that she had gotten sick. “I'm sorry to hear that,” he sympathetically responds, and then asks us to open the sliding door. When he walks around he looks in almost at eye-level with Dick, complete with clown make-up. He laughs, shakes his head and asks himself, “Why did I ask you to open the door?” You probably had to be there, but we laugh off and on for miles.
9:00 pm: Arrive back at the motel. Order pizza for those interested (and able), decide to skip devotions tonight and double up tomorrow night. Frank scrubs his very muddy sneakers in the sink using his hairbrush to get into the tough places. “The mud will wash off the brush,” he says. Joyce simply agrees.
After a 12 hour day with no real breaks, lots of laughter, lots of wonder at the power of clowning, especially under the enthusiastic direction of Becky, we are absolutely amazed at how God works His will in spite of mud, upset stomachs, tie-ups at the border, and an adventure in which one never knows for sure what's around the next corner.
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Storms, Stitches, and Skits
The team—along with the near world—was abruptly awakened this morning at 5:30 by a LOUD clap of thunder and a heavy downpour. The thunder sounds quite different here in McAllen, TX, probably because the land is almost absolutely flat for many miles around. That may explain why most of us were up for breakfast a bit earlier than usual. We were off to Mexico at 8:15 am, and Joyce made a call to Roman (Ro-mahn), the bi-lingual young man who is a jack-of-all-trades for Faith Ministry, doing everything from translating for visiting mission teams to escorting teams through the jungle of streets in Reynosa when necessary.
We definitely needed an escort this morning, because, with the heavy rain (which, fortunately, stopped by the time we left), we knew streets on our usual journey would be hub deep in mud. Roman met us at a shopping center not far from the edge of the city, and led us safely on a zigzag trip to the church. We are fortunate to have two team members, Ginny and Millie, who have GPS-type brains and who, at the end of the day, were able to reverse the itinerary and get us back to McAllen.
At this time, we should cite Barbara for service above and beyond the call of duty in driving our 12 passenger van through streets that are narrow and extremely rough. She maneuvered narrow streets jam-packed with cars who were also unable to take their usual routes, and never lost her cool. Three cheers for Barbara!!
Shortly after our arrival, all four sewing machines (two donated last year, two this year) were racing up and down the seams of nine very colorful clown pants. Pat and Barbara were matched stitch for stitch by two of the Mexican seamstresses, and the pants were completed by the end of the day. When coupled with colorful tee shirts decorated with fabric paint, red wigs and brightly decorated derby-shaped hats, everyone had broad smiles, and excitement mounted for tomorrow's clown skits which had a final round of rehearsals today.
The day ended with the purchase of some craft items at Michael's, dinner, devotions, and a return to our separate rooms for the night.
We definitely needed an escort this morning, because, with the heavy rain (which, fortunately, stopped by the time we left), we knew streets on our usual journey would be hub deep in mud. Roman met us at a shopping center not far from the edge of the city, and led us safely on a zigzag trip to the church. We are fortunate to have two team members, Ginny and Millie, who have GPS-type brains and who, at the end of the day, were able to reverse the itinerary and get us back to McAllen.
At this time, we should cite Barbara for service above and beyond the call of duty in driving our 12 passenger van through streets that are narrow and extremely rough. She maneuvered narrow streets jam-packed with cars who were also unable to take their usual routes, and never lost her cool. Three cheers for Barbara!!
Shortly after our arrival, all four sewing machines (two donated last year, two this year) were racing up and down the seams of nine very colorful clown pants. Pat and Barbara were matched stitch for stitch by two of the Mexican seamstresses, and the pants were completed by the end of the day. When coupled with colorful tee shirts decorated with fabric paint, red wigs and brightly decorated derby-shaped hats, everyone had broad smiles, and excitement mounted for tomorrow's clown skits which had a final round of rehearsals today.
The day ended with the purchase of some craft items at Michael's, dinner, devotions, and a return to our separate rooms for the night.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Send in the clowns!
Last night, Thursday, the flyers, Pat, Barbara, Millie, Becky, Dick and Ginny, arrived at the motel about 7:30. The team got together to discuss travel events of the day, plans for Friday, and had devotions led by Becky. Everyone was exhausted, so we didn't linger long.
Friday morning, everyone was up and ready to leave the motel at 8:15. Pastor Tony had said only 3 women were interested in clowning, and they were there waiting for us when we arrived. Ideally, Becky needs 9 to fill all the parts in her clown skits. Hmmm...
By 9:45, four more women arrived plus 2 children. Bingo!!
It was wonderful to watch 9 very serious, not-quite-sure-what's- going-to-happen faces begin to smile, then laugh, and finally to see everyone joyously flapping their arms like a chicken, pretending to fly, and generally having a great time. Dick joined in the skits much to the delight of everyone. Within two hours, Becky had taught them five short clown skits that illustrated the good news of the Gospel.
The rest of the team, plus a few more volunteers who showed up, began making clown costumes while Millie and Frank worked at the new Medical Center.
After lunch, the team attended a praise service along with another mission team of about 25 people from Raleigh, NC who had just completed building a house (12' X 24') for a family in the area. The new house was dedicated in a service that included enthusiastic singing and a message from the minister of the church in that area. Wish you could have been there!
Stopped at Wal*Mart on the way home. (It's almost a tradtion at this point!) Where else could you buy a two-burner hot plate (a donation by one of the team members to the Medical Clinic), grapes, ModPodge, tissue paper, tee shirts, and Q-tips.
Had supper at a nearby Golden Corral cafeteria with good food and reasonable prices. Back to the motel for planning, devotions, and final preparations for tomorrow. Once again--we're exhausted, not quite sure what tomorrow will hold, but have a deep sense of satisfaction with the day's work.
Friday morning, everyone was up and ready to leave the motel at 8:15. Pastor Tony had said only 3 women were interested in clowning, and they were there waiting for us when we arrived. Ideally, Becky needs 9 to fill all the parts in her clown skits. Hmmm...
By 9:45, four more women arrived plus 2 children. Bingo!!
It was wonderful to watch 9 very serious, not-quite-sure-what's- going-to-happen faces begin to smile, then laugh, and finally to see everyone joyously flapping their arms like a chicken, pretending to fly, and generally having a great time. Dick joined in the skits much to the delight of everyone. Within two hours, Becky had taught them five short clown skits that illustrated the good news of the Gospel.
The rest of the team, plus a few more volunteers who showed up, began making clown costumes while Millie and Frank worked at the new Medical Center.
After lunch, the team attended a praise service along with another mission team of about 25 people from Raleigh, NC who had just completed building a house (12' X 24') for a family in the area. The new house was dedicated in a service that included enthusiastic singing and a message from the minister of the church in that area. Wish you could have been there!
Stopped at Wal*Mart on the way home. (It's almost a tradtion at this point!) Where else could you buy a two-burner hot plate (a donation by one of the team members to the Medical Clinic), grapes, ModPodge, tissue paper, tee shirts, and Q-tips.
Had supper at a nearby Golden Corral cafeteria with good food and reasonable prices. Back to the motel for planning, devotions, and final preparations for tomorrow. Once again--we're exhausted, not quite sure what tomorrow will hold, but have a deep sense of satisfaction with the day's work.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
The Van Has Landed
Joyce and Frank arrived safely in San Juan, TX at 4:30 today (Thursday). For the statistically interested, they travelled 2065 miles at an average of 54 mph (and even Joyce did not exceed the speed limits!) Driving time was 38 hours. Miles per gallon averaged 22.1--not bad considering that the van was fully loaded. (See picture below.)
Temperatures ranged from 5 degrees in Charleston, WV on Monday morning to 83 degrees on arrival today. They knew they were in Texas when they saw cattle, cactus and cowboys (though not the football variety.) They even saw a caravan of chuck wagons pulled by horses and mules and accompanied by about 20 horseback riders. Their moniker was The Trail Blazers. They don't know where they came from or where they were going, but they pulled over, waved and took pictures which will be published after the trip.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Report From The Road ...
Frank, Joyce, and the cavernous, but overloaded, van have arrived safely today in Hope, AR. The latitude is falling and the temperature rising as the miles disappear in the rear view mirror. Hope is a balmy 67 degrees, a dramatic change from the 7 degree day back home in Malvern.
Vacuum packing made it possible to carry even more supplies this year, but the cavernous van moaned, groaned, and whined for the first hour on the road. Soon enough, everything settled in for an uneventful and quiet journey.
They abandon Hope (but certainly not hope) first thing Wednesday, heading for a planned arrival in McAllen, TX on Thursday. Stay tuned for another update on Thursday.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Final Stages of Preparation
Take-off time for the van is just days away, and CAMT folks (with help from Ute, Frank and Joyce's neighbor) gather to sort the mountain of donations from Covenant's congregation. Did it all fit in the van? Depends on how you look at it. There were 3 boxes of yarn and batting that had to be shipped--but in view of all that needed to be packed--you decide!
PS Vacuum packing really helps! It's amazing what you can stuff into 5 bags which are reduced to a considerably smaller size when you suck out all the air. Frank's anaology: It's like putting 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag!
(Both drivers and flyers are scheduled to arrive in McAllen, TX on Thursday, Feb. 8. We plan to have daily postings while we're there. Check back and read all about it!)
PS Vacuum packing really helps! It's amazing what you can stuff into 5 bags which are reduced to a considerably smaller size when you suck out all the air. Frank's anaology: It's like putting 10 pounds of stuff in a 5 pound bag!
(Both drivers and flyers are scheduled to arrive in McAllen, TX on Thursday, Feb. 8. We plan to have daily postings while we're there. Check back and read all about it!)
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