Thursday July 1, 2010
It’s cold in Glen Ferris this morning. The temperature overnight dropped into the low 50’s. The nine miles to Smithers has become almost mechanical at a controlled speed of 45 miles an hour. In fifteen minutes I am at the school at exactly 5:30 a.m. Cindy is not here yet so I go to the school front door and punch in the entrance code on the keypad. 1,2,3,4,star. The principal said he didn’t want anything too complicated for his teachers. Last week at this hour there would be several adults sitting at the benches along the walk already drinking coffee. Not this week.
I turn on the lights in the cafeteria and do the same in the kitchen. It’s bad enough that the temperature outside is cold; I am in and out of the fridge and freezer getting out food supplies for the morning. Cindy arrives followed by Rich and Anne who have been arriving early each morning.
When the girls (see previous explanation) arrive, everyone does their own thing toward their assigned goal. Pat Lotz makes creamed dried beef, and I prepare to do pancakes on the griddle and apple sticks in the fryer.
After breakfast I suggest we should have a party. Today is the last day we have to make sandwiches for the next day. Friday is going to be good.
We leave the school again at 8:30. Today is a good day to visit some of the work sites the groups are working on. With directions in hand we agree to meet at 10:30 for a tour. Bette is having problems with her shoulder so she, Molly and Mckenzie decide to stay at the Inn.
Rich, Anne, Carl & Pat set off to find the locations on the list. Even though several of them are literally at the end of dirt roads we find them. Strange as it may seem, the crews were glad to see someone who they knew and in general have visitors.
Friday July 2, 2010
Life is good on Fridays. It’s just easier on Fridays. Not only are we looking forward to heading home tomorrow, everything just seems easier. This morning’s menu calls for “whatever we have left over.” And that’s what they get, a little bit of everything. A few eggs, some French toast, English muffins, creamed dried beef, a few sausage patties, a few sausage links and just a little more bacon. The object is to have as little food items from our menu left over for the change of shift for the next three weeks.
The menu is drastically different starting next week. Their goal is to feed each camper for $26 for the week. I spend more. My costs are $30 per camper for the week. It’s amazing what $4 can buy. But then if you have read this complete blog you know what it can buy.
Last report for this adventure
We will all be home by the time many of you read this. If you would like to share more of our adventure, stop any of us, Millie Williams, Nancy Reynolds, Molly Hughes, Bette Bowes, Pat Lotz or Carl Lotz and talk awhile.
Or better yet, think about joining us next year.
Friday, July 02, 2010
Thursday, July 01, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Everyone is to work on time. Everyone tackles their assignment and we are already ahead of the 6:45 breakfast time. Last week many of the campers did not show up for breakfast until 6:45 even though we were ready at 6:30. So I decided we might as well buy ourselves an additional 15 minutes in the morning.
Sausage, cheese and egg on an English muffin doesn’t seem like much until you have to build 75 to 100 of them with the clock ticking. Molly makes our signature cinnamon rolls and we are a hit.
While everything inside was is going well, outside Pat cooks the scrapple on the griddle for tomorrow. I in turn brown the chicken patties in the fryer. The color improves the appearance when we serve it tonight on top of rice pilaf even though it is covered with gravy.
We complete the routine of replenishing the breakfast buffet, building more sandwiches and even restocking the salad bar for tonight. The problem again is they have closed down the breakfast buffet and Pat and I did not get to eat. That’s ok—we will go out to breakfast. Thank heavens there is a McDonalds across the street.
Oops, I forgot—we have to cut up the strawberries for the strawberry shortcake tonight. By the time we do that we are no longer early but we are out on time by nine.
Our next challenge is the fact that our small coffee maker gave up the ghost this morning. The only prospect for a replacement is at Walmart in Fayetteville. Rich and Ann have been talking about getting an oil change in their car. I convinced them to accomplish both by driving to Fayetteville and then meeting Pat and I at Hawk Nest Park hotel for lunch. We both arrive at the hotel within 15 minutes of each other and go to the scenic restaurant. After lunch Rich and Ann head back to Glen Ferris.
It may be guilt from last week but Pat and I take the gondola to the river and the jet boat ride.
I may have mentioned previously that the school also has a janitor working split hours. That means he is on premises most of the time we are. Sam is a unique character. Big, at least 300 pounds. Massive bushy beard. Oversize farmer overalls with a T-shirt underneath. Sam has become our friend. Every morning while I work at the griddle he stands nearby and carries on a conversation. The staff here, including a woman who is preparing food for the summer school, has been eating with us. Sam piles on the food. He approves on the appearance of the chicken I am browning and reminisces about last Thursday’s pancakes.
Sam was right, the chicken was good. Of course the strawberry shortcake with whipped cream helps.
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Pat has hit the wall, When the alarm goes off she wants to stay in bed this morning. Things have been going so well, working without her this morning should not be a problem. And it isn’t. We are out early. And best of all, free until Thursday breakfast.
MacKenzie is going to join a church group and go whitewater rafting this afternoon. Rich and Ann go to Charleston for the day.
Pat and Carl chase an allusive model of the property, 10,000 plus acres the Boy Scouts of America have purchased down the road at Glen Jean. They intend to develop it into a permanent home for the National Scout Jamborees and as a high adventure base. We spend several hours talking with a PR representative at the office overseeing the property development. They refer to it as a one hundred year plan.
Having a day off is wonderful….
Sausage, cheese and egg on an English muffin doesn’t seem like much until you have to build 75 to 100 of them with the clock ticking. Molly makes our signature cinnamon rolls and we are a hit.
While everything inside was is going well, outside Pat cooks the scrapple on the griddle for tomorrow. I in turn brown the chicken patties in the fryer. The color improves the appearance when we serve it tonight on top of rice pilaf even though it is covered with gravy.
We complete the routine of replenishing the breakfast buffet, building more sandwiches and even restocking the salad bar for tonight. The problem again is they have closed down the breakfast buffet and Pat and I did not get to eat. That’s ok—we will go out to breakfast. Thank heavens there is a McDonalds across the street.
Oops, I forgot—we have to cut up the strawberries for the strawberry shortcake tonight. By the time we do that we are no longer early but we are out on time by nine.
Our next challenge is the fact that our small coffee maker gave up the ghost this morning. The only prospect for a replacement is at Walmart in Fayetteville. Rich and Ann have been talking about getting an oil change in their car. I convinced them to accomplish both by driving to Fayetteville and then meeting Pat and I at Hawk Nest Park hotel for lunch. We both arrive at the hotel within 15 minutes of each other and go to the scenic restaurant. After lunch Rich and Ann head back to Glen Ferris.
It may be guilt from last week but Pat and I take the gondola to the river and the jet boat ride.
I may have mentioned previously that the school also has a janitor working split hours. That means he is on premises most of the time we are. Sam is a unique character. Big, at least 300 pounds. Massive bushy beard. Oversize farmer overalls with a T-shirt underneath. Sam has become our friend. Every morning while I work at the griddle he stands nearby and carries on a conversation. The staff here, including a woman who is preparing food for the summer school, has been eating with us. Sam piles on the food. He approves on the appearance of the chicken I am browning and reminisces about last Thursday’s pancakes.
Sam was right, the chicken was good. Of course the strawberry shortcake with whipped cream helps.
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Pat has hit the wall, When the alarm goes off she wants to stay in bed this morning. Things have been going so well, working without her this morning should not be a problem. And it isn’t. We are out early. And best of all, free until Thursday breakfast.
MacKenzie is going to join a church group and go whitewater rafting this afternoon. Rich and Ann go to Charleston for the day.
Pat and Carl chase an allusive model of the property, 10,000 plus acres the Boy Scouts of America have purchased down the road at Glen Jean. They intend to develop it into a permanent home for the National Scout Jamborees and as a high adventure base. We spend several hours talking with a PR representative at the office overseeing the property development. They refer to it as a one hundred year plan.
Having a day off is wonderful….
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Compliments - And Starting A New Week
As I closed last week I noted I would list some of the praise that comes along with the appreciation of CAMT’s service. It is that appreciation that brings us back year after year.
Sometimes it’s just the recognition by group leaders – “When I saw you, we realized we really lucked out to have your menu and your food this week”. “We were with you two years ago at Gaulley Bridge. We brought a stock of food of our own to fill in the expected gaps. Your food was so good we never even touched our own stock”
If you had read any of the past CAMT blogs about our service with Christian Endeavor, you know each week we are here they post an envelope for campers to write notes. Here are just a few from last week:
“You are a blessing to all of us! We are served top-notch meals everyday. Your ministry through food touches everyone here. Thank you for all you do.
“You take very good care of us, I don’t eat this well at home.
“Thank you for being our cook again this year. Food is one of the most valuable parts of camp.” (This one from Mid Atlantic Christian Endeavor executive Sam Yeager.)
Sunday June 27, 2010
Mollie Hughes, her granddaughter Mackenzie and Betty Bowes arrive at the Glen Ferris Inn right on time. Or at least the time they are expected and get settled in their room. We gather at the restaurant at 4:45 for dinner. The time is dictated by the fact that I have to meet with the incoming group leaders at 6:00.
During dinner I drop the bomb that we have to build the sandwiches for tomorrow morning. As penance, I pick up the tab.
I go off to my meeting and the rest start building sandwiches. Many hands make light work. They are done within the hour and head back to the Inn.
As you know, I stay at the school for the 9:30 serving of Ice Cream--our second Dori Gillstrom ice cream memorial. While I wait, Rich Smith and Ann Zayaitz arrive at the school. They got to the Glen Ferris area after visiting Ann’s mother. It just meant they were later than usual. They stay with me to serve the ice cream and clean up. We are home at the Inn by 10.
Monday June 28,2010
We are running 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Every shift we have been out 30 minutes ahead. Life is good. But I am ahead of myself in the narrative.
Monday morning went well. We are benefiting from what we learned last week. Molly Hughes is doing the baking. Betty Bowes handles the lunch set up and salad bar. Rich Smith and Ann Zayaitz cover the breakfast buffet and serving dinner. Mackenzie Hughes floats helping Molly bake and Betty set up the salad bar. She also serves the soup on the evening salad bar. Carl handles the griddle and Pat is the runner tying everything together.
OOPS!
Our only problem is one of supply. I don’t have enough syrup for the French Toast this Morning. The school seems to have four gallons on hand. I have a food order due later today that includes syrup. I decide to “borrow” syrup to get through the meal. In the warmer I put what little syrup I have and start to ad the borrowed. The consistency doesn’t seem right as I pour, and the smell is not syrup. I look at the label, it is actually Worcestershire.
Now we are really in trouble. Rich heads to the local Krogers in the hope that they open at six a.m. He is not back by 6:30 and I am working on plan “d” when he comes through the door. The store hours say six a.m. but they really don’t open until six fifteen or later. I am saved.
The French toast goes well. After breakfast the girls* make the lunch sandwiches and replenish the breakfast items ready for tomorrow.
*Last week I referred to our group as women – this group decided on girls to separate themselves.
As I mentioned, everyone is out by 8:30, a two and a half hour shift.
I have a food order due in at 11:30. But often there can be an hour difference, usually on the long side. We go back to the Inn and rest, and head back to the school at 11. Eleven thirty comes and goes, no truck. So we are joined by Rich and Ann for lunch. When we return an hour later the truck is there and unloading.
Everything fell into place for our Sloppy Joe dinner. Everyone not only did their job but jumped in to help each other. Rich, when finished serving dinner, gravitates to the dish washing machine and keeps the flow of soiled items humming through. Again we are out 30 minutes early. Another 2.5 shift....
Sometimes it’s just the recognition by group leaders – “When I saw you, we realized we really lucked out to have your menu and your food this week”. “We were with you two years ago at Gaulley Bridge. We brought a stock of food of our own to fill in the expected gaps. Your food was so good we never even touched our own stock”
If you had read any of the past CAMT blogs about our service with Christian Endeavor, you know each week we are here they post an envelope for campers to write notes. Here are just a few from last week:
“You are a blessing to all of us! We are served top-notch meals everyday. Your ministry through food touches everyone here. Thank you for all you do.
“You take very good care of us, I don’t eat this well at home.
“Thank you for being our cook again this year. Food is one of the most valuable parts of camp.” (This one from Mid Atlantic Christian Endeavor executive Sam Yeager.)
Sunday June 27, 2010
Mollie Hughes, her granddaughter Mackenzie and Betty Bowes arrive at the Glen Ferris Inn right on time. Or at least the time they are expected and get settled in their room. We gather at the restaurant at 4:45 for dinner. The time is dictated by the fact that I have to meet with the incoming group leaders at 6:00.
During dinner I drop the bomb that we have to build the sandwiches for tomorrow morning. As penance, I pick up the tab.
I go off to my meeting and the rest start building sandwiches. Many hands make light work. They are done within the hour and head back to the Inn.
As you know, I stay at the school for the 9:30 serving of Ice Cream--our second Dori Gillstrom ice cream memorial. While I wait, Rich Smith and Ann Zayaitz arrive at the school. They got to the Glen Ferris area after visiting Ann’s mother. It just meant they were later than usual. They stay with me to serve the ice cream and clean up. We are home at the Inn by 10.
Monday June 28,2010
We are running 30 minutes ahead of schedule. Every shift we have been out 30 minutes ahead. Life is good. But I am ahead of myself in the narrative.
Monday morning went well. We are benefiting from what we learned last week. Molly Hughes is doing the baking. Betty Bowes handles the lunch set up and salad bar. Rich Smith and Ann Zayaitz cover the breakfast buffet and serving dinner. Mackenzie Hughes floats helping Molly bake and Betty set up the salad bar. She also serves the soup on the evening salad bar. Carl handles the griddle and Pat is the runner tying everything together.
OOPS!
Our only problem is one of supply. I don’t have enough syrup for the French Toast this Morning. The school seems to have four gallons on hand. I have a food order due later today that includes syrup. I decide to “borrow” syrup to get through the meal. In the warmer I put what little syrup I have and start to ad the borrowed. The consistency doesn’t seem right as I pour, and the smell is not syrup. I look at the label, it is actually Worcestershire.
Now we are really in trouble. Rich heads to the local Krogers in the hope that they open at six a.m. He is not back by 6:30 and I am working on plan “d” when he comes through the door. The store hours say six a.m. but they really don’t open until six fifteen or later. I am saved.
The French toast goes well. After breakfast the girls* make the lunch sandwiches and replenish the breakfast items ready for tomorrow.
*Last week I referred to our group as women – this group decided on girls to separate themselves.
As I mentioned, everyone is out by 8:30, a two and a half hour shift.
I have a food order due in at 11:30. But often there can be an hour difference, usually on the long side. We go back to the Inn and rest, and head back to the school at 11. Eleven thirty comes and goes, no truck. So we are joined by Rich and Ann for lunch. When we return an hour later the truck is there and unloading.
Everything fell into place for our Sloppy Joe dinner. Everyone not only did their job but jumped in to help each other. Rich, when finished serving dinner, gravitates to the dish washing machine and keeps the flow of soiled items humming through. Again we are out 30 minutes early. Another 2.5 shift....
Monday, June 28, 2010
June 25, 2010
It's Friday.
What a difference! TGIF has a new meaning. For breakfast we serve basically whatever is left over from the week. French toast and eggs over easy from the grille and Nancy baked the last of the cinnamon rolls. But the best part of the morning is we do not have to build any sandwiches for Saturday. Everyone is going home tomorrow. Including the CAMT members.
After breakfast Millie, Nancy and Nancy drove the 30 miles to Charlestown to explore one of West Virginia’s large cities. They return raving about the pizza they had for lunch. The real test is we are having pizza for dinner; can they really take pizza for two meals a day?
Actually Friday’s dinner starts with chili on the salad bar, a dinner buffet line to build their own tacos and a choice of plain or pepperoni pizza. This menu is Friday's for one main reason. (See Saturday).
While we are eating dinner, an unknown to me adult tells me we do not have to clean up. They will take care of the tables. Someone forgot to tell me that Valley School was having their 1978 to 1982 class reunion starting at 7:30 here in the cafeteria. Here’s another fine mess Sam (Mid Atlantic Christian Endeavor) has gotten me into. We have scheduled another ice cream party for the campers here at 8:15. Adaptable is us!
The school library has many posted signs – No food or drink. Guess where we have to have our ice cream?
I have free time until 8:15. So I mingle in the cafeteria. Eventually I sit down and thumb through one of the 1980-year books on the tables. It doesn’t take long before someone asks what class I was in. Now I just turned 70 last Saturday. These people are in their late forties, and someone asks what class I was in. It’s a commentary on how hard life is here in WV.
My main problem in answering their question is should I extend a character from one of the murder mysteries Pat has written, or should I fess up. I fessed up--but enjoyed a conversation with the person of what the school was like when they attended.
With special care for neatness, the library is no worse for wear considering the number of ice cream sundaes that are served. I finish up and am back to the Inn by 9.
CAMT sometimes means: Can Adapt Many Times
What a difference! TGIF has a new meaning. For breakfast we serve basically whatever is left over from the week. French toast and eggs over easy from the grille and Nancy baked the last of the cinnamon rolls. But the best part of the morning is we do not have to build any sandwiches for Saturday. Everyone is going home tomorrow. Including the CAMT members.
After breakfast Millie, Nancy and Nancy drove the 30 miles to Charlestown to explore one of West Virginia’s large cities. They return raving about the pizza they had for lunch. The real test is we are having pizza for dinner; can they really take pizza for two meals a day?
Actually Friday’s dinner starts with chili on the salad bar, a dinner buffet line to build their own tacos and a choice of plain or pepperoni pizza. This menu is Friday's for one main reason. (See Saturday).
While we are eating dinner, an unknown to me adult tells me we do not have to clean up. They will take care of the tables. Someone forgot to tell me that Valley School was having their 1978 to 1982 class reunion starting at 7:30 here in the cafeteria. Here’s another fine mess Sam (Mid Atlantic Christian Endeavor) has gotten me into. We have scheduled another ice cream party for the campers here at 8:15. Adaptable is us!
The school library has many posted signs – No food or drink. Guess where we have to have our ice cream?
I have free time until 8:15. So I mingle in the cafeteria. Eventually I sit down and thumb through one of the 1980-year books on the tables. It doesn’t take long before someone asks what class I was in. Now I just turned 70 last Saturday. These people are in their late forties, and someone asks what class I was in. It’s a commentary on how hard life is here in WV.
My main problem in answering their question is should I extend a character from one of the murder mysteries Pat has written, or should I fess up. I fessed up--but enjoyed a conversation with the person of what the school was like when they attended.
With special care for neatness, the library is no worse for wear considering the number of ice cream sundaes that are served. I finish up and am back to the Inn by 9.
CAMT sometimes means: Can Adapt Many Times
June 24, 2010 - Soup Saga
The morning routine for breakfast is the same. After breakfast we (CAMT members and Cindy) sit down for the relaxation of breakfast and some time for fifteen minutes fellowship before we break down the lunch and breakfast line. The women are out on time
Pat and Carl hang out at the school waiting for a food order from USFood that is due about nine o’clock. We usually give them plus or minus sixty minutes on the delivery schedule. Sure enough he is there by ten. The driver brings the products in grouped by frozen, refrigerate, and dry. This makes putting them away easy and efficient.
There is still one problem with the order. On Monday’s order we received a case of Tomato soup marked and identified as Cream of Chicken. So on this order we tried again to get Cream of Chicken. However we get a case of Chicken Noodle marked as if it is Cream of Chicken. OK I give up. It’s the logistics that the others never get to see.
Only Nancy Carpenter has cell phone service in this area. My Nextell has no service, so I head to where I know I do have service so I can check for messages. Unfortunately that’s over near Fayetteville on route 19, about 18 miles away. I document my 18 messages and call some of them back, just to tell them I am in West Virginia.
Some days are easier than others....
Pat and Carl hang out at the school waiting for a food order from USFood that is due about nine o’clock. We usually give them plus or minus sixty minutes on the delivery schedule. Sure enough he is there by ten. The driver brings the products in grouped by frozen, refrigerate, and dry. This makes putting them away easy and efficient.
There is still one problem with the order. On Monday’s order we received a case of Tomato soup marked and identified as Cream of Chicken. So on this order we tried again to get Cream of Chicken. However we get a case of Chicken Noodle marked as if it is Cream of Chicken. OK I give up. It’s the logistics that the others never get to see.
Only Nancy Carpenter has cell phone service in this area. My Nextell has no service, so I head to where I know I do have service so I can check for messages. Unfortunately that’s over near Fayetteville on route 19, about 18 miles away. I document my 18 messages and call some of them back, just to tell them I am in West Virginia.
Some days are easier than others....
Saturday, June 26, 2010
A Change of Pace
Wednesday June 23, 2010
Wednesdays are different; we have the day off after we serve breakfast. We are half way through the week and the days are flying by. The groups will work a half-day and then spend the afternoon at a myriad of activities from a cookout to whitewater rafting.
As a result we serve a big breakfast. It includes scrapple we brought from home. It is always surprising how some people look forward to a simple food item that reminds them of home. Along with the scrapple we prepare scrambled eggs, fried eggs over easy, and my experiment. This year I brought a deep fryer and experimented with something we do in boy scouts. Take off the shelf Pillsbury biscuits that are in tubes, separate into the individual biscuits, cut each into quarters, fry for a couple of minutes and dust with powdered sugar. They taste like donut holes and are a great addition to the meal.
After breakfast we seem to be a little slower building the sandwiches for Thursday and spend more time talking—and before we know it - it’s 9:30. OK we’ll come back tonight and do the PB&J sandwiches.
We all agree to meet at 11:00 and head to Hawk’s Nest State Park. Millie Williams, Nancy Carpenter and Pat Lotz get dropped off at the hotel parking lot at the top of the mountain. The hotel has a gondola that takes you down to the river.
Nancy Reynolds and Carl drive on to the nearby town of Amstead to the rail trail that follows the stream that intersects the river at the bottom where the gondola lands. It’s like the letter “V” with each group starting at a different location but coming together at the point (river).
The rail trail is a beautiful shaded walk at a 3% downhill a little over two miles. Nancy and I arrive at the bottom gondola station after about a one-hour walk. Nancy heads for the ladies room and finds it locked. We look around for Pat, Nancy and Millie and they are nowhere in sight. In fact no one is in sight, the river area is deserted except for two state workers painting the under carriage of he gondola station. The gondola is now closed on Wednesdays. They tell Nancy the men’s room is unlocked and she goes off. While I am waiting for her I carry on a discussion with the two workers. I am not sure that they just wanted to get rid of me, but within a short time they offer to start up the gondola and take us up to the Hotel. Because of the gates being locked one of the workers has to ride with us and unlock the gates at the top so we can get out.
And there the women are in the hotel lobby waiting for us to show up one way or the other. It’s only a few minutes after one so we go up to the restaurant on the top floor and enjoy the view through the big picture windows and a good lunch.
A little time to rest in the afternoon before we head back to the school to make the PB&J. Pat Lotz takes the time to make the creamed dried beef for Thursday morning’s breakfast.
We are between storms. When the clouds hit the mountains around us the rain seems to increase to the point that visibility is almost impossible. Earlier a storm raced through the Kanawha Valley with lightning and thunder that makes you want to hide. As we approached the school tonight another storm just like it passed through. The thunder just echoes off the peaks with amplified sound.
Wednesdays are different; we have the day off after we serve breakfast. We are half way through the week and the days are flying by. The groups will work a half-day and then spend the afternoon at a myriad of activities from a cookout to whitewater rafting.
As a result we serve a big breakfast. It includes scrapple we brought from home. It is always surprising how some people look forward to a simple food item that reminds them of home. Along with the scrapple we prepare scrambled eggs, fried eggs over easy, and my experiment. This year I brought a deep fryer and experimented with something we do in boy scouts. Take off the shelf Pillsbury biscuits that are in tubes, separate into the individual biscuits, cut each into quarters, fry for a couple of minutes and dust with powdered sugar. They taste like donut holes and are a great addition to the meal.
After breakfast we seem to be a little slower building the sandwiches for Thursday and spend more time talking—and before we know it - it’s 9:30. OK we’ll come back tonight and do the PB&J sandwiches.
We all agree to meet at 11:00 and head to Hawk’s Nest State Park. Millie Williams, Nancy Carpenter and Pat Lotz get dropped off at the hotel parking lot at the top of the mountain. The hotel has a gondola that takes you down to the river.
Nancy Reynolds and Carl drive on to the nearby town of Amstead to the rail trail that follows the stream that intersects the river at the bottom where the gondola lands. It’s like the letter “V” with each group starting at a different location but coming together at the point (river).
The rail trail is a beautiful shaded walk at a 3% downhill a little over two miles. Nancy and I arrive at the bottom gondola station after about a one-hour walk. Nancy heads for the ladies room and finds it locked. We look around for Pat, Nancy and Millie and they are nowhere in sight. In fact no one is in sight, the river area is deserted except for two state workers painting the under carriage of he gondola station. The gondola is now closed on Wednesdays. They tell Nancy the men’s room is unlocked and she goes off. While I am waiting for her I carry on a discussion with the two workers. I am not sure that they just wanted to get rid of me, but within a short time they offer to start up the gondola and take us up to the Hotel. Because of the gates being locked one of the workers has to ride with us and unlock the gates at the top so we can get out.
And there the women are in the hotel lobby waiting for us to show up one way or the other. It’s only a few minutes after one so we go up to the restaurant on the top floor and enjoy the view through the big picture windows and a good lunch.
A little time to rest in the afternoon before we head back to the school to make the PB&J. Pat Lotz takes the time to make the creamed dried beef for Thursday morning’s breakfast.
We are between storms. When the clouds hit the mountains around us the rain seems to increase to the point that visibility is almost impossible. Earlier a storm raced through the Kanawha Valley with lightning and thunder that makes you want to hide. As we approached the school tonight another storm just like it passed through. The thunder just echoes off the peaks with amplified sound.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 21 & Tuesday, June 22
Monday June 21, 2010
The knock on the door at five o’clock was Nancy Carpenter with a cup of coffee for Pat. Nancy Carpenter brought her own coffee maker from home. She and I pass in the hall as I head out to Smithers. I try to be on site at 5:30 to get out the foodstuffs we will use in the morning. The women will arrive by six.
It’s still dark as I head toward Smithers. As I travel the nine miles in the dark, I pass through towns named Falls View, Alloy, Boomer and a few others, all unincorporated. Which means they are communities, but have no local form of government except the county of Fayette.
Cindy, the kitchen representative from the school district,is right on time and gives me the ins and outs of the equipment we will be using.
Nancy Carpenter starts baking the cakes needed for desserts for dinner. Millie Williams and Nancy Reynolds set up the lunch tables with the items the kids will pack in the lunches. Pat Lotz oversees the breakfast buffet.
I heat up the griddle that travels with us and start making Texas style French toast. The problem with the first day is the kids are not tired yet from working projects so they show up for breakfast en-mass. We serve breakfast from 6:30 to 7:30 but on Monday morning everyone is in line at 6:45. This keeps us hopping
We sit down to eat at 7:30 and a well-deserved break. Nancy Reynolds and Millie Williams start building 50 ham & cheese and 50 turkey and cheese followed by 50 PB&J (peanut butter & jelly) sandwiches for Tuesday. Yes we pre-build PB&J even though they won’t be distributed for 24 hours. We mix the jelly in with the peanut butter which speeds up the process and then freeze them overnight. They are still frozen the next day when the kids add them to their lunch bag. They love them. Who knows kids?
We are out by nine o’clock. All I want to do is nap for several hours, so Pat and I head back to the Glen Ferris. Millie Williams and Nancy Carpenter are riding with Nancy Reynolds. They head to the town of Fayetteville, about ten miles as the crow flies, but 22 miles by road.
The town of Gauley Bridge has an unmarked police car this year. Nancy Reynolds was stopped on the outskirts of town and given a ticket for being over the speed limit. Then the girls go on to Fayetteville and try to have a good time.
I head back to Valley school at 3:30. A routine I will duplicate every day but Wednesday. I put out all the foodstuffs needed for dinner along with some of the items Millie and Nancy Reynolds will prepare for the salad bar. The women are right on time at 4:00.
The line for the salad bar starts promptly at 5:00. Dinner is at 5:15. Our goal is to be out the door of the school by 7 o’clock, a three-hour work shift. We do it.
But we are all tired. This schedule takes a little getting used to.
Tuesday June 22, 2010
Nancy is right on time with coffee, as the knock on the door could have actually been our alarm clock. She hands me Pat’s coffee cup, which I pass over to Pat. Then to my car for my nine-mile commute. I am not alone on the road at five am. Ahead of and behind me are the large tractor-trailer trucks hauling coal. Each is loaded with 80,000 pounds, of which in West Virginia, is black gold. Or tandem trucks hauling wood logs used by the mill at Alloy that makes metal castings, each with their brake retarders howling as they negotiate the curves.
This morning we make egg, sausage & cheese on English muffins. Nancy Carpenter, who has handled our baking, makes cinnamon rolls and coats them with vanilla icing. She is now the hands down favorite of most of the campers. But since we are having strawberry shortcake for dessert at dinner tonight, her fame is short lived. She has to make a hundred short breads yet this morning.
We are getting used to this schedule enough to spend less time napping. Or to put it in the positive, we are spending more time doing things during the day. Millie and Nancy Carpenter spend a lot of time on Nancy’s computer. Pat and I have lunch at the Inn dining room.
Because we worked out of Gauley Bridge for the last two years, Christian Endeavor has a charge account at the Gauley Bridge Foodland. As a result I also make a daily stop there to get milk and any other item we need. Today I spot Bonnie. If you read any of the blogs from the past two years you will know Bonnie was our school kitchen helper here at Gauley Elementary. Bonnie and I would kid back and forth and in general enjoyed each other. Enough that Pat and I, when we came through Gauley Bridge on Sunday, went by her house. There was no one home.
She and I catch up on the people we worked with those two years and then I slip into the conversation. “I need a ticket fixed”. I explain the ticket issued to Nancy Reynolds, and without hesitation Bonnie offers to go by the station and talk with an officer she knows to see what he would do. We break off the conversation because it is after three and the police shift changes at four. I agree to call her later tonight.
After dinner I get the good news form Bonnie, the officer checked out the record and agreed to “take care of it” when he got in in the morning. I break the news to Nancy only to find she went to Town Hall during the day today and paid the ticket.
Once again governmental corruption has been thwarted by an honest citizen.
The knock on the door at five o’clock was Nancy Carpenter with a cup of coffee for Pat. Nancy Carpenter brought her own coffee maker from home. She and I pass in the hall as I head out to Smithers. I try to be on site at 5:30 to get out the foodstuffs we will use in the morning. The women will arrive by six.
It’s still dark as I head toward Smithers. As I travel the nine miles in the dark, I pass through towns named Falls View, Alloy, Boomer and a few others, all unincorporated. Which means they are communities, but have no local form of government except the county of Fayette.
Cindy, the kitchen representative from the school district,is right on time and gives me the ins and outs of the equipment we will be using.
Nancy Carpenter starts baking the cakes needed for desserts for dinner. Millie Williams and Nancy Reynolds set up the lunch tables with the items the kids will pack in the lunches. Pat Lotz oversees the breakfast buffet.
I heat up the griddle that travels with us and start making Texas style French toast. The problem with the first day is the kids are not tired yet from working projects so they show up for breakfast en-mass. We serve breakfast from 6:30 to 7:30 but on Monday morning everyone is in line at 6:45. This keeps us hopping
We sit down to eat at 7:30 and a well-deserved break. Nancy Reynolds and Millie Williams start building 50 ham & cheese and 50 turkey and cheese followed by 50 PB&J (peanut butter & jelly) sandwiches for Tuesday. Yes we pre-build PB&J even though they won’t be distributed for 24 hours. We mix the jelly in with the peanut butter which speeds up the process and then freeze them overnight. They are still frozen the next day when the kids add them to their lunch bag. They love them. Who knows kids?
We are out by nine o’clock. All I want to do is nap for several hours, so Pat and I head back to the Glen Ferris. Millie Williams and Nancy Carpenter are riding with Nancy Reynolds. They head to the town of Fayetteville, about ten miles as the crow flies, but 22 miles by road.
The town of Gauley Bridge has an unmarked police car this year. Nancy Reynolds was stopped on the outskirts of town and given a ticket for being over the speed limit. Then the girls go on to Fayetteville and try to have a good time.
I head back to Valley school at 3:30. A routine I will duplicate every day but Wednesday. I put out all the foodstuffs needed for dinner along with some of the items Millie and Nancy Reynolds will prepare for the salad bar. The women are right on time at 4:00.
The line for the salad bar starts promptly at 5:00. Dinner is at 5:15. Our goal is to be out the door of the school by 7 o’clock, a three-hour work shift. We do it.
But we are all tired. This schedule takes a little getting used to.
Tuesday June 22, 2010
Nancy is right on time with coffee, as the knock on the door could have actually been our alarm clock. She hands me Pat’s coffee cup, which I pass over to Pat. Then to my car for my nine-mile commute. I am not alone on the road at five am. Ahead of and behind me are the large tractor-trailer trucks hauling coal. Each is loaded with 80,000 pounds, of which in West Virginia, is black gold. Or tandem trucks hauling wood logs used by the mill at Alloy that makes metal castings, each with their brake retarders howling as they negotiate the curves.
This morning we make egg, sausage & cheese on English muffins. Nancy Carpenter, who has handled our baking, makes cinnamon rolls and coats them with vanilla icing. She is now the hands down favorite of most of the campers. But since we are having strawberry shortcake for dessert at dinner tonight, her fame is short lived. She has to make a hundred short breads yet this morning.
We are getting used to this schedule enough to spend less time napping. Or to put it in the positive, we are spending more time doing things during the day. Millie and Nancy Carpenter spend a lot of time on Nancy’s computer. Pat and I have lunch at the Inn dining room.
Because we worked out of Gauley Bridge for the last two years, Christian Endeavor has a charge account at the Gauley Bridge Foodland. As a result I also make a daily stop there to get milk and any other item we need. Today I spot Bonnie. If you read any of the blogs from the past two years you will know Bonnie was our school kitchen helper here at Gauley Elementary. Bonnie and I would kid back and forth and in general enjoyed each other. Enough that Pat and I, when we came through Gauley Bridge on Sunday, went by her house. There was no one home.
She and I catch up on the people we worked with those two years and then I slip into the conversation. “I need a ticket fixed”. I explain the ticket issued to Nancy Reynolds, and without hesitation Bonnie offers to go by the station and talk with an officer she knows to see what he would do. We break off the conversation because it is after three and the police shift changes at four. I agree to call her later tonight.
After dinner I get the good news form Bonnie, the officer checked out the record and agreed to “take care of it” when he got in in the morning. I break the news to Nancy only to find she went to Town Hall during the day today and paid the ticket.
Once again governmental corruption has been thwarted by an honest citizen.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
West Virginia 2010: Safe Arrival
Greetings from West Virginia.
It’s Tuesday June 22nd and I (Carl Lotz) am just starting to chronicle our activities. It takes getting into the routine here and adapting to it before our activities come easy to write about.
Pat and Carl Lotz left Frazer for West Virginia on Saturday the 19th of June. The goal is just to arrive here early on Sunday morning with our car loaded to the gills with the items needed to try and make our work here a little easier. More importantly, the goal is to recognize it is the beginning of our vacation. The two step trip here is that beginning.
Millie Williams and her cousin Nancy Carpenter are riding with Nancy Reynolds and will make the six hundred mile run arriving Sunday night June 20th.
Sunday June 20,, 2010
Pat and Carl drop out of the West Virginia mountains to the town of Gauley Bridge along what started as the New River, but now that the Gauley River joins it the name changes to Kanawha River. Just one of many name changes it will undergo on it’s way to joining the Mississippi. Route 60 follows the river and will take us to the next town of Glen Ferris where the inn we will be staying in is located. Down the road another nine miles is the town of Smithers where the Valley High School is located—the kitchen of which will be our home for a CAMT team each of the next two weeks.
We find the school deserted on a Sunday morning. It is a bright sunshiny day and hot. The air conditioning of the school feels wonderful but does not extend into the kitchen. “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!” The facilities are great—we should have a great week.
Outside the kitchen back door is a small section enclosed by a five foot cinder block wall. Big enough for me to set up my ten by ten canopy and install the griddle we travel with under it’s shade. In testing the griddle I was beginning to think I had done something transporting it that kept it from working. Then I realized it did in fact light. It was just so bright outside I could not see the flames. It’s up and running and that is most important to me since most of our breakfast items are cooked on the griddle.
Next Pat and I inventory the food order that was delivered last Thursday by US Foods and the bread order that was delivered on Saturday. There is always something missing from the orders. That is always a given. An example is the case of Tomato soup that is labeled Cream of Chicken. What we needed was the Chicken Soup. Well, that is why we have local stores.
At six o’clock I meet with the leaders of the groups that will be working on the service projects during the week. I give them printed menus so they will be able to track special needs of some of the kids and adults with them. Everything from diabetes to food allergies.
We are back to the Glen Ferris Inn and find that the rest of our group have checked in and literally come through the door behind us. Even though they have had a hard day on the road I still extend the invitation for the three of them to come with me back to the school for our sixth annual Dori Gillstrom Memorial Ice Cream Party for the incoming groups that will be working this week. The ice cream is served right after the Sunday Night Praise service at 9:30. We usually are back at the hotel by 10:30. Of course we have to be up in the morning at 5:00.
Understandably, they all are too tired. But Nancy Reynolds, the new-comer in the group says she isn’t in the mood for ice cream. I have to explain to her I don’t want her to eat ice cream—I want her to serve/dip ice cream. But don’t misunderstand, Nancy is learning fast.
The ice cream memorial is the main reason why Pat and I arrive early Sunday: so we are up to dipping ice cream. And a good time was had by all!
It’s Tuesday June 22nd and I (Carl Lotz) am just starting to chronicle our activities. It takes getting into the routine here and adapting to it before our activities come easy to write about.
Pat and Carl Lotz left Frazer for West Virginia on Saturday the 19th of June. The goal is just to arrive here early on Sunday morning with our car loaded to the gills with the items needed to try and make our work here a little easier. More importantly, the goal is to recognize it is the beginning of our vacation. The two step trip here is that beginning.
Millie Williams and her cousin Nancy Carpenter are riding with Nancy Reynolds and will make the six hundred mile run arriving Sunday night June 20th.
Sunday June 20,, 2010
Pat and Carl drop out of the West Virginia mountains to the town of Gauley Bridge along what started as the New River, but now that the Gauley River joins it the name changes to Kanawha River. Just one of many name changes it will undergo on it’s way to joining the Mississippi. Route 60 follows the river and will take us to the next town of Glen Ferris where the inn we will be staying in is located. Down the road another nine miles is the town of Smithers where the Valley High School is located—the kitchen of which will be our home for a CAMT team each of the next two weeks.
We find the school deserted on a Sunday morning. It is a bright sunshiny day and hot. The air conditioning of the school feels wonderful but does not extend into the kitchen. “If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen!” The facilities are great—we should have a great week.
Outside the kitchen back door is a small section enclosed by a five foot cinder block wall. Big enough for me to set up my ten by ten canopy and install the griddle we travel with under it’s shade. In testing the griddle I was beginning to think I had done something transporting it that kept it from working. Then I realized it did in fact light. It was just so bright outside I could not see the flames. It’s up and running and that is most important to me since most of our breakfast items are cooked on the griddle.
Next Pat and I inventory the food order that was delivered last Thursday by US Foods and the bread order that was delivered on Saturday. There is always something missing from the orders. That is always a given. An example is the case of Tomato soup that is labeled Cream of Chicken. What we needed was the Chicken Soup. Well, that is why we have local stores.
At six o’clock I meet with the leaders of the groups that will be working on the service projects during the week. I give them printed menus so they will be able to track special needs of some of the kids and adults with them. Everything from diabetes to food allergies.
We are back to the Glen Ferris Inn and find that the rest of our group have checked in and literally come through the door behind us. Even though they have had a hard day on the road I still extend the invitation for the three of them to come with me back to the school for our sixth annual Dori Gillstrom Memorial Ice Cream Party for the incoming groups that will be working this week. The ice cream is served right after the Sunday Night Praise service at 9:30. We usually are back at the hotel by 10:30. Of course we have to be up in the morning at 5:00.
Understandably, they all are too tired. But Nancy Reynolds, the new-comer in the group says she isn’t in the mood for ice cream. I have to explain to her I don’t want her to eat ice cream—I want her to serve/dip ice cream. But don’t misunderstand, Nancy is learning fast.
The ice cream memorial is the main reason why Pat and I arrive early Sunday: so we are up to dipping ice cream. And a good time was had by all!
Friday, April 16, 2010
News from CAMT: Covenant's Adult Mission Teams
New Organization and Leadership of Missions at Covenant
In a reorganization of Covenant’s mission outreach, CAMT (Covenant’s Adult Mission Teams) and the Mission Committee will merge under the CAMT name, and the combined group will plan mission trips, oversee financial support of various mission organizations, and plan for Adventures in Missions (AIM) programs at which leaders of various kinds of mission outreach are invited to Covenant to tell about their work.
Elder Nancy Reynolds has been elected to be the new coordinator of CAMT following Joyce Lammey’s resignation, and Barbara Rhinehart will be co-coordinator.
Mission Trip Opportunities:
Local Service Shelters
If you are limited to—or just prefer—a one day mission trip, usually on a Saturday, sign up for a trip to one of the Service Shelters. The shelters offer a temporary safe haven for people who are the victims of unfortunate circumstances or have not always made good choices in their lives. The Shelters provide food, guidance and a supportive community while people get “back on their feet.”
Outley House (for men) and the Sheila Dennis House (for women) are in the Philadelphia area, and there is a small shelter for women and their children in Coatesville. The teams usually leave Covenant at 8:30 on the scheduled Saturday morning, car pool to the shelter, prepare lunch (you don’t really have to know how to cook!), and return to Covenant about 2:30.
For dates and/or to sign up, call Richard Smith 610-827-1630
PA Christian Endeavor: PACE
Carl and Pat Lotz will again lead teams to the Gawley Bridge area in West Virginia where they will prepare three meals a day for youth teams who work in impoverished areas. Team members can sign up to go June 20 – 26 or June 27 – July 3 (or if you’re really ambitious—both weeks). Team members get up early to prepare a full breakfast (there’s lots to do even for the non-cooks on the team) and assemble bag lunches for the young people. Team members are then free for the next 4 to 5 hours until it’s time to prepare dinner. The middle of the day can be spent swimming, hiking, sight-seeing, or just “hanging out.”
To sign up, call Carl and Pat Lotz: 610-647-3038
Mexico – Faith Ministry
The next trip to Mexico to work with the Faith Ministry organization will be late January or early February 2011. In addition to teaching sewing and craft projects to women, there are tentative plans to build a house for a family that desperately needs one. Yes—a house can be built in one week! (Mission teams have built more than 2000 houses under the direction of Faith Ministry!)
For information, call Barbara Rhinehart: 610-286-5289
Latin American Fellowship (LAF)
During the Mexico trip in 2009, Covenant’s mission team just happened to meet a team from Ann Arbor, Michigan whose church supports the pastor of the Latin American Fellowship mission church (LAF) that just happens to be in nearby Norristown, PA! The pastor needed 100 bilingual Bibles, and a church in Donegal Presbytery just happened to have Bibles to give away because they were replacing them. Unfortunately, even though we called immediately, they had just been shipped to Lithuania. However, a Donegal minister (whose husband’s native language just happens to be Spanish) volunteered $300 toward the cost of bilingual Bibles. The same day, Covenant’s Pastor Jim Moyer just happened to receive information from the PA Bible Society saying their passion is Bible distribution. With added donations from a few CAMT members, and a matching grant from the PA Bible Society, CAMT just happened to have enough for 96 bilingual Bibles!
CAMT has not made any formal commitments to LAF but plans to stay in touch and follow their growth in a difficult neighborhood with many challenges.
In a reorganization of Covenant’s mission outreach, CAMT (Covenant’s Adult Mission Teams) and the Mission Committee will merge under the CAMT name, and the combined group will plan mission trips, oversee financial support of various mission organizations, and plan for Adventures in Missions (AIM) programs at which leaders of various kinds of mission outreach are invited to Covenant to tell about their work.
Elder Nancy Reynolds has been elected to be the new coordinator of CAMT following Joyce Lammey’s resignation, and Barbara Rhinehart will be co-coordinator.
Mission Trip Opportunities:
Local Service Shelters
If you are limited to—or just prefer—a one day mission trip, usually on a Saturday, sign up for a trip to one of the Service Shelters. The shelters offer a temporary safe haven for people who are the victims of unfortunate circumstances or have not always made good choices in their lives. The Shelters provide food, guidance and a supportive community while people get “back on their feet.”
Outley House (for men) and the Sheila Dennis House (for women) are in the Philadelphia area, and there is a small shelter for women and their children in Coatesville. The teams usually leave Covenant at 8:30 on the scheduled Saturday morning, car pool to the shelter, prepare lunch (you don’t really have to know how to cook!), and return to Covenant about 2:30.
For dates and/or to sign up, call Richard Smith 610-827-1630
PA Christian Endeavor: PACE
Carl and Pat Lotz will again lead teams to the Gawley Bridge area in West Virginia where they will prepare three meals a day for youth teams who work in impoverished areas. Team members can sign up to go June 20 – 26 or June 27 – July 3 (or if you’re really ambitious—both weeks). Team members get up early to prepare a full breakfast (there’s lots to do even for the non-cooks on the team) and assemble bag lunches for the young people. Team members are then free for the next 4 to 5 hours until it’s time to prepare dinner. The middle of the day can be spent swimming, hiking, sight-seeing, or just “hanging out.”
To sign up, call Carl and Pat Lotz: 610-647-3038
Mexico – Faith Ministry
The next trip to Mexico to work with the Faith Ministry organization will be late January or early February 2011. In addition to teaching sewing and craft projects to women, there are tentative plans to build a house for a family that desperately needs one. Yes—a house can be built in one week! (Mission teams have built more than 2000 houses under the direction of Faith Ministry!)
For information, call Barbara Rhinehart: 610-286-5289
Latin American Fellowship (LAF)
During the Mexico trip in 2009, Covenant’s mission team just happened to meet a team from Ann Arbor, Michigan whose church supports the pastor of the Latin American Fellowship mission church (LAF) that just happens to be in nearby Norristown, PA! The pastor needed 100 bilingual Bibles, and a church in Donegal Presbytery just happened to have Bibles to give away because they were replacing them. Unfortunately, even though we called immediately, they had just been shipped to Lithuania. However, a Donegal minister (whose husband’s native language just happens to be Spanish) volunteered $300 toward the cost of bilingual Bibles. The same day, Covenant’s Pastor Jim Moyer just happened to receive information from the PA Bible Society saying their passion is Bible distribution. With added donations from a few CAMT members, and a matching grant from the PA Bible Society, CAMT just happened to have enough for 96 bilingual Bibles!
CAMT has not made any formal commitments to LAF but plans to stay in touch and follow their growth in a difficult neighborhood with many challenges.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Safe at home!
The team landed safely at Philadelphia Airport at 9:00 tonight (Tuesday). Everyone was bubbling over with stories of the week which reflected very positive feelings about what was accomplished and, perhaps even more important, relationships established and strengthened in spite of language and cultural differences. The bond that transcends differences, of course, is God's love.
The team is very grateful for the work David Rodriguez, Executive Director of Faith Ministry, did to prepare for the team's work in the three Faith Ministry churches, and for the support of co-pastors David and Linda Reed and the women of 1st Presbyterian Church in McAllen, Texas who were gracious hosts and who gathered many tubs of material and craft projects for the Mexican men, women and children.
The challenge now is to determine where we go from here. We invite readers to join with us as we continue our work:
Monthly trips to service shelters in Philadelphia where the team serves lunch to those who are struggling to prepare for reentering their communities, and...
Spending two weeks this summer preparing 3 meals a day for youth mission teams sponsored by PA Christian Endeavor who will work in impoverished areas (destination still to be determined.)
Pray with us for discernment and strength to accomplish what God would have us do in the future, not only in the Faith Ministry churches, but wherever he leads us.
To share your thoughts or for more information, contact Joyce Lammey, Coordinator of Covenant Adult Mission Teams (CAMT) 610-489-4576 or call the Covenant Presbyterian Church office, 610-748-0707.
The team is very grateful for the work David Rodriguez, Executive Director of Faith Ministry, did to prepare for the team's work in the three Faith Ministry churches, and for the support of co-pastors David and Linda Reed and the women of 1st Presbyterian Church in McAllen, Texas who were gracious hosts and who gathered many tubs of material and craft projects for the Mexican men, women and children.
The challenge now is to determine where we go from here. We invite readers to join with us as we continue our work:
Monthly trips to service shelters in Philadelphia where the team serves lunch to those who are struggling to prepare for reentering their communities, and...
Spending two weeks this summer preparing 3 meals a day for youth mission teams sponsored by PA Christian Endeavor who will work in impoverished areas (destination still to be determined.)
Pray with us for discernment and strength to accomplish what God would have us do in the future, not only in the Faith Ministry churches, but wherever he leads us.
To share your thoughts or for more information, contact Joyce Lammey, Coordinator of Covenant Adult Mission Teams (CAMT) 610-489-4576 or call the Covenant Presbyterian Church office, 610-748-0707.
Monday, February 15, 2010
The Last Day
The team spent today (Monday) at the Reynosa church. This is the first church CAMT worked with starting in 2001. Those who had been there before were delighted to renew old friendships: Petra, Maria Feliz, Marcella, and, of course, once again the children won their hearts.
They also met members of a mission team from Indiana who were building a house nearby. The leader of that team has come to Mexico every year since 1992. Both teams ate lunch together and then moved to the sanctuary for the traditional praise service led by David Rodriguez, the Executive Director of Faith Ministry. The minister of the church played the guitar for the hymns.
During the work time, Pat Lotz made a pair of pants for one of the children, and Lyn Huber taught Melissa, a 9 year old, how to crochet. Lyn was amazed at how quickly she caught on and worked at least an hour on her project. One of the ladies crocheted a beautiful headband which she gave to Lyn when it was completed—and then taught Lyn how to make one! Especially considering the poverty in Mexico, the generosity of the people continues to amaze those who meet them.
Lyn, a former teacher, also noted how calm the Mexican children are and how often they are able to do things one would expect of older children. Maybe it’s because in their less hurried culture they are often calm enough to just watch adults and other children before they begin a project themselves.
Roman, who traveled with the team to translate, wished the team could stay longer—perhaps so they could help him perfect the knitting they had taught him. Those who knew him from previous trips might be interested to know he is studying for his GED.
Nurses Joan Hahn and Kay Rowell worked today at the Betty medical clinic which was named for the nurse who has faithfully worked there since it began. There was a pile of prescriptions on Betty’s desk, so Kay and Joan counted pills, measured liquid medicines and then labeled the bottles. Kay gave Betty a Dymo labeler which will speed up the process of labeling the prescription bottles. There is no pharmacy in the area, so medications are dispensed in donated prescription bottles and labeled by hand right there in the clinic or in advance by Betty’s 13 year old son at their home. They especially like the childproof bottles which are ideal for dispensing liquid medications.
Bette Bowes laughed again about pulling the cart out of the mud yesterday. (I think that’s a story that will be remembered for years to come!) She was disappointed that the Reynosa children didn’t want to do one of the crafts she had planned, but it was clear that during the time in Mexico she had gone from being “terrified” at the idea of working with children to looking forward to helping them with craft projects.
A statement made by several team members: “I got more out of it this week than I gave any of these folks.” It’s a common statement made by those who go on mission trips. You go with the idea of giving—and you DO give—but your blessings are much more than what you gave. Maybe it’s God way of saying “Thank you for helping ‘the least of these’ in my world.”
Tomorrow the team will fly to Dallas and then on to Philadelphia. They flew south within the good weather window last Tuesday, and we pray they will again be fortunate for the return flight.
Thank you to all who prayerfully supported the team this past week.
They also met members of a mission team from Indiana who were building a house nearby. The leader of that team has come to Mexico every year since 1992. Both teams ate lunch together and then moved to the sanctuary for the traditional praise service led by David Rodriguez, the Executive Director of Faith Ministry. The minister of the church played the guitar for the hymns.
During the work time, Pat Lotz made a pair of pants for one of the children, and Lyn Huber taught Melissa, a 9 year old, how to crochet. Lyn was amazed at how quickly she caught on and worked at least an hour on her project. One of the ladies crocheted a beautiful headband which she gave to Lyn when it was completed—and then taught Lyn how to make one! Especially considering the poverty in Mexico, the generosity of the people continues to amaze those who meet them.
Lyn, a former teacher, also noted how calm the Mexican children are and how often they are able to do things one would expect of older children. Maybe it’s because in their less hurried culture they are often calm enough to just watch adults and other children before they begin a project themselves.
Roman, who traveled with the team to translate, wished the team could stay longer—perhaps so they could help him perfect the knitting they had taught him. Those who knew him from previous trips might be interested to know he is studying for his GED.
Nurses Joan Hahn and Kay Rowell worked today at the Betty medical clinic which was named for the nurse who has faithfully worked there since it began. There was a pile of prescriptions on Betty’s desk, so Kay and Joan counted pills, measured liquid medicines and then labeled the bottles. Kay gave Betty a Dymo labeler which will speed up the process of labeling the prescription bottles. There is no pharmacy in the area, so medications are dispensed in donated prescription bottles and labeled by hand right there in the clinic or in advance by Betty’s 13 year old son at their home. They especially like the childproof bottles which are ideal for dispensing liquid medications.
Bette Bowes laughed again about pulling the cart out of the mud yesterday. (I think that’s a story that will be remembered for years to come!) She was disappointed that the Reynosa children didn’t want to do one of the crafts she had planned, but it was clear that during the time in Mexico she had gone from being “terrified” at the idea of working with children to looking forward to helping them with craft projects.
A statement made by several team members: “I got more out of it this week than I gave any of these folks.” It’s a common statement made by those who go on mission trips. You go with the idea of giving—and you DO give—but your blessings are much more than what you gave. Maybe it’s God way of saying “Thank you for helping ‘the least of these’ in my world.”
Tomorrow the team will fly to Dallas and then on to Philadelphia. They flew south within the good weather window last Tuesday, and we pray they will again be fortunate for the return flight.
Thank you to all who prayerfully supported the team this past week.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
It was quite a day!
The team worshiped this morning at 1st Presbyterian Church in McAllen whose members contributed the equivalent of two vans full of sewing and craft materials to share with the women in the Mexican churches. It was wonderful to actually meet more of the women who had contributed so generously and to hear of the interest in CAMT’s work by others in the congregation.
The team was also greeted by the co-pastors, David and Linda Reed, who have encouraged the partnership from the beginning. Covenant members may be interested to know that Mary Keller originally suggested that we find a church in Texas with whom to partner so we didn’t have to mail materials needed for the trip. It is sad that she did not live to see her plan come to fruition, but hopefully her legacy will live on.
David Rodriguez, Executive Director of Faith Ministry, had planned to come to church along with his family, but he was ill and could not attend this morning. However, he will be in touch later to gather the unused tubs of material which will be distributed as the Faith Ministry women need replenishment.
The shopping trip planned for the Mexican tourist town just across the border was canceled because it was 3pm until the team left the church. The team members relaxed, took naps and/or read until they partook of the daily free goodies provided about 5pm every day by the motel: popcorn, peanuts, tortilla chips and salsa, spaghetti with meatballs, cake, some valentine treats, and—-margheritas served in paper cups. I won’t tell you who reported that the latter were heavy on the lime juice.
Tomorrow, the team's last work day, will be spent in the Reynosa church, some of whose women have been coming to sew for all six years CAMT has visited their church. (This was the second year to work in Naranjito and the first in Miguel Aleman.) The team looks forward to renewing old friendships and meeting newcomers.
P.S. Temperature in Texas today: 75 degrees
The team was also greeted by the co-pastors, David and Linda Reed, who have encouraged the partnership from the beginning. Covenant members may be interested to know that Mary Keller originally suggested that we find a church in Texas with whom to partner so we didn’t have to mail materials needed for the trip. It is sad that she did not live to see her plan come to fruition, but hopefully her legacy will live on.
David Rodriguez, Executive Director of Faith Ministry, had planned to come to church along with his family, but he was ill and could not attend this morning. However, he will be in touch later to gather the unused tubs of material which will be distributed as the Faith Ministry women need replenishment.
The shopping trip planned for the Mexican tourist town just across the border was canceled because it was 3pm until the team left the church. The team members relaxed, took naps and/or read until they partook of the daily free goodies provided about 5pm every day by the motel: popcorn, peanuts, tortilla chips and salsa, spaghetti with meatballs, cake, some valentine treats, and—-margheritas served in paper cups. I won’t tell you who reported that the latter were heavy on the lime juice.
Tomorrow, the team's last work day, will be spent in the Reynosa church, some of whose women have been coming to sew for all six years CAMT has visited their church. (This was the second year to work in Naranjito and the first in Miguel Aleman.) The team looks forward to renewing old friendships and meeting newcomers.
P.S. Temperature in Texas today: 75 degrees
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Day 2 at Naranjito
Joan Hahn called in the report about the second and last day at the Naranjito church. The team has decided Barbara could be a Nascar driver. Once again she navigated the muddy road to the Naranjito church. Thanks for safe travel has taken on a new meaning.
At one point during the day a man knocked on the church door and asked if anyone could help get his horse-drawn cart out of the mud. Instead of the usual wheels for carts, it had car tires making it harder to get it out. The man had been yelling and beating the horse while he pulled on a rope to “encourage” him, but the horse couldn’t/wouldn’t move.
Bette and Kay went out to help, but couldn’t budge the cart. Finally Pastor Alfredo came out with another rope along with three more of the women. They unhooked the horse from the cart. “Let’s all pull,” he announced. They unhooked the horse from the cart and the five women used the two ropes following Alfredo’s directions: “Pull…pull…pull!…” The cart broke free and Alfredo announced, “United we can accomplish anything.” (I wonder if he realized why the women laughed so hard.)
You just never know what will happen on a mission trip! (Remember the “Be flexible” advice?)
The number of women was smaller again today than expected, but those who did manage to get there kept the donated sewing machines running all day.
Silvia, the minister’s wife, has learned how to crochet as well as to cast on stitches, knit, purl and bind off. She will teach those who couldn’t come these two days.
An especially warm spot in the day: there was a woman with a crippled foot who was in a wheelchair. She was very frustrated because she could not see to thread a needle. Last night Barbara bought her a pair of glasses (at Wal*Mart) to give to her today and she was thrilled! She sewed all day and Joan wasn’t sure whether she even stopped to eat lunch.
By the way, if you ever win the lottery and wonder what to do with the money – consider sending wheelchairs to the Faith Ministry’s medical clinics. The last we heard, they needed 12 adult and 2 children’s wheelchairs. Imagine the confinement (especially for a child) if you need—but don’t have—a wheelchair.
The Naranjito women again unexpectedly provided lunch for the team who have jokingly decided they will eat last Wednesday’s lunch on the flight home.
Check in tomorrow to read about attending worship services at 1st Presbyterian Church in McAllen, our partner in this year’s projects. (Lunch again will be included—but this time they know about it!)
At one point during the day a man knocked on the church door and asked if anyone could help get his horse-drawn cart out of the mud. Instead of the usual wheels for carts, it had car tires making it harder to get it out. The man had been yelling and beating the horse while he pulled on a rope to “encourage” him, but the horse couldn’t/wouldn’t move.
Bette and Kay went out to help, but couldn’t budge the cart. Finally Pastor Alfredo came out with another rope along with three more of the women. They unhooked the horse from the cart. “Let’s all pull,” he announced. They unhooked the horse from the cart and the five women used the two ropes following Alfredo’s directions: “Pull…pull…pull!…” The cart broke free and Alfredo announced, “United we can accomplish anything.” (I wonder if he realized why the women laughed so hard.)
You just never know what will happen on a mission trip! (Remember the “Be flexible” advice?)
The number of women was smaller again today than expected, but those who did manage to get there kept the donated sewing machines running all day.
Silvia, the minister’s wife, has learned how to crochet as well as to cast on stitches, knit, purl and bind off. She will teach those who couldn’t come these two days.
An especially warm spot in the day: there was a woman with a crippled foot who was in a wheelchair. She was very frustrated because she could not see to thread a needle. Last night Barbara bought her a pair of glasses (at Wal*Mart) to give to her today and she was thrilled! She sewed all day and Joan wasn’t sure whether she even stopped to eat lunch.
By the way, if you ever win the lottery and wonder what to do with the money – consider sending wheelchairs to the Faith Ministry’s medical clinics. The last we heard, they needed 12 adult and 2 children’s wheelchairs. Imagine the confinement (especially for a child) if you need—but don’t have—a wheelchair.
The Naranjito women again unexpectedly provided lunch for the team who have jokingly decided they will eat last Wednesday’s lunch on the flight home.
Check in tomorrow to read about attending worship services at 1st Presbyterian Church in McAllen, our partner in this year’s projects. (Lunch again will be included—but this time they know about it!)
A Muddy Road to Naranjito
It’s Day 3 for the team in Mexico. Everyone sounds great although they are a bit tired by now. The worst thing about today—the first in Naranjito—was mud. Many stretches of roads they traveled to get to the church are not paved, and there was enough rain yesterday to make driving a real challenge. When they checked out the van on arrival, they not only saw a lot of mud—they saw stones stuck in the mud on the wheels.
Pastor Alfredo Castillo and his wife, Silvia, welcomed the team to the church—although they don’t actually have a sanctuary yet. When construction is complete, it will be on the second floor of a building whose first floor was completed several years ago and serves as their sanctuary as well as an all-purpose room. A small but comfortable pastor’s home was completed several years ago in the church compound, and a medical clinic is planned for when funds become available. The economy has also been poor in Mexico, which means that Faith Ministry’s construction schedule is way behind.
Pastor Alfredo has earned his Master’s degree in psychology and is working on a PhD so he can do counseling in addition to his regular pastoral services.
Only about 10 women came with their children today, but they expect more tomorrow (Saturday). The church is in a rural setting, and none of the women have cars to drive, so one can’t help but wonder if walking along muddy roads may have had something to do with the low attendance. The women made pillow and appliance covers, but several struck out on their own to make curtains from the available material.
Roman, the translator for the group, tried his hand at making a potholder and joined the knitting group led by Joan Hahn (whose name the Mexican women pronounce “Joanne.”)
Once again, the women of the church provided lunch for the team. Those sandwiches made for Wednesday’s lunch must be getting pretty old by now!
Pastor Alfredo Castillo and his wife, Silvia, welcomed the team to the church—although they don’t actually have a sanctuary yet. When construction is complete, it will be on the second floor of a building whose first floor was completed several years ago and serves as their sanctuary as well as an all-purpose room. A small but comfortable pastor’s home was completed several years ago in the church compound, and a medical clinic is planned for when funds become available. The economy has also been poor in Mexico, which means that Faith Ministry’s construction schedule is way behind.
Pastor Alfredo has earned his Master’s degree in psychology and is working on a PhD so he can do counseling in addition to his regular pastoral services.
Only about 10 women came with their children today, but they expect more tomorrow (Saturday). The church is in a rural setting, and none of the women have cars to drive, so one can’t help but wonder if walking along muddy roads may have had something to do with the low attendance. The women made pillow and appliance covers, but several struck out on their own to make curtains from the available material.
Roman, the translator for the group, tried his hand at making a potholder and joined the knitting group led by Joan Hahn (whose name the Mexican women pronounce “Joanne.”)
Once again, the women of the church provided lunch for the team. Those sandwiches made for Wednesday’s lunch must be getting pretty old by now!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Good-bye to Miguel Aleman
Lyn Huber checked in tonight (Thursday, 2/11)) with news from the second and last day working at the church in Miguel Aleman.
Most of the women continued with the sewing of pillow and appliance covers, but there was also interest in crocheting and, especially, knitting—something not experienced very often in earlier trips to the other two churches. Joan Hahn and Pat Lotz helped the women and a few of the older girls learn how to make headbands and scarves which were especially welcome during the current cold spell (for Mexico)—56 degrees! More typical are temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s this time of year.
The women of the church again prepared lunch for the team, which was greatly appreciated even though it meant the sandwiches they made yesterday are still in the cooler.
The team has relocated at the Days Inn in San Juan, TX where they will stay for the remainder of the trip. Those who have been on previous trips will be interested to hear that check-in took a very long time. The motel is very reasonably priced, has very nice clean rooms and provides wonderful cooked breakfasts for no extra charge. However, dealing with the office is always a trial. Today’s check-in took a very long time because their computer was down. There’s always something....
The team often has some work to do even when they return to the motel. Tonight everyone was busy cutting out leaves and flowers which the Narenjito children will decorate and on which they will write their names. Bette Bowes had made a felt tree for each church, and the children’s decorations will be glued on making a memento that will hang in each church as a reminder of the special days spent with their American friends.
Tomorrow the team will drive to Naranjito where they will continue their work with women and children (and sometimes men who enjoy joining in.)
Most of the women continued with the sewing of pillow and appliance covers, but there was also interest in crocheting and, especially, knitting—something not experienced very often in earlier trips to the other two churches. Joan Hahn and Pat Lotz helped the women and a few of the older girls learn how to make headbands and scarves which were especially welcome during the current cold spell (for Mexico)—56 degrees! More typical are temperatures in the 70’s and 80’s this time of year.
The women of the church again prepared lunch for the team, which was greatly appreciated even though it meant the sandwiches they made yesterday are still in the cooler.
The team has relocated at the Days Inn in San Juan, TX where they will stay for the remainder of the trip. Those who have been on previous trips will be interested to hear that check-in took a very long time. The motel is very reasonably priced, has very nice clean rooms and provides wonderful cooked breakfasts for no extra charge. However, dealing with the office is always a trial. Today’s check-in took a very long time because their computer was down. There’s always something....
The team often has some work to do even when they return to the motel. Tonight everyone was busy cutting out leaves and flowers which the Narenjito children will decorate and on which they will write their names. Bette Bowes had made a felt tree for each church, and the children’s decorations will be glued on making a memento that will hang in each church as a reminder of the special days spent with their American friends.
Tomorrow the team will drive to Naranjito where they will continue their work with women and children (and sometimes men who enjoy joining in.)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Miguel Aleman Church - Day 1
Today the team worked at the Miguel Aleman church in Mexico. About 20 women, 20 - 30 children, and a few men came to do crafts and sewing projects.
Bette Bowes called to report on the day. This is Bette’s first trip to Mexico. She had been asked to help with the crafts for the children and she would use the term stark terror to describe how she felt about the prospect of doing this. She has never worked with children before, and, of course, doesn’t speak Spanish. She couldn’t imagine how this was going to work.
I wish you could have heard her tell about the day! She was bubbling over with pure joy and excitement as she told how well everything went. Mexican children are less “active” than our American children and are willing to wait patiently for help. They were very appreciative of the crafts planned for them—especially the beads. In fact, several of the women and men joined in making bracelets and necklaces.
Regarding the language problem--Roman, a young man who works with Faith Ministry, was there as in years past to translate for the team, although after initial directions are translated, it’s amazing what can be done by sign language and demonstrations.
Most of the women loved using the sewing machines and made covers for pillows and appliances. Lyn Huber, whose specialty is knitting and crocheting, worked with the women who wanted to learn those skills—or simply needed supplies to get started.
Calls of “Thank you! Thank you!” and “God bless you!” were shouted as the team returned to their motel in Texas.
A light note of the day: Bette said she wanted to see cowboys and Stetson hats which she associated with that part of the world. Even though the team had brought their own lunch, those at Miguel Aleman had planned to serve lunch to everyone. "Cowboy soup" was on the menu! The rest of her wish came true when the team had dinner in a restaurant back in Texas and saw some state troopers at another table—-all of whom wore Stetson hats.
Check in tomorrow to read about the second and last day at Miguel Aleman.
Bette Bowes called to report on the day. This is Bette’s first trip to Mexico. She had been asked to help with the crafts for the children and she would use the term stark terror to describe how she felt about the prospect of doing this. She has never worked with children before, and, of course, doesn’t speak Spanish. She couldn’t imagine how this was going to work.
I wish you could have heard her tell about the day! She was bubbling over with pure joy and excitement as she told how well everything went. Mexican children are less “active” than our American children and are willing to wait patiently for help. They were very appreciative of the crafts planned for them—especially the beads. In fact, several of the women and men joined in making bracelets and necklaces.
Regarding the language problem--Roman, a young man who works with Faith Ministry, was there as in years past to translate for the team, although after initial directions are translated, it’s amazing what can be done by sign language and demonstrations.
Most of the women loved using the sewing machines and made covers for pillows and appliances. Lyn Huber, whose specialty is knitting and crocheting, worked with the women who wanted to learn those skills—or simply needed supplies to get started.
Calls of “Thank you! Thank you!” and “God bless you!” were shouted as the team returned to their motel in Texas.
A light note of the day: Bette said she wanted to see cowboys and Stetson hats which she associated with that part of the world. Even though the team had brought their own lunch, those at Miguel Aleman had planned to serve lunch to everyone. "Cowboy soup" was on the menu! The rest of her wish came true when the team had dinner in a restaurant back in Texas and saw some state troopers at another table—-all of whom wore Stetson hats.
Check in tomorrow to read about the second and last day at Miguel Aleman.
CAMT Arrives Safely
CAMT Arrives Safely
Covenant’s Adult Mission Team (CAMT) which will work with women and children in 3 Mexican churches includes team leader Barbara Rhinehart, Pat Lotz, Lyn Huber, Joan Hahn, Kay Rowell, and Bette Bowes. (At the last minute, Nancy Reynolds was not able to go because of back problems.)
Everything went smoothly with the flight to McAllen, TX. The team was surprised—and delighted—to be greeted at the airport by Natalie Atkins and Nadine Force, members of 1st Presbyterian Church, McAllen, TX, who welcomed them with a basket of goodies. In addition, David Rodriguez, Executive Director of Faith Ministry, whose 3 churches in Mexico the team will be serving this week, was also there to greet them.
However, when they tried to pick up the van, the reservation could not be located. After numerous phone calls, the original reservation was finally “found.” The huge demand for rental cars and vans because of the Toyota recall was given as the “excuse.”
The team stopped at 1st Presbyterian on their way to the motel and were delighted to see 6 sewing machines and more bags of sewing and craft material than they could count which had been donated for use by the Mexican women and children by 1st Presbyterian and neighboring churches. Southern hospitality and generosity are awesome!
The team drove to their motel, had dinner and went to a nearby Wal*Mart where they bought some last minute supplies, the makings of Wednesday’s lunches and a cooler.
Before gathering for devotions, they decided to put some of the toilet paper they had bought into the van. (Restrooms in Mexico usually do not provide toilet paper.) The unusual key arrangement wouldn’t open the van, so they called for road service. They learned how to use the “key” but because there was a battery involved somehow, they needed to run the van for 10 minutes.
Ever the efficient group—they used the 10 minutes (plus a few more) to have devotions together—in the van before heading to bed.
The wisest advice given when CAMT started going on mission trips was: Be Flexible!
Covenant’s Adult Mission Team (CAMT) which will work with women and children in 3 Mexican churches includes team leader Barbara Rhinehart, Pat Lotz, Lyn Huber, Joan Hahn, Kay Rowell, and Bette Bowes. (At the last minute, Nancy Reynolds was not able to go because of back problems.)
Everything went smoothly with the flight to McAllen, TX. The team was surprised—and delighted—to be greeted at the airport by Natalie Atkins and Nadine Force, members of 1st Presbyterian Church, McAllen, TX, who welcomed them with a basket of goodies. In addition, David Rodriguez, Executive Director of Faith Ministry, whose 3 churches in Mexico the team will be serving this week, was also there to greet them.
However, when they tried to pick up the van, the reservation could not be located. After numerous phone calls, the original reservation was finally “found.” The huge demand for rental cars and vans because of the Toyota recall was given as the “excuse.”
The team stopped at 1st Presbyterian on their way to the motel and were delighted to see 6 sewing machines and more bags of sewing and craft material than they could count which had been donated for use by the Mexican women and children by 1st Presbyterian and neighboring churches. Southern hospitality and generosity are awesome!
The team drove to their motel, had dinner and went to a nearby Wal*Mart where they bought some last minute supplies, the makings of Wednesday’s lunches and a cooler.
Before gathering for devotions, they decided to put some of the toilet paper they had bought into the van. (Restrooms in Mexico usually do not provide toilet paper.) The unusual key arrangement wouldn’t open the van, so they called for road service. They learned how to use the “key” but because there was a battery involved somehow, they needed to run the van for 10 minutes.
Ever the efficient group—they used the 10 minutes (plus a few more) to have devotions together—in the van before heading to bed.
The wisest advice given when CAMT started going on mission trips was: Be Flexible!
Saturday, February 06, 2010
They're off- - to Mexico!
Once again a team of seven dedicated Covenant members are ready to fly Tuesday morning, Feb. 9 to McAllen, Texas. They will drive to their motel in Rio Grande City, TX and will spend Wednesday and Thursday working with the women and children who attend Faith Ministry's Presbyterian church in Miguel Aleman, Mexico.
Each team member is taking an extra suitcase full of sewing and craft materials to use in their work. There is an extra charge to fly with an extra suitcase, but it's a lot less expensive than mailing the many wonderful donations given by members of Covenant and their friends!
This will be the first time a team will have worked in Miguel Aleman, but they are assuming that, like the women in the other two churches, they will like to make decorative covers for pillows and appliance covers. There will also be extra material for the women who have their own ideas about what to make! There are lots of different crafts planned for the children who come with their mothers each day. Because most schools have two different sessions--some children go in the morning, and another group goes in the afternoon, there are children at the church off and on all day.
Thursday afternoon the team will drive to a motel in San Juan so they will be closer to the churches they will be serving the rest of the time: Naranjito Friday and Saturday, and Reynosa on Monday.
Sunday morning they will attend worship services at the 1st Presbyterian Church in McAllen and will thank the women there who have gathered craft and sewing material for the Mexican women. This is the first time Covenant has partnered with a Texas church--again saving the cost (100's of dollars!) of shipping. A pot luck lunch is planned for the team after the service, and everyone is anxious to meet those with whom they share a true concern for the Mexican people.
Sunday afternoon they will make a brief trip to a tourist town just over the Mexican border and will prepare for their last work day, Monday, when they will work with the women and children in the Reynosa church. Because Covenant teams have worked with the Reynosa women and children during all previous trips, they don't need as much instruction as those in the other churches.
Tuesday, of course, is travel home day. Check the blog each day to read what happened that day.
Each team member is taking an extra suitcase full of sewing and craft materials to use in their work. There is an extra charge to fly with an extra suitcase, but it's a lot less expensive than mailing the many wonderful donations given by members of Covenant and their friends!
This will be the first time a team will have worked in Miguel Aleman, but they are assuming that, like the women in the other two churches, they will like to make decorative covers for pillows and appliance covers. There will also be extra material for the women who have their own ideas about what to make! There are lots of different crafts planned for the children who come with their mothers each day. Because most schools have two different sessions--some children go in the morning, and another group goes in the afternoon, there are children at the church off and on all day.
Thursday afternoon the team will drive to a motel in San Juan so they will be closer to the churches they will be serving the rest of the time: Naranjito Friday and Saturday, and Reynosa on Monday.
Sunday morning they will attend worship services at the 1st Presbyterian Church in McAllen and will thank the women there who have gathered craft and sewing material for the Mexican women. This is the first time Covenant has partnered with a Texas church--again saving the cost (100's of dollars!) of shipping. A pot luck lunch is planned for the team after the service, and everyone is anxious to meet those with whom they share a true concern for the Mexican people.
Sunday afternoon they will make a brief trip to a tourist town just over the Mexican border and will prepare for their last work day, Monday, when they will work with the women and children in the Reynosa church. Because Covenant teams have worked with the Reynosa women and children during all previous trips, they don't need as much instruction as those in the other churches.
Tuesday, of course, is travel home day. Check the blog each day to read what happened that day.
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