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.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
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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