Friends and Family,
Thanks for following our adventures via this blog. We have much to process and share in the coming weeks. This would not have been possible without your support. We will have a brief recap on March 14th at Huron Hills if you are able to join us. Hannah Logue called this the best service trip she has been on (her 4th in Mexico w/ Huron Hills), and I have to agree. The 12 of us had a wonderful time in the communities. Thanks again for your generosity. Let's remember we are truly more blessed to give than to receive.
Until next year!
Tony on behalf of the Tijuana 12
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Soccer with the boys...
From Sarah Keck-
Today was our last day of work in the communities and it was a sad day for us all. This week I had a lot of fun playing with my soccer buddy who I met last year, Ezekiel (13), as well as his friend Eduardo (14). They are such sweet boys and Hannah and I have had fun “talking” to them and playing soccer. It was boys against girls and let’s be honest, those boys can run circles around us on the field. Yesterday we learned that Ezekiel knew a little bit of English that he had learned from watching TV. They were always concerned while we were playing soccer that we were tired or needed a break (probably because they constantly owned us).
I have been dreading the day when we could no longer say hasta manana (see you tomorrow) and that day has come. I had a really hard time when we were saying good bye to the women leaders and they said that they were so blessed to have us, were so thankful for us and that we were like family and would always be welcome. I really opened my heart to them this week and have been so blessed. A piece of my heart is still there, and I was sobbing because I had to leave while they have to stay in remain in such a poor living condition. It’s also hard as a senior, not knowing if I will be coming back again. I wish I could do more for them. There were a lot of tears and thanks shared as we all circled together with the leaders of the community and the children to share final words of encouragement and prayer.
On a lighter note, everyone has been buying chicharron for Tony and the team so we wished he would have chosen a more delicious word for the week like paletas (popsicles).
Thank you so much for you support and your prayers! Can’t wait to tell you more!
Today was our last day of work in the communities and it was a sad day for us all. This week I had a lot of fun playing with my soccer buddy who I met last year, Ezekiel (13), as well as his friend Eduardo (14). They are such sweet boys and Hannah and I have had fun “talking” to them and playing soccer. It was boys against girls and let’s be honest, those boys can run circles around us on the field. Yesterday we learned that Ezekiel knew a little bit of English that he had learned from watching TV. They were always concerned while we were playing soccer that we were tired or needed a break (probably because they constantly owned us).
I have been dreading the day when we could no longer say hasta manana (see you tomorrow) and that day has come. I had a really hard time when we were saying good bye to the women leaders and they said that they were so blessed to have us, were so thankful for us and that we were like family and would always be welcome. I really opened my heart to them this week and have been so blessed. A piece of my heart is still there, and I was sobbing because I had to leave while they have to stay in remain in such a poor living condition. It’s also hard as a senior, not knowing if I will be coming back again. I wish I could do more for them. There were a lot of tears and thanks shared as we all circled together with the leaders of the community and the children to share final words of encouragement and prayer.
On a lighter note, everyone has been buying chicharron for Tony and the team so we wished he would have chosen a more delicious word for the week like paletas (popsicles).
Thank you so much for you support and your prayers! Can’t wait to tell you more!
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Mexico Day 4
Buenas noches de Jon y Diana,
We decided that it was important to open this blog with a tribute to the amazing food we have received during our stay here in Mexico. The food at the ranch is not only superb, but accented by Mari’s hot sauces. We enjoyed two tonight alongside carne asada burritos with guacamole and beans. One was hot, made from pico de gallo peppers and slightly sweet, while the other was milder, made from roasted ancho peppers and tomatillos. These sauces have spurred our appetites and left our lips tingling. We’ve consumed quesadilla breakfasts with tomato and cilantro salsa, chicken tortas with fresh cotijo cheese, and various meats wrapped in hot wheat and corn tortillas. We’ve never seemed to hunger or want for more.
Today was our second day in Villarutia. We finished dumping dirt on top of the tires we had placed to form a retaining wall and capped it with a berm. (new word for Diana!) We also began the process of leveling the land next to the community center and dug out a trench for rain water runoff. Brian put his architectural skills to use helping the two local foremen assemble rebar foundations for a much more stable wall around the community center. We ended the day by pouring concrete for the wall, playing soccer, and getting attacked with sticker thanks to the myriad of small children.
The drives to and from the communities have evolved into oldies singalongs thanks to San Diego’s 105.7 The Walrus. MJ, the BeeGees, the Eagles, Diana Ross (without the Supremes), Steve Miller Band, and Steppenwolf have energized our crapvan and gotten us ready to work. Though there are too many commercial breaks it is a relief to find good music with the CD player broken.
Peace and Love from the Team.
We decided that it was important to open this blog with a tribute to the amazing food we have received during our stay here in Mexico. The food at the ranch is not only superb, but accented by Mari’s hot sauces. We enjoyed two tonight alongside carne asada burritos with guacamole and beans. One was hot, made from pico de gallo peppers and slightly sweet, while the other was milder, made from roasted ancho peppers and tomatillos. These sauces have spurred our appetites and left our lips tingling. We’ve consumed quesadilla breakfasts with tomato and cilantro salsa, chicken tortas with fresh cotijo cheese, and various meats wrapped in hot wheat and corn tortillas. We’ve never seemed to hunger or want for more.
Today was our second day in Villarutia. We finished dumping dirt on top of the tires we had placed to form a retaining wall and capped it with a berm. (new word for Diana!) We also began the process of leveling the land next to the community center and dug out a trench for rain water runoff. Brian put his architectural skills to use helping the two local foremen assemble rebar foundations for a much more stable wall around the community center. We ended the day by pouring concrete for the wall, playing soccer, and getting attacked with sticker thanks to the myriad of small children.
The drives to and from the communities have evolved into oldies singalongs thanks to San Diego’s 105.7 The Walrus. MJ, the BeeGees, the Eagles, Diana Ross (without the Supremes), Steve Miller Band, and Steppenwolf have energized our crapvan and gotten us ready to work. Though there are too many commercial breaks it is a relief to find good music with the CD player broken.
Peace and Love from the Team.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Work in Villaruita
Hannah,
Hey everyone,
Today the skies were clear and we finally made it into the community of Villaruitia to get some good work done. For the first time this week Katherine Raymond drove our van; we made it to the community in record time and nearly took out two police cars on the way. (I’m really excited because Tony says that I can drive tomorrow!) [Editor’s note: Students will never drive. Hannah is an English major utilizing sarcasm here. Our 3 drivers have been very safe. Driving each day in a city of 2-3 million is by no means relaxing.] By the way, I don’t think anyone has mentioned this yet, but our van is actually possessed. The interior light flicks on and off when we go over big bumps, the AC can only be controlled by twisting the knobs with pliers, and the CD player refuses to work. As Kathryn Compton says, “We are VERY offended by Budget Car Rental.”
Anyway, we spent the day in Villaruitia building a retaining wall by the community center and playing soccer with the kids. Everyone worked incredibly hard; I am really proud of our team. We also had the pleasure of working alongside several of the community residents, including Oscar, our buddy from last year. It is really cool to see the improvement of the community center compared to last year. Last year it was only made of plywood that would shake when you pushed on it. Now it’s covered with plaster and looks like a real house. There is even electricty! I was totally amazed by the change.
As I wrap this up, Tony is yelling “I drew my cards like a chicharron!” during a game of skipbo. Tony uses this word about once a minute in every imaginable context. He says that it is his new favorite word. Unfortunately, it means “pig rind” in Spanish, so when he yells it out in public we get weird looks. Ok, I will turn it over to Alexis to fill you in more on our day. Thank you all for your support and prayers!
Hey everyone,
Today the skies were clear and we finally made it into the community of Villaruitia to get some good work done. For the first time this week Katherine Raymond drove our van; we made it to the community in record time and nearly took out two police cars on the way. (I’m really excited because Tony says that I can drive tomorrow!) [Editor’s note: Students will never drive. Hannah is an English major utilizing sarcasm here. Our 3 drivers have been very safe. Driving each day in a city of 2-3 million is by no means relaxing.] By the way, I don’t think anyone has mentioned this yet, but our van is actually possessed. The interior light flicks on and off when we go over big bumps, the AC can only be controlled by twisting the knobs with pliers, and the CD player refuses to work. As Kathryn Compton says, “We are VERY offended by Budget Car Rental.”
Anyway, we spent the day in Villaruitia building a retaining wall by the community center and playing soccer with the kids. Everyone worked incredibly hard; I am really proud of our team. We also had the pleasure of working alongside several of the community residents, including Oscar, our buddy from last year. It is really cool to see the improvement of the community center compared to last year. Last year it was only made of plywood that would shake when you pushed on it. Now it’s covered with plaster and looks like a real house. There is even electricty! I was totally amazed by the change.
As I wrap this up, Tony is yelling “I drew my cards like a chicharron!” during a game of skipbo. Tony uses this word about once a minute in every imaginable context. He says that it is his new favorite word. Unfortunately, it means “pig rind” in Spanish, so when he yells it out in public we get weird looks. Ok, I will turn it over to Alexis to fill you in more on our day. Thank you all for your support and prayers!
Hair gel for aloe...
Alexis Delaney
'It’s sad but true, I can’t stop eating.' Sarah Gadway just said this when we brought out the cheesecake. I am currently eating a slice and getting a massage from Diana. God bless Mexico.
What a beautiful day it was in la communidad Villarutia. Villarutia is just one of the communities squatting on the steep hills of Tijuana. What we helped with today was to dig up old tires and put them in a crevice of the earth that was taking ground away from the community. There was a shortage of shovels, so God gave me the opportunity to pull weeds with some women and my new seven-year-old friend Isaac. It has been such a blessing to talk en espanol with my new friends, and they have been very gracious in trying to understand me. After our lunch, some of us played soccer with the kids. I’m not sure if he realized this, but after Tony found out I was on his team, he said, 'Our team is at a disadvantage.' What a chicharron…[Editor’s note: Sarah Keck confirmed even if I did say this, the reason was our team had fewer players. Also, great use of “chicharron” Alexis!]
To top off the day, after returning to the ranch I proceeded to slab hair gel all over my various sunburns. I found it in Amanda’s bag, and it really looked like aloe. I must go to bed soon…
Gracis a Dios por este dia.
'It’s sad but true, I can’t stop eating.' Sarah Gadway just said this when we brought out the cheesecake. I am currently eating a slice and getting a massage from Diana. God bless Mexico.
What a beautiful day it was in la communidad Villarutia. Villarutia is just one of the communities squatting on the steep hills of Tijuana. What we helped with today was to dig up old tires and put them in a crevice of the earth that was taking ground away from the community. There was a shortage of shovels, so God gave me the opportunity to pull weeds with some women and my new seven-year-old friend Isaac. It has been such a blessing to talk en espanol with my new friends, and they have been very gracious in trying to understand me. After our lunch, some of us played soccer with the kids. I’m not sure if he realized this, but after Tony found out I was on his team, he said, 'Our team is at a disadvantage.' What a chicharron…[Editor’s note: Sarah Keck confirmed even if I did say this, the reason was our team had fewer players. Also, great use of “chicharron” Alexis!]
To top off the day, after returning to the ranch I proceeded to slab hair gel all over my various sunburns. I found it in Amanda’s bag, and it really looked like aloe. I must go to bed soon…
Gracis a Dios por este dia.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Te doy Gloria!
Hola a todos! It’s been a beautiful day as the rains have cleared up and we got a chance to visit the communites today. God’s presence was definitely felt as we worshipped alongside the people in the community of Las Palmas. The church we visited welcomed us with open arms, and it was great to see God’s community joining together as we sang worship songs in English and Spanish and as Tony delivered his message in Spanglish this morning. Noe and his family joined us in Las Palmas and introduced us to the greatest fish tacos known to man. We are all fully enjoying the Mexican food. We even got a chance to try chicharron, which is basically fried pork rind but can also double as a fun word that is applicable in almost any situation.
Our day continued with a great adventure in the mountains of Tijuana, but I’ll let Marissa fill you in on that portion of our day. Thank you for your prayers and support, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the week. Hasta manana!
Sarah Gadway
Our day continued with a great adventure in the mountains of Tijuana, but I’ll let Marissa fill you in on that portion of our day. Thank you for your prayers and support, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the week. Hasta manana!
Sarah Gadway
Sunday part 2...
First of all, I want to emphasize on what Sarah said about how welcoming the church was in Las Palmas. The people there were filled with the love of God and you could see their joy for the Lord overflowing in how they jumped, danced and raised their hands in worship.
After lunch we spent some quality time in God’s creation. We took a long, windy, scenic drive through the mountains and stopped along the highway to climb up the boulders that lined the side of the mountain. The view got more and more beautiful the higher we climbed. We ended the climb with a hearty Hail to the Victors, followed by the Mexican version of the chicken dance. We then drove back down the windy mountains and headed back to our home for the week.
Thank you for all your support and prayers! Please continue to pray for us as we start work in Villarutia tomorrow.
In Christ’s Love,
Marissa Person
After lunch we spent some quality time in God’s creation. We took a long, windy, scenic drive through the mountains and stopped along the highway to climb up the boulders that lined the side of the mountain. The view got more and more beautiful the higher we climbed. We ended the climb with a hearty Hail to the Victors, followed by the Mexican version of the chicken dance. We then drove back down the windy mountains and headed back to our home for the week.
Thank you for all your support and prayers! Please continue to pray for us as we start work in Villarutia tomorrow.
In Christ’s Love,
Marissa Person
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Don't yell at the pastor.
We are playing spoons to wind down the night. Katherine Raymond just knocked me out and she screamed really loud in celebration. Thought you would all like to know this.
Rainy rain...
Hello, friends! Brian here – we’ve come to the end of our first full day here in Mexico. It has been raining more than usual in this area…so much so that we were not able to make the drive up the mountain roads to Villarruita. These communities need this rain. Please pray for patience on our parts as we wait for the weather to clear up enough to make our way to our Mexican brethren. We were informed today that Katherine and I will be co-leading worship and Tony will be giving the message at church in a community tomorrow. This is more than enough prep time for Mexican culture. :)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thanks!
1. Thanks to the Lord-we are safe at the Rancho La Paloma in Tecate, Mexico.
2. Thanks to our team-Morale is high, everyone worked hard today moving promise packs (backpacks) into storage in San Diego. These packsare filled with school supplies and are given to children in need in Mexico.
3. Thanks to your support-We miss each of you. Personally, it's by no means easy to kiss my wife and 10 month old son goodbye for a week. But Mariah and I hope Cy will grow up and decide to steward his spring break in service to the Kingdom and the King. These are stellar students here. Thanks families for a job well done! [PS-Precious, if you read this, our team had a great idea on how to prevent Cy from taking his first steps while Daddy is gone. Please hold him in your arms for the next 7 days :) Thanks.]
4. Thanks to the skycap servant who assisted us with check-in today. Your $20 spot was well deserved.
5. Thanks to World Vision for sending Kathryn Compton to join us. Kathryn is the national director of many important things in the organization. We relish our one week of quality time together.
Tomorrow we are off to Villarruita, a community where our team last year began great work on their community center. Our summer youth team continued that work. We are excited to return. Please pray specifically for this community. Sanitation provisions and road conditions are a few of the many glaring needs here. Pray the rains don't keep us from traversing the mountainous, dirt (and crater-filled) roads.
This blog should be updated around 12am EST each night by a few students. If not, our internet connection is shaky at best. More to come!
2. Thanks to our team-Morale is high, everyone worked hard today moving promise packs (backpacks) into storage in San Diego. These packsare filled with school supplies and are given to children in need in Mexico.
3. Thanks to your support-We miss each of you. Personally, it's by no means easy to kiss my wife and 10 month old son goodbye for a week. But Mariah and I hope Cy will grow up and decide to steward his spring break in service to the Kingdom and the King. These are stellar students here. Thanks families for a job well done! [PS-Precious, if you read this, our team had a great idea on how to prevent Cy from taking his first steps while Daddy is gone. Please hold him in your arms for the next 7 days :) Thanks.]
4. Thanks to the skycap servant who assisted us with check-in today. Your $20 spot was well deserved.
5. Thanks to World Vision for sending Kathryn Compton to join us. Kathryn is the national director of many important things in the organization. We relish our one week of quality time together.
Tomorrow we are off to Villarruita, a community where our team last year began great work on their community center. Our summer youth team continued that work. We are excited to return. Please pray specifically for this community. Sanitation provisions and road conditions are a few of the many glaring needs here. Pray the rains don't keep us from traversing the mountainous, dirt (and crater-filled) roads.
This blog should be updated around 12am EST each night by a few students. If not, our internet connection is shaky at best. More to come!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Leaving Tomorrow
Hey friends,
So... I never got around to putting those pictures up (sorry...). However, if you're my facebook friend you'll find pictures there.
We are leaving in the morning! Thank you all for your prayers so far - as little as I've seen the rest of the team this last week I can sense that there is a huge amount of excitement building, which might help us get through our 5.45 AM meeting time at church to head to the airport.
The next time you'll hear from us, we will be at the ranch in Tecate. Viva Mexico!
So... I never got around to putting those pictures up (sorry...). However, if you're my facebook friend you'll find pictures there.
We are leaving in the morning! Thank you all for your prayers so far - as little as I've seen the rest of the team this last week I can sense that there is a huge amount of excitement building, which might help us get through our 5.45 AM meeting time at church to head to the airport.
The next time you'll hear from us, we will be at the ranch in Tecate. Viva Mexico!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
TJ 2010!
Hey friends!
Thank you so much for your support last year. It was so awesome, we're doing it again! (I promise to upload some photos from last year soonish.) This time, we're going with a bigger team as well - God is raining down blessings on this ministry. Currently, we are finishing up support raising and training, but it is safe to say that we've been excited about going for a while now. Watch this space!
brian
Thank you so much for your support last year. It was so awesome, we're doing it again! (I promise to upload some photos from last year soonish.) This time, we're going with a bigger team as well - God is raining down blessings on this ministry. Currently, we are finishing up support raising and training, but it is safe to say that we've been excited about going for a while now. Watch this space!
brian
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