Big smiles and talking parrots!

As our first official full day in El Salvador, the excitement was rising. The anticipation was killer, especially since our team is largely full of first- timers. Breakfast was bright and early at around 6:30...and today was our day to “sleep in”. We loaded up on the bus around 8:30ish, after our good pal Norman kicked one of our few soccer balls onto the roof of a not so appreciative lady.

Our first stop was at San Martin, a place for special needs adults. We toured where they lived and where they attended school. We moved out into the yard and patiently waited for them to get out of school. It was a bit out of our comfort zone for many of us, but it was definitely worth it. There was dancing, face painting, finger nail painting, and smiles to go share. To sum up this visit: crank it like a chainsaw, Norman is definitely the wobble master, and you will never experience as much joy as you do after seeing the smile on their face when you put a band-aid on their hand.

We left San Martin after hours of dancing and proceeded to have lunch at the State’s Diner. This restaurant is a transition organization ran by Kurt and Sus Hijos that helps give employment and homes to kids who have aged out of government ran orphanages. Good old fashioned American food, and the deep fried Snickers were absolutely FANTASTIC.

The final destination for the day was Guirola, an orphanage for special needs children. After spending the morning at San Martin, I think it is safe to say that every member of our team was more than excited to get together with these caring kids. Another tour came and it was time for another party. This one included some fun games with a parachute and plenty of dancing once again. You’ve never seen a smile as big as some of these kids had, and I’m telling you that it is something you want to experience. After many walks with the kids around the grounds and a very one-sided conversation with a parrot, it was time for us to depart from our new made friends.

 

Tonight the other half of our team was sent out to feed the homeless. Trust me, the bread was still flying, the mustard was still slinging, and the meat was still juicing. And, if you have any doubt about the juiciness of the meat, you can just ask our good friends Rathgeber and Jeremy Latham how it tastes.

All in all, I would say it’s been a very successful day. God blessed each of us with the chance to be here and I know it’s something we will all take with us. Following God’s path for us may not always be the easiest decision, but it leads us through some pretty amazing doors.
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”Psalms 25:5 

A day worth waiting for! McCracken County HS 2015

Today we started our mission very early by leaving the hotel at 3:30am to catch our flight at the Nashville International Airport. With luggage packed, passports in hand, and hearts pumping, we flew through baggage check in no time. Even Mr. Rathgeber got through successfully!

Sitting on the plane, we were anxiously waiting for our departure when “MECHANICAL ISSUES” MADE US SIT THERE FOR HOURS. 2 HOURS. But, after a couple of hours, the “mechanical issues” were mysteriously solved and the trip was back on. We arrived in Atlanta with legitimately 3 minutes to spare, we RAN to the gate for San Salvador. Cameron almost died in flight from extreme terror, but luckily he survived. Landing on time, we soared through customs and picked up the luggage.

Tonight we prepared meals for the homeless. At record breaking speed, the bags were filled with sandwiches, chips, cookies, napkins, and apples. Bread was flying, mustard was slinging, meat was juicing, but the bags were a success!

Half of the team went to feed the homeless tonight while the other half will go tomorrow.
Despite the minor hiccups, overall, today was a phenomenal first day. 

Loving His Kids!

Tonight's note comes from : Mason Milles

"Today was a true blessing for me. This morning we went to  Tovida and we had a great time with the young ladies singing songs and taking their pictures. A few hours ago we went to a special needs orphanage named Garolla. We danced, sang, had snacks, and truly enjoyed ourselves. But the point where I truly felt that I actually had a purpose in being in that room. When I looked into the eyes of those children and tickled them I felt like a dad. I don't even mean metaphorically, I really felt like a father in that moment loving on his kids because he adores them. I thank God for the ability given to fathers and soon to be fathers alike, the ability to comfort his children and people at anytime. 2 Corinthians 6:18 - "and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty."

Today was spent finishing up the house. What a long and rewarding day! The team completed all of the finishing touches, gave the father his lock & key and prayed over the new home. 

Here's a beautiful note from Lisa Feldsein:

"My heart overflows!

In addition to clothing, feeding and housing a family of six. Which is entirely an amazing feat here!

We gained a new sister in Christ! God used common sinners forgiven through grace to share with Maria. God used the example of people spending time to build a house for others we do not know and a gift of beans, rice, prayer and a bible to touch her heart!  While talking we also shared John 3:16, Romans 3:23 and 6:23 as well as 1 John 1:9.  After talking about having a relationship with Christ, she said she wanted to do that!  

Lillie, our translator,

Assisted us with sharing. Such a blessing! 

Of course working with the family was awesome too!  

Watching their faces as they removed their shoes before entering their new house!  Seeing the furniture. The food. The new sheets!  Pillows.  A rocking chair. Plastic chairs for sitting in. Table and benches to eat at as a family!!

We are sitting in the dry after a big bowl of Judy's famous Tortilla Soup (Originally Susan Ackerman's). Thanks Judy and John for a great week! Praying God continues to bless your ministry as you serve!  Tonight the family is in a dry house with a floor. They had food to eat. They also know that God loves them!

Such a blessed trip!"