What an amazing way to start the day.... several countries came together for a joyful celebration: the United States, El Salvador, Chile, Canada, and Columbia. All the Ambassadors from each country were there for this huge dedication of the new addition to the local school, Centro Escolar Estanzuelas in Quezaltepeque (city), La Libertad (state). Quezaltepeque is a impoverished community and was ever so grateful for the addition to the school. Military forces from each country came together to build the new classrooms!
It was like a scene in the movies. Armed guards from El Salvador were in their usual posts and hundreds of young soldiers were in the gated school grounds for the extra protection of all the dignitaries! During the formal dedication.....the school children were in the midst of a carnival style party....... provided by the hands and feet of our Starfish Team and Sus Hijos! Popcorn, snow cones, face painting, crafts, piñatas, balloon art, parachute games, soccer games, homemade tattoos, and candy galore!
As the carnival came to a close and the children were full of sugar and happiness, Mrs. Laura ended the celebration with a bang!!!!!!! Lines were formed and the boys received a t-shirt, girls received pillowcase dresses and sent on their way with a treat bag!
Mark 9:37 "Whoever receives one such child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me"!
Just when we thought the morning was the best ever, and the day could not get any better, our Lord was preparing another joyous journey for our afternoon!
We left Quezaltepeque and headed back to Santa Anna. We had a few things to finish on the home we built yesterday. As always, Orsy to the rescue! During the final touches, the furniture arrived for the family: 6 bunk beds, 2 rocking chairs, table with two benches, and a tortilla oven! Once the furniture was in place, Martha Stewart (Aka Laura Roberts) put the decorating spin of color to the home with flowered floor rugs, sheets, storage bins, plates, bowls, utensils, and flatware.
The rain clouds were rolling in so we decided to dedicate the home to the family after we took food the community. We gave each family: beans, rice, cornflower, sugar, a New Testament, a scriptural calendar, a clothing item, and treat bags for the children!
While everyone was returning from the community, the rain began. We gathered in the neighbor's home that is also used as a church trying to stay dry . We sang, shared testimonies, prayed and had a hallelujah worship time together!
Rain stopped at the perfect time for the home dedication! The family was so thankful for their new home, and the encouraging words from Kurt and Laura.
Kurt read II Corinthians 6: 1-10 and Joe prayed as we laid hands on the home and the family!
A perfect way to end the day!
Cathy Botts
It was like a scene in the movies. Armed guards from El Salvador were in their usual posts and hundreds of young soldiers were in the gated school grounds for the extra protection of all the dignitaries! During the formal dedication.....the school children were in the midst of a carnival style party....... provided by the hands and feet of our Starfish Team and Sus Hijos! Popcorn, snow cones, face painting, crafts, piñatas, balloon art, parachute games, soccer games, homemade tattoos, and candy galore!
As the carnival came to a close and the children were full of sugar and happiness, Mrs. Laura ended the celebration with a bang!!!!!!! Lines were formed and the boys received a t-shirt, girls received pillowcase dresses and sent on their way with a treat bag!
Mark 9:37 "Whoever receives one such child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me"!
Just when we thought the morning was the best ever, and the day could not get any better, our Lord was preparing another joyous journey for our afternoon!
We left Quezaltepeque and headed back to Santa Anna. We had a few things to finish on the home we built yesterday. As always, Orsy to the rescue! During the final touches, the furniture arrived for the family: 6 bunk beds, 2 rocking chairs, table with two benches, and a tortilla oven! Once the furniture was in place, Martha Stewart (Aka Laura Roberts) put the decorating spin of color to the home with flowered floor rugs, sheets, storage bins, plates, bowls, utensils, and flatware.
The rain clouds were rolling in so we decided to dedicate the home to the family after we took food the community. We gave each family: beans, rice, cornflower, sugar, a New Testament, a scriptural calendar, a clothing item, and treat bags for the children!
While everyone was returning from the community, the rain began. We gathered in the neighbor's home that is also used as a church trying to stay dry . We sang, shared testimonies, prayed and had a hallelujah worship time together!
Rain stopped at the perfect time for the home dedication! The family was so thankful for their new home, and the encouraging words from Kurt and Laura.
Kurt read II Corinthians 6: 1-10 and Joe prayed as we laid hands on the home and the family!
A perfect way to end the day!
Cathy Botts
No comments:
Post a Comment