Sunday, August 1, 2021

 



Today we started off at the potential future mission house for Sus Hijos. We were able to tour the property and pray for guidance as decisions are made for the future. 

Then we rode a couple hours to the beach to meet up with our friends from San Martin for a beach/pool day. It was full of water guns, laughing, and of course dancing! 

The ocean was a bit rough, but we jumped some waves together and hung out in the pool for a few hours. There were smiles all around!



“Mightier than the waves of the sea is His love for you” -Psalm 93:4 

Before the San Martin group left we gathered by the ocean to spread the remains of a dear friend from San Martin at one of her favorite places. Although she will be deeply missed, the group was joyful that she is in a much better place. It was very special! We were very blessed to be able to continue the fun from yesterday with the adults of San Martin today. It is almost impossible not to be happy when they are around, they are a great reminder to “rejoice and be glad” in every day. 

 




After we said our goodbyes, we hung out in the pool for a little longer until it was time to head out for pupusas. Pupusas are an El Salvadorian favorite that are similar to a thick tortilla with cheese, meat, and other things to choose from. It was delicious! 


Overall it was a great last day relaxing after a week of hard work. We feel so blessed God gave us the opportunity to come here to be His hands and feet for the week. 



 

Thursday, July 29, 2021

Thursday... Sharing God's Love Overcomes Any Barriers... Language or Otherwise

Our team today began the morning with a quick tour of States Bakes, another part of the Sus Hijos organization. This bakery provides training and job opportunities for several young people who otherwise might not find employment. They bake and produce breads for 8 businesses and the restaurants operated by Sus Hijos. 

Next up was a trip south of San Salvador to Santa Ana and the Ciudad de los NiƱos y Adolesciencias (CNA) orphanage for children. We were able to spend some one and one time with the children there playing games, and giving them shoes, treats, and clothes. 
 
This afternoon we headed over to work with the adults with special needs from San Martin who currently relocated to CNA as well. We arrived to a full-fledged water/dance party! It was so invigorating and freeing to see the pure joy on the faces of our team and the residents there as we just danced, laughed, played games, and enjoyed each other's company! 

It blows my mind how the love of God can overcome any language or other barriers that may exist among His children. 


Before leaving, we were able to provide several donations to the center and provided each resident with stuffed animals and treat bags. 

Tonight, we returned back to the Mission House for a dinner from the States diner before heading out to provide over 100 meals to homeless individuals in the area. 

God's presence has been felt as strongly today, if not stronger, 
than the day we got here. We are humbled and beyond grateful to have 
been given this opportunity to serve His children. 
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9 (NIV)

Wednesday; A beautiful day dedicating the home to the family...

Today is house dedication day. We started off by loading up the bus with food and donations for the community where the house is located. 
Then made a quick stop to buy supplies for the family.

Back at the homesite we cleaned and moved in the furniture and supplies.

   




We dedicated the house and the family was so happy
 and grateful to have a safe home.


After the house dedication we spent time praying with families in the 
community and handing out the food and donations.






At the end of two long hard days we left with a sense of thankfulness that God 
used us to bless a family and community, and for showing his grace and mercy 
by holding off the rain until we were finished!

Then it was back to the mission house for a little rest, worship, and celebration with the house missionaries, David and Valerie, before their return trip to the states. 


We closed the evening by serving the homeless. The need is overwhelming but once again we're grateful that God is giving us an opportunity to help in some way.






Wednesday, July 28, 2021

It's time to build a house y'all!

Today was the most challenging day but it was also so rewarding. We started off the day by loading all the walls and supplies to build the house, which went pretty quickly this year. On the way to the site we got to stop at a gas station which made some team members  super excited  because the snacks here are so flavorful and tasty! 

Once we got to the location we had to travel up and down muddy hills and rocks to get to where we needed to build the house which had its fair share of falls and struggles. Building the house(s) is always challenging but it feels so good to be doing something for those in need and testing our own strength. 

 




 


Everyone in our group and the volunteers from Sus Hijos put in 110% today and never gave up even when it felt impossible to get the house finished. The group worked so well together and the whole time the family we were building the house for was watching us and smiling. For me personally I saw how strong I can be and I pushed myself harder than ever have and it felt amazing. 




Monday, July 26, 2021

Movin & Grovin for the Lord on a Monday!

 Today started early with everyone getting on the bus at 8:00am. We went to our first orphanage and started off with our skit. Afterwards, we all went outside and played soccer, basketball, and water balloons. 

While everyone was playing games a missionary named Rocky led an older group, warning them about the danger of drugs. We wrapped up by making arts and crafts and giving the kids their gifts. The kids faces lit up when the saw the gifts! 
We finished at that orphanage by buying a table of art that they made. This helped support their art program. 


Next we all went to the biggest of the States Dinners. We had all underestimated the size of the food! It was GINORMUS! 

Once we all finished eating we went to the second orphanage. We brought them soccer balls, sidewalk chalk, and other crafts. The kids were so exited about all of these things especially when some of them got piggy back rides! When everyone was done playing we preformed the skit for the children. 



We also gavethem a gift bag and a stuffed animal. When we were done we said goodbye and went to their gift shop.


Before leaving, we went to talk to the director about their hygiene. 
Finally we finished our evening by feeding the homeless.