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 Niños 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.

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. 

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.

Sunday, a full day of service & worship!

We started our morning worshiping with the men and women of El Salvador. We had prepared a song to sing in Spanish and I am not going to lie, we sounded a little less than desirable at all 3 practice sessions.  When we arrived they were already singing praise and worship hymns and most of us In the group were unable to sing along, yet somehow, I have never heard more beautiful singing in all my life.  The passion, the praise, the authenticity of the moment.  (Psalm 86:9) All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord;  they will bring glory to your name.  Next it was our turn, we had our handouts with the words and we also had our nervous jitters until God worked it all out and not only did we sound decent, but they were able to sing along and raise their hands and close their eyes and somehow amidst our mediocre rendition, beautiful happened.  

“Aqui estas Te venmos mover” 

“You are here moving in this place” 

He really is our Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Light in the Darkness! 

Next we took the kids in the church and led a children’s church for them. Riley, Nathaniel, Edward, and Anthony taught them how Paul encouraged his crew in a storm and ship wreck.  Jolaina and Rachel  introduced a fun craft for the children and the rest of us sang and danced with them.  

 

After worship we enjoyed a tasty dinner from Pollo Campero and from there we headed to the beautiful park called Cuscatlan. 

  

Then it was lunch at Pollo Compero! 

 

After lunch we headed back to the mission house to meet up with those staying at the transition house.  We all went to Dreamland!  We divided into teams consisting of translators, our team and a transition house member.  We all enjoyed our time together there.  It was so much fun.  We played laser tag, rode rides, and played games....  

We soon headed back to enjoy a great dinner at the house. After dinner we broke off into groups of guys and girls for a time of devotion and Bible study.  It was such a blessed day.  While dinner was being prayed over one of the translators said, “Isn’t it just amazing that there are no language barriers when God is amongst us!”.... and as I looked around the room at all the different people from all walks of life, countries, cities and states...laughing, fist-bumping, patting each other on the back, standing in line to eat together, joy was abundant and I realized that she was exactly right!