This is the trip journal from the spring break (march 16-23) 2002 Christ on Campus work trip to Amor Ministries in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico to build a house for a needy family. Click the links below to view an image of each page, or click here to see them all at once. Some pictures from the trip are here. Pictures from other years' trips are here.
Front Cover (view image) Hey, ladies and persons, let's go to Sunny Mexico!{graphic} Oswald Phint, official mascot of the 2002 Christ on Campus Mexico Trip <3's you! | |
Inside Cover (view image) ----- Original Message -----From: "jkotare" <jkotare@eng...> To: "Jake Tolbert" <jake@chr...> Sent: Friday, March 15, 2002 12:52 PM Subject: Journal entry from afar > Hey, If you guys are doing the journal thing again, put this in there forme- > > They came from north, south, east, and west (well, maybe not south), withone > purpose, one single uniting goal-get the peach nehi. Ok, maybe that isn't > priority one, but we come from Kansas, come from California, from > Arkansas-the trip calls across the nation. And so we begin the trek-concrete > volcano here we come! | Page 1 (view image) 16/3/2002 6:30am"The work we do in Jesus' name, When strengthened by His might, Can start off small but grow in time And bring The Lord delight." --unknown Hello everyone. As traditional for the ConC spring break mission trip, one person not going on the trip starts out The Trip Journal. And I get the honor of doing so this year. Wowsers. I decided to use the quote above as a reminder for all of you. You all are planting seeds in the community you will be working. You have a chance to build more then a house in Mexico. You have the chance to build friendships with others in the group. These friendships will last a lifetime and beyond. So go and get to know those you may not already know that well. Build those relations. I am going to finish now, but I will leave you with one more thought. You will never be the same again. Take what you learn and apply it to your life & UofA. Scott |
Page 1B (view image) 3-16-02Wow! We're on our way to Mexico! Will we ever get there?! We're at a gas station right now. I'm standing all alone waiting for the nasty bathroom... I'm scared. Someone might kidnap me.... Tonya Wait till she finds out I used the last of the toilet paper!! =S Claudia | Page 2 (view image) MARCH 16 @ 7:50 AMPoop, it's cold. Let's go Let's go Let's go Let's go Let's go... *Lisa Warm buttery winds descend into the canyon of loveliness. O my tea and silvery biscuits, how wondrous is this most savory beginning of beginnings. Are we really here, or is it merely a toast-tastic dream filtered through rosey colored liberty? The only shower you get is an emotional shower. I am ready to put implements of tin and corn into the cold, fetid earth and create a golden hovel of hope for the children of the south. O, my soul! Jeff |
Page 2B (view image) Hello Friends! Well the trip so far has been a trip! =) I enjoyed riding w/ Mr. Dan & family. Now I'm in Green Hornet or "Moby Dick". So yeah...Many good things will happen this week. In case I forget to tell everybody--I'm glad you are here! Be Blessed!!<3 - Rhonda p.s. Sorry for random #'s in the book..... 4:10 3/16/02 | Page 3 (view image) 08:04 3/16/2002 -- 15:04 16/3/2002My stars and butter did I write it in the trip journal o'er the bumpity road. We's do'n well. E.T.D. = 7:00 actual = 7:45. Foremost in my mental processes are thoughts. Two in particular: (1.) Holy crap we have a great group of persons. In this vehicle, the notorious Rojo Grande -- Jake & Jen Tolbert (married couple Nº 1) Heather R. (Renfroe, not Relyea), Melinda "Mindy" Gray, Rebecca "Eve" Henderson, (begin row 3) Amber "G" Gah-YAY-gose (my fave sound woman), Truly Yours (Me - Trevly - T-rev - Trevorito Stilwell), (begin row 4) and the Millers -- Jeffrey Aaron and Lisa Carol. All people I love, dear friends, or at least people I like a lot. (2.) Not everyone from last year is back. Joey Kotarek is not with us, he will meet us in The Pass. D. Scott Fendley is with us in spirit and in word, but not in body nor in Jeff & Lisa's car. Rather, he is alone by himself in Jeff & Lisa's car. I wish Amanda Kay Stark (heretofore referred to as a.k.) had come. Jerry moved away. Jessie wed (Morgan). Kendra Owens, intramural empress. and (my personal favorite) Laura Michelle Squires, who will be taking midterms instead of spreading stucco. However, she will speak spanish to the locals, only they are local to a different continent. My page (papel) is full (lleno). Ósculos. <) |
Page 3B (view image) Holy Grandma!Hammer! Claudia <-- Wanna be Rhonda | Page 4 (view image) Yea! I'm actually going on this trip instead of staying home, being sad and lonely, missing my hubby and everyone else. I'm very excited that I actually get to experience this trip first hand, instead of second hand as I've had the last 3 years. :) Jenn T.~~~~~~~~~---- <-- bump! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ 9:03 AM Saturday 16 March 2002 If you work the words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who dug deep & laid the foundation of his house on bedrock. When the river burst its banks & crashed against the house, nothing could shake it; it was built to last! But if you just use my works in Bible studies & don't work them into your life, you are like a dumb carpenter who built a house but skipped the foundation. When the swollen river came crashing in, it collapsed like a house of cards. It was a total loss. --Luke 6:47-48 (the Message) |
Page 4B (view image) OH NO! We are lost!Dallas, TX 3:35 R. | Page 5 (view image) In the big white van and it smells like Jeff. I sit here thinking o fwhat to write. But then I realize I'm on my way to mexico to help build a house. It amazes me how much God can help & change ones life for the Good. A year ago I would never imagined going on this trip. I owe so much of this change in me to God & the great people here at ConC. God bless all of youJoe |
Page 5B (view image) 10:55 AM 3/17/02=) Happy Birthday Joe! Well..Well.. No one is writing on the back of these pages so I am. Can I say I am as excited as Lisa about all these people going.. all you people!! So I am in Moby Dick w/ Sarah Felts.. I like her. I am ready to be in Mexico! Amber - I miss you! We should be friends!! T-rev & Jeff M. - For the record I wish Laura M. Squires was here too. Imagine Carl B. & Carl W here? We can only hope for next year. =) Rhonda | Page 6 (view image) Well, we're on our way and I am writing in a bumpy van. So far no problems and we're almost to Texas. So far not much more done than trying to read and sleeping at weird angles and arguing about the speakers in the back seat. The "white star" van is fun and has way too much junk food. And Jeff R. managed to spill his cologne in his bag, which means that the whole van smells like it, which means that my allergies won't be happy. Oh well... time for someone else to write. --Becky |
Page 6B (view image) 5 minutes until 11am 3/17/02El noche pasado dormimos en la iglesia 'Antioch Christian'. La gente era muy amable y hospitable. Esta manaña fuimos al servicio allí. La gente de Antioch comprimos desayuno para nos, y ellos hicimos almuerzo. ¡Que divertido! Ahora estoy en "verde pequeño" con Rhonda, Doug, y Mike. Escuchamos a NPR radio. Whoo!! ...(feel the enthusiasm) Cinco horas hasta El Paso! Can't wait to set up camp & roast some 'mallows (mmm)! I'm excited to be building a house with --> | Page 7 (view image) Well it is my turn to write in the Journal while riding in a van on a bumpy road. It is really cool to be in a van containing 9 people, 8 of which did not participate in last year's ConC mission trip. I am very excited to be returning to Mexico to help another family. I really hope that we get to visit the family we helped last year and see their cute little girl (Yulisa) And maybe their newest child also. As I sit here in the PGCC van I recall that I need thank them for not only providing the van, but also providing the money it took for me to even be able to participate in this wonderful experience again. As I look out the window at the back of Big Red I notice for the hundreth time, a flap of black cloth hanging out of the door. Well, that's all for now.Christy |
Page 7B (view image) (S.F. cont'd)everyone here! I know that God is already teaching me a lot on the trip down here, and I know that He will be showing me different areas of my life I can work on throughout the week. Pressing on to El_Paso! * p.s. Right now the 2-way talk about 'Friends' in the sermon today has arised. Influence, raising the bar. It's interesting! -Sarah F. | Page 8 (view image) 12:05 pmGolly Gee but arnt these OK/TX roads of good quality? I brought a cot & I thought more would also but I was so so wrong now I take up the most room of all the junky junk! Sadness. Well, praise God I'm warm & I don't have to pee! But hungry.... Oh man. =x I think Sarah S. has only been awake about 5 minutes of the trip so far!!!!!! {graphic} MEXICO OR BUST ASK JOE <-- TJ 12:10 pm We just crossed the RED! Holy Cow Diggity! weeeeeeeeeeeeenooooooo! we's in Texas! |
Page 8B (view image) 3-17-02We're sitting around the campfire! We're just living in the middle of nowhere in our own little village! Hopefully, I'll figure out the whole toilet thing. I was really nervous a few months ago about coming, but this is awesome! I'm so glad to be on this trip with all my friends! Lord, use us to minister to this family. Grow us closer together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Tonya {graphic} AKA CLANTON | Page 9 (view image) Saturday March 16, 2002 12:15 p.m.What can I say? I am excited to be here. Maybe not too excited about writing in a moving vehicle, but I'll live. I've been looking forward to this trip since TJ first told me about it. Last year, I guess it was around spring or summer (I don t know). I remember talking to God and deciding that if He made and opportunity fo me to go on a missions trip that was going to build or construct anything I would do my best to go. So, here I am ready and willing. I know it will be a blast. Sorry so sloppy (DARN BUMPS) Jonathan Ford |
Page 9B (view image) Dan[phone number] exit 420 on I-20 | Page 10 (view image) March 16, 2002 12:25It now appears that we are listening to some form of folk music. I sit here wondering if the groaning stomachs, sweaty palms, and the ancient sounds of our anscestors will some how lead to casualties among us. It has only been a few hours, but as I look upon the faces of these hungry-eyed heathens, I wonder how much longer will the peace last. I must soon prepare myself for the battle ahead! I'm not sure if this is the end, but if my time is soon, I want you all to know, that I did not go in vain. May God watch over all of you and protect you on this Journey (SES) |
Page 10B (view image) Don't write on this side of the book, winners! we do that later! | Page 11 (view image) March 16, 2002 12:50 PMAlmost to Dallas, TX. I thought Arkansas interstates were bad, but this is really bad. Reminds me of those vibrating belt machines. You know, those machines the fat guys get in and it jiggles their bellies like jello. Anyway. I've been trying to nap. Went to a Third Day concert last night. Sarah S. is up and trying to find things to occupy herself... Maybe we'll play some weird odd game. I'm looking forward to being in Mexico. This is the first time I've been on a mission trip such as this. It'll be interesting to see what experiences are in store with us. Well, don't know if anyone can read this writing, so I may be the only one who knows what it says. If I write no more, perhaps I'm lost in the sands of Mehiko. Jeff Reece |
Page 11B (view image) No! No Writey Here! | Page 12 (view image) 2:30pm Sat. March 16I'm ready to be there! Yo estoy animada! We just almost died! (Tonya driving =) ) No tengo mucho decir ahora, pero luego! Sarah Felts |
Page 12B (view image) I Said NO | Page 13 (view image) {graphic}Wow, I have old yarn-strings of heated excitement roiling downwardly within the self of me. I dreamed that ground chuck oozed up from the earth and we went out and gathered it in woven baskets of linen-lime strands. Either I dreamed it or I randomly said it. You decide. At times like this, I recall how much I miss Laura Michelle Squires, which is to say, not very much, owing to the fact that I only have seven pints of "missage" in my lead kettle back home, and four point eight gallons is being used in order to miss Jerry Mathers as "the Beaver". Jeff |
Page 14 (view image) 03/16/02 5:05 p.m.Somewhere in texas... Serious or completely random and pointless? I guess I will just write and see where it goes. At the moment Jake & Trevor are singing a long to Jim Croce (maybe.) No, Eric Clapton (they changed tapes on me.) Heather's sleeping, Becky and Christy are reading (diff books) Jenn is also reading, as is Jeff & Lisa is playing tetris on the game boy. I've done things to occupy my time, but I can't seem to get the "being nutsy" to go away. I'm ready to be IN mexico, doing something. Travelling is great, but I want this experience to start. Or maybe I don't, maybe I want to stay here so it won't end. I don't know, because I don't know what to expect. People can tell me what they thought about it all day long, but until I am there I can't quite relate. I'm real excited. I'm kind of sad too, because sometimes I'm worried about the other families that are doing without in Mexico And in America too. I still have time ahead of me, though, and maybe this trip will be a starting point for me. Maybe I will get a glimpse into what I can be doing with my life for God. Ah, the long bumpy road. When will it end? Not soon enough. I might yack my rice krispy treats and sunflower seeds up soon if I don't stop this waiting. Sorry to disappoint. amber * this is me. Lisa braided my hair {graphic} because I'm going to MEXICO. | |
Page 15 (view image) Well Well. I feel slightly jacked up from the not enough sleep before this trip. It's hard for me to sleep on trips...too much going on...too much distraction. too much corn in my colon. okay, so maybe I lied about the corn.I didn't know Rebecca or Heather were coming, and they're both coming, and I'm happy and glad. I'm also glad Dan's coming, so he can write stuff in here later that will make me cry. And I'm glad Jenn is coming, because she just needed to come & have fun with us for Spring Break for once. And I'm glad Claudia's coming, because she needs some mexican souvenirs for Sydney to play with and chew on and throw around. And I'm glad Mike's coming, because he missed last year, and last year missed him. And I'm glad Jake is coming, because he usually plays good music for us. And I'm glad Tonya is coming, because in Mexico, she can find a boyfriend. And I'm glad Christy's coming because she knows what's up. And I'm glad Trevor's coming, because | |
Page 16 (view image) he's generally entertaining. And I'm glad Amber's coming so she can experience missions first-hand. And I'm glad John's coming, because he's a good addition to the hack circle, and I'm glad Becky's coming because she needs to get some stucco in that wound of hers from Chemistry Lab. It'll maybe burn out the germs. And I'm glad Rhonda is coming, because I want to see how the Mexican kids react to her, and I'm glad Joey's coming, because I haven't seen him in a while, and he makes big fires. And I'm glad Jeff R. is coming, because maybe all that spilled cologne will make the place smell better. And I'm glad Melinda's coming because she can entertain me with the magical tales of her heritage. And I'm glad Sarah S. is coming, because she's nuts, and you always need at least one. And I'm glad Sarah F. is coming, because you always need at least two Sarahs. And I'm glad Joe is coming, because he reminds me (or his journal entry reminds me) of how I felt on my first Mexico trip. And I'm glad Jeff M came, | |
Page 17 (view image) because he needed a vacation and to go on a ConC trip again. And I'm glad TJ came, because she packed her coat, and so did I. And I'm glad Vince is coming, because now when Thomas says "My cousin Vinny", I won't picture the movie. And I'm glad Doug is coming, because he builds good. And I'm glad Thomas is coming, so he can re-teach me how to saw. And I'm glad Carey is coming, because she's neat, and the Mexican kids will like here blonde hair.Among other reasons for all, but I've already written 3 pages. Done and Done. - lisa * P.S. So I know I wrote about this just as "vacation" and "fun", but I know it's going to be work, but fun & good work, and I feel like it's a vacation to work hard for somebody to have a house (lines), as opposed to working hard in school for dumb grades (dots) :) | |
Page 18 (view image) 3-16-02 6:06 pmSomewhere in west Texas, driving west and staring at the sun starting to go down and put a glare on my book so I can't see it too well anymore. No cell phone signal out here for us. I'm riding in the big red van now due to my inability to breathe in the big white van that smells lik Jeff. We have been in the car too long and I am ready to be camping in Mexico and serving God through my ability (I think) to build a house. I am so excited about this and I'm ready to be there now. I am so happy that this many people came and that I'm not the only one who has never been on this trip before. Okay, I'm out of page so more later. - Becky | |
Page 19 (view image) Hello, This is my first journal entry.Thomas 6:30 pm in Texas somewhere Everyone here is so special I'm glad I can be a part! Lisa your entry was nice & I'm glad you are going not only because you can hack it up, make me laugh hysterically by the numerous jokes & silly things you do, and because you aren't girly girl & know how to get dirty but because your heart is big enough to share with more people than you'll meet in a lifetime! =) I can't wait until we're there & I almost hope it rains b/c I know Amber & I's tent won't leak! I also am happy I got to read People w/ Rhonda & spend hours w/ 3 guys whom God had deeply touched! (Thomas <3, Dan, & the not a myster "cousin Vinny" anymore)! All my love to all of you Carey | |
Page 20 (view image) 21:23 3/16/2002 ~ 04:23 17/03/2002(using my own medium black retractable PaperMate Dynagrip ball point pen.) I think there's some understandable confusion regarding "cousin Vinny". There are three cousins Vinny: 1.) a movie entitled "My Cousin Vinny"; 2.) Vincent James Sposato, who is someone's cousin, but not anyone's on this viaje; and 3.) in a looser sense, Thomas's cousin -J-o-n- (If I understand correctly) <-- nope Vince is a valid antecedent (or whatever) when Thomas says "_my cousin (Vinny)." ~I don't think I have vocally emitted the phrase "make out" all day, but I can think of someone who has (at least 2x). ~We just took the Odessa exit... There's the pizza hut where we partied last year, with the juke box... Here's Antioch Christian Church. Gone! ~ <) ~ Correction: Jonathan is someone else entirely (also known as Jon) and Thomas's cousin really is Vince, therefore being Thomas's "my cousin Vinny" in the least loose sense of the phrase. That also helps explain why Thomas would be using the phrase in the first place. I wonder if there are any other members of our group that I haven't met yet... ~ We were loaded by 7:40, only 10 minutes late. So we just stood around for a while--some played frisbee--until it was el tiempo para burritos de desayuno. I didn't get enough sleep to not be nodding off again today when I try to read later. 08:08 3/17/02 ~ 15:08 17/3/02 <) however, there are still 3 "M.C.V.s" | |
Page 21 (view image) THE WEIRDEST THING JUST HAPPENED TO ME!We stopped at Wal-Mart & I used the pay-phone. Let my Mom know we made it to El Paso. Right after I hung the phone up it started ringing! I answered & a mexican guy asked where he called. I said "Wal-Mart" & he started speaking spanish, & he asked if I spoke spanish & I said "no" & he started in english again. He started asking me a bunch of questions, where is glnvenovero (<-- I had no idea what he said) so I said I'm from out of state & he started in w/ where are you from? - Arkansas. What brings you to El Paso? - Mission to Mexico. Wher are you going across the border, today? - {CLICK} no more I felt uncomfortable already. TJ | |
Page 22 (view image) 3/17 5:55 normal time 4:55 El Paso timeWe just rushed through our dinner at McDonald's because we need to leave. The drivers are having a meeting about crossing the boarder. I'm so very excited. In some ways it feels like yesterday I was at this same McDonald's and feeling very nervous about leaving the U.S. In other ways it feels like I've lived a lifetime since then. It's kind of cool that I'm the only one in "White Star" who's done this trip before, it's really cool being the knowledgable one. We are loading up right now. Now we all have to wear seat belts and take off our sunglasses. I had to explain to everyone how to use bathroom at the "concentration camp". Now we are sitting at the boarder waiting to get across. They are talking to the Amor truck. We made it. The road is too bumpy to continue, so I'll stop for now. Christy | |
Page 23 (view image) 3-17-02 10:00 PM CSTYea!!! We're finally here. We got to set up camp in the daylight. I am so happy that I'm not sitting in a van anymore. We picked up Joey so he's here now. :) I can't wait to meet our family tomorrow and start building (although I'm starting to be a bit nervous.) Tonya braided my hair for me so now my bandana won't make me look like a bishop anymore. I'm amazed at the number of people that we brought and even more amazed at the number of people that were already here. I hope that God will be able to use us to bring this family closer to Him. Well, I'm cold so I'm going to go stand by the fire. -Becky | |
Page 24 (view image) Mystical waters of hope and wisdom trickle down from the moon-soul of maximum obedience cavities. Here we are, all of us, one of us, all, here in this place, in the ancient life-shroud of workage. I'm ready to arise, seize the object of silver in my gripple-grabs and savage the lifeless earth with repeated intrusions that shall rend the veil of sorrow, and the mighty river of hope trails down from the mountain of God and fills the hollows of earth. Oh, boy, what am I trying to say? Do you even try to understand what I'm saying. Don't let the complexity of verbiage | |
Page 25 (view image) and corn-muffin wordage keep the meaning from you. You well deserve to read this, you of the quest-being, you oh inscrutable you! Look at you, being here, standing, the sitting, the being of together, liberty, and all the while, you are coming to know the known, and you are becoming known, for you are known and will be known. He knows you, he of the knowledge. Man, what on earth am I writing this odd ball garbage for? It just starts bubbling out and nobody stops me, so before you know it, I've filled up two pages with weirdness. So let me come right out and say it. [Titus 3:5] Boy, I said it now! Jeff | |
Page 26 (view image) observations 3/17/02 10pm1. Jeff Miller is weird. (see previous page) 2. This random going back and writing on the backs of pages is confusing...at least people are writing... 3. Heather can sing. 4. Trevor is "girly" about romance. 5. Rhonda didn't ever have the sharpie. 6. Becky doesn't look like a bishop now. 7. Jose is spelled J-O-S-E. 8. Joe is older now. 9. Carey has tremors, but she likes it. lisa* | |
Page 27 (view image) 6:18 3/18/2002 ~ 14:18 18/3/2002 (We're now on mountain time)"Girly" Trevor here. Though we don't leave for the work site until 7:45 (s'posed to be ready 7:30), people have been up, active and audible since at least 5:45. This is a dear (or clear, si quieres) indication that people didn't stay up late enough socializing. That's ok. ~ So, my first impression, or at least the thing most different from last year, is that there are tons of people here in the concentration camp. Not only more groups, but bigger groups, and the whole place is divided up into lots with chalk lines, and most of the groups are taking up the whole space. Our neighbors to the east have their tents staked RIGHT_ON_THE_LINE. And right next to each other. (the tents, touching at the corners.) ~ It did get chilly, and a couple times I woke up and realized my sleeping bag was unzipped down at my feet (2-way zipper), but it wasn't cold enough that I cared to remedy that. ~ Half or more of our group is still "enpabellonado" (in tents. I made out, I mean, made up that word.) ~ Someone is taking a midterm today, maybe right this moment. Que Dios la da paz y pensamientos claros. ~ I'm already dressed for work, just have to put on socks/shoes/belt. Change before bed and sleep in my clothes, as is my custom "enjuarezado". So getting ready to leave is faster and warmer in the morning. (Amber just brought me a chocolate muffin <3 (: Thanks, Amber. - Yeah, I'm still in my sleeping bag, though the tent is open 'cause my tent compañero Doug Benton has already exitted and our tent-zipper is a hassle to zip up.) ~ Vince is blowing on the embers from anoche. Making smoke but no flame. ~ I have a Rustin Smith song in my head, the "Never so..." song. ~ Breakfast and lunch-packing is occurring. ~ Reminder, Trevor is supposed to teach Jake Shy "Light the Fire in my Soul" ~ Sarah (S. I think, maybe F. They're in the same tent.) says Rebecca is talking to herself, but I'm doubtful, like Tomás. By the way, it's not "Jose", sino "José". That's ok though, accents get left out sometimes, like on signs, e.g. "Carburacio(´)n". Except that was in upper-case block letters. OK, I did my page for now. I'm glad I am here --> | |
Page 28 (view image) and I'm glad all these other great people are here too. <){graphic} "Puddin' 'n chives!" This man is afraid of you, because he is only an ink drawing and you are real flesh, blood and spirit. | |
Page 29 (view image) Camp o' FUN, 7:07am. this time 2 things I have learned.1) MORNINGS (& NIGHTS FOR THAT MATTER) ARE COLD. 2.) Using all the firewood the night before means you get to stand around a burning trash heap for warmth. It's fun though. okay, I have to go gather my things. Such things include {graphic} hammer gloves (that's a pair.) tape measure lunch and other things. These illustrations are just to prove that I cannot draw. amber * | |
Page 30 (view image) Well I'm sad. Someone said hey Rhonda! Write on the back of pages. So I did. Sorry! My observations:1) My Roommates are fun. 2) Tonya is a slow dumper. 3) I MUST go do my job. (Clean up Breakfast) Yikes! Rhonda 7:40 3/18/-7-9- 02 | |
Page 31 (view image) I'm so ready to build something for you. I will build a house for you. I will build you a garage. I will construct for you an outhouse with a plastic seat. These are things I am most willing to build for you and yo' mama. Because, you see, I want you to have things. Who are you? Do you expect me to build you stuff when I don't even know you? Man, you're bold there, ole boy, expectin' stuff when you won't even tell me you name, dummy. Forget you, jerk! I'll build José and his family a house instead. At least he told me his name. He's one up on you, lime-stink hippo head face ugly face. I build for Jesus and José instead. So there! Jeff | |
Page 32 (view image) 3-18-01Joey notes (more coming) 1. It's a real long drive from livermore (CA, Sanfransisco) to Phoenix (13 hr drive) 2. I can give kisses through Trevor (long story) | |
Page 32B (view image) This space intentionally left almost blank. | Page 33 (view image) 3-18-02 6:14pmThings I've learned so far... 1. The people camping behind us are LOUD very early in the morning. 2. Concrete mixing is hard work. 3. It is a bad idea to decide to wait until I get back to camp to go pee because we will leave half an hour later than we said we would. 4. It's hard to write in an extremely bumpy van. 5. I'm exhausted and hungry and dirty and tomorrow I must try to get sunscreen on my whole face. -Becky |
Page 34 (view image) 3/18/02 6:20pmWell, we have successfully made it through our first day of working @ the site...and I'm so pumped! :) I'm also very tired, but its worth it! I'm so proud of the group for how hard the worked & how enthusiastically they interacted with "our family" and their friends. It doesn't matter how tired or uncomfortable I feel by the end of the week, I feel and will always be blessed knowing that God was able to use me to bless the people down here. I noticed how when I gave the kids just a little bit of attention today, they loved it and our friendship grew in just a few hours. I believe that this is how the love --> | |
Page 35 (view image) of God is...you give just a little bit and it grows like wildfire! To know that we have been channels for this love to be passed on is the greatest feeling!I'm so glad to be here! ~ Heather 19:59 3/18/2002 Mountain time ~ 03:59 19/3/2002 tiempo en españa uf. man am i tired. i think if i mix one more bag of concrete my arms might decide to move to france. hey wait!! i´m not in mexico! someone has stolen my identity and is writing in the trip journal in ciudad juarez, mexico, under my name!! ah, now i remember. i asked trevor to write this. so, saludos to everyone!! anímate, which means be encouraged and gain strength!! laura squires granada spain 20:06 3/18/2002 ~ 04:06 19/3/2002 1.) We got ALL the concrete done. 2.) Doug can break into a car with a coathanger. 3.) Jeff is trying to maintain his composure to sing the cakey the clown song, accompanied by Jake, Lisa laughing uncontrollably. 4.) Rhonda just blew out her B-day candle. <) <3 LC | |
Page 36 (view image) 3/19/02 AMHello everyone! It's Clanton here. Last night was warm! DAY 2: NO SHOWER! Hope I can make it until Friday! This one's for you, Jake! On another note, we laid the foundation for the house yesterday. Everyone worked hard, and we had a great time. It's time to pack it up and go to work! Love ya! {graphic} Peace Out CLANTON (AKA) TONYALITA | |
Page 37 (view image) [RIDDLE FOR YOU]Q. What're black and red, but should be green? A. Lisa's boogers Alright. I expected black. I didn't expect bloody. I think I'm 4 for 5 or so in the bathroom. by that, I mean I've only dropped the t.p. in the toilet & had to fish it out once. yay! I'm batting 800. my hands don't open and close. this is "panty camp" according to Claudia. Ask her why. I'm not really sure. lisa * P.S. The phlegm is also kind of bloody - is that bad? | |
Page 38 (view image) Lisa's mad at me.You'd think it'd be FUNNY if you came home from a hard day @ the worksite and found a "PANTY FLAG" on your tent. Guess not. It is weird. We keep finding miscellaneous personal lingerie items on the dusty floor of our camp... We burned them. I think it was a religious ceremony. On the serious side, serving this family is awesome. We LOVE the children. We're bringing them lunches today - great idea, guys! PS Metrics stink. Claudia Cook Extrordinaire ~ | |
Page 39 (view image) 3/19/02 lunchtimeI noticed this morning how we are all working together as a team. Everyone is finding what they are good at and what they are not so good at. It's kind of like the body of Christ...we all have our own gifts to use to serve (others). I also noticed how everyone is positive and hard-working; they are putting their "all" into it. Godd job guys! And keep smilin'! :) <3 Heather | |
Page 40 (view image) Wow, our time is half over in Mexico. Oops, I forgot...Tuesday, 19 March 2002 6:03pm Ok. Sorry this is messy, I'm on the road in the van leaving the work site. oh! Tonya, Rebcca, Joey & I played duck, duck, goose (or pato, pato, gonzo as the ninos called it) with the kids today! It was crazy, but fun...especially trying to figure out the words for duck & goose. It's almost unimaginable how dirty the landscape is around here. We're | |
Page 41 (view image) so close to the U.S., but it's so extremely different. I went to Nicaragua last year, but things were not dirty like this at all. The American missionaries that I worked with in Nicaragua were telling me about how the natives were pretty much hopeless. Like I think of myself on this trip & I have so many "material things" to look forward to in the U.S. when I return, but this Mexican family doesn't have a lot to hope for. My missionary friend told me that the | |
Page 42 (view image) Nicaragua natives have only one thing that they can really put their hope in--Jesus. It sounded cheesey to me when I first heard it, but especially after this trip, it seems so extremely true. So these are some insights into some of my thoughts during this trip. :) Ah, now here we are over again at the camp site.Melinda ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ps - My birthday is 13 October 1982 NOT IN MARCH! | |
Page 43 (view image) TUESDAY MARCH 19, 2002WHAT A DAY! To follow up a tiring day of concrete, blood & aches came with the walls. The first half of the day was ideal: Cooler weather, not much sun, and plenty of progress. The progress continued throughout the day; there are a bunch of hard workers here. After lunch, right after lunch, Joe and I started constructing the rafter sections for the roof. Well, the first nail I drove, I drove my thumb knuckle instead. After wrapping my thumb in ointment, bandaid, tissue, and duck tape, I continued to work. I felt I needed to record this event only because the injured thumb was a prelude to a lost glove, big blister, and bloody nose. But God is still good. Jonathan Ford | |
Page 44 (view image) Wednesday March 20, 2002 8:00 AMWell, we are on our way for our third day of work. Today we will finish the first layer of stucco. It feels so good to be past the "hump". This work is very physically taxing and the environment (sind, sand, sun, dry air, etc.) Many people have been injured, smashed fingers, sunburn, cuts etc. But everyone is holding up well. I think its b/c we know its worth it and a small sacrifice. The people that live here experience this environment constantly. They also don't have the luxuries we have brought with us and we leave after only a few days. It really makes you think of how blessed we are in th U.S. and how much we have become selfish, private, and competitive. These people are so poor but yet friendly and giving. The house is falling apart. Rafters and boards are breaking. I sure hope that the house lasts for the family. Everyone has been in good spirits and friendly. This really is a great group. Hope the rest of the week goes well! gotta go work! Jeff Reece | |
Page 45 (view image) 19:51 3/20/2002 Amor Min. ~ 03:51 21/3/2002 Granada Esp.okay so i know people in mexico speak spanish, as i´m sure you´ve all figured out by now. so since i´m not there to help out, here´s a little advice: if the situation happens to arise, and anyone needs to know how to say in Spanish, "Excuse me sir, that´s my pant leg that you´re chewing on, so if you would kindly remove your teeth from my denim i´d be quite obliged," you should ask doug. because he knows how to say anything and everything in spanish, including the words denim and obliged. laura squires ~ 20:06 3/20/2002 ~ 04:06 21/3/2002 1.) the house is built. just a door to hang and a second layer of stucco to apply. we're making great unhindered progress. thanks, God, for blessing our trip. no one has been injured beyond scrapes and bruises, nothing a first aid kit can't handle. our chicken wire was a thing of beauty, after Dan and Thomas made a chicken wire stretching tool from a 2x4 and some nails. 2.) right now joey is making a huge bonfire. Dan & Joe taking part. 3.) a drunk mexican Jehovah's Witness (as Jeff M. finally--after an hour or two of confusion--identified him) spoke unintelligibly to us for a while at the work site today. 4.) i've had more success communicating with the local kids this year, esp. Juan y Pedro. (and they have helped us a lot with the work, as well as play.) I don't understand every word they say, but a lot, and I'm almost always able to get them to understand me, in spanish. 5.) I don't know what we'd do without doug. filipenses 2:1-4 <) <3 | |
Page 46 (view image) 918.671 0569Carey Dan | |
Page 47 (view image) 3-20-02 9:07 pmWow -- I can't believe that we're almost done. We got a lot farther than I thought that would today. The chicken wire wire went a lot faster than I expected and I'm finally getting the hang of driving a nail straight. Yesterday I was starting to get a bit frustrated about not being able to communicate with any of the kids and was beginning to lose sight of why it is that I am here. But today when I saw the house completely built (minus a door and a layer of stucco) I saw what we are here for -- we nearly tripled | |
Page 48 (view image) the size of this familie's home. They now have a place to go to protect them from the sun and the wind and the rain and the dust. That means the world to them, and I feel like I am doing so little. All I have done is give up a little bit of my time and energy: I wanted so badly to help the drunk Mexican who wanted us to build a house for his poor friend. Of course this is also the man who informed us that the world would be ending on April 21 this year (Be Ready!) Okay. I've written enough. So I'll stop now-Becky | |
Page 49 (view image) Wednesday (spelled that wrong! =) ) 10:00 p.m. 3/20/02I'm awestruck this week. I'm encouraged by reading what ppl have written, said 'round the campfire, helping attitudes at the worksight, smiling faces, generosity, humility and many more things. I truly believe that with God all things are possible & this mission trip has shown to me that it is true! I'm sure that the family we are building a house for at one time or another thought it was impossible to live in a house w/ concrete foundation & a sound roof over there --> | |
Page 50 (view image) head w/ sturdy insulating walls, but it's happening! and God has blessed us to be able to take part in the process. The finish of the 3rd day was amazing...I was shocked at all the work we accomplished. Throughout the workdays I'm constantly reminded of the joy of the Lord being my strength. Today I got frustrated at a point & it's so comforting to realize God is on my side & if I keep my eyes focused on Him my attitude will be that much better!The kids are so precious --> | |
Page 51 (view image) I am just even amazed at all the creativity the have, constructing airplanes, benches, & cars out of scrap wood & being so content playing w/ it all day long. Carla, Pedro, Jesus, and Carlos are all such beautiful children of God beaming w/ smiles. I pray that they would give their hearts to Jesus someday! I've enjoyed speaking (or trying with Maria, she's so thankful and gracious to receive this house, I know it will help | |
Page 52 (view image) her to better serve her family. I hope she can open her home & share it w/ friends & neighbors also.Okay, I've written a novel...maybe that'll be it for the trip. I am forever thankful to everyone on the trip, I see a different image of Christ in each and everyone of you & I thank you for that! I'm so honored to be a part of Christ on Campus! <3 - Sarah F. Sorry again so long. | |
Page 53 (view image) 3/20/02 TONYAHello everyone! What an amazing night at the campfire! It was so cool to hear everyone share what they've been thinking and learning on the trip. Lots of my friends have been on missions trips outside the country, and this is my first time. It's interesting to see firsthand for myself the experiences my friends have had. There are lots of happy things and sad things. Happy Things: 1) Getting to know people on the trip. 2) Building a house for someone. 3) Changing a family's life with a team of people 4) Being able to go to another country | |
Page 54 (view image) 5) Campfire!6) Not taking showers! SAD THINGS: 1) Seeing the lifestyle of these Mexican people. 2) My eyes are opened to many areas in my life where I'm selfish. 3) Getting frustrated over little things that mean nothing This experience has been so....uh, eye-opeing and stretching. I'm thankful God allowed me to come. I hope to continue to learn even after this trip is over. Learn how to be a blessing. Learn how to be more giving. Learn how to be more bold. Learn how to be more patient. Everyone on this trip has been so great! I'm glad to know more of you better! And, now... | |
Page 55 (view image) for more randomness:Carey, thanks for braiding my hair. Rebecca, thanks for the massage. Melinda, thanks for the laughs! And, just so all of you know, the reason I'm not taking a shower is because Jake doesn't think I can! Well, boy howdy, I'll show him! I better get to sleep now b/c if I don't get situated now, Claudia will hog the whole bed and covers! No one should sleep with her in cold atmospheres! Good night neighbors in the boys' tent! Don't repeat anything you heard us say... and contrary to Jake, I did not pee in my pants! Keep it real, Tonyalita | |
Page 56 (view image) Mar. 21, 02 ? 7:15 AMThis has been great! God is good! I feel so blessed to be here! Cooking Girls -- I've had fun. Boy howdy do we have some stories to tell. 1. The lost keys w/ Dan. Dan was so great. Dan you are a blessing!! 2. There is a reason why you shouldn't eat samples at the S-Mart my mouth was on fire!!! Hot Grandma! 3. the people are so nice at S-Mart. The Pharmacy lady, service desk, deli people are great! | |
Page 57 (view image) 4. The kids are precious! They are so sweet. I want to learn Spanish!My Apologies: 1. Lisa Miller. I <3 u! 2. Everyone I offended when telling my v- story. (I'm learning to shut my mouth) =) 3. The Boys next door Ooops! Just Kiddin T-Rev thanks for taking care of complaints. =) Sarah Felts you are so sweet! Doug -- you are very gifted in the building dept. Thanks Mike, Jake, Tonya, Claudia for everything! <3 Rhonda | |
Page 58 (view image) Do you realize that we fuel our campfire with the same pallets that our family's neighbor is building his house with? Woah.C P.S. Lisa, Amber, Tonya, & Rhonda -- thanks for the slumber party last night! It was all fun except for my being pushed out of bed by Tonya & ending up wearing my coat cause I was cold. P.P.S. Pink is my color. SO THERE | |
Page 59 (view image) It's so great to know the official date -- April 21. I mean, I've always wondered when the world was going to end, and it took a drunk mexican hombre to tell me. It's interesting that Jesus said "no man knows the day or the hour" of His return, and yet somehow a wandering muchacho obtained the secret information. Wow, you learn new things every day. I guess when April 21 rolls around, I'll skip work, pour myself a warm glass of buttermilk, sit on the porch, and wait. Then things will start to end, and I'll just be chillin'! Awesome. Thanks, drunken mexican señor. Actually, in all honesty, it made me rather sad to spend all that time trying to understand and aid the old boy only to realize at the end | |
Page 60 (view image) that he was a goof ball -- sin mente! Then again, I'm pretty weird, and God lets me talk to him a lot, so I guess I can put up with "ole boy" for an hour. God puts up with a lot of attitude and whining, especially from you, you whiny snot! Whoa, wait, no, I meant to say he puts up with a lot from me, so I shouldn't probably be impatient with people like Trevor! No, no, chill out, biscuit. Trevor's fine. We're talking about Tipsy Ole Boy. Where was I? Oh, yeah, God puts up with us and some junk... Uh oh, van moving! ...so we should put up with others and love them anyway, up on in that bee-yaz-ness! | |
Page 61 (view image) Time for a Cakey song in spanish, written in the moving, bouching van.--El payaso Torty ama todos, y ama el pelo de sus abuelos. --Su mente no functiona bien per el esta payaso muy divertido --Torty baila en el calle y canta de tu perro --Torty toca tus ojos y frito una salchicha de carne de gírafa y mocos de su naríz. Ay Torty eres lindo Jeff | |
Page 62 (view image) March 21 2002Man! We just finished. Maria was going to pray, but I think she was a little emotional...so Jake prayed. Maria cried. I cried. I think the house looks good. especially with the pretty white trim and the extra-special care Rebecca took to smooth out the stucco. And I like the doorsteps. I hope they get the garbage out before it (the stucco) dries.... lisa* | |
Page 63 (view image) Everything's done! Maria made me cry! The kids made me cry! I'm done crying!What I'm thankful for: 1. A perfect boyfriend/fiancé. 2. Sarah S. for letting me use her swimsuit 3. Sarah F. for letting me borrow her stuff & telling me random Spanish words. To build - construir! 4. Amber for snoring & sharing her tent w/ me 5. Joe for keeping a positive attitude 6. Mike for laughing @ Joe & I 7. Rhonda, Claudia, & Jen for food 8. Tonya for her braiding ability 9. Vinson for coming & helping me do dishes & making me laugh 10. Lisa for her disgusting booger entry 11. Jeff for Cakey the Clown & his patience with the hombre. 12. Dan for his gifts para todos los niños, which they loved! 13. Trevor/Jake for their musical abilities! 14. Everyone for coming & helping 15. The way God worked in Maria today! The way God worked thru everyone here! The way God worked to make things better for those kids! Can't wait to see pictures!!! Carey Sortore | |
Page 64 (view image) 6:15 Mountain Time 3/21/02Wow, I'm finally writing in this journal again! We have been sitting in the van for over an hour b/c of the dust storm that just came thru! Now, we are all telling stories and working on bracelets and necklaces. This trip has been such an eye-opening experience, and I've had a wonderful time! I don't want to go back to school, I'm not ready yet! Life is too complicated as a student. It's really easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday, and I have really loved this time to take a step back and reflect on life and where I need to keep my focus. I'm really looking foward to the market tommorrow, but not the layer of dust I'll be sleeping in tonight! Sarah SedLAcek. | |
Page 65 (view image) SEE, I DONE WROTE IN IT.Jake | |
Page 65B (view image) Bip Bip {graphic} | Page 66 (view image) 10:10 Normal time 3/22/02We are heading to the Market right now. I'm so very happy to be here. We have made such a difference in the lives of the people we meet. I'm really glad I came again. It was really cool to eat in the house we had just built and especially to have Teresa, Miguel, Yulisa, & Carla there also. The chicken Teresa cooked was really good. I so love the way she cooks. I've learned so many new things about myself. I can't thank God enough for this week. I really don't know what else to say so I'll quit now. Christy |
Page 67 (view image) 3/22We're on a one way street looking for a 2-story pink building. Parking will be on the left, building on the right. When we park we will be at the market. But the directions say "several mile"..... Thar She Blows!!!!! Parkin's just a little tight. Pottery has taken up part of the lot. Holy cow. Well, we're goin in. To be continued...... TJ Good Grief! So many vendors, so difficult to only look! I just wanted to look! I ended up getting a bracelet, blanket, & a hooded sweater. But I'm ready to go home! Odessa or Bust! TJ | |
Page 68 (view image) FRIDAY 22 MARCH 2002 12:43 (11:43 mountain time)Were those salesmen annoying or what? Man, if they would leave people alone and let them look, they might sell more. Oh well, that's behind me. I got a big dagger, and I love it. I got lots of junk I probably don't need. We saw a truck/car that looked like a modern el camino. It was interesting and at the same time UGLY. They have some of the weirdest signs here: {graphic} WHAT DO THESE MEAN?!? I think we figured out the % meant: "Not exclusive for Cinco de Mayo" Eventually we'll cross the border, the sooner the better. Jon Ford | |
Page 69 (view image) Fri March 22 NoonAlmost to the border. The market was fun. I was able to talk the vendors into some really good deals. Speaking (well writing) of vendors, there's a lot walking around to the cars waiting at the border. Oh! Big fuzzy dice for sale! Better not buy, have to have food money. There's a few people begging for money. I felt bad for one lady. She's sitting on the curb with a money cup and has a painful look on her face. Just passed a mad crazy lady. She's screaming and hitting the air. Her change is falling everywhere. She picks it back up only to through it down again. I wonder what it would be like to have that type of life. I don't know what to think now that it's over. The trip was definetely worth it. It was a joy to see the happiness in the families faces that we built the house for. The father could not stop smiling and saying thank you last night at dinner. Well, we are on the border bridge riding along in the white star and I don't know what else to write. Thanks all for the wonderful week! Jeff R. P.S. A special thank you goes out to Claudia, Rhonda, and Jen for the great food during the week! Adios! | |
Page 70 (view image) 12:10 3/22/02This will probably be my final entry! We are now crossing the border heading to El Paso. The market was really neat! I got a blanket for $5, a clay cross for $6.50, a sombraro for $4, and 2 bottles of vanilla, $2.25 a piece! I wish we would have had a little more time, but after waiting in line to go across the border, I can see why we needed to leave earlier! I'm looking foward to that shower that we will hopefully be able to take tonight! Yipee! Sarah S. | |
Page 71 (view image) 3/22/02 12:47 11:47Less than one month till Jesus comes back? Sooner is fine with me.... So we are at the border hanging out in Whitey tighty. So this has been a real blessing... I've gotten tired here at the end. Maybe I'll reboot here soon. New Words: su Madre. a veces. So for all of you who didn't see it. The pig at S-Mart exists! Thanks for the good times. Love you all bunches. Rhonda | |
Page 72 (view image) 1:48 3/22/02We're sitting at Border Patrol...waiting to enter Texas. I'm driving and hoping we don't get searched! You just never know. We had a good time at the market. I bought lots of neat things. The beggars on the street made me sad. OK! Time to cross the US/Mexico Border! {graphic} Clanton Tonya Robinson | |
Page 73 (view image) If we get searched it's 'cause of my amiga who's driving!!McD's--here we come! We are so excited to all shower tonight @ Odessa! =) (especially for those who have YET to shower this week....Tonya....Jake......) CLAWED p.s. Mike slept in his van last nite!! | |
Page 74 (view image) 3-22-023:10 PM ARK. TIME. WELL, WE HAVE RETURNED. I AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE MET NEW PEOPLE AND REVISITED SOME OLD ONES. I AM BESIDE MYSELF (ME O+< O+< ME BESIDE MYSELF) WITH THE WAY YOU ALL GET ALONG WITH EACH OTHER UNDER ADVERSE CONDITIONS. THIS IS A TRUE TESTIMONY OF YOUR CHRISTIANITY. THANK YOU ONE AND ALL FOR ALLOWING ME TO BE A PART. THINGS I HAVE LEARNED: (1) HOW TO HACK (BARELY) (2) HOW NOT TO LOOSE KEYS (3) HOW TO BUY MEXICAN WATER (4) HOW TO EAT DIRT (5) HOW TO SPEAK A LITTLE MORE SPANISH. GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE IN EVERYTHING YOU DO. DAN D. | |
Page 75 (view image) No time, must be brief.-please someone else write about my car! -This has been, in a word, awesome. I can't thank Jake and everyone for arranging to meet me and stuff, no time! "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth, and good will to those whom his favor rests" -thanks for everything guys--see you in August -Joey | |
Page 76 (view image) Joey is a good man, I tells ya. Who else could/would/should run around with the hombritos tan mucho and even slam his face in the sand at their request. He was like Richard Pryor in "The Toy" without the Pryor. And now it's time for a random reference, USA: He didn't mind the "quack, quack" and the legs all danglin' down-o. This random reference was brought to you by Toasted Horse Hair Industries and Dab, Janitor Girls Inc. where their motto is, "Quality | |
Page 77 (view image) bothers some people, but not really us so much." I've enjoyed this trip immensely and was touched by them ole boys like Maria being touched. It's cool to help people when they really need help, and we all played a part, and every one of you is lovely beyond measure. Not-so-random reference time, USA, is here: "John John the great goose is gone, and the fox is on the town-o!" This reference was brought to you by Elephant Sandwich | |
Page 78 (view image) Makers Local 209, whose slogan is "Quality comes knocking every month, and we invite her in for scones and dog water." Anyway, I stop now. I have straws behind my ears for some reason. I think the tacos at the mercado made me a little sick. Cakey means well. People sometimes look like ducks. The sad-looking beggars are gypsies (Eduardo told me so). And, finally, 2 Timothy 2:2<3 and biscuits Jeff | |
Page 79 (view image) 5:44 pm 3-22-02Wow! What a trip! I am SO glad that I came, it was well worth it. Seeing Maria cry and how the house that we just built for her and then going to the people from last year's house and seeing what could be done in just a year really touched my heart. (And now I found a pen that works better). I didn't really know how much we really did for that family until I saw Maria get so emotional that she couldn't pray. This trip was amazing and it seemed so short. I can't wait until next year. Okay, so the thing about Joey's car... | |
Page 80 (view image) The place where we parked Joey's car in El Paso, which we thought was the Amor office, was not. So when we got back to El Paso, his car was gone. It got towed. I am amazed at Joey's ability to keep his sanity and remain calm when we didn't know where his car was because I would have cried and then I would have cried more when I found out how much it cost to get it out ($130), but Joey remained calm and even managed a smile. :) Okay now for my own random stuff:(1) Christy thinks everything is "and a half" (2) My voice went home early. | |
Page 81 (view image) (3) Heather is great to cuddle with.(4) The line to get into America is LONG. (5) Don't put milk on the fire. (6) Don't attempt to shower right before a dust storm (you're about to get dirty anyway.) (7) We just passed a "Java the Hut" mountain. (8) We need to learn to appreciate little things like flushable toilets. (9) Christy and I are apparently attached at the hip (but I think that it must be a long attachment since we are in different vans. (10) T.P. = Tee-Pee = T.V. Well, I'm headed for a shower in Odessa and then home tomorrow. Bye! -Becky | |
Page 82 (view image) 6:17 3/22/02Well, we are heading back home after a great week of serving the people of Mexico. I am so thankful that I was even able to come on this trip...I'm thankful to God for providing the opportunity & making it possible; I'm thankful for my family & friends back home who also helped to make the trip possible for me (Jake Shy - I <3 u :) ) and who have supported me w/ their prayers; and I'm thankful for all the wonderful people who shared this experience with me. Thanks to you all, I have experienced and learned things that can never be replaced or taken away from me. I am a different person, now, for the better and my prayer is--> | |
Page 82B (view image) that the seeds that have been planted in my heart/spirit will continue to grow so that I can pass on God's precious love to His people/my brothers and sisters!-Heather Renfroe | Page 83 (view image) 22 March 2002 THURSDAY 9:59PM @ YMCARebecca & I intended to write this on 16 March (Friday?) but never an opportunity so here goes... A: ¡Pam pam! B: ¿Quien es hay? A: ¡Yo! B: ¿Yo quien? A: ¡Yo MAMA! =) hehehe Well, so there you have it folks. Not quite as funny as before. ---> |
Page 84 (view image) Well, I don't feel like I have anything profound or remarkable to say, but oh, you (each of you on this trip) have become even more special to me. I'm touched & encouraged to have seen your hearts expressed outwardly over the course of the past week. I will continue to pray for each of you that ---> | |
Page 85 (view image) God would reveal more & more of His heart to you as the days go by...especially His heart for the nations, for all people...just as He has done with me. Something exciting for me that I've gained from this trip is further confirmation that I want to be on a foreign mission field to at least | |
Page 86 (view image) some degree during my life. I'm pretty sure God will not have a problem with that. :)Melinda | |
Page 87 (view image) How I feel right now.{graphic} by Jeff | |
Page 88 (view image) 3-22-02......What to write. Well we are at Pizza Hut & on our way home. What a great trip. We have helped a family and have learned to work as a team. God Bless all of you. Joe E | |
Page 89 (view image) One goatfly ate their soap, like Tonya did, but su madre had provided two dancing pigs ceiling fan a veces!! Salchichas Negros taste peachy like the fuzzy whiskers that Dan shaved off his face every Baby was wanting bloody black boogers for mass consumption on Cinco De Mayo! "Yo loverfria, pink agua moo bean." sayeth he. | |
Page 90 (view image) _Jake's Somewhat Trivial Life Goals_[x] see a bald eagle in the wild (12/98) [ ] bungee jump [ ] see a cougar/mt. lion in the wild [ ] sky dive [x] face-first rappell (too many times to count [ ] hang glide [x] see a mt. goat in the wild (3/32/2) [x] be awakened en la mañana by big, bearded freaks [ ] eat raw air spheres of biscuit crust mint vanilla cake stuff. [ ] be invited to Cakey's jacked-up birthday party [x] be awakened at 2:15am on the morning of 3/23/02 by Mr. Jeff Miller's patented Severe Hugs®. | |
Page 91 (view image) "Look Dan, it's the carafe-thing....carosuel....oh, carabiner." -Claudia"Tis a far, far better thing I do now than I have ever done before. Far better resting place* I go to than I have ever known." -Tale of 2 Cities * Odessa C C | |
Page 92 (view image) It's 7:30AM Sat. 23 Mar. 2002 but this should have been made at 3:30ish AM -->@ ANTIOCH CHRISTIAN CHURCH... Carey is puking. Vinny is puking Trevor is calling Poison Control. Melinda is pucking. Trevor is pucking now. Sarah S. is pucking again. Carey is pucking again, too. Everyone is waking up now at 7:30; we'll see who else is victim of the Pizza Hut Poison!!!... | |
Page 93 (view image) 3-22-02List of sick people 1) Sarah S 2) Jeff R 3) Melinda 4) Venny 5) T-Rev 6) Cary 7) Sarah F. 8) Christy 9) Rebeca 10) Ronda 11) Tonya and growing Joe 12) TJ 2:30pm 13) Jake 11:00pm | |
Page 94 (view image) {graphic}A BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF SI+ PEOPLE PUKING OUT THE WINDOWS OF BIG RED SIMULTANEOUSLY GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY TO DALLAS. | |
Page 95 (view image) Have you seen the movie "Outbreak?" We are filming the sequel as I speak... 11 down I think. Fluids oozing every which where.... Where's the infected monkey?Pizza Hut has lost our business....coupons or no coupons. I do love all you -- pukey, poopy & all. I have been Mega enriched by ALL of you this week. Amber--you're a gem. You cleaned up the nasty bathrooms that were nastoleous, just cause the smell was making the others hurl. A gem. A shiny rare gem. Sara Feltsie--how can u smile, puke & clean up @ the same time? I LOVE YOU! Sarah S.--I want you & Jeff to feel better SO BAD. "Bippity-boppity-boo" Did that work? This is FRUSTRATING for all of us. Claud | |
Page 96 (view image) Ways I feel today, March 23, 20021. Kind of bad for not being sick. I mean, I don't wish I was sick, obviously, but I feel kind of useless as a well person, unable to truly sympathize or help in any way. I wish I could tag team for one of the sickies, so they could just get some relief. 2. A little nervous that everyone else is going to start barfing and pooping, so there's 26 simultaneous sickies. 3. ready to be home, for all our sakes. last night, I was kind of sad to be heading home. not that I prayed for a delay of this kind, by any means. 4. kind of weirded out by all the doomsday prophecies -- A.) the hombre B.) Jeff's drawing C.) the tale of 2 cities quote D.) the sad face I drew on amber's hand. E.) all the signs & radio advertisements that say "the end is near" ------------------------------- I put a line there because it's time to write good/positive stuff 5. enriched. I feel enriched by this whole experience, and maybe even a little more confident about a future in ministry. 6. closer to lot of people -- really, really good, blessed, encouraging, inspiring people. on that note, ---> | |
Page 97 (view image) top tenPeople/things that have inspired me: 1. Carey communicating with & loving that family. 2. the hard work of so many guys & girls alike. 3. Amber's ability to clean that stinky, barf-splattered bathroom 4. Teresa, the mom of the family we built for last year. Something about her. 5. Dan & his construction crew of chicos. I loved seeing him interact with & be an example to those kids. 6. Doug's ability to instruct & also to befriend. I've got to learn that before I have kids. 7. the enthusiasm of Rebecca & Melinda. I'm glad they had the award idea. 8. The sickies. the are really being good sports. That's the wrong phrase, but I mean something like that! I think if I was that sick, I would not take it so well. No, not at all. 9. the attitudes & journal entries of pretty much everybody. in particular Sarah F. and Heather. 10. God, <-- the power of prayer Jesus, <-- the example of servantship and the Bible. <-- those given to the families especially | |
Page 98 (view image) 03/23/02 11:30 a.m.Some Random Gas Station, TX So this is the thing -- THIS MORNING EVERYONE'S THOUGHTS, PRAYERS & EVEN ACTIONS ARE CONSUMED WITH TWO THINGS: POOP & PUKE. IT'S HARD TO BE A WELL PERSON. (I KNOW THAT IT'S MORE DIFFICULT TO BE A SICK PERSON, BUT AT LEAST (PEN CHANGE) NEVERMIND, I LOST MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT.) UM. OKAY -- THIS IS IT -- IT'S HARD TO BE A WELL PERSON BECAUSE YOU FEEL SO HELPLESS. I FEEL THAT WAY A LOT, THAT IS ONE THING THAT PAARALYZES ME MOST OF THE TIME -- THE FEELING THAT NO MATTER WHAT I SAY OR DO, NOTHING REALLY MATTERS -- I CAN'T MAKE A DIFFERENCE. THAT IS ONE OF MY FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS (THERE ARE A LOT, BUT...) THIS TRIP HAS CHANGED THAT IN ME, HOPEFULLY FOREVER. MAYBE I CAN'T SINGLE-HANDEDLY FIX ALL THE WORLDS PROBLEMS, BUT GOD CAN (AND DOES) USE ME AS A TOOL TO FIX (OR HELP FIX, RATHER) A WORLD'S WORTH OF PROBLEMS FOR ONE FAMILY. BECAUSE WHAT I SAY USUALLY DOESN'T MAKE SENSE, I WILL PUT IT IN EQUATION FORM. [MEXICO + YOU = GOOD] [MEXICO - YOU = NOT GOOD] REALLY REALLY THINK ABOUT THIS. AT THIS POINT IN THE YEAR LAST YEAR MY LIFE WAS SPINNING OUT OF CONTROL. I WAS FOCUSED ON TRYING TO GET IT RIGHT, BUT IT WASN'T WORKING BECAUSE I WAS LEAVING GOD OUT OF IT. POINT OF THAT IS, I WOULD HAVE NEVER EVER THOUGHT THAT I BELONGED IN MEXICO, I WOULD HAVE NEVER THOUGHT I COULD DO ANY GOOD. FOR THOSE PEOPLE. I WAS ALREADY MESSING UP MY LIFE, HOW COULD I POSSIBLY DO ANY GOOD FOR ANYONE ELSE? THE END RESULT OF THIS TRIP IS THAT, NO MATTER HOW MUCH WE DID FOR THEM, THEY DID THAT MUCH MORE FOR ME (US?) HOW I FEEL ABOUT THINGS CAN'T REALLY BE PUT INTO WORDS (THOUGH I AM TRYING.) I FEEL EMPOWERED, I KNOW THAT I CAN DO ANYTHING THROUGH GOD. I HAVE SEEN WHAT GOD CAN DO FOR PEOPLE, FOR ME. I FEEL SO BELSSED, AND LIKE SOMEONE SAID EARLIER (I CAN'T REMEMBER WHO, SORRY) -- I WANT TO BE A BLESSING. SOMETIMES-- A LOT OF TIMES, I LOSE PERSPECTIVE, I LOSE INTEREST BECAUSE I THINK THAT I CAN'T DO IT. WELL, I CAN. AND SO CAN YOU. AND WE BOTH KNOW WHY. UM, OKAY THIS IS SOUNDING DUMB NOW, SO I WILL MOVE ON TO REPONSES AND RANDOM THINGS. 1.) I AM NOT A GEM. ALL I DID WAS CLEAN A BATHROOM THAT NEEDED TO BE CLEANED, & BECKY & LISA HELPED. 2.) IF ANY MORE OF YOU CRY, I AM GOING TO. MY BODY IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE W/ EMOTION. (BETTER THAN POOP & VOMIT, BUT NOT BY MUCH.) 3.) WHEN IN ODESSA TEXAS, DON'T EAT AT THE PIZZA HUT ON UNIVERSITY. 4.) THIS LIST THING IS FUN. 5.) PRAYER IS GOOD. 6.) I SNORE. THERE. BE FOREWARNED. 7.) YOU KNOW HOW THEY SAY BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO? SO IS GOING HOME FROM A PLACE WHERE YOU HAVE SEEN AND LEARNED SO MUCH. 8.) IMPLEMENTING THINGS LEARNED FROM #7 INTO ONE'S LIFE WILL BE HARD BUT WORTH IT. 8.) WRITING IN A JOURNAL ON A BUMPY ROAD IS INDEED DIFFICULT. 9.) MARGIE SKAIFE WAS MISSED A LOT. SO WERE OTHERS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: CARL BURGERS (& WILTSE.) | |
Page 99 (view image) SCOTT, KENDRA, AMANDA KAY, LAURA, MELODY, OKAY, I WILL STOP WITH THE NAMES. THERE ARE JUST TOO MANY. I WOULD LIKE TO GET TO KNOW ALL OF YOU BETTER, & MEXICO IS A GREAT PLACE TO DO SO. 10.) SUNSCREEN & SUNBLOCK AND ALL THAT STUFF IS IMPORTANT IN MEXICO. DON'T FORGET IT. ALSO, DON'T FORGET CHAPSTICK. 11.) THOUGH PIZZA IN ODESSA IS BAD, SHOWERS ARE GOOD. 12.) IF YOU GO TO MEXICO, HOPE THAT CLAUDIA, JENN & RHONDA ARE THERE. IT WAS GREAT FOOD. THANKS. NOTHING EVER TASTED BETTER. 13.) FRIENDSHIP BRACELET MAKING IS GOOD. WELL, I BETTER STOP. IT'S BORING & DUMB, WHAT I WROTE, & THIS IS THE LAST PAGE THIS WAY . SORRY TO WASTE IT. THANK THE LORD FOR EVERYTHING. DO IT LOTS.amber * (IT TOOK ME AN HOUR TO WRITE THIS, SORRY.) FOR REFERENCE: -------------- BIG RED: NOT SICK (10 HEALTHY PEOPLE) DAN'S TRUCK: HALF/HALF (2 SICK, 2 healthy.) MIKE'S VAN: HALF/HALF (2 SICK, 2 healthy.) THE STAR OF WHITE PUKE VAN: (6 SICK, 2 healthy.) I think. you can correct me if I am wrong. we miss Joey. :( = sick :( = healthy. (we want them to be better. | |
Page 100 (view image) This starts the second half of the journal....vinson_e_lee@email.com 918-809-8533 (c) 281-759-3510 (h) | |
Page 101 (view image) 3-23-02 2:47pmWe still haven't made it to Dallas yet...and now TJ is getting sick. I'm sad that everyone is sick but I'm not. I feel like since I'm well I should be doing something to help. Unfortunately all I can do for them is pray (which is good) something about this page is anti-pen | |
Page 102 (view image) I don't know what is with that page...this is a little better. Anyway...despite all of the bad things today I have been extrememly blessed by this trip. I can actually see how God is working through me. Okay not fighting with this pen anymore. - Becky | |
Page 103 (view image) Saturday 23 March 02Well, finally her I go -- w/ the except'n of the 1 entry I co-wrote w/ Melinda, I haven't written in this trip journal yet! It's a bit bumby in the back of Whate Star -- so I'll try my best to make the majority of this legible! =) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A couple of highlights from this past week: ------------------------------------------- * I locked THE only, singular, lonesome key for the white PG van in the white PG van! * With the help/support of Joe, Mike, Dan, Doug & Tonya, we finally retrieved it again. Thanks a bunch guys! Also, thanks for not stressing out about it! * I got/let my sunglasses get stolen from me --> let's here it for gulibleness! --> but really, it's no biggie -- just a "." = dot! * Learned that I prefer stuco over hammering; but really I really enjoyed helping out w/ the diff. steps of buiding a house. * Learned more about the importance of connecting with people: | |
Page 104 (view image) not only my fellow team members (awesome teamwork this week -- everyone -- way to show how the body of Christ really functions! :) ) but also w/ our family -- Maria, Carlos, Carla, Jesus, & Carlos.* I'm always amazed at how language, social, cultural barriers can be & are broken. For example, despite my meger (spelling?) Spanish skills, I was able to connect with our Mexican family & lots of the neighboor's kids. * Honestly, I feel truly privileged to be a part, as small as I am, of God's plan. What an honor it is to be on God's team -- that He Wants to use all of us to bring His Good News to all nations! To me, this is realy exciting! * So far, it's been awesome to see how God has challenged, stretched me this week. He's taught me quite a bit. But, like Vinny said, we need to realize that to whom much is given, much will be required. I pray that we will all work on & wrestle with that in our own lives. Also, I've been | |
Page 105 (view image) praying that this trip to Mexico won't be easily forgotten. Rather, that this week will be a landmark in our lives - an experience which shapes our attitudes & lifestyles!* I've really enjoyed getting to know people on this trip. You all are so unique, fun & encouraging. It's also neat to see the way Christ is revealed in each person. Okay, I think I've rambled enough for now. Don't forget: Arena in me ojos! Aie yia yie! y Pan con queso -> it rules! y let's here it for super-mega chapped lips! Rebecca Eve Henderson 10-4 | |
Page 106 (view image) 18:32 CST 3/23/02 ~ 1:32 24/3/02hello, stage 1: wake up, vomit, feel better, sleep ~1 hr., repeat. stage 2: diarrhea (sp?), feel worse. stage 3: feel better when lying down, bad (migraine in my stomach) when get up. but victory acheived by getting up very slowly, moving very gently and staying dehydrated. leads to headache, but no more fluids leaving except pee and spit. tired, achy, queasy, headache, but relatively well, and have finally finished my 32 oz. gatorade, and eaten a bit of food. ~ continuing 27/3 stuff i had written on my hand (while rebecca sitting next to me had the journal) but wasn't disposed to write once we got back on the road after leaving Vinny in Ft. Worth and eating in the mall (where I wrote the blue entry above): "journal" - not sure what that meant. probably that I shouldn't go 3-4 days to read the journal, because then there's lots of catching up to do at once. and I like to read all before adding an entry. ~ my "blisters had blisters" - my thumb blister, from hammering, when the first layer sloughed off, there was another blister under it. ~ "fotos/write familias" - we should write our families and send them pics. I never wrote miguel y teresa. yet. ~ "hammer" - before I got to mexico again to build a house, I will get a real hammer. more hefty. the one I have is cool and old, but too light. I've had it all 3 Amor trips though. and my quick-square the last two. ~ "zipper" - something about tent zippers not working well, even on the Eureka. ~ "Odessa" - "Odessa, Texas - worse than Mexico." ~ "hat" - after 5 mexico trips I finally bought a leather hat. ~ "last to bed" - I win the "last one to go to bed every night" award. ~ | |
Page 107 (view image) "Vinny" - Day 1 I didn't know he existed. We had some good talks a couple evening (when everyone else went to bed early) and it was weird how much we have in common. ~ "awards" - Rebecca & Melinda made awards for each person with a Bible verse, Lisa decorated the reverse sides with a humorous award. ~ Thanks to Doug for driving the vomit comet and Rebecca for riding and taking care of people. ~ "vomit" - that was the first time I vomitted in about 10 years. And I had never done so in a repeated fashion. definitely the majority of the vomitting in my entire life. ~ "God" - don't remember what I meant to say about him, but he's good, and he worked out things on the trip really well. ~ Joey - glad he could return as the official play-with-kids person. "pallets" the word is pallet. Thomas wanted to go for the fire record with 5 simultaneous pallets (compared to 3 last year). but it was real windy so we didn't do more than one. the end. good trip. thanks God. <) p.s. come on brothers, let's go down in the river to pray. Act 16:13 "...we went...to the river...to find a place of prayer..." | |
key: <3 sideways heart, (= sideways smiley, <) sideways trevly | |
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