Wor of Grace Team

Tuesday, June 26, 2013

Sunday was great. We attended church in Puebla. We also went on an outing to Cholula to an ornate Catholic church. There was a pyramid buried under the church that is the largest in the world and it was first discovered around 1940 when they were digging for a building. Through it was a steep grade to church at the top of the hill, I climbed all the way to the TOP! I went through the excavation tunnels under the pyramids. Can´t wait to show you all pictures.

The work project Monday was digging and preparing to build a brick retaining wall. It was a great team building project. It is very interesting how they do things without equipment. The afternoon was spent with the kids. I am enjoying the whole experience. –Jana

Hola from Mexico!

Today was physically, emotionally and mentally exhausting. The team project requires hard physical labor as we serve the Lord and Living Hope by digging a ditch for a retainer wall. I was so impressed to see everyone – down to the youngest team member – getting dirty and working up a sweat for God.

These little ones are amazing! They are so full of love and life. They have opened their hearts to us. These children have so little in terms of physical possessions, yet are so rich in spirit. From their smiles over the simplest things to the hand they slide into your own, they joy is so evident here.

This week has been amazing! It has been very easy in my comfortable world of Wisconsin to see God through my limited lens. Being in Puebla has really opened my eyes…God is truly the God of the universe – the God of all nations! He knows no borders or cultural limits.

And of course being in Puebla has forced me out of my comfort zone. I am eating food I can´t pronounce the names of, communicating with people whose language I don´t speak and mingling in a culture I know very little about. Try putting coins in an offering plate and turning to your neighbor and saying, “How much did I give?” (with a smile, of course!) I can´t wait to tell everyone about what God is doing here at Living Hope! –Kristy

Buenos Dias, amigos! Sunday was a hot, but busy and gorgeous day. The group was taken (in a Wisconsin school bus!) to Nations Church on Sunday afternoon, and it struck me how similar the service was to the services at Word of Grace. As Mr. Wied told us earlier in the trip, these kids, this organization – they´re worshiping the same God we are! Their language was different, but the feeling of love and unity in the body of Christ in that auditorium was undeniably familiar.

Earlier in the day, someone spotted a rainbow hanging over Mt. Popo in the cloudy distance. My breath caught in my chest as I remembered God´s promise to Noah, and I was reassured of God´s strength and presence while we Americans are here. I felt God´s voice and had to pray a little to myself, just thanking Him for His love.

At the end of the day, the group shared their favorite part of our adventures to Nations Church, Cholula and through the tour of the Esperanza Viva facility. As we prayed, I felt that overwhelming sense of gratitude again, and finally tears began to run down my face as I just thanked God again.

I know that this journey has pushed my and others to the limits, but the courage shown through Jana climbing to the top of a pyramid, the kindness of Mrs. Quasius playing color tag with the kids, the humor that Wally brings to our trip, and the encouragement of other team members has begun to change the hearts of the group, especially mine, for the better.

We think of you all back home everyday and wish you could experience this life-changing trip with us. We love you all! –Katie

Last night we got done with activities a little earlier than usual and did our usual ¨favorite things¨ with the group and then went to our respective dorms while Wally and Dave went to pick Pastor Derik up from the airport. It is so much fun having all the girls in one room together as we chat and learn more about each other and comfort those who are getting a little home sick for family members. Last night, two of our team members, Jess and Allison who are studying physical therapy and nutrition, treated several of us to some serious stretching and much needed massage. You never know how people´s talents or gifts will come in to play during a trip, but I can tell you that many of us are thankful to have them along!

Lynnette had her first full day of cutting the boys´ hair and still has many more to go. Her very last ¨client¨ was a newer boy who is still trying to feel comfortable here. He hasn´t really smiled much, but she got a really sweet smile from him after his haircut when she took his picture.

We got to see the kids practicing for their graduation ceremony which will be on Friday. We are anxiously awaiting to see the real deal as it looks quite elaborate with several dances and songs. I dearly miss my little peanuts back home and can´t wait to be together again! Love you bunches! –Alissa J