Word of Grace 2nd Team

(Written Wednesday)
So today as long and grueling, but also very rewarding! Dave, Jonathan and Wally got picked up early to work on the cabinets that were started last week so that they can hopefully al be installed by the time we leave. The five girls got to play in the dorms with the kids, which left Patrick and 8 ladies to shovel dirt into wheelbarrows and take them back and forth to the septic hole being filled for 3 hours =) thank goodness they had some boys helping us howl the wheel barrows over the shifting rocky path, because otherwise we wouldn´t have made it! There was only one pulled muscle, but I’m pretty sure we´ll all be sore tomorrow!

The awesome thing about today is that we took 8 of our adult team members to the hospital grounds in Puebla and got to evangelize to people living in tents on the grounds as they wait for their loved ones to get better in the hospital. We brought goody bags with things like new socks, granola bars, toys for the kids and some candy. We had a lot of teens from Esperanza Viva and a couple of people from the church join us in our efforts and we divided up into teams of 4. One gentleman we talked to has been living in a tent there for 4 months and his daughter is on oxygen and not doing well. We prayed for him and his daughter; we talked with a family of 4 who had been there for 4 days as one of the women in their family had just had a baby, 3 of them prayed with Dave (through our translator) to accept Christ and even asked about where Nations Church is. It´s amazing how almost everyone here is open to talking with you about Christ and want to know more. As Americans we are used to people shutting us down as soon as God is mentioned, but there is a hunger here for him.

There are so many other great stories that came out of today, but it´s late and I’m exhausted so you´ll just have to ask us about it when we get home!

We love you and miss you, but are enjoying each and every day we have here.

Alissa

This was an amazing day for our team. We did an evangelism outreach. Went to a hospital where the waiting room was outside sitting on the hard ground. These people either waiting to be seen or waiting for their loved ones who were in the hospital for a number of reasons, my group, which consisted of 2 Americans (me and Erika) 2 teens from Esperanza Viva, and a translator who also worked at the orphanage talked with a number of people. We prayed for their family, told them about God´s love, and some were even lead to Christ. The ones who weren´t, well we at least planted a seed. God has definitely stretched me on this trip in many ways. I miss my family greatly but am trying to learn on God to fill that void. Love you all.

Jackie Ronk =)

It has been great to get back and see how things have progressed. Walking into the new dorm took my breath away. The first time I walked on that patch of land there was only wood stakes in the ground showing where the building would be built. The next time we walked on that patch of land there was a shell of a building with dirt floors. This time when we walked in the building it was amazing! It is beautiful inside; God has provided such a wonderful place of hope and love. It never ceases to amaze us how closely God keeps his hand on these children and the wonderful ministry of Esperanza Viva. God is great!

Wally and Kelsey.

Although things are still hard for me being out of my own environment today was amazing. Worship with all the workers was atrue blessing. I also had my heart stolen by a little boy Luis. He stuck by my side most of the day and helped me to get passed missing my own children a little. Even though communicating isn´t easy we are figuring it out. Thanks everyone for your prayers. Love you all.

Jackie Ronk

What a day! What a week so far! The kids are so full of life and love, and the feeling of family permeates this place. I witnessed Esperanza Viva today, those kids are Living Hope. Yet ever more powerful than the kids and the view of the mountains, was worship time with the staff. I have never experienced anything like this, singing “Let it rain” in Spanish, worshipping our God together with hands and voice raised. Like the top of the mountain hidden by clouds, we may not see him with our eyes, but we know with no doubt he is here, Oh, como el Señor nos ama!