Please remember to keep our team members in your prayers daily.
TEAM
MEMBERS
Charles Smith
Laura Smith
Chuck Smith
Fran Wells
Ann Brancroft
Ann Phillips
Christine Reuss
Sheryl Thornton
Wes Thornton
David Hurst
Cully Dorer
Bryan Sisson
Check out the lastest pictures from our team
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Ann Phillips' Journal
Entry for Thursday, June 19...
Our day began with some aches and pains, but with tremendous spirit. Our
devotion focused on Galatians 5:22, talking about the fruit of the Spirit
and how we are using this fruit this week in Bolivia with our team and
with our new friends at the school and worksite.
After reporting to work, we quickly started our various tasks. Some of
the group chipped plaster, some loaded debris to be removed, window frames
were disassembled, and general cleanup started. The team is showing many
work skills we didn't know we had!! David and Laura use a mean hammer
swing when chipping away plaster from the walls. Ann B. has used her nursing
skills to minister to hurt fingers and some minor stomach pains, and she
can dig quite a hole when digging up plants. Wes can remove a window frame
with a mighty force. As you can see, we are a demolition team with a mission!!
The team is working very hard physically, but it is so rewarding to see
the results as we labor side by side with the Bolivian workers. Getting
to know the Bolivian workers has enhanced our experience. They have great
patience as they teach us what to do. We ask many questions and at times
get in their way, but no complaints, only good humor with a smile.
During a part of the morning, Ann B. and Charles met with the Health Class
in the high school. Ann and Charles instructed them on medical techniques
(blood pressure, heart rate, etc.). Today was a school holiday, but these
students came to class just for this interaction. The students asked some
excellent questions, and many have goals to be nurses' aides or medical
technicians. Ann and Charles both enjoyed this chance to teach, and saw
future opportunities for sharing.
Lunch was delicious. We all love the meals and the great people at the
hotel. The staff takes good care of us. The team enjoys our meals not
only for the tasty food, but it is our chance to share our experiences
and get to know each other better.
The afternoon work continued, and the workers are already building new
walls. Our breaks are fun - with food provided by the local church and
school groups, and we also receive "encouragement" from the
Horizons Sunday School Class at VHUMC. This class has sent us something
everyday for our work team and the local workers. What a wonderful treat
this has been for us. These cards, with Bible verses and candy attached,
has been so meaningful to us all. It is always a surprise and is just
the right message for us for the day. When Sheryl distributes the cards,
the Bolivian workers want to know what the verses say. To watch Christine
translate the Bible verse to Spanish with these rugged men surrounding
her so they can hear these words - it just cannot be described. It fills
my heart so full to be proud of her and to see the results of this gesture
by the Horizons Class and their far-reaching efforts.
At 4:00 this afternoon, Sheryl met with Modesto, who is the pastor of
2 Methodist churches. One church is on the school campus. Sheryl went
to his home, also on campus, where they shared a Coke and had a chance
to meet his family and enjoy his hospitality. Sheryl describes this meeting
as very productive. They shared (with the help of Kay's translating!)
the joys and challenges of each of their ministries, as well as ideas
and life experiences. Modesto was very complimentary of Kay and her ministry
here in Montero.
Kay has been coming to our meals, so we are visiting with her and catching
her up on all the news from home. She has been so helpful to the team
to help us do our best work here and to get to know the culture and the
people.
After dinner we gathered as a group on the hotel patio to reflect on the
day and experiences we have had, and how we see God working through each
of us and our Bolivian friends. We are thankful for all the prayers from
our church, our prayer partners, our friends and family, and for our sweet
friends in the Horizons Class.
It is now off to get ice cream and then to bed!!!