I don't think I've ever been dirtier, sweatier or hotter at the same time. So today was splendid! All this work by so many people for such a wonderful purpose - I am so thankful to be a part of this mission team. Two people I met in Mozambique in June 2009. All the others are so very kind and friendly. Getting acquainted with your church was one of those "God coincidences" for me. As always, it has been a marvelous experience.
We poured a lot of concrete today - into foundation footings, onto flat new floors and out of pointed tubes into tall columns. Windows were painted, tile was grouted and bricks were mortared. Our Brazilian coworkers are dynamos of energy. It's impressive and humbling.
The people of Annandale UMC should be very proud of all on this team. And, again, I thank you for the opportunity to share in this loving service to the people of Brasil.
Don Skillman
Helena, MT
Gabbie lends a helping hand to team member Blair Bullock.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Making progress
Our third day on the job and more heat, humidity and hard work pouring concrete and laying block. But we are making tremendous progress on the church, and it is an incredible experience to be a part of the team that is helping to make the dreams of the people of Santa Etelvina a reality.
I have to confess, I wasn't prepared for the high humidity, which at times seems suffocating to me. But the people here are obviously used to it. There is a bustle and rhythm to this city of 2 million that is amazing. This morning we toured the fish market, with dozens and dozens of different kinds of fresh fish from the Amazon and Rio Negro Rivers. The market was teeming with workers and buyers and the streets were alive with vendors -- many of whom hand-carry their wares in carts and on their backs, competing with cars and buses for space on the roads. We have ridden in several cabs, and the traffic here rivals the bustle of New York, Chicago or Europe. Can you say adrenaline!
We always say that the key to a successful mission trip is flexibility. This morning, we had to reform the concrete foundation for the classrooms we are building because it was not level. But such is life when working on these projects. You learn to roll with punches. By the afternoon, the new concrete is poured, as well as one of the floors.
My roommate this week is Don Skillman of Helena, Montana, who is an infectious diseases doctor. That's a pretty handy skill to have in the Amazon, so we have been quizzing him about malaria and other tropical maladies. Luckily, malaria is very rare here.
It has been great getting to know Don and welcoming him to our team. It is another beautiful byproduct of mission work -- making friendships with people all over the world who are committed to serving others.
Jay
I have to confess, I wasn't prepared for the high humidity, which at times seems suffocating to me. But the people here are obviously used to it. There is a bustle and rhythm to this city of 2 million that is amazing. This morning we toured the fish market, with dozens and dozens of different kinds of fresh fish from the Amazon and Rio Negro Rivers. The market was teeming with workers and buyers and the streets were alive with vendors -- many of whom hand-carry their wares in carts and on their backs, competing with cars and buses for space on the roads. We have ridden in several cabs, and the traffic here rivals the bustle of New York, Chicago or Europe. Can you say adrenaline!
We always say that the key to a successful mission trip is flexibility. This morning, we had to reform the concrete foundation for the classrooms we are building because it was not level. But such is life when working on these projects. You learn to roll with punches. By the afternoon, the new concrete is poured, as well as one of the floors.
My roommate this week is Don Skillman of Helena, Montana, who is an infectious diseases doctor. That's a pretty handy skill to have in the Amazon, so we have been quizzing him about malaria and other tropical maladies. Luckily, malaria is very rare here.
It has been great getting to know Don and welcoming him to our team. It is another beautiful byproduct of mission work -- making friendships with people all over the world who are committed to serving others.
Jay
A joy and a privilege to be here
After completing our second day of hard (but fun) labor, everyone is a bit tired and sore, but I think it’s a good tired and a good sore. Our team seems to be jelling very nicely, and everyone seems to be finding many places to fit.
Today was extra special because it was David Hoefer’s birthday. So the door to his room was decorated; we all sang Happy Birthday as he walked into breakfast; and we sang several times throughout the day. Pastor Luna, the new pastor at Sata Etelvina, made a wonderful cake, after having cooked all day for our incredible lunch. I don’t think David really knew how to handle the attention, but I think he truly enjoyed it.
One of my personal highlights is seeking so many people that we met last year. Gabriella (age 3), the most photographed child in the Amazon, and Julio, her big brother (age 5), have grown so much. Gabby loves to help work. Today she was carrying blocks, and yesterday she was sweeping the floor. She takes her work very seriously!
Ana Julia is one of my favorites. She is a beautiful 13-year-old who helps on the projects in the kitchen but still seems to be the Ping-Pong champion. She also gives great hugs. She is so bright. I hope she has the opportunity to go to college, but I know her family has very little money. She is a big part of why the Shade and Fresh Water Project is so important. Even if she doesn’t get all the education she deserves, she will make a difference; and I think her involvement in the church and program will make that possible.
What a joy and privilege it is to be here – despite being tired and sore. It is truly a blessing.
Erin
Today was extra special because it was David Hoefer’s birthday. So the door to his room was decorated; we all sang Happy Birthday as he walked into breakfast; and we sang several times throughout the day. Pastor Luna, the new pastor at Sata Etelvina, made a wonderful cake, after having cooked all day for our incredible lunch. I don’t think David really knew how to handle the attention, but I think he truly enjoyed it.
One of my personal highlights is seeking so many people that we met last year. Gabriella (age 3), the most photographed child in the Amazon, and Julio, her big brother (age 5), have grown so much. Gabby loves to help work. Today she was carrying blocks, and yesterday she was sweeping the floor. She takes her work very seriously!
Ana Julia is one of my favorites. She is a beautiful 13-year-old who helps on the projects in the kitchen but still seems to be the Ping-Pong champion. She also gives great hugs. She is so bright. I hope she has the opportunity to go to college, but I know her family has very little money. She is a big part of why the Shade and Fresh Water Project is so important. Even if she doesn’t get all the education she deserves, she will make a difference; and I think her involvement in the church and program will make that possible.
What a joy and privilege it is to be here – despite being tired and sore. It is truly a blessing.
Erin
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