Friday June 29, 2012 The Last Day

Today is our final day of work and the send off by the community.  After a very meaningful and productive week we share with you the many faces of Getsemani that have touched our hearts.

You go nowhere by accident,  wherever you go God is sending you.  Wherever you are God has put you.
He has a purpose in your being there.  Christ who end wells you has something he wants to do through you
wherever you are.

Believe this, and go in His grace, in His love, and in His power.  Amen

Thursday, June 28, 2012 Training & Painting

Romans 8:28  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

We completed painting Evelia's house.  She is the woman MSPC donated $1800 to purchase the land her home was built on.  She is so happy now with her new home.
She asked us to paint her house with things that we felt were part of Miami and to select a scripture and paint that above the flowers and Church.  We selected
Joshua 24:15 "As for me and my house, I will serve the Lord"

Evelia says she will always remember us because we helped change the quality of her life.  You can see how beautiful her home is now with MSPC artistry.

While we were working, Betty came by and asked that we also paint her home.  She is Glenda's mother, the young woman who has been making the bracelets we brought back from our last trip.  Tony and Manuel helped us by sketching the designs and then we did all the painting. We included a sketch of the cross and dove that are the necklaces we were given during our commissioning.  We should complete this tomorrow by adding the scripture we selected for her.  
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"

 

After lunch we worked with Tony, Jose, Alex and Hector using the dremel tool.  The youths practiced using different tips and techniques with Deb guiding them. Jose was learning on his own how he can use this with his jewelry creations.




Everyday we have seen different vendors passing through the streets selling baskets, hot dogs and cotton candy.  
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See below for some of the other local sights we see on our daily commute.  Included are some sites we saw in the city of Ataco today.

Hasta  mañana !


This blog was put up today due to computer issues.  We will do our best to put up the next blog before our departure. There will be no blog on Saturday because we will be travelling and will update you once we get home.

Wednesday Jun 27, 2012 Continuum training and painting

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.                              Todo lo puedo en Cristo que me fortalece.

Early this morning, at 12:30 am, we were aroused by what we thought was a freight train coming through the hotel.  Luckily it was only an earthquake that registered 5.1 and shook our beds enough to wake us all.  To our knowledge, there was no damage from this event.

Once we reached Getsemani we held workshops on BAC training which is bacteria awareness training when managing food temperatures.  This was followed by the dental hygiene presentation.  Many parents and children from the community attended to learn more. 

 

  








We distributed thermometers, toothbrushes and toothpaste and demonstrated the best use for each.

In the afternoon, we gathered with the teenagers and held a box decorating workshop.  This was a huge success as the youth rallied around the project and had a great time being creative.

After leaving Getsemani, we attended a service with Pastor Rodriguez, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ahuachapan.  He was very gracious to hold a private service for us and allow us to participate.  Dr. Sam shared scripture and prayers with us.  Pastor Rodriguez gave his message, and Juan Carlos gladly stepped in to be our interpretor.  This made the service more meaningful for all of us.  The pastor said the work we are doing in Getsemani helps his ministry because the people now have hope.

This was even more special as the Pastor’s wife was admitted to the hospital this afternoon with bronchitis.  We ask that everyone keep her in their prayers and for a quick recovery. 

 

The children of Pastor Rrodriguez are both very active in the Presbyterian Church.  His daughter, Andrea, assisted him throughout by singing and sharing scripture.  His son, Victor, supports the growth of the Church by making jewelry.  

 

Tuesday Jun 26, 2012 Working at Getsemani

Romans 12:6  

So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God hás given us...

Today began by greeting old friends.  Glenda, Victor and Pastor Rodriguez.  Nora introduced Sam to the Pastor Rodriguez. 

Our first workshop today was with the sewing group.  New ideas for products and business strategies were shared.  Patricia and Nora showed many new ideas and we went through all of the fabrics that we brought.  Juan Carlos was going over business details including inventory and branding with the group.  He and Lauren went over cash flow with Jose.

We had lunch with our Habitat Leader Alex.  Sam and Juan Carlos took a short break during lunch outside. 

After lunch we took a “tem-pature” (team picture) in front of the mural. 

There was a large group that came to the jewelry workshop.  Patricia was training them on how to use the materials we brought, sharing pictures of ideas and other items and some of the new tools they can use. 

The dremel tool was presented to the jewelry team and will be very useful to them in making their designs. 

This will enable them to use more organic materials from their environment such as beans, pits and seeds to make jewelry and other artisitc items.  Members of this group vary in age from 11 to 18 years old. 

Deb and the youth assembled the tool and Juan Carlos began the training on how to use it. 

 

This was a very exciting day as the groups were extremely receptive and already started implementing the new ideas.

We are pleased that we have two Spanish speaking team members as Patricia has lost her voice.  Juan Carlos has stepped up and is doing a great job.