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Sat, March 29
Hey everybody all is well. We arrived via roller coaster ride into McAllen in the plane for “less than tall” people at about 11:20 Raleigh time (we’re still trying to figure out what time it is here!). Once on the ground we were without incident except for a baggage scare for Jimmy. After filling out all the lost luggage forms and heading to Reynossa, it turned out that someone had picked his bag up and we had it all the time.
We saw friends we had met in Mississippi two years ago and got reacquainted.
It seems as though all we have done so far is eat. I think we are up to two of each meal so far today. But that has really not been a problem for most of us even at our first local restaurant El Pollo Loco (The Crazy Chicken).
Most of the adults took a short trip to the mission/sister church of Templo Emmanuel. It has an additional larger building now, which is used to hold services while the old building is used for storage. Emily, Stu Jr., and Katelyn stayed back at the church and had a “youth group” time with a couple of the older local kids. This was followed by a competitive game of water balloon toss with blankets. You would think that the adult male fearless leaders would be able to beat a bunch of teenagers, but in the final point of the game they choked tragically trying to beat them with a sly drop shot. We went out to a local restaurant dinner and came back to crash for the night.
Thanks for your prayers and we will keep you up on our trip.
God Bless
Stu Jr. and Mike Stewart
ESUMC Mission team.
Sun, March 30
Hey Everyone! Our second day started off well with-what else-more food! After a late night grocery run, we were well stocked for a breakfast of cereal followed by El Pastor’s delivery of barbecue and tortillas!
We had a relaxing morning before the service. I think most everyone slept well after a very long day. Before church we practiced the song Prince of Peace where the boys and girls sing separate verses at the same time. At first it sounded like we were auditioning for the Mayberry choir, but we finally got the timing down. Then we had to learn to sing it in Spanish as well!
The service was beautiful with lots of singing and the liturgical dancers were a lovely addition. We recognized many of the songs, such as “Lord I Lift Your Name on High”, and “Shout to the Lord”. Everyone was glad for us to be a part of the service. Our “performance” was as good as we could have hoped. At one point in the service, each one of us was paired with a family that had been praying for us, and they all prayed over us. It was a moving experience.
We had a huge lunch with 19 in attendance at an authentic Mexican restaurant.
We ate family style and enjoyed the social time. With such a large group, we travel in two vehicles. Katelyn and Emily were finally “allowed” to ride in the back of the truck on the ride back from lunch.
After lunch, we learned why everyone so enjoys a siesta! Almost all of us took a nice nap, with Stuart Jr. waking up last, just in time to join the basketball game. Some of the kids from the neighborhood quickly joined us.
From there, we went to the evening service, and enjoyed more singing and praising God. Stuart, Ruthie, and Stuart Jr. gave a testimony on Stuart Jr.’s recovery in the Fall. We joined families in prayer over members of the church.
After the service, Stuart Jr., Mike, Katelyn, and Emily played more basketball with the children from the church until they had to go home. We had tacos for dinner, and now, off to bed to prepare for our first day of at the church tomorrow.
God Bless,
Keith Lee
Katelyn Lee
Mon, Arpil 1
Day tres, Lunas
Mr Big Stu and Al the jeffe (ie boss) are updating Raleigh this noches (evening)
Hoy (today) we had to get materials, since aier (yesterday) the afternoon disappeared with siestas and two services. So we had some amigos working on getting ready to work. But premiero (1st) big Stu and Emily and Katelyn went to Home Depot. Now you may think they are all alike, but no. Mexico is especial. Nails are 3 rows, 5 feet wide, vs home where it is one aisle. And they did not have our clavos (nails) we need. So we bought mr. Jimmy 4” masonry nails to nail everything together. He was speechless and sore after pounding them into wood and concrete. Donde este los air guns??
The tasks today consisted of Home Depot, an event in itself.
Then we had Jimmy, Stu jr, and Crystal building a wall between the hall and the daughter’s room. At this point her room was an enlarged hallway, so this will give her a private bedroom (quarto). The got the studs up, and will finish manyana.
Keith, Emily, and Katelyn took down light fixtures and replaced them w/ fans, very good job. No one died from electric shock, Al gets a point for keeping all alive today.
Outside on the education building, we cut some cement block to prepare the ceiling to be poured w/ concrete. Also Al and Keith straightened out 40’ pieces of rebar (1/2” metal rod). They were getting the hang of it and wished they could have done more, because it was so much fun. The carpenteros were here forming up the ceiling, arrived at 10 am, …….
Ruthie and Emily and Crystal helped with VBS. It was a success with 20 kids. They took pictures and made picture frames. We asked the kids for confidential prayer requests and they are very touching and others showing great needs. Pretty amazing for kids that age.
Stu and Ruthie did a great devotion today, which we have each morning.
Big Stu oversaw the electric and came across to lights we had to replace. The wiring is unique and has not been seen in his 27 years of construction. He is sleeping on it tonight to gain insight.
Tue, April 2
Greetings from Reynosa! What a great and productive day we have had.
The men worked on the roof, framing it in, in preparation for pouring the concrete. When it was framed in, then the metal “rebar” had to be all tied together. It was a real job, and very hot out there in the sun. Then 4 people worked in the Pastor’s house, framing in and hanging sheetrock to make a bedroom for his daughter. We will “mud” the seams tomorrow and paint it a pretty pink (her choice) before we leave here. And of course, VacationBibleSchool went on this afternoon, thanks to that great leader, Ruthie Jones. There were 15 children yesterday, 19 today. You get the picture??
We continue to have great meals and fellowship with the people here. Today is Mike Stewart’s birthday, so the ladies in the kitchen baked him a wonderful birthday cake. In Mexican tradition, he took the first bite, with no silverware, and no hands. He put his face right into the cake, must be good luck. So of course, we celebrated!
Thank you all for the prayers and blessings you have sent. We continue to work safely, and we are all well. Please continue to keep us |