Blog Post for December 30, 2009

From the Malnutrition Center:

From the Home Building Teams:
Today our two teams returned to the sites. The concrete had hardened and now it was time to build the walls. We did this in an area that was very tight and both teams had immediately adjoining facilities that the walls needed to be raised flush against further adding to the challenge. New skills were learned by all and there were times that were spent without “next steps” to do as we were held up by lack of ladders or areas in which to prepare two walls at the same time. That is all part of the process of patience and improvisation as we continue to find those things that could be done as we worked toward the goal. When the mountain team finished the roof and siding they were short one piece of 5’ by 18” of siding! Howie will return that in the morning. When the valley team ended the day, they were still short the roof installation which will be completed on Wednesday by a few returning Construction Team Veterans. Both Teams were able to pray with the occupying families whose appreciation levels were “off the charts.” It was humbling to see them be so thankful for something most of us would consider so basic or poorly finished. How spoiled we are by our distorted materialistic reference points! Denny Simmers said during our Wow! recap time later that evening that he was overcome with emotion as he watched the families faces and listened to their appreciative prayers. He spoke for all of us.
Malnutrition Center:
Just like the other days, we gathered for devotions and breakfast at 7:00 AM, gathered our items we were taking to the Center, prayed together as a group, and hopped on our bus. It is a beautiful drive to the Center with green, lush farm fields and the largest vegetables you have ever seen. Yet, here are these children that need food, love and care. Listening to the girls on the bus talk about the children they were looking forward to seeing for the day, warmed my heart.
Upon our arrival, they shot themselves like an arrow to its target and immediately knew right where to go. The gals that worked with the babies went to the cribs and began assisting the workers in changing diapers and clothes.
The toddlers were partially dressed and the girls helped the workers finish cleaning, wiping faces, and putting on shoes. Throughout the day as we would peek in the toddler activity room, we saw crowns being made with sparkles, lollipops given and shared, and coloring pictures.
Can you imagine the laundry load for 39 children? One man does it all and we helped the workers fold and organize the clothes onto shelving. We look forward to the special banquet we are having on Wednesday afternoon for the workers and their families. Thank you Lord, for allowing us to serve.