DAY 3: WORK DAY 1

Today our team split into two groups ...

Team 1 -

Today Team 1 worked on the La Roca farm in the morning that helps support the church plants and other ministries of the Petra Churches. We filled small plastic bags full of dirt that will be used to plant coffee. We filled 800 of them! We also helped one of the ladies from the church who is a mother of four and a single mom. We were making a water trench so that she can have running water in her house. Additionally, we built a covered structure for where she cooks and does laundry. The men also were also completing a cinder block wall at her home. And we wired electricity into her home so that she can have light inside. .

Filling bags on the farm

 

Filled bags

Working on the house

The trench

Maria and her kids in the completed structure

Alex, Logan, and Stephen

Team 2 – Kristi Kollar, Senior

Hola amigos! As much as I would love to type in Spanish, I don’t think that would be very helpful to most of you. Today has been the best so far (in my opinion). We started the day waking up on the beautiful island of Ometepe and a devotion by the local pastor, Edwin, on his testimony. God’s work in his life was very encouraging to hear, and I was especially touched on his demonstration of how we as people can do nothing apart from Christ.

After, we enjoyed breakfast and split into our two groups for the day. I was on the group that worked in Merida, where a local church plant is. The girls dug holes and talked to the women while the boys carried, stripped, and lifted logs to build the structure of a temple for the church. It was great to hear testimonies from the women and teach them English while practicing our Spanish.

Work at Merida Church

Work at Merida church with some of the church members

Work at Merida church with some of the church members

After, we had lunch and prepared for VBS. Kiana and I led the gospel message presentation in Spanish, as well as crafts, while Konnor led sports activities. Working with the ninos is always a highlight for me, and I absolutely loved speaking and teaching them in Spanish. The other team spent the day farming and building a kitchen for a local single mother.

VBS Music Time

VBS Game Time

Nicole, Ki, Kristi, T and Elena sharing the gospel

Craft Time!

Craft Time!

Peyton with the ninos

Amber with Pastor Edwin's wife Eslee and 

their kiddos Abi, Caleb and Samuel!

Tonight, we are relaxing and enjoying dinner together before returning to the camp for the night. So far this trip has been amazing and I cannot wait to see what else God has in store for us. Our team is fantastic because of our unity and purpose in Him. For me personally, God has really been teaching me how to see the differences in people as gifts, as we work together as a body in Christ. Often, I try to be completely capable on my own, but this is not God’s purpose for us. And honestly, this is good news because others have so much to offer in every situation and I don’t need to work in my own strength. Thank you for your prayers! Adios por ahora! (Bye for now).