My First Trip

This is my very first time going on a trip like this. Honestly, it’s a life changing experience. Throughout the week I’ve been cutting metal, drilling in holes, and screwing in metal. But today my stomach was sore. So I got the opportunity to play with the kids. 

 The first day we were building and there were about 2 or 3 kids. They were scared of us because they’ve never really seen white people before. I motioned them to play frisbee with me. At first they were unsure of the whole thing.

Fast forward to today, they brought all their friends to come play with us. Still not being able to communicate but laughing, smiling, clapping, and giving each other hugs began to develop a relationship. We would also colour. We started saying the colours in English and spanish. For some reason most of them found the word blue very funny. 

Playing with the kids and working with the adults is something so amazing I can’t even describe it. Even though we both had no idea what the other person was saying. We shared one thing in common, we both served the same God. 

The things I’ve learned from this trip are that I’m unbelievably grateful for how God has blessed me and I’m actually really bad at charades.

-Taijah Allen

Warm water

I love ice cold water. We have completed our second day of building homes. It is an experience that is difficult to put into words. We are in a remote area and the need is great. All of the people I have talked to receiving homes are so greatful and appreciate us coming to see them. They have never seen white people before. So this is a good experience for them and their community which are all helping with the builds. Even people not getting homes. 

It is so hot here, hi 30s and little shade. I have drank more water than ever and most of it is warm. I can now appreciate warm water.

Jim

Cultural Differences

Once again I am reminded of the great country we live in. Over the past couple of days I have had the privilege of interviewing some of the new home owners.  When we ask how receiving this house will change their lives, the answers varied.  Although they have all been thankful to God for their new home, some have a hard time thinking this way because they only live one day at a time. 

 Those that have some income are able to see into their future, however others are only concerned about where their next meal will come from. One family shared that this home would give safety for the daughter, because right now they rent a home on a busy road and she likes to run around.  This new home is away from the road and will have a safe space around it for her to play. 

This week is reminding me we are all Gods children and he has a plan for each one of us.

Julia