Wednesday 12:15 p.m.
The team has arrived in Aruba. They eaten breakfast there and are now preparing for the flight to Atlanta.
Their flight is scheduled on time at this point. If you want to follow along...it Delta flight #654 leaving Aruba at 3:24, due to arrive Atlanta at 7:47.
I'm guessing they should be at the church between 9:00 and 9:30 tonight - if all goes well!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The Lights Went Out in Georgia (oops - Venezuela)
Barco was unable to reach us me yesterday evening due to a power outage (not sure why the cell phone wasn’t working – maybe the tower was down too?). So here is yesterday’s update.
Monday:
Shaun laid low at the hotel dealing with some stomach issues, but don’t worry Laura - by Tuesday morning, he was feeling fine!
Most of Monday’s work consisted of preparing and sanding the church walls and starting to paint them. The report is that good progress was made and the church is looking more finished.
Although there was no VBS planned for the day the usual gaggle of kids were hanging around. Stephanie and Jill love the little ones (and they love them back). Jill has decided she wants to bring a couple home with her!
With no sports camp going on, but Rachel and Sarah spent time talking with the older teenagers and young adults. Sarah seems pretty adept with her Spanish and is able to get her points across to the locals.
Jackie continues to be invaluable with her ability to translate for the team! Since Juvenal doesn’t speak English, it is helpful to have someone that is extremely fluent in both languages to help with the more precise translation needs. How fortunate they feel to have her along.
The evening came to a close with a devotional led by Jill.
Tuesday is being spent in relationship building activities, including Juvenal and his family escorting the team through town and to the beach. After a final devotion tonight, the team will prepare to depart in the morning.
I’m guessing that I’ll receive a phone call from Barco when the team lands in Aruba. If so, I’ll update the blog then. They will clear US customs in Aruba which will facilitate them getting through Hartsfield Airport much more quickly.
Monday:
Shaun laid low at the hotel dealing with some stomach issues, but don’t worry Laura - by Tuesday morning, he was feeling fine!
Most of Monday’s work consisted of preparing and sanding the church walls and starting to paint them. The report is that good progress was made and the church is looking more finished.
Although there was no VBS planned for the day the usual gaggle of kids were hanging around. Stephanie and Jill love the little ones (and they love them back). Jill has decided she wants to bring a couple home with her!
With no sports camp going on, but Rachel and Sarah spent time talking with the older teenagers and young adults. Sarah seems pretty adept with her Spanish and is able to get her points across to the locals.
Jackie continues to be invaluable with her ability to translate for the team! Since Juvenal doesn’t speak English, it is helpful to have someone that is extremely fluent in both languages to help with the more precise translation needs. How fortunate they feel to have her along.
The evening came to a close with a devotional led by Jill.
Tuesday is being spent in relationship building activities, including Juvenal and his family escorting the team through town and to the beach. After a final devotion tonight, the team will prepare to depart in the morning.
I’m guessing that I’ll receive a phone call from Barco when the team lands in Aruba. If so, I’ll update the blog then. They will clear US customs in Aruba which will facilitate them getting through Hartsfield Airport much more quickly.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day!
This is a two-day update.
Saturday –
Sports camp was conducted in the morning. Attendance seemed a little lower than expected, but it was probably due to some unusual activity in town (unusual to the team anyway). One of the main roads through town which passes in front of the church was blocked off for what looked like a government-sponsored flea market. There appear to be more shortages this year than seen in past years (sugar, toilet paper, etc.) and this event seemed to be an opportunity for people to shop for supplies.
The early afternoon provided a chance to start preparing the interior walls of the church to be painted. After smoothing and sanding, they will be painted white.
VBS was conducted in the afternoon. The team did the Noah’s Ark skit – this year without the highly unusual and very dramatic rain storm that followed last year’s portrayal! Another story was told about a boy in a boat and how Jesus was with him as he was scared by a storm. Tom illustrated the story with paper folding that started as a boat and ended in the shape of a lifejacket, symbolizing that Jesus, our lifesaver, had been there all along. The kids got their own paper to play with and enjoy it very much.
Some of you from prior trips may remember Frenie, whose picture has been on our VZ Mission posters and slide shows. Jackie learned Saturday was her 13th birthday so the team arranged for a cake and held a small celebration with her.
The team had dinner together at a restaurant near the hotel, and Tom led the devotions before bedtime.
Sunday –
There were no plans for the morning so the team got a welcomed opportunity to sleep in a bit later. Glenn led the team in a worship service.
Next, it was off to the softball field for the “Father’s Day Cup” a local softball tournament. Reid and Shaun were allowed to play on the Punto Fijo team. At the top of the last inning, the score was tied, but the other team came back to score three runs, so PF was out of the running for the trophy!
As Barco and I talked, the team was preparing to head back to Punto Cardon for dinner and a service this evening.
All team members are reported to be healthy and happy!
The team continues to see the impact of our mission efforts. From the early days of our trips, Punto Fijo has a sturdy building in which to hold services, but perhaps more importantly, lasting relationships that are furthering the Kingdom of God are more apparent each year. This is particularly apparent to people like Glenn, who are returning to PF after several years away, but the feeling is shared by all the returning members.
Saturday –
Sports camp was conducted in the morning. Attendance seemed a little lower than expected, but it was probably due to some unusual activity in town (unusual to the team anyway). One of the main roads through town which passes in front of the church was blocked off for what looked like a government-sponsored flea market. There appear to be more shortages this year than seen in past years (sugar, toilet paper, etc.) and this event seemed to be an opportunity for people to shop for supplies.
The early afternoon provided a chance to start preparing the interior walls of the church to be painted. After smoothing and sanding, they will be painted white.
VBS was conducted in the afternoon. The team did the Noah’s Ark skit – this year without the highly unusual and very dramatic rain storm that followed last year’s portrayal! Another story was told about a boy in a boat and how Jesus was with him as he was scared by a storm. Tom illustrated the story with paper folding that started as a boat and ended in the shape of a lifejacket, symbolizing that Jesus, our lifesaver, had been there all along. The kids got their own paper to play with and enjoy it very much.
Some of you from prior trips may remember Frenie, whose picture has been on our VZ Mission posters and slide shows. Jackie learned Saturday was her 13th birthday so the team arranged for a cake and held a small celebration with her.
The team had dinner together at a restaurant near the hotel, and Tom led the devotions before bedtime.
Sunday –
There were no plans for the morning so the team got a welcomed opportunity to sleep in a bit later. Glenn led the team in a worship service.
Next, it was off to the softball field for the “Father’s Day Cup” a local softball tournament. Reid and Shaun were allowed to play on the Punto Fijo team. At the top of the last inning, the score was tied, but the other team came back to score three runs, so PF was out of the running for the trophy!
As Barco and I talked, the team was preparing to head back to Punto Cardon for dinner and a service this evening.
All team members are reported to be healthy and happy!
The team continues to see the impact of our mission efforts. From the early days of our trips, Punto Fijo has a sturdy building in which to hold services, but perhaps more importantly, lasting relationships that are furthering the Kingdom of God are more apparent each year. This is particularly apparent to people like Glenn, who are returning to PF after several years away, but the feeling is shared by all the returning members.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
That's the way the ball bounces!
Today marked the beginning of Sports Camp. As the team headed off to the fields they had used for the last two year, they were surprised to see that houses had been built there. With about 40 kids in tow, they headed for the softball field used for the “US vs. VZ” championship games of the past. The children, however, had a different idea and decided to detour at the local basketball court instead.
Shaun got the camp rolling with kickball, and dodge ball while some of the kids enjoyed the hula hoops and jump ropes. Special rules were adopted to limit the out-of-bounds (over the fence) kicks by making that an automatic out. This allowed the games to progress a little faster. Not only did the need to chase the balls outside of the fence delay the game, but apparently a neighbor’s dog decided to play with an errant ball, bit it andone ball gone!
The VZ climate seemed to agree with Reid, as he had an exceptional athletic day, taking bases in kickball and making stellar saves in dodge ball, allowing the games to continue for a while. Apparently there was some generational rivalry, as Rachel and Reid took out Tom and Barco in back-to-back hits in dodge ball. Guess those reflexes aren’t what they use to be!
Lunch was provided for the team by one of the Punto Fijo families. It was a feast of roast beef, potato salad and plantains. It was quite delicious!
The team feels very blessed to have Jackie along on this trip. Her ability to bridge the communication gap is very beneficial and she has adopted the role of “mother hen” keeping everyone together, organized and on time!
Vacation Bible School was attended in the afternoon by about 50 children. Glenn spoke to the VBS children. Dracma performed more dances and skits. Jill, Rachel, Sarah and Stephanie continue to love working and playing with the children.
The team traveled to Punto Cardon for a combined service with people from Punto Fijo. There were about 100 people in attendance. Glen preached on the importance of letting the light of Christ shine through your life so others can see it. (I hope Glenn is getting seminary credit for these sermons!) After Juvenal made a few remarks and an alter call, 5 people came forward to accept Christ! The team will be back in Punto Cardon on Sunday.
The team has been touched by realizing that the seeds planted on prior trips seem to be taking hold. Some of the seedlings include increased use of portrayals of skits to music and on-going church-sponsored sports camps for kids in kickball, softball and soccer. In fact, Juvenal announced that a new softball camp targeting younger children will be named after McEachern!
Before signing off – there is one special message to home…
Happy Anniversary, Nancy! Glenn sends his love on their 17th anniversary this Saturday.
Shaun got the camp rolling with kickball, and dodge ball while some of the kids enjoyed the hula hoops and jump ropes. Special rules were adopted to limit the out-of-bounds (over the fence) kicks by making that an automatic out. This allowed the games to progress a little faster. Not only did the need to chase the balls outside of the fence delay the game, but apparently a neighbor’s dog decided to play with an errant ball, bit it and
The VZ climate seemed to agree with Reid, as he had an exceptional athletic day, taking bases in kickball and making stellar saves in dodge ball, allowing the games to continue for a while. Apparently there was some generational rivalry, as Rachel and Reid took out Tom and Barco in back-to-back hits in dodge ball. Guess those reflexes aren’t what they use to be!
Lunch was provided for the team by one of the Punto Fijo families. It was a feast of roast beef, potato salad and plantains. It was quite delicious!
The team feels very blessed to have Jackie along on this trip. Her ability to bridge the communication gap is very beneficial and she has adopted the role of “mother hen” keeping everyone together, organized and on time!
Vacation Bible School was attended in the afternoon by about 50 children. Glenn spoke to the VBS children. Dracma performed more dances and skits. Jill, Rachel, Sarah and Stephanie continue to love working and playing with the children.
The team traveled to Punto Cardon for a combined service with people from Punto Fijo. There were about 100 people in attendance. Glen preached on the importance of letting the light of Christ shine through your life so others can see it. (I hope Glenn is getting seminary credit for these sermons!) After Juvenal made a few remarks and an alter call, 5 people came forward to accept Christ! The team will be back in Punto Cardon on Sunday.
The team has been touched by realizing that the seeds planted on prior trips seem to be taking hold. Some of the seedlings include increased use of portrayals of skits to music and on-going church-sponsored sports camps for kids in kickball, softball and soccer. In fact, Juvenal announced that a new softball camp targeting younger children will be named after McEachern!
Before signing off – there is one special message to home…
Happy Anniversary, Nancy! Glenn sends his love on their 17th anniversary this Saturday.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The best laid plans...
Marla, your not-so-on-the-scene reporter, providing an update again, as Barco's attempts to get on the network have yet been unsuccessful:
Last night's welcome "service" (sorry - not party as reported earlier!) was very well attended and quite nice. Each of the team members had the chance to say a few words. It was great to see many of the "old" faces but also many new faces, as well. The children's ministry seems especially vibrant with lots of growth. Dracma, the dance group, has nearly doubled in size with most of the former members still involved.
A good part of today was spent in partnership planning for the future. Discussions involved how to build a sustainable church (members and physical building). A short Vacation Bible School session was held for the kids. Sports camp will start tomorrow.
At the service tonight, the Punto Fijo group performed the "Everything" skit that we taught them last year! How nice it was to see that continue. Johan, now a seminary student, is serving as the worship leader involved in planning and facilitating the worship services with Juvenal. Glenn preached on "Family" at tonight's service.
Tomorrow, the team will go to Punto Cardon for a service there.
Everyone is healthy (yes, Melissa - including Tom) and having a wonderful time (Jill states she is having the "time of her life!").
Those of us here at home can continue to pray that God keeps our loved ones safe and healthy as He uses them for His greater purpose!
Last night's welcome "service" (sorry - not party as reported earlier!) was very well attended and quite nice. Each of the team members had the chance to say a few words. It was great to see many of the "old" faces but also many new faces, as well. The children's ministry seems especially vibrant with lots of growth. Dracma, the dance group, has nearly doubled in size with most of the former members still involved.
A good part of today was spent in partnership planning for the future. Discussions involved how to build a sustainable church (members and physical building). A short Vacation Bible School session was held for the kids. Sports camp will start tomorrow.
At the service tonight, the Punto Fijo group performed the "Everything" skit that we taught them last year! How nice it was to see that continue. Johan, now a seminary student, is serving as the worship leader involved in planning and facilitating the worship services with Juvenal. Glenn preached on "Family" at tonight's service.
Tomorrow, the team will go to Punto Cardon for a service there.
Everyone is healthy (yes, Melissa - including Tom) and having a wonderful time (Jill states she is having the "time of her life!").
Those of us here at home can continue to pray that God keeps our loved ones safe and healthy as He uses them for His greater purpose!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Arrived!
Marla posting for Barco:
Barco was having trouble connecting to the hotel Wi-Fi in the lobby and the team needed to leave for a welcome gathering with people from the church, so he called and asked me to post for him.
He wanted everyone to know that they arrived as planned and the trip was rather uneventful. The only surprise was the size of the plane from Aruba - little! The hotel was even nicer than he remembered from seeing it on the last trip.
He'll try to connect and update the blog again later...so stay tuned for more information!
Barco was having trouble connecting to the hotel Wi-Fi in the lobby and the team needed to leave for a welcome gathering with people from the church, so he called and asked me to post for him.
He wanted everyone to know that they arrived as planned and the trip was rather uneventful. The only surprise was the size of the plane from Aruba - little! The hotel was even nicer than he remembered from seeing it on the last trip.
He'll try to connect and update the blog again later...so stay tuned for more information!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Here we go again!
In just a few short days, another team will embark on their journey to Punto Fijo, Venezuela. We look forward to the trip and are excited about the opportunities God will place before us when we arrive. It will also be great to catch up with old friends face to face.
The team of 10 departs Atlanta on June 17, and is able to make it in one day - a first in travelling to this remote destination. This will give us an extra day on the ground. During the trip we will be working in the neighborhood surrounding our partner church in Punto Fijo, and also visiting the partner church in Punto Cardon (roughly 30 minutes away).
We are staying at a new hotel this year and hoping the intranet connection is working there. If so, we will do our best to keep this blog up to date throughout the trip.
The team of 10 departs Atlanta on June 17, and is able to make it in one day - a first in travelling to this remote destination. This will give us an extra day on the ground. During the trip we will be working in the neighborhood surrounding our partner church in Punto Fijo, and also visiting the partner church in Punto Cardon (roughly 30 minutes away).
We are staying at a new hotel this year and hoping the intranet connection is working there. If so, we will do our best to keep this blog up to date throughout the trip.
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