drtuesday

Sorry that there aren't many pictures today. We had a busy day laying block. The sun wasn't as hot and there was a breeze blowing some of the time. With what we've accomplished so far, we will be able to lay the walls higher than we thought.

The team left the job site a bit early today to go back and shower for dinner. We were invited into the homes of some of the church families, in groups of twos and threes, for dinner. I have to admit that both last year and this year, I tend to have a bit of anxiety over this dinner. We don't speak Spanish and the families usually don't speak English, but Richie just drops us off and tells us we'll have a great time. And you know, we always do.

This year Mark Schuster and I went to the home of Alfonso and Yadira. They have two beautiful daughters, Stephanie (4) and Emily (3). They had invited their niece Nicole (7) and nephew Eric (10) who both go to a bilingual school. They spoke very good English and helped us translate. Alfonso was saved under Richie's ministry and is now a leader in the church. We had a great time. The girls are adorable and playing silly games goes over well with children of any culture. I even helped Stephanie with here coloring homework from schools and was rewarded with a big hug. It feels a bit awkward, because it is customary for the host to feed the guests first without eating themselves. While you eat, they watch, but the hospitality is always warm and friendly.

After dinner, we walked to the church for prayer meeting. Everyone sits in chairs in a big circle. There was some singing and Alfonso had a devotional. After they took prayer requests, we broke into small circles to pray and had some fellowship time talking afterwards. (I got another big hug from Stephanie who likes being held by her new buddy.) It also helped that Mr. Boyer was handing out lollipops.

I just have to add something God has impressed on me this trip. I watched a Sunday church service in another language and culture and then spent time with the families in their homes and at prayer. What I see is the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which transcends culture, language, economic conditions, or politics. I have been joyfully considering the power of my Sovereign God who stepped down from eternity and entered time, left glory for the earth, and for a time traded His throne for a cross. That power drew a Dutchman from central Pennsylvania and man from the Dominican Republic. Glory to God and to His Grace Alone!!!!!!!!!!