Trip 3, Day 4!

We started the day off today the healthy way, with rice and beans! After a reading of the Family Prayer from the 1928 Prayer Book from Nancy Collins, we jumped in the van and it was off to our favorite town of Estrada once again.

This morning was a little different though. As we pulled up to the church our arrival was greeted by a deluge of children pouring out from the church doors! We weren't off the bus before they had surrounded us with hugs and smiles. Our tasks for the day were immediately split between the building's work and playing with the children. Some of us continued to paint metal framing, some returned to plastering the interior and exterior walls, and some began working with the children in the church.

We have been working alongside a construction crew that has been welding and installing the framing on the second floor. They are a dedicated group who sleep on site and who will hopefully work until the building is complete.

We continue to grow our relationships with the crew, the church members of Santiago, the local children, and each other. Speaking from my experiences here thus far, the trip has revealed to me the quality of the character that exists within Emmanuel's family and within those who are so honored to serve. The day was an uplifting collection of creativity, cooperation, and compassion. We witnessed moment after moment of love and fellowship from the members of the church helping with lunch to our own bus driver working with Geoffrey to gather bread and fruit and serve it to us once it was prepared.

There cannot be a more moving, unexplainable experience of the Spirit then when engaged in this powerful work. I know my own experience of God today was when I drew the portraits of more than ten of the children here. Those moments alone have left me with a larger heart than I thought possible. Every day recharges you for the next.

(written by Jonathan Brower)

Our fine rector, making a bracelet. (Perhaps a nice change from the daily schedule in the office?)

One of the children of Estrada.

Another child is taught how to plaster - you can't see here, but she was very excited!

A member of the construction crew welding the steel frame.

A long hallway at beautiful Earth University.

The volcano near Earth, letting out a little steam.