Day Two - the work begins

Wow! What a day! First the weather: hot, dry, dusty, windy, lots of laughs and smiles. Currently, clear with a brilliant three quarter moon; calm, clear and cool. Beautiful for our devotional; those of you who could not come - eat your heart out. Forecast for tomorrow: hot, dry, dusty, windy, lots of laughs and smiles.

Today was our first workday. We got up early. Most of us were up before Bob, much to his disappointment. Don't worry, he sang and played anyway. It was great to here his "Buenas Dias, Honduraaaaaaaaaas!" It felt like all was right in the world after not getting to hear it last year. David Guzman (more about him later) was thrilled with the Cafe El Indio coffee waiting on him when he got up (did you hear that, Karen?). A quick breakfast and then time to load up. A short ten minute drive to Limon de la Cerca, and we arrived at the worksite where we found a great foundation after first locating the local school and soccer field. It was different without Manuel, but we have all done this enough that we began the process of unloading and sorting out. Bob led us in opening prayer with David translating for our Honduran brothers and sisters. Felipe and his wife were there for the dedication of the first block. By the time we finished we had laid the first five courses of block and set one of the doors. The rebar was in the fifth course and the course was poured. I know this work stuff bores you, Jeremy, but Keith, Tom and Bryan will care.

Now for the good stuff! David, our only rookie, was amazing. He translated, mixed mescala (said it was the first time he had done that in forty years since he was a kid in Colombia), helped cut block, laid block, visited with the neighbor, and sat on the rock pile with about 10 young boys around him getting to know them. In short, he did not behave like a rookie at all. At devotion, David with the kids was the highlight of the day for a lot of people. David shared that he chatted with the lady who lived next door, whose home had been destroyed in Hurricane Mitch, and her present home had been built by others for her. David remarked on the irony that it was that same tragic storm which brought Baptist Men, and thus us, to Honduras.

When we broke for lunch we had not seen many kids, a fact remarked on by Kristen when we got to the house. Somewhere out of nowhere after lunch a group of boys showed up. They jumped in, helping clean up the saw sight and hauling block into the house area. We handed out some bookmarks with verses about salvation on them and one of the older boys read them out loud to the younger boys. We wrestled, played, worked, taught them to shout, "Go Vols!" much to Mike's chagrin (Joel had given some of them Tennessee hats), and then David had his amazing moment with them. The looks on their faces as they talked with him was priceless - a true kingdom of heaven moment. As we drove home (David was riding with Dennis in the equipment truck) Hee Haw remarked that David was amazing today. I shared that I had known David for for over 20 years and had always been amazed by his faith and spirit. Today we saw it in action.

After a splendid Rosa dinner (pork chops, green beans, mashed potatoes, pineapple, watermelon, another melon, bananas, and lots of hot sauce, JB) we chilled for a little bit and then had an early devotion., By the way, Keith, David was the last one to dinner but we made sure to save him a couple of pork chops so he wouldn't pitch a fit! Kristen with her amazing voice led us in "Sanctuary" evoking memories of her past perfomance in worship and not a few tears. Bob gave a short devotional based upon the verse, "Pray without ceasing". Everyone shared the highlights of their day and Joel closed us with a powerful prayer.

Finally, Bob introduced the rookies from this year and last, as well as the Greens, to his extended family. Ginger was shocked, but she laughjed as well. Bob has met his match in Ginger. Bob had told his story about being a preacher's son and was stating that as a teenager when people found out his daddy was a preacher they would have nothing to do with him. Ginger quickly replied, "I've only known you for about 24 hours, Bob, but I don't think you can blame that on your father!" A very wise and perceptive woman.

Needless to say, we are all exhausted. More tomorrow from this corner of God's kingdom!

Until then, blessings on all of you.

Team One