Day 1
All 36 of us made it to LA, got our luggage and are now heading to YWAM base. The only problem was Livi screaming when the plane took off, beyond that so far, so good!
Just kidding about Livi, she was just a bit excited for her first flight!
Day 2Good morning!
Yesterday was a very eventful day! We got up around 7am, had breakfast, quiet (or meditation time), service, games, lunch, mission training, free time, dinner, team meeting and then services again. The evening service included the YWAM staff doing "The Passion" for us.
Everyone fell into bed exhausted by 11pm...in my room, there was no talking by the time I got in there. I thought that was unusual for 4 teenage boys to be that tired. Everybody is still out as I write this.
Overall, everyone is in good spirits, doing everything that's asked of them without complaint, and working in their training groups doing skits, puppets or dance. The various things will be used as we minister to the people in TJ.
Some of the leaders are doing things that I never would have imagined. For being a big guy, Gary Zuk is an amazingly nimble and graceful dancer.
Today and tomorrow we'll have similar routines and we leave for TJ on Friday!! God is alive in the team, challenging and stretching everyone out of their comfort zones. This is shaping up to be a great and powerful trip!
Take care!!
Day 3The day continued to be full of activities for the team, preparing us for TJ and for an Outreach service at a park in LA Thursday evening. Team members have been split into various groups to practice for their skits (dramas, puppets, dance, etc).
Lauren and I continue to be impressed with every team member. Everyone's heart is in the right place for this trip, there have been no complaints or issues. They all willingly and anxiously do whatever has been asked of them!! Its fun to see the group bond with each other!!
On a personal it's been great to meet and interact with some of the kids that I didn't know very well before the trip, like Shelby, Justine, Taylor, Kendall, Kelly, Sean and many others. I've got many action pictures that will be shared with everyone when we get back!!
Off to dinner....take care!
Day 4
Good Morning!
This morning 6 team members (myself, Dorothy Cornell, Cindy Albaugh, Jon Watkins, Cole Davis and Jordan Grace) got up at 5:30am to go on a 4 mile mountain climbing trek. We walked and climbed high enough to see the sun rising over the mountains. It was beautiful to behold God's splendor in the morning sun.
The 6 of us had fun helping each other as we got dirty and sweaty traversing the trials and sometimes making our own. We took many pictures for all to enjoy. Everyone was happy to have sacrificed sleep for the climb! Perhaps we'll go again tomorrow!?
Today we'll have more services and training and then tonight the team will go to a park to put on a service ourselves. I think the team is excited for tonight and also looking forward to departing for TJ tomorrow morning.
We've been well fed (spiritually and nutritionally) and cared for the entire time we've been here. I believe that God is pushing and stretching all of us to step outside our comfort zones for His purpose.
More to come later!
Day 4
Greetings!
I'm writing this Email as we drive towards TJ.
Yesterday was a very busy day!! Beyond our normal routines of service and eating, we had 2 trips to see doctors. One for an ear ache and the other a kidney infection. Thanks to everyone for dealing with my constant nagging for paperwork, both trips were uneventful! Our sickies are taking their meds as prescribed and under the watchful eyes of of their 35 team members.
It's moving to see how everyone is watching out for each other.
Yesterday evening we went to Sunland park in some LA suburb. We held a small outreach service for about 25 - 30 people.
When we arrived at the park Jess Madau, Lauren, Tori, Kelly, Livi, Niki, Natalie played soccer with a group of kids and adults, while Jordan and Trish played basketball. Others dispersed in groups to talk with the people in the park.
Emily and Cole started our service as the emcees for the events introducing the team/church and the activities.
We started with a spanish puppet show with Natalie, Jon Jen, and Alicia.
They did 3 skits and the we moved into a "signing song" with Dorothy, Pam, Livi, Mogan, Tori and Jess Madau. After the signing we did an interpretative dance with Amy, Gary, Jordan, Jessica Trudeau, Kendall, Jen Wagner.
Following the dance Aly gave everyone her personal testimony about her life with God.
Then we transitioned into a play called "Mask" with Scott Trudeau, Zack, Justine, Cole, Erica and Aly. Justine is the main character and is basically putting on different masks (personalities) for the people coming to her door. At the end Jesus played by Zack comes to the door, I can't give away any more then that.
Following "Masks" was Lauren who gave a short message. We ended the service with the song "From the Inside Out" - Jon and Sean played their guitars as Erica, Taylor and Morgan sang.
Livi and Erica ended the service by thanking everyone for coming. While all of the events were going on Trish, Niki, Kelly, Shelby, Maura, Phillip and others were amongst the crowd interacting with the crowd with face painting, balloons or conversation. Please forgive me if I've missed a name, I was busy producing!
Jennifer Buznowski was busy taking pictures of the events in progress.
Overall, everyone was very "FAT" (Flexible, Adaptable and Teachable). We modified our service as we went and everyone was very accomodating. Thank you team!!
We didn't do all of skits and dramas last night at the park, once we're in TJ - every person will have their chance. Once we were done with the service the team just mingled with kids and teenagers. In my mind's eye I could see God looking down upon us and smiling. Sadly, we packed up at 8:00pm and dragged the team away from the kids to go back to base.
Over the last 3 days I've had the awesome opportunity to watch, talk and work with all of the kids. Each of them are tolerant of my teasing, reminders, lectures, and quirks. They listen, respond and do what's asked with minimal complaint. It's made the trip so easy. Listening to them openly speak to their experiences and feelings about God are personally inspiring and thought provoking.
Well, I should close for now, my thumbs are getting tired from typing on my BlackBerry.
I'm told that my BlackBerry will work in TJ, if it doesn't I'll find an alternate means of communication. Thank you for entrusting your loved ones to God and us for this important mission!
God Bless!
MORE UPDATES
Just an FYI, my memory card was uploaded to the web. The pictures are mainly from our time in LA (and 2 grand daughter pictures before we left).
There are many pics, please check us out on the website:
Web Cams –
http://www..ywamsandiegobaja.org/webcam.aspxPictures –
http://www.ywamsandiegobaja.org/teamphotos.aspx?menu=MAThe team is acclimating to TJ, we hung out on the beach, there were dolphins visible from shore (they're in some of the pics).
Also, several of team members (Kelly, Kendall, etc) are upset that there parents haven't emailed me back. Evidently, we aren't keeping them busy enough!?
Take care!!
Day 5 - Part 1Greetings!
During our travels from LA we stopped at Walmart to buy whatever we wanted before crossing over to TJ.
It was heartwarming to see so many of the kids wanting to buy gifts for the people we're going to serve. We picked up more soocer balls, face paints, footballs, frisbees and assorted arts and crafts. Everyone was beginning to focus not on themselves, but the people we are to serve. I marvel at team bonding and unity that's occurring amongst us.
We crossed the TJ border without issue and arrived at our base between 2 - 3pm. The teams unloaded their stuff in our housing and the majority of us crossed the street to sit/lay on the beach to enjoy the sun and watch the ocean. There were dolphins in the water just off shore, it's so strange to see them in their natural environment.
Last night's meal was chicken, which was delicious and this morning we had eggs. YUM!
The team is anxious to start building the house this am.
More to follow....
Day 5 - Part 2Hola!!
This morning at 9:30 the team loaded up on a bus for a 30 minute drive to the build site. Two leaders stayed behind to care for a sick team member (Aly).
The team got back this evening and I'm struggling to put to words the excited conversations coming from everyone. They made great progress on the house today! The walls and drywall are up, most of the house is painted, the roof will go up on Monday.
The resounding comments from the leaders is that the kids were awesome, everyone pitched in to work without complaint. Many worked on the house while others played with the kids in the community. As people got tired they'd switch jobs. It sounds like it was an AWESOME team effort. When the team left at the end of the day, the family was crying tears of joy.
We'll return to the site on Monday to hopefully finish the job. On Tuesday, we'll go back to the worksite if we didn't finish or go to orphanage.
Tomorrow, we'll go to a church to do our skits and dramas, etc. In the afternoon we'll head some place to shop and enjoy the afternoon.
There are a bunch of pictures posted on the web from LA and TJ. The first 20 pages on the site are mostly OGCC (of course more are loading as I write this)!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tjmaphotos/Be proud of your kids, they're doing a fantastic job!! We're blessed to have such a great team!!
Day 6Good morning!
It's 5:30am and I write this as I sit outside the worship area waiting for the sun to rise. The sound of the waves hitting the shore can be heard over the music from my iPod.
Today is Sunday, we'll be going to church today to perform our skits, dramas, and songs. Several kids will be providing their testimony in front of 100+ members of the congregation. I've been asked to provide a brief message, thus the reason why I awoke at 5am today.
After church we'll have an opportunity to go shopping and swimming in the ocean. The evening will be free time to debrief the week's events.
Since arriving last Monday the team has been pretty regimented in their daily activities without much free time. This will be a great reward for them.
I continue to be struck by the team's attitude and resiliency. They awake around 6:30am to a full day of stuff and lights go out around 10:30. The lodging isn't exactly 5 star...I'm not sure it would make a 1 star rating.
The bunks are 3 tiers high, all of us are in one room, no air conditioning and 1 or 2 fans that seem to make more noise then push air.
My back is sore each morning from an old mattress, while others only have a thick piece of foam. Regardless, everyone gets up does their thing to get ready for another day and off we go. I would have expected complaints or whining by now, but, its not happened thus far!!
I must prepare my message...more later!
Take care!!
Day 6Hola Amigos!
We went to Centro De Ne Eben-ezery Casa de Dios church today. We arrived early around 10:30am, the team split into 2 groups. One team went to minister and feed people living in the sewer system that borders the US and Mexico. While the second team remained at the church to help clean the church.
The team met Miguel who was living in one of the tunnels of the sewer system. Miguel came back with the team to the church, participated in the services and was prayed over. At the end of the day Miguel was given about $15 to re-pay a debt and promised to enter a drug rehab facility. We pray that our efforts make a difference in his life.
The team staying at the church was mostly women who spent time cleaning, removing trash, re-locating a large gravel pile with one shovel and a variety of make shift tools. It was entertaining to see all of the ladies in their dresses and skirts getting down and dirty in cleaning. Once again there wasn't a complaint or many screams when big spiders and centipedes were uncovered.
Church service started at 12:30 - the band, music, dancing and singing was energizing, even when we didnlt understand the language!! We participated in the service by giving a short message, 3 testimonies by Taylor, Aly and Phil. We prayed for the young people, the team did their "Mask" drama and Erica, Morgan, Taylor sang "From the Inside Out" as Jon and Sean played guitars with Zack on the drums.
The service ended with a long, emotional prayer and laying of hands on several people. It was a beautiful service, the church fed all of us afterwards. The meal was very good. It was en emotional goodbye, especially for those connected with Miguel.
We stopped to shop at Rosaritos before coming back for a pizza dinner at the base.
Spirits remain very high as the team continues to step up to the task of serving God's people. The team is truly reflecting God's love during their time here.
Tomorrow it's back to the build site to hopefully finish and dedicate the house!
We have a debrief team meeting tonight followed by free time.
More again tomorrow...thank you for everyone's prayers, emails and well wishes! If you'd like, send me an email and I'll pass it on to the kids!!
God Bless You!!
Day 7- AMGood morning!
Just a brief note to touch base and say that everyone is alive and well!
Last night our team grew by one member. Pastor Chris joined us! He arrived on base around 10pm.
PC was surrounded by a bunch of excited people who all wanted to share their story! It was rather funny seeing each person anxiously trying to speak with him...his head was on a swivel as he tried to acknowledge everyone. I have no doubt it will happen again this morning.
We had a team meeting last night - giving everyone an opportunity to share.
I enjoy sitting back and watch the kids and adults all jump in. Just a word of caution...be prepared for our return to listen to a lot of excited stories. You might want to find a place to sit so you can hear all of the stories of how each person was touched.
God is alive and well in all of us!!
Today we return to finish the house...I'm sure the family is anxious for our return!!
God bless us all!
Day 7-PMGreetings!!
Today was our second day on the worksite. The house is about 95% done. We have some trim and some touch up painting to do. The family has been with us helping every step of the way. I can only imagine that they must be so anxious to move in.
While we were working on the house, a herd of horses with a cowboy driving them. The cowboy was kind enough to come over to the house and let the team ride his horse, it was very cool.
We're making arrangements with YWAM to pay to furnish the house. The furniture includes bunks, table, couch, stove and some other things. The family will go shopping at a store and we'll move in the furniture while they're out. The team can't wait to see to dedicate the house.
The leaders continue to marvel at our youth and the effort and attitude they've exhibited. We're 7 days into this trip and its amazing how resilient and kind everyone's been to each other. No one's had a meltdown, everyone's healthy now!! We're truly blessed with a great team!!
Pictures of the team continue to be posted on the web. There are LOTS of pictures to view of all the teams here, so be patient when looking.
Take care! God bless!
Day 7Greetings!
Today was a wonderful day. It was to be our last with the family. The family greeted us at the house with fresh mango, pineapple, melon, coconut, papaya and watermelon and some type of juice made from a purple flower. I had a large mango on a stick that had chili pepper and lime on it. My tongue and lips were on fire for about 30 minutes after it eating it, but it was worth it.
We finished the inside trim, cleaned, hung curtains and set up the furniture (bunk beds, stove, kitchen table and chairs) as the family was getting ice cream. We had toys, clothes and other items for the faimly.
We had a dedication ceremony with Lauren reading some scripture first, then the keys were passed from around with each team member sharing their thoughts. Pedro, Juana, Kimberly and Felix were able to keep their emotions in check until they got the keys and entered the house.
We could hear screams of joy from the kids and family as they excitedly looked around. Then we knocked and came in as their first visitors. Emotions were overflowing at that point. It was a fabulous experience to be a part of.
After many pictures and lunch the team departed to serve people who lived in a garbage dump. We fed them and gave out many clothes to some very needy people.
We're back on base showering and then heading off for tacos. Yummm!
Tomorrow we depart to LA and eventually home.
One small reminder please plan to pick up your tired love ones at the airport. Meet us by baggage handling or by the curb. I will send out flight information in an email tomorrow.
Thanks for everyone's love, prayers and support on our journey!!
DAY 9Good morning!
Last night we went out for tacos, which were delicious and then the team walked back in smaller groups, excitedly reflecting on the house dedication and the last 8 days overall.
We had a great service last night with a team leader and team member speaking about their experiences. Each of the team leaders had similar messages to the kids, they don't just walk away, but, continue to pursue a relationship with God and share their stories and the Good News with everyone they come in contact with.
Not by coincidence, I caught up on some of my devotional emails this am and the verse in one of the emails was appropriate to this team....
Put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:24 (NIV)
My prayer is that we all continue to walk in this world that way. It's amazing how that verse coincides with YWAMs theme from Micah 6:8...
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly
To love mercy
And to walk humbly with your God? (NKJ).
This has been an incredible journey for all of us. The kids and other leaders were awesome. There was no fighting, bickering, etc. We rallied around each other and let God's love flow out of us to others.
I get a bit emotional as I think this is our last day with everyone here.
Yet, we're all excited to come home to the arms of our loved ones, to share our stories, catch up on what's happened at home, and enjoy our beds and bathrooms!
I thank God for the opportunity to have been a part of such a wonderful group of people! Thank you!
See you soon!!
(WRITTEN FROM SCOTT CORNELL)
