It was 53 weeks ago that most of this team left El Manantial. We never thought we could experience such blessings again. Here we are, leaving Rancho Santa Marta, blessed beyond what we could ever imagine. The bottom line is…wherever God is and His Spirit is allowed to work, there are daily miracles and blessings. No one controls God. Are we ready for what He has next? How about you? Are you ready to let go and let God?
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We completed projects that we had started, as this is our last day of work on the ranch. We started the day in the peach and plum orchards moving the watering lines away from the trees. The praise is that we saw no rattlesnakes! Dan, Rick and Dick completed Kaye’s raised garden including a trellis. The rest of the gang finished painting all of the classrooms and moved the furniture to prepare for the next group who will clean the floors. We even washed and ironed the curtains for one of the rooms, and Beth added a touch of blue to the oldest boys’ classroom. The highlight of the day was being able to spend a few hours playing with the little boys and their house mother, Carla, and daughters. It’s tough to say good-bye, as we’ll be heading to the camp in Ensenada in the morning to help Kaye there. We’re going to dinner with Bill in San Vincente for an authentic Mexican meal tonight. The more we see God working in this place, the more difficult it is to leave…just can’t think about it yet!
The highlight of our day was sharing our spaghetti lunch with the youngest boys. The rest of the ranch has gone to “camp” in Ensenada, but the little boys didn’t go. We were treated to their presence at lunch and had a wonderful time sharing spaghetti and “dirt” dessert with them. They LOVED the worms. We had to break the language barrier with their house mother, Carla, as she wanted to make sure it wasn’t really dirt! She got a big laugh and happily received our leftovers to take home. We are now on our way for a walk and devotions outdoors. Buenos noches!
Here are some pictures of our trip.
Hola! We continued with our jobs of jack hammering, painting and building Kaye’s garden. Carla, the little boys’ house mother, asked if we could paint their living room. She was so excited she had the boys help her move their couch to the sidewalk where it sat on its side all night. They were ecstatic to have new white walls and even a little extra flair with some blue on their bookshelf. Oh, how small things to us seem monumental to them! Tomorrow most of the children will be going to Ensenada for a few days to a camp that the Ranch sponsors for locals. Julie went with some other this morning and helped set up the camp. Those in our group under 30 also did an SB2W craft with the youngest girls and boys. They loved it! Thanks to Cathy Szabo for putting together all of the supplies for us! Adios!
What could be better than spending your 25th anniversary with close friends and loved ones? Dan and Kim couldn’t think of anywhere they’d rather celebrate. They were treated to a special candle light anniversary dinner cooked by Beth and Barb including a special 25th anniversary cake. God has truly blessed us all as we completed a long day of work and witnessing God’s mighty hand at work in Rancho Santa Marta.
We have been assigned our projects and are working dilligently. Some of us are painting classrooms, and some of us are jackhammering holes for poles for two different projects. One is a pole building and the other is for a rasied garden. The garden is a special project to allow Kaye the ability to grow their own fresh vegetables as she continues to fight her recently diagnosed lung cancer. She is recovering from her surgery and working to regain her strength. A big prayer request is for one of the adult youth directors from the other group. Her mother died this morning of cancer. We also covet your prayers for continued strength and protection.
We were blessed by an awesome worship service including the children, towns’ people and a youth group that has joined us. Bill Lawrence’s son-in-law talked about the adoption of their daughter Reka from India. She is a beautifuil little 3 year old girl who has been part of their family for six months. After a tour of the ranch…a place truly blessed by God,,, we were treated to a soccer game starring our own young (and old men) and many of the students, youth group and others from the ranch. We will continue to update as we are able to connect…it’s very sporadic. Please continue to pray as we begin our work tomorrow.
Hola! After almost 21 hours of leaving CPC, we have arrived at Rancho Santa Marta! We thank God for providing for us! He brought past the “no bus” issue and a 45 minute stop at the border for no apparent reason. (We were told to pull over, and they seemingly forgot about us. Dan finally asked, and they let us go with only a few checks and questions. Perhaps God has a reason that we won’t know on this side of heaven.) We’ll add a few pictures of our adventure tomorrow, but for now, we’re just thankful to be here! Buenas noches!
We arrived at the airport via the Zippie van and Annie’s van. The rented bus didn’t show up, so Annie and Annette stepped up and made an impromtu trip. It’s an adventure already, and God provided what we needed!
