Julio's Entry

"A pico y pala Jose" is an expression or slang used in Puerto Rico taken from a folklore song which is about encouraging anyone (represented by Jose) to work the land using a pickaxe and a spade. For this year's trip to Nicaragua that is what our team have been doing physically and spiritually. Among the tasks or projects being accomplished at the mission's facilities, with Joe's expertise and lead, he and I broke ground and done some digging last week to place new electrical cables through an underground tube in order to connect a new panel coverted to a transfer switch to another panel that receives power from the city. Additional complex electrical tasks were successfully completed within the church today.

Our trip to the orphanage last Saturday was eventful. We prepared and served hamburgers and hotdogs for the children. Many of them remembered some of us from last year and wanted to play baseball against us so bad with the hope to win again like they did last year. Well their wish came true! Luckily I was "forced" by the kids to play with them....so we won!...ha ha ha!

I given the opportunity to teach for Sunday service where I emphasized to everyone present the importance of prayer. Sean used his talent by joining the worship team playing his guitar. After the service I was invited to the home of Iginio, who works as guardian of the church during the day. A truly humble and gracious man who lives in a poor section of the city yet spiritually rich and blessed with a marvelous family. His wife and all his children serves the Lord.

That evening we took some break from the rice and beans we usually have daily and ate at "La Finca" steakhouse restaurant along with Cal and Jessica and the associate pastor Noel and his family. After we returned to the church Sean, Stig and I formed a new group inspired by the sound of the 70's fever called the Bee Cees for Brothers of Calvary. Sounds familiar? Our spiritual journey continued today with a visit to Tent City. All tents have been removed and houses were constructed for the residents. We were divided into three groups and each of us had the opportunity to visit a few homes to bring Jesus's message of love, hope and salvation. There were many there who were in dire need of prayer and support and we praised God that He used us in such a special way to confort them through His word.

After that we returned to the church to wrap up our final projects. Stig surprised us all showing his artisitic side...creating grasshoppers using palm leaves. This year's team has been a fantastic one and I feel truly blessed being part of it. Thank you all for your continuos support and prayers.

Julio.'