Update #5 Wednesday, June 21, 2023

We have just finished our third day of construction and we finished putting the blocks on the roof.  It was 103 degrees again today and we all put in our fair share of sweat!  But as we finished the day and reflect on our work there are three things that we appreciate the most.

First, we realized how much more we have gotten to know some people on this trip and have enjoyed  working alongside them.  This is a big group with people ages 5 to 55+ but we are amazed at how well everyone is working together.  Some people have experience with this type of work and provide good direction.  Some people are good at lifting large things.  And some people (the kids mostly) are good at passing out Gatorade and keeping everyone hydrated.  The local people are helping with construction and providing great snacks to keep up the energy.  We have found a rhythm and everyone plays a part. It’s a reminder of how everyone plays an important role in God’s economy.

Second, we are having fun!  The amount of laughter at our site is a testament to our relationships with each other and the joy we find in the Lord.  There is plenty of music and even a dance competition on the scaffolding between hoisting 50 pound blocks up on the roof.  There are jokes being told in English and Spanish and everyone is cracking up all day. This work is hard but it is joyful!

Third, we had our last night of VBS and the goodbyes were really sweet.  There were plenty of pictures taken and gifts exchanged with friends we had developed relationships with the last three days.  As our kids looked to say goodbye to specific friends we realized what a blessing these people have been to us.  They have a great community and a wonderful spirit here that was truly felt by our group.

We are so thankful we were able to bring our family on this trip.  The work has been hard but the rewards have been many!

-The Painter Family

This morning we had breakfast at 6am and then headed to the work site. Today we worked to pass cinder blocks in an assembly line and up scaffolding to lay on the roof between the beams we had placed the day before. We worked as a team to pass hundreds of blocks. We even played music and were able to have a mini dance party while working to make the time go faster. Once we finished the work we had a snack provided by the local women. Then we finished up by organizing everything for the next day so that we can get an early start tomorrow. Then we headed to another cenote! This one was like a cave down in the ground with little light coming in so it was very dark. However it was still just as beautiful and very cold and refreshing. We then headed back to the hotels for lunch and siestas. Once we had rested we returned to the village for VBS. We were able to continue studying John 3:16 with the kids and learning dance moves to spanish Seeds Of Faith songs. When we finished the lesson, we went to activities. We played soccer and jump rope and made lots and lots of bracelets with the kids. When it was time to leave we passed out snacks and said goodbye. The kids and parents were all so sweet and grateful, calling us their new amigos. Finally, we headed to a downtown area where we had pizza at a local restaurant. Then we headed to the hotels to rest up for the early morning we had waiting for us the next day.

Emily Brooks

Wed pictures coming soon.