CONCERT TOMORROW!
Where: Interstate 29 (could possibly change)
When: 9:00am-4:00pm
Starring: Avril Lavigne (also known as Brett Laugen)
T.I. (formerly known as Tim Anderson)
Alicia Keys (you may know her as Em Anderson)
Kanye West (some call him Trav)
The Grammy award winning backseat singers (kris and kady)
Cost: $20 in pesos
You really won't want to miss this!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
You tell us if you think Travis is funny...
So...Travis likes to tell jokes...he apparently thinks they are hysterical...but us on the other hand are trying to convince him otherwise...we need some outside input...
Trav: "Wanna know why I hate spaghetti?"
Us: staring with blank looks
Supposedly, the funny punch line: "Because I can't eat 1000 of one thing!"
Yes we know, its terrible.
signed TF
Trav: "Wanna know why I hate spaghetti?"
Us: staring with blank looks
Supposedly, the funny punch line: "Because I can't eat 1000 of one thing!"
Yes we know, its terrible.
signed TF
Hola! I'm sure that you have all missed us. We are currently in Kansas City after a full day of travel. After some games of intense signs, most of the troops have gone to bed, but the trip leader, Timeteo, and the tortugas fuertes are still up. Too bad there is no basketball hoop so that the Tortugas could show Timeteo how it's done in 21.
Anywho, yesterday was a muy triste (very sad) day for all of us. The afternoon was wrapped up with the kids at the church. We sang some songs, danced, shared some great insights, and left the children with a few small gifts.
Then came the hard part: saying good-bye.
Lets just say that I was bawling. Literally. It was so hard to say good-bye to the kids after such a great week and getting to know each of them. I seriously will miss each of their smiles, their laughs, and being greeted by them every morning with joy. I think we each feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to be a part of their lives on this trip, we will never forget them!
We still have 7 hours until we are home, so we better get some sleep! So goodnight and can't wait to see all of you!
Anywho, yesterday was a muy triste (very sad) day for all of us. The afternoon was wrapped up with the kids at the church. We sang some songs, danced, shared some great insights, and left the children with a few small gifts.
Then came the hard part: saying good-bye.
Lets just say that I was bawling. Literally. It was so hard to say good-bye to the kids after such a great week and getting to know each of them. I seriously will miss each of their smiles, their laughs, and being greeted by them every morning with joy. I think we each feel incredibly lucky to have had the chance to be a part of their lives on this trip, we will never forget them!
We still have 7 hours until we are home, so we better get some sleep! So goodnight and can't wait to see all of you!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Waterworld....
Much to our surpise, it didn't take us too long to find out that it gets pretty hot in Juarez in the summer months. After hours in the sun and heat over the course of five days, we calculated that the next best thing after a 5-minute "Show-and-Tel" by Kady or some 5-Star Entertainment from Papa Bear "OSO" would be a surprise aqua-break for the kids.
Midway through our stations this morning, Kristen (our fluent speaker) had the kids line up. The kids were told to close their eyes and imagine the story that unfolded as Kristen spoke. Quietly, coaches armed and ready with buckets of water crept up behind the kids. When rain came into the story-line, they were greeted with a face-ful of water. They're drenched.....and they LOVED IT!
We're about ready to eat our last meal here, which I am sure is going to be AMAZING like always. We've got only a few short hours left here, but we pray that God's love continues to shine in and through Emmanuel Children's Home. They are SUCH a blessing to these kids!
Thanks for all the prayer and support!
Tim & the crew.....
Midway through our stations this morning, Kristen (our fluent speaker) had the kids line up. The kids were told to close their eyes and imagine the story that unfolded as Kristen spoke. Quietly, coaches armed and ready with buckets of water crept up behind the kids. When rain came into the story-line, they were greeted with a face-ful of water. They're drenched.....and they LOVED IT!
We're about ready to eat our last meal here, which I am sure is going to be AMAZING like always. We've got only a few short hours left here, but we pray that God's love continues to shine in and through Emmanuel Children's Home. They are SUCH a blessing to these kids!
Thanks for all the prayer and support!
Tim & the crew.....
tortugas fuertes!
Hola! It is 3:04 on Friday morning and we are officially the last ones up just as we had planned. No one mess with the tortugas fuertes! :) But no one is more shocked than us that we are both awake after such a crazy day....some of the days events included...
1) a CARNIVAL! In the afternoon we set up stations in the church of carnival games; can knock-down, face-painting, tattoos, bowling, treasure hunt, pin the tail, and relays. And of course Dale's balloon animals. The kids seemed to absolutely love it! They loved the prizes, we even saw one kid drink a bottle of bubbles!
2) a drive downtown! 3 curb checks, one blown stop sign, and two near collisions with buses, Dale and Laura got us "safely" to our destination. We had the chance to walk the streets of downtown Juarez looking for hottest peppers that we could find and of course Kevin needed his gummies!
3) dance party! All of us girls got our groove on with the girls in the home to crazy Spanish raggeton and thriller....please ask Em to teach you the dance, she's a stud! Was so great to see all of the kids let loose and be goofy!
4) Signs and horse! A typical night in Juarez. Some struggled to keep their eyes open however we are always there to wake them up with a basketball to the head.
Seriously can't believe its our last day. The week has flown by and we don't feel ready to leave. We're already preparing ourselves for a hard goodbye tomorrow which means we should probably get some sleep.
Hopefully this made sense as we are hardly able to keep our eyes open, but buenas noches and duerme con angeles!
signed tortugas fuertes (kady and kristen)
1) a CARNIVAL! In the afternoon we set up stations in the church of carnival games; can knock-down, face-painting, tattoos, bowling, treasure hunt, pin the tail, and relays. And of course Dale's balloon animals. The kids seemed to absolutely love it! They loved the prizes, we even saw one kid drink a bottle of bubbles!
2) a drive downtown! 3 curb checks, one blown stop sign, and two near collisions with buses, Dale and Laura got us "safely" to our destination. We had the chance to walk the streets of downtown Juarez looking for hottest peppers that we could find and of course Kevin needed his gummies!
3) dance party! All of us girls got our groove on with the girls in the home to crazy Spanish raggeton and thriller....please ask Em to teach you the dance, she's a stud! Was so great to see all of the kids let loose and be goofy!
4) Signs and horse! A typical night in Juarez. Some struggled to keep their eyes open however we are always there to wake them up with a basketball to the head.
Seriously can't believe its our last day. The week has flown by and we don't feel ready to leave. We're already preparing ourselves for a hard goodbye tomorrow which means we should probably get some sleep.
Hopefully this made sense as we are hardly able to keep our eyes open, but buenas noches and duerme con angeles!
signed tortugas fuertes (kady and kristen)
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Perfect Storm (read the book, better than the movie.)
Tonight the plan was to play with the kids. Instead we got RAINED on HARD. Bad news: can't play with the kids. Good news: It's now like 70 degrees instead of 105.
New plan:
Laura, Steve, and Kevin (little,) sang a worship song about rain. Very appropriate, and muy bonito.
Katherine, Kady, and Krista did 8 minute abs.
Tim and I chewed a combined 25 pieces of bubble gum. dale put them in his mouth and chewed them also.
Brett called his girlfriend.
Kevin (big) sipped on some coke (freshly bottled)
Carla watched Dale make balloon animals. He is good. He is now trying to build a house out of balloons that he can fit in. Remember he is 7 feet tall.
Ems been wearing a ridiculous hat (made out of balloons) with a flower stuck in it. She seems pretty good.
Where did Kristen go. Don't know where she is at. But she can speak spanish so no worries.
Anyways thats the newest update. We are all bummed that we can't hang out with the kids, but are looking forward to 1 last day with them. please keep us in your prayers as we try and finish the week strong, and hope that some of the things we've done with the kids stick with them.
Signed: Travis.
New plan:
Laura, Steve, and Kevin (little,) sang a worship song about rain. Very appropriate, and muy bonito.
Katherine, Kady, and Krista did 8 minute abs.
Tim and I chewed a combined 25 pieces of bubble gum. dale put them in his mouth and chewed them also.
Brett called his girlfriend.
Kevin (big) sipped on some coke (freshly bottled)
Carla watched Dale make balloon animals. He is good. He is now trying to build a house out of balloons that he can fit in. Remember he is 7 feet tall.
Ems been wearing a ridiculous hat (made out of balloons) with a flower stuck in it. She seems pretty good.
Where did Kristen go. Don't know where she is at. But she can speak spanish so no worries.
Anyways thats the newest update. We are all bummed that we can't hang out with the kids, but are looking forward to 1 last day with them. please keep us in your prayers as we try and finish the week strong, and hope that some of the things we've done with the kids stick with them.
Signed: Travis.
The Rock....
While "The Rock" may have many meanings, including Jesus Christ, a fantastic movie featuring Nicolas Cage (about his only good movie, by the way), or an entertainer even worse at acting than he is at wrestling, today we were enlightened by the children on a new perspective on "The Rock".
When your friend or loved one gets home, ask them to play Rock, Paper, Scissors--Juarez style. It may leave you blushing, but it's well worth it. It's going to sweep through the Midwest like a blazing hot fire, yo.....
Be on the watch!
When your friend or loved one gets home, ask them to play Rock, Paper, Scissors--Juarez style. It may leave you blushing, but it's well worth it. It's going to sweep through the Midwest like a blazing hot fire, yo.....
Be on the watch!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
VIDEO.
So I'm here partly with the intent to make a video about our Juarez experience. It has been an awesome time and I've got to shoot in many different arena's. If my mom reads this she needs to know I was being very careful and was completely safe the whole time.
Favorites have been... Hanging out a bus door to put the camera next to the front wheels of a bus (actually a very cool shot,) riding in the back of a truck with a 8 other people standing up (because that is what they do in Mexico,) and passing Mexican soldiers riding very similarly to us, only in a bigger truck, and with guns instead of cameras (contrary to our request's Dale refused to put his camera down. He's got about 1,000,000 pictures now.)
Today we climbed a mountain, which was not super easy to do with a camera and tripod, running on rugged terrain to find good shots.
But the hardest part is shooting at the home. The kids will do everything they can to get a look through the viewfinder. It is very cool to them. And I have been very concerned a couple of times about the potential for someone dropping it, making me drop it, or the fun game of "I'll grab your camera, run, and you can catch me."
Also today, while I was walking around shooting footage of "the area" I started talking to a guy in terrible Spanish. I had noticed him earlier in the day hammering through a huge pile of concrete, and dirt (located behind the home, next to a regular "dump".) I asked him what he was doing and he told me/motioned/signed that he goes through the concrete pieces, breaks them apart and takes any rebar that he finds within the pieces and uses them in building his home. Talk about a culture shock. I was truly stunned.
All this being said. Tonight I did our first round of on-camera interviews and talked individually with about half of the members of our team. One of the priveleges of being a cameraman is hearing peoples stories. And it's hard to explain how moving it is to hear people talk so passionately about this trip, and the things that are happening this week here in Juarez. What an awesome testimony to God's will. I feel very honored to be part of this team and am extremely proud of the work everyone has done within it. But it is very clear, that it is only God working through us.
I hope the kids feel half the love from us as we feel from them.
Signed: Travis.
p.s. I have been apprehended for my posts...
Favorites have been... Hanging out a bus door to put the camera next to the front wheels of a bus (actually a very cool shot,) riding in the back of a truck with a 8 other people standing up (because that is what they do in Mexico,) and passing Mexican soldiers riding very similarly to us, only in a bigger truck, and with guns instead of cameras (contrary to our request's Dale refused to put his camera down. He's got about 1,000,000 pictures now.)
Today we climbed a mountain, which was not super easy to do with a camera and tripod, running on rugged terrain to find good shots.
But the hardest part is shooting at the home. The kids will do everything they can to get a look through the viewfinder. It is very cool to them. And I have been very concerned a couple of times about the potential for someone dropping it, making me drop it, or the fun game of "I'll grab your camera, run, and you can catch me."
Also today, while I was walking around shooting footage of "the area" I started talking to a guy in terrible Spanish. I had noticed him earlier in the day hammering through a huge pile of concrete, and dirt (located behind the home, next to a regular "dump".) I asked him what he was doing and he told me/motioned/signed that he goes through the concrete pieces, breaks them apart and takes any rebar that he finds within the pieces and uses them in building his home. Talk about a culture shock. I was truly stunned.
All this being said. Tonight I did our first round of on-camera interviews and talked individually with about half of the members of our team. One of the priveleges of being a cameraman is hearing peoples stories. And it's hard to explain how moving it is to hear people talk so passionately about this trip, and the things that are happening this week here in Juarez. What an awesome testimony to God's will. I feel very honored to be part of this team and am extremely proud of the work everyone has done within it. But it is very clear, that it is only God working through us.
I hope the kids feel half the love from us as we feel from them.
Signed: Travis.
p.s. I have been apprehended for my posts...
The wheels on the bus go round and round!!!!
I just got permission to drive a school bus through the city of Juarez from our tour guide Aaron......I asked about a drivers license, speed limits and which way I should go. Aaron's only response, "stray dogs lying in the road are worth five points, now get driving amigo." So as everyone was yelling at me to let Aaron drive I started up the "big yellow" and headed for home.
signing off "Bus Driver Brett".....everyone in the back sit down!
signing off "Bus Driver Brett".....everyone in the back sit down!
Plate o' Food
We just ate an unbelievable meal. Spaghetti, with mushroom sauce (ragu.) An amazing bready thing. Complete with a garlic butter. Pretty much just picture heaven on a plate and that's what it was.
Signed: Travis.
Signed: Travis.
The Final Frontier...
(1) We just got done with another organizationally chaotic morning of basketball, and RELAYS, RELAYS, RELAYS! The children love to comptete (and I thought I was competitive); I think we did the same relay over 8 times. It was lots fun...
(2) "Oso"/Big Bear got drenched with water for failing a "trust" test early in the morning. Kids have been climbing him ever since trying to do it again.
(3) The rest of our afternoon will be filled with some music (they also love to dance--I've never seen so many Michael Jackson impersonations in my life...), reflections and crafts. Should be a great time!
(4) I love numbering things...
(5) On a side note, it needs to be mentioned that Steve also ate the hottest Cuban chile last night. Sorry Steve.....
With that said, we're upping the anti tonight with one of the hottest chiles in the world--supposedly more intense then the ones from the night before. We're experiencing the culture, and becoming men at the same time. Local legend says with every pepper eaten, 5 new chest hairs appear within hours. I'm coming back with a sweatervest.....
More information to come....
Tim & Dale & the crew.....
(2) "Oso"/Big Bear got drenched with water for failing a "trust" test early in the morning. Kids have been climbing him ever since trying to do it again.
(3) The rest of our afternoon will be filled with some music (they also love to dance--I've never seen so many Michael Jackson impersonations in my life...), reflections and crafts. Should be a great time!
(4) I love numbering things...
(5) On a side note, it needs to be mentioned that Steve also ate the hottest Cuban chile last night. Sorry Steve.....
With that said, we're upping the anti tonight with one of the hottest chiles in the world--supposedly more intense then the ones from the night before. We're experiencing the culture, and becoming men at the same time. Local legend says with every pepper eaten, 5 new chest hairs appear within hours. I'm coming back with a sweatervest.....
More information to come....
Tim & Dale & the crew.....
Coke Light, not Diet Coke.
Yesterday I payed 30 cents to go to the bathroom at the market. Never done that before. After that I walked into a convenience store with 2 empty Fanta bottles and walked out with a Coke Light, and 40 cents. That's right each bottle was worth 40 cents and the coke I "bought" was 40 cents. They paid me to drink Coke. Sweatervests.
Signed Travis...
Signed Travis...
Good morning from Juarez!
Things are going well here. The heat is still hot and the sun is still el sol but God is sustaining us and giving us strength. Believe me, we desperately need it. The kids never seem to run out of energy and I drain real fast when the kids use me as a taxi service (by climing on my back and hanging on to my feet). The other activity of choice is "dos manos" which translates "two hands". For this game, a kid will hold on to my hands and lay on the ground. I then count to 10, in Spanish of course, and launch them as high as I can. It's very tiring, but the kids need all the love we can possibly give them, and so much more. Sometimes I have to sit down and say, "Estoy consado" which means "I'm tired". At this time, a few kids will usually crawl into my lap and wait a minute or two before yelling, "dos manos".
Last night we heard the testimony of Paco, a 63 year old man who works here at the home. It was incredibly powerful. I could write a paper about his life but I'll tryt to keep it short. He grew up experiencing neglect, near starvation, alcohol, sexual abuse and drugs. He was essentially fathering several kids at the age of 14 because they all had nowhere to go. His mom gave him away when he was very young and his new mom was an alcoholic among many many other things. Such problems have plagued Paco for most of his life. Everything he learned as a kid followed him wherever he went. Josue, the founder of the children's home that we're at, took Paco in over 40 years ago and taught him that God loves him and that he can be a kid. Paco was encouraged to dream for the first time. He loved sports so Josue had him organize a soccer team from the home. It took many years and many screw ups to finally get to where he's at now, but he is loving the Lord. He said it was an honor for him to to talk to important people. It's stunning to think that we're important people to most of the world simply because we are in college or graduated from college. He encouraged us to love this kids with all we have because most of them have similar stories to his... some worse. He told us that we are Jesus Christ to them. Just typing that almost brings me to tears. I could talk for a long time about this but I'll save some for when we get back to share when we're face to face.
This morning we left the home at about 6:00 to hike up a small mountain with a big cross at the top. The hill overlooks most of the city and you can look out and see El Paso, Texas not too far off. We took pictures, had a time of praise and worship, and took about a half of an hour of quiet time before heading back. God is so good! He definitely met us up there. I hope whoever gets on here next talks more about this morning because there were also some funny moments.
This is already too long so I'll sign off for now. Keep us in your prayers, please. We need strength to keep going. We need bigger hearts to love these kids. We need God to meet us everyday. Thanks!
Hasta Luego,
Steve
Things are going well here. The heat is still hot and the sun is still el sol but God is sustaining us and giving us strength. Believe me, we desperately need it. The kids never seem to run out of energy and I drain real fast when the kids use me as a taxi service (by climing on my back and hanging on to my feet). The other activity of choice is "dos manos" which translates "two hands". For this game, a kid will hold on to my hands and lay on the ground. I then count to 10, in Spanish of course, and launch them as high as I can. It's very tiring, but the kids need all the love we can possibly give them, and so much more. Sometimes I have to sit down and say, "Estoy consado" which means "I'm tired". At this time, a few kids will usually crawl into my lap and wait a minute or two before yelling, "dos manos".
Last night we heard the testimony of Paco, a 63 year old man who works here at the home. It was incredibly powerful. I could write a paper about his life but I'll tryt to keep it short. He grew up experiencing neglect, near starvation, alcohol, sexual abuse and drugs. He was essentially fathering several kids at the age of 14 because they all had nowhere to go. His mom gave him away when he was very young and his new mom was an alcoholic among many many other things. Such problems have plagued Paco for most of his life. Everything he learned as a kid followed him wherever he went. Josue, the founder of the children's home that we're at, took Paco in over 40 years ago and taught him that God loves him and that he can be a kid. Paco was encouraged to dream for the first time. He loved sports so Josue had him organize a soccer team from the home. It took many years and many screw ups to finally get to where he's at now, but he is loving the Lord. He said it was an honor for him to to talk to important people. It's stunning to think that we're important people to most of the world simply because we are in college or graduated from college. He encouraged us to love this kids with all we have because most of them have similar stories to his... some worse. He told us that we are Jesus Christ to them. Just typing that almost brings me to tears. I could talk for a long time about this but I'll save some for when we get back to share when we're face to face.
This morning we left the home at about 6:00 to hike up a small mountain with a big cross at the top. The hill overlooks most of the city and you can look out and see El Paso, Texas not too far off. We took pictures, had a time of praise and worship, and took about a half of an hour of quiet time before heading back. God is so good! He definitely met us up there. I hope whoever gets on here next talks more about this morning because there were also some funny moments.
This is already too long so I'll sign off for now. Keep us in your prayers, please. We need strength to keep going. We need bigger hearts to love these kids. We need God to meet us everyday. Thanks!
Hasta Luego,
Steve
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The sights, sounds and peppers of Juarez...
We have been here only but a short time and already it feels appropiate to in some essence of the word call this home-- besides the fact that 98.2% of the time (I have picked up 1.8%) I have absoultally no clue what they are saying around me. Though I did learn today that if I watch my TV and put spanish subtitles at the bottom I will be fluent in no time.
We learned some things from the first day and had to do some flexing today. After a mad scramble to find something on the internet engaging yet appropriate for the kids (and in spanish) God came up strong with a condensed clip of space jams that was dubed over in spanish to help fill some time inside away from the very hot sun. God is denfinetly testing us to see if we will put our trust in Him and see if are willing to change OUR agenda. Today I also helped to run a station where one kid was blindfolded and another had to lead them through a maze. It was amazing because many of the kids (even the much older ones) did not know the difference from their left and right. It was inspiring to see how they helped each other and those that knew the difference were eager to help the others. It truly is one big family here.
We also had the opportunity to drive through Juarez and go to the market. Many people were able to buy things from stands and barter along the way (Kristen especially was like a kid in a candy store). Meanwhile Brett stopped and ate a Habenaro pepper (there is only one pepper hotter). Before he ate it he asked the sales man what it tastes like and the only thing comparable was fire. After he ate it he was asked what does it feel like he replied "like i just kissed Satan". That was not convincing enough for us so we bought a pack of dried Habenaros and myself, Tim, Kevin Andrews, Kady, Kristen, Laura and Steve all decided to try.... I assume it is the same as taking a bite out of the sun (i would not try it at home!)
The experinces here have been astounding and every night when I look from the hill and see the many many lights of El Paso I am quickly struck with an essence of reality as authentically happy kids (in that moment) need nothing more then a gesture of love from a practical stranger that does not even speak their language; and with that they shine ever so bright. God is shining all around here and I am thankful for all the prayers that have already been prayed however please continue to pray that God remains the center as we finish the week. May he be Glorified!!
In His Hands,
Emily
We learned some things from the first day and had to do some flexing today. After a mad scramble to find something on the internet engaging yet appropriate for the kids (and in spanish) God came up strong with a condensed clip of space jams that was dubed over in spanish to help fill some time inside away from the very hot sun. God is denfinetly testing us to see if we will put our trust in Him and see if are willing to change OUR agenda. Today I also helped to run a station where one kid was blindfolded and another had to lead them through a maze. It was amazing because many of the kids (even the much older ones) did not know the difference from their left and right. It was inspiring to see how they helped each other and those that knew the difference were eager to help the others. It truly is one big family here.
We also had the opportunity to drive through Juarez and go to the market. Many people were able to buy things from stands and barter along the way (Kristen especially was like a kid in a candy store). Meanwhile Brett stopped and ate a Habenaro pepper (there is only one pepper hotter). Before he ate it he asked the sales man what it tastes like and the only thing comparable was fire. After he ate it he was asked what does it feel like he replied "like i just kissed Satan". That was not convincing enough for us so we bought a pack of dried Habenaros and myself, Tim, Kevin Andrews, Kady, Kristen, Laura and Steve all decided to try.... I assume it is the same as taking a bite out of the sun (i would not try it at home!)
The experinces here have been astounding and every night when I look from the hill and see the many many lights of El Paso I am quickly struck with an essence of reality as authentically happy kids (in that moment) need nothing more then a gesture of love from a practical stranger that does not even speak their language; and with that they shine ever so bright. God is shining all around here and I am thankful for all the prayers that have already been prayed however please continue to pray that God remains the center as we finish the week. May he be Glorified!!
In His Hands,
Emily
CNN Reports on Danger in Juarez
Headlines covered the media with the danger surrounding the Juarez area. CNN has come out with a new report. The danger lies within the 12 foot chain link fence of the Emmanuel Home. The home's playground has been listed in the top 5 most dangerous play facilities in the WORLD right behind LA's Compton and just ahead of Brooklyn's Rucker Park. The volunteers of the home were interviewed in a documentary with Larry King and they mentioned that the scary part of Mexico isn't the drug lords or gang members, its the 200 hundred little arms and legs kicking and throwing every type of ball you can imagine. Inside this these walls of horror, being attached by a six year old boy or girl jumping from the sixth row of bleachers grabbing onto your sun burn neck is a far cry from the uncommon. Local staff member and former student of the home Aaron had this to say, " I am not so much afraid of local gangs as I am of the 50 soccer balls being kick at one time in my direction. These children have the leg strength of ninjas."
Sadly before we could finish the interview with Aaron he was hit in the groin by a playground ball traveling at the speed of approximately 100 miles an hour. We were forced to leave before the interview was over or before we could find out the status of Aaron. The Emmanuel Home's teroristic threat level was raised from a yellow to a severe red. More later from Juarez.
Signing off Brett Laugen CNN
Sadly before we could finish the interview with Aaron he was hit in the groin by a playground ball traveling at the speed of approximately 100 miles an hour. We were forced to leave before the interview was over or before we could find out the status of Aaron. The Emmanuel Home's teroristic threat level was raised from a yellow to a severe red. More later from Juarez.
Signing off Brett Laugen CNN
Monday, July 13, 2009
Ride on Cowboy.
So a little while ago a little girl approx 6 years old jumped on my back, hugged me, and said "caballete." Naturally I figured she was showing me affection in some way and wanted to figure out exactly what she was saying. I walked over to Kristen, girl (Calayla) still firmly holding onto me and inquired about the translation. After a moment the reply I got was not as pleasing as I initially had hoped. Caballete = Horse. With my self-esteem slightly hurt I was instructed by another girl (Sandra) that Calayla would like me to run around giving her a horse-back ride. So I became a Caballete.
The simplest things give these kids so much joy. I have not often seen the happiness that I find in their faces because of a plain ole high five, or a ridiculous attempt at a conversation involving one word sentences. They definitely gravitate to any sort of attention, but they also never shy away from showing there appreciation when they do get it.
signed travis
The simplest things give these kids so much joy. I have not often seen the happiness that I find in their faces because of a plain ole high five, or a ridiculous attempt at a conversation involving one word sentences. They definitely gravitate to any sort of attention, but they also never shy away from showing there appreciation when they do get it.
signed travis
Organized Chaos....
Organized chaos--I think that was a fitting name for our first morning of our basketball clinic.
After a meet-n-greet with the coaches and expectations for the week, we dove right into some fundamental basketball activities, including some warmup/stretching, layups, and stationwork. It was a blast--we've come to realize that these kids love contests and competition, and just love being around each other and around us. It's a real joy and blessing!
It's 2:15 and we've just finished another fantastic meal and are how heading into our afternoon session comprised of a skit of Daniel & the Lions Den, praise and worship, and some faith reflections from Krista. Should be fun!
More to come soon--thanks for the prayers!!
Tim & the Crew
After a meet-n-greet with the coaches and expectations for the week, we dove right into some fundamental basketball activities, including some warmup/stretching, layups, and stationwork. It was a blast--we've come to realize that these kids love contests and competition, and just love being around each other and around us. It's a real joy and blessing!
It's 2:15 and we've just finished another fantastic meal and are how heading into our afternoon session comprised of a skit of Daniel & the Lions Den, praise and worship, and some faith reflections from Krista. Should be fun!
More to come soon--thanks for the prayers!!
Tim & the Crew
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Is it Mexico, or is it Home Depot.
Now the title of this blog may have you confused. But that's okay. This is Travis, signing on from Juarez, Mexico in the middle of my dorm that is filled with the other men of this trip.
So here is the 411. The 90210. The H20. Or I'll just do my top ten random things unassociated with anything important on the trip.
10. We had a grand idea of bringing a large slip n' slide to these kids. (i.e. large tarps connected together, kids covered in dish soap, scooting down a hill.) When we arrived we found the only hill was a steeply sloped hill that resembled an olympic ski jump. And the hill was also a street. We nixed that idea quickly.
9. We got stopped for a little while at the border. We drove in with 2 cars, one had all of our luggage in it. The other had just people. We were all ordered out of the vehicles. Ironically the border patrol, which looked like G.I. Joes, spent a significantly larger amount of time searching through the empty vehicle than the one that carried the belongings of 14 people.
8. One of the members of this trip is about 7'2". His name is Nick Dale. (I know, that's two first names.) In our opening meeting the lady who runs the show here told him to be prepared because the kids will point at him and climb all over him because of how tall he is. Our response was, "We point at him and climb all over him too." Nick Dale is a good man.
7. Our rooms have A/C. Praise the Lord. Of course regardless that its like a 100 every day we would have been complaint free and content had there not been. But we don't have to prove that afformentioned statement to be true... because there is A/C. On a more serious note, we are here to serve the Lord, not just "stay cool."
6. We bought coke in a liter bottle at the store today. It was good. You pay 75 cents for it, then you bring back the bottle and get another one for 45 cents. America should learn from this system.
5. Tonight at dinner our team, well not our entire team, but Steve, Brett, Tim, and Kevin (little Kevin) ate the entire kitchen out of pickled Jalepeno Peppers. It averaged out to be 4 large ones each. WHEW. Negative side to this story. We can't flush toilet paper here.
4. Stat of the Day: 45
The approximate number of basketballs we blew up today. It was mostly the girls who did it, because they are capable of emitting more hot air.
3. We have not been eating healthy on our trip. A lot of sugar, not a lot of brushing of teeth's. Last night Emily said "It feels like my teeth have hair growing on them..." When she said that I thought... Gross.
2. The kids here know Spanish. We know English. Except for Laura and Kristen whom Tim boldly claimed today are "fluent in Spanish." So we call upon them for guidance more than Ron Gardenhire calls upon R.A. Dickey and Matty Guerrer. Little Kevin knows the word Martes, which means Tuesday.
1. As I began writing this everyone was in another room playing a game called "signs." There is also a Mel Gibson movie out called "signs." But now everyone is in the room so we'll probably go to bed soon. Which means out of respect for "lights out" I'm going to shut off my computer.
In all reality things are going absolutely awesome down here. I think everyone would agree that they may even be going "better than expected." The kids are great, the ministry is great, I think we are all looking forward to a week of incredible growth. Someone will probably write something better soon.
So here is the 411. The 90210. The H20. Or I'll just do my top ten random things unassociated with anything important on the trip.
10. We had a grand idea of bringing a large slip n' slide to these kids. (i.e. large tarps connected together, kids covered in dish soap, scooting down a hill.) When we arrived we found the only hill was a steeply sloped hill that resembled an olympic ski jump. And the hill was also a street. We nixed that idea quickly.
9. We got stopped for a little while at the border. We drove in with 2 cars, one had all of our luggage in it. The other had just people. We were all ordered out of the vehicles. Ironically the border patrol, which looked like G.I. Joes, spent a significantly larger amount of time searching through the empty vehicle than the one that carried the belongings of 14 people.
8. One of the members of this trip is about 7'2". His name is Nick Dale. (I know, that's two first names.) In our opening meeting the lady who runs the show here told him to be prepared because the kids will point at him and climb all over him because of how tall he is. Our response was, "We point at him and climb all over him too." Nick Dale is a good man.
7. Our rooms have A/C. Praise the Lord. Of course regardless that its like a 100 every day we would have been complaint free and content had there not been. But we don't have to prove that afformentioned statement to be true... because there is A/C. On a more serious note, we are here to serve the Lord, not just "stay cool."
6. We bought coke in a liter bottle at the store today. It was good. You pay 75 cents for it, then you bring back the bottle and get another one for 45 cents. America should learn from this system.
5. Tonight at dinner our team, well not our entire team, but Steve, Brett, Tim, and Kevin (little Kevin) ate the entire kitchen out of pickled Jalepeno Peppers. It averaged out to be 4 large ones each. WHEW. Negative side to this story. We can't flush toilet paper here.
4. Stat of the Day: 45
The approximate number of basketballs we blew up today. It was mostly the girls who did it, because they are capable of emitting more hot air.
3. We have not been eating healthy on our trip. A lot of sugar, not a lot of brushing of teeth's. Last night Emily said "It feels like my teeth have hair growing on them..." When she said that I thought... Gross.
2. The kids here know Spanish. We know English. Except for Laura and Kristen whom Tim boldly claimed today are "fluent in Spanish." So we call upon them for guidance more than Ron Gardenhire calls upon R.A. Dickey and Matty Guerrer. Little Kevin knows the word Martes, which means Tuesday.
1. As I began writing this everyone was in another room playing a game called "signs." There is also a Mel Gibson movie out called "signs." But now everyone is in the room so we'll probably go to bed soon. Which means out of respect for "lights out" I'm going to shut off my computer.
In all reality things are going absolutely awesome down here. I think everyone would agree that they may even be going "better than expected." The kids are great, the ministry is great, I think we are all looking forward to a week of incredible growth. Someone will probably write something better soon.
Bienvenidos a Mexico!
We crossed the border into Mexico around noon today and arrived safely at Emmanuel Children's Home. The border was definitely a transition of cultures. Our eyes were opened to how blessed we are with what we have.
We attended a Spanish church service shortly after arriving. They welcomed us, we worshipped with them and heard testimonies. The fellowship of believers here is truly amazing. The staff at the Home have a passion for children and a passion to serve God...whatever that looks like! We enjoyed an amazing meal and some free time playing with the kids this afternoon. We look forward to having a great week here!
Please join us in praying for the basketball camp and other activities we have planned. Pray that God would lead us, keep us healthy and keep us safe.
Acehoops 2009 Team Members:
Emily Anderson
Tim Anderson
Kevin Andrews
Karla Anundson
Katherine Anundson
Kevin Anundson
Nick Dale
Laura Hibma
Krista Hibma
Brett Laugen
Kady Telschow
Travis Wermedal
Steve Westerkamp
Kristen Wolters
We attended a Spanish church service shortly after arriving. They welcomed us, we worshipped with them and heard testimonies. The fellowship of believers here is truly amazing. The staff at the Home have a passion for children and a passion to serve God...whatever that looks like! We enjoyed an amazing meal and some free time playing with the kids this afternoon. We look forward to having a great week here!
Please join us in praying for the basketball camp and other activities we have planned. Pray that God would lead us, keep us healthy and keep us safe.
Acehoops 2009 Team Members:
Emily Anderson
Tim Anderson
Kevin Andrews
Karla Anundson
Katherine Anundson
Kevin Anundson
Nick Dale
Laura Hibma
Krista Hibma
Brett Laugen
Kady Telschow
Travis Wermedal
Steve Westerkamp
Kristen Wolters
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Kansas City to El Paso, 18 hours
At 3 this morning the cities crew arrived in Kansas City, and all 14 of us headed south in two vans as thunder and rain came down. The next few hours were filled with sleeping, snacking, music, conversation, and a few rumble strips. We made plenty of stops along the way for bathroom breaks and food.
At one point, the group made a decision to pull over for anybody alongside the road that may need any help. Not so coincidentally a little later we found a little Saturn with Illinois plates and an Iowa State window sticker on the side of the road with a flat tire. There was also an SUV pulled over on the opposite side. What had happened was that a piece of metal had flown off the other car and the Saturn couldn't avoid it and blew out their tire. I (Krista) had just woke up and was watching this all unfold, while our two vans piled out onto a very remote highway in the middle of New Mexico. The guy in the Saturn looked oddly familiar. So I got out of the van and realized that it was a friend from high school, Dustin Dooyema. Pretty amazing! He was with his wife making a move to Texas, and I hadn't seen him in about 5 years. Also to our amazement, the guy in the other car was a pastor from El Paso. Steve came to the rescue and changed the tire as we all hung out on the side of the road. Before we parted ways and exchanged phone numbers and other information, we circled up and prayed together. God is truly at work.
We are now safe and sound in El Paso, ready to get a good night of sleep and cross the border tomorrow. God is definitely planning out each step of this trip and we are expecting even greater things!
At one point, the group made a decision to pull over for anybody alongside the road that may need any help. Not so coincidentally a little later we found a little Saturn with Illinois plates and an Iowa State window sticker on the side of the road with a flat tire. There was also an SUV pulled over on the opposite side. What had happened was that a piece of metal had flown off the other car and the Saturn couldn't avoid it and blew out their tire. I (Krista) had just woke up and was watching this all unfold, while our two vans piled out onto a very remote highway in the middle of New Mexico. The guy in the Saturn looked oddly familiar. So I got out of the van and realized that it was a friend from high school, Dustin Dooyema. Pretty amazing! He was with his wife making a move to Texas, and I hadn't seen him in about 5 years. Also to our amazement, the guy in the other car was a pastor from El Paso. Steve came to the rescue and changed the tire as we all hung out on the side of the road. Before we parted ways and exchanged phone numbers and other information, we circled up and prayed together. God is truly at work.
We are now safe and sound in El Paso, ready to get a good night of sleep and cross the border tomorrow. God is definitely planning out each step of this trip and we are expecting even greater things!
Friday, July 10, 2009
The journey has begun!
The Marshall crew left for Kansas City Thursday at 4pm and spent friday hanging out in kc. we started out the day touring the fca headquarters. It was dress like a cow day at Chick-fil-a so we got to see alot of cow spots. Nick Dale was excited to take a picture with the cow mascot.
We then spent the rest of the day at IHOP (not pancakes, the international house of prayer).
Incredible is the best way I can describe spending the day seeking God's face for our lives and even more specifically for this trip. At one point, two people from IHOP prayed for each member of our team. At 6pm, we went to a prayer meeting. It was an inspiring time of praise and worship based on Psalm 139, and 3 John verse 2.
It's now 12:30 am and we're awaiting the arrival of the cities crew who had to drive around Iowa due to regulations of passenger vans. When they come we'll be on our way to El Paso, Texas. adios, Katherine Anundson and crew
The Marshall crew left for Kansas City Thursday at 4pm and spent friday hanging out in kc. we started out the day touring the fca headquarters. It was dress like a cow day at Chick-fil-a so we got to see alot of cow spots. Nick Dale was excited to take a picture with the cow mascot.
We then spent the rest of the day at IHOP (not pancakes, the international house of prayer).
Incredible is the best way I can describe spending the day seeking God's face for our lives and even more specifically for this trip. At one point, two people from IHOP prayed for each member of our team. At 6pm, we went to a prayer meeting. It was an inspiring time of praise and worship based on Psalm 139, and 3 John verse 2.
It's now 12:30 am and we're awaiting the arrival of the cities crew who had to drive around Iowa due to regulations of passenger vans. When they come we'll be on our way to El Paso, Texas. adios, Katherine Anundson and crew
Sunday, July 5, 2009
5 Days & Counting.....
On Friday, July 10th, an amazing crew of 14 individuals are heading down to Emmanuel Children's Home in Juarez, Mexico. We will be putting on a faith-infused basketball clinic to approximately 60 children from the home, as well as about 40 children invited from the surrounding neighborhood. It's our prayer that God works in us and through us as we seek to bring hope and joy to an area corrupted by drug trafficking and crime, political instability, and poverty.
We are ROAD-TRIPPING!!! Twenty plus hours of sights and smells, stories and late-night sillyness, we'll be arriving in El Paso late Saturday night, then crossing the border early Sunday morning just in time to attend the home's Sunday worship service.
As the Spirit leads, please keep these things in your prayers:
(1) First and foremost, that God remains the center of this trip and ministry--that it will be an act of praise and worship for our amazing Lord and Creator.
(2) That our hearts and the hearts of the children remain open for the Spirit to move.
(3) For a blessing on the home as they continue to love and serve the children of Juarez. (You can learn more about Emmanuel at: www.emmanuelgo.org.)
(4) For safety and protection as we travel and over the duration of our stay.
Check this blog in the upcoming days for daily trip updates and stories from the crew. Thanks for all the love and support from SOOOO many individuals!
More to come.......
We are ROAD-TRIPPING!!! Twenty plus hours of sights and smells, stories and late-night sillyness, we'll be arriving in El Paso late Saturday night, then crossing the border early Sunday morning just in time to attend the home's Sunday worship service.
As the Spirit leads, please keep these things in your prayers:
(1) First and foremost, that God remains the center of this trip and ministry--that it will be an act of praise and worship for our amazing Lord and Creator.
(2) That our hearts and the hearts of the children remain open for the Spirit to move.
(3) For a blessing on the home as they continue to love and serve the children of Juarez. (You can learn more about Emmanuel at: www.emmanuelgo.org.)
(4) For safety and protection as we travel and over the duration of our stay.
Check this blog in the upcoming days for daily trip updates and stories from the crew. Thanks for all the love and support from SOOOO many individuals!
More to come.......
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