Day 5 - Back to Casa Abba for a workday

 

Group picture form the village yesterday

Saturday began with morning devotions in Philippians—another wonderful passage reminding us that we can bring our fears and anxieties to God, and He will guard our hearts and minds with His peace in Christ Jesus. What a reason to rejoice! God's presence brings calm to the storm and courage to the fearful.

Speaking of reasons to rejoice, Gabby (Jocsan's dad) shared his testimony with us during devotions (you can read his testimony HERE) . Brother Gabby is always such an encouragement, and we are so thankful for him. He is the founder of Casa Ebenezer, a ministry that serves men struggling with addiction. Tomorrow marks the official one-year anniversary of Casa Ebenezer, and we look forward to celebrating that milestone together at church.

 After devotions, we headed back to Casa Abba to continue the work we had started. On the way, we stopped to pick up the 5 metal poles for the streetlights. I believe the goal for the day was to get two of them installed. We also brought another can of paint, and once we arrived, we split into the same teams and got to work.

 

The girls did an amazing job! Anna was a superstar as she took on painting the ceilings and never once complained. She said that when she first started, she wasn't sure she could do it. But after a few minutes, she realized how much she had already accomplished and just kept going until she had worked her way all around the building. Ellie tackled the alcove over the cistern, which had several difficult-to-reach areas. Hannah helped finish the walls and then carefully cut in around the windows. They all worked incredibly hard and completed the entire job. When I walked around to inspect their work, there wasn't a single area that needed touching up—they covered it all! (I didn't get any after pictures, but I'll be sure to share before-and-after photos in Tuesday's post when we return.)

The boys had several projects to tackle as well. Timothy and Collin got to work priming and painting the light poles, while Josiah and Will prepared the concrete—without a mixer! They shoveled sand, cement, rocks, and water by hand. After the paint dried, they began installing the poles. Jocsan figured out a way to secure them, and the team worked together to pour the concrete. One by one, they labored in the hot sun while battling the bugs. The original goal was to install two poles, but they finished four! That leaves only one remaining for Tuesday.

I am so proud of the way this team has come together. God has blessed us with a spirit of cooperation, friendship, and servant-heartedness. I continue to be impressed by each team member and the way they are sacrificially giving of themselves throughout this trip.

 

Tomorrow will be a well-earned day of rest. We will begin by worshiping at Casa Ebenezer and celebrating their first anniversary by hearing testimonies of God's faithfulness. Then, in the afternoon, we'll head to the beach.

Thanks for reading, and God bless!