Mission Team
posted by George Welty at 10:58 AM
0 comments
Saturday, July 16, 2005
Manos Abiertas Medical Mission 2005
(This is a letter from the Manos board thanking the participants of Mission 2005. It was orginally posted on http://www.manos-abiertas.org/ and reprinted here)
The Board of Directors of Manos Abiertas would like to thank the wonderful team of people who were Medical Mission ’05. This was a particularly exciting year for our medical mission work, and through our time in Guaymas it was clear that God is busy at work in Guaymas. We are thankful that each of our team members was able to work and have a “front row seat” watching God at work.
Additionally, we would like to thank the many congregations of Christians who supported our team in one way or another. At least eight congregations from five different states sent team participants. Several of those congregations supported our work by either contributing to their member’s expenses or by direct contributions. And an uncountable number of people stood behind this work in prayer before and during our time in Guaymas.
We would like to provide a report to the various supporters and elderships who are interested in the work in Guaymas, and also provide a peek forward at some of our upcoming plans. Additional information may be obtained throughout the year from our website at http://www.manos-abiertas.org/, or via e-mail updates by requesting addition to our mailing list from csbk60@aol.com (our secretary, Carla Kirkland).
Several important things were planned for this year’s trip which differed from our previous trips. Most notably, the purchase of our property and building in Mexico was to happen during this year. Since last November, we have been negotiating and making preparations to close on the building and compound which will house our clinic as well as la Iglesia de Cristo Centro. Those preparations have been complicated and included the organization of Manos Abiertas as a 501c3 corporation in the U.S., the organization of our Mexican equivalent organization (Manos Abiertas al Servicio), securing funding for the purchase of the property, opening an international bank account, and navigating the numerous fees, laws, and processes that were required for the purchase of property in Mexico. God blessed us throughout all of these complications and the close of the sale of the property was accomplished on Thursday, July 7.
In providing for our needs as listed above, three months before our trip, God put us in contact with a lawyer in Mexico City who was not only instrumental in helping us clear all of the legal and logistic hurdles involved with the purchase, but who also has important connections with the Mexican pharmaceutical industry. She was able to provide us with significant insight about the possibility of future donations or discount purchases from medication manufacturers and wholesalers in Mexico. This was an unexpected surprise that God had in store for us which made us appreciate his plan even more than we had expected.
Another aspect of this trip that was a bit different from the past was the transportation of a van, trailer, and many supplies for the clinic and the church which were donated by the former Quince Road Church of Christ. When the van and trailer reached Nogales our crew was fully prepared to pay the required tariffs to import the various supplies, but an unexpected resistance was found there at the border. As the driving crew was stuck waiting, and negotiating, the rest of the team joined in prayer on the bus as they traveled. Leave it to God to amaze us with his provision. Just after the prayer on the bus was complete, the officials in Nogales suddenly and without explanation changed their minds letting the whole trailer and van full of supplies pass! Now, the church in Guaymas has 100 stacking chairs, a PA system, and a “new” van.
Our outreach effort was led by the youth group from the Norway Avenue Church of Christ in Huntington, WV this year. These teens accomplished an incredible amount during their week. They constructed eight exam tables, and two children’s tables for use on this and future trips. They created large signs advertising the clinic and the gospel meeting, and handed out 9000 fliers during the first three days of their work. They provided school supplies to over a hundred children, and spent time letting those kids know that they are loved and that God cares for them. And finally, they did a wonderful job preparing, repairing, and painting the exterior of the new building.
The clinic team consisted of two physicians, one nurse practitioner, one nurse anesthetist, a pharmacist, three nurses, a lab technician, and several wonderful other volunteers. They saw about nine hundred patients in the clinic with problems ranging from high blood pressure to leg pain, to sore throats, to non-healing ulcers, and to pregnancy. The clinic operated under a specific authority granted from the department of Health in Hermosillo (the state capital) and enjoyed the approval and cooperation of the general medical community in Guaymas. But perhaps the best testimonial about the clinic this year came from an elderly patient who just prior to leaving the clinic said, “I’ve never been to a doctor’s visit when I was given so much attention!” We were able to do very little for the chronic pain that he experiences in his legs, but that gentleman was able to feel as if someone cared enough to listen, and hopefully he knows it was God who made that possible.
Our team could never function without translators at various levels and this year we were blessed with a wonderful group of people to serve in this capacity. We took several people for this role who were joined by a couple from Chihuahua, Mexico, a missionary from Hermosillo, and two young ladies from Guaymas. Some of these were people we had never met, but whom God sent and through whom we were richly blessed. In particular, we were pleased to get to know Nathan, the missionary from Hermosillo (which is only an hour from Guaymas). We look forward to working with him on other projects in the future.
Several other of our team members served other important roles dealing with the headaches of arranging meals and transportation for such a large group. There were people who ran the children’s area during the clinic, and others who were simply available to take care of what sometimes seemed like a long list of things that had to be done every day. All of these areas ran incredibly smoothly because of the blessing of having such talented people in these roles.
The other group of people that should be mentioned is the church that meets in el Centro in Guaymas. The brothers and sisters from la Iglesia there worked tirelessly through the week preparing lunches, helping with registration, and serving as religious and spiritual counselors in the clinic. We all enjoyed our service and worship with the Christians in Guaymas, and the tears that were shed Friday night as we all said, “goodbye” were tears of thanks as much as tears of sadness that our time together was over.
Now that Medical Mission ’05 is over, we turn our eyes toward the future. God has blessed us richly, but there remains much work to do. The immediate next step is a construction project that is needed to enclose the patio areas of the building and double its interior space. These areas will provide rooms that can be used both as clinic rooms and class rooms, as well as permanent dental and optometric exam areas. To this end, plans are being formed for a late-December construction trip.
We will to continue to pursue ways of helping our clinic reach its goal of eventually becoming a year-round medical presence in Guaymas, providing a place where the poor can seek medical care and be shown the love of Jesus. We seek prayers that God will continue to open doors in the medical and pharmaceutical communities in Mexico so that our long term needs of staff and medications will be supplied.
But opportunities such as this year’s trip will continue to be an important part of our work in Mexico. For not only do the people who are served receive a blessing, but also the people who go to serve are truly blessed as we see God using us for his glory. We hope to be able to host two different weeks of medical mission clinic next year, and we seek prayers toward that end as well.
Again, we would all like to thank the many people who supported our work this year, and who continue to partner with us as we seek to join God in what he is accomplishing in the city of Guaymas.
The Manos Abiertas Board of Directors
Chris Hanson
Brandon Cooper
Carla Kirkland
Steve Hill
The Board of Directors of Manos Abiertas would like to thank the wonderful team of people who were Medical Mission ’05. This was a particularly exciting year for our medical mission work, and through our time in Guaymas it was clear that God is busy at work in Guaymas. We are thankful that each of our team members was able to work and have a “front row seat” watching God at work.
Additionally, we would like to thank the many congregations of Christians who supported our team in one way or another. At least eight congregations from five different states sent team participants. Several of those congregations supported our work by either contributing to their member’s expenses or by direct contributions. And an uncountable number of people stood behind this work in prayer before and during our time in Guaymas.
We would like to provide a report to the various supporters and elderships who are interested in the work in Guaymas, and also provide a peek forward at some of our upcoming plans. Additional information may be obtained throughout the year from our website at http://www.manos-abiertas.org/, or via e-mail updates by requesting addition to our mailing list from csbk60@aol.com (our secretary, Carla Kirkland).
Several important things were planned for this year’s trip which differed from our previous trips. Most notably, the purchase of our property and building in Mexico was to happen during this year. Since last November, we have been negotiating and making preparations to close on the building and compound which will house our clinic as well as la Iglesia de Cristo Centro. Those preparations have been complicated and included the organization of Manos Abiertas as a 501c3 corporation in the U.S., the organization of our Mexican equivalent organization (Manos Abiertas al Servicio), securing funding for the purchase of the property, opening an international bank account, and navigating the numerous fees, laws, and processes that were required for the purchase of property in Mexico. God blessed us throughout all of these complications and the close of the sale of the property was accomplished on Thursday, July 7.
In providing for our needs as listed above, three months before our trip, God put us in contact with a lawyer in Mexico City who was not only instrumental in helping us clear all of the legal and logistic hurdles involved with the purchase, but who also has important connections with the Mexican pharmaceutical industry. She was able to provide us with significant insight about the possibility of future donations or discount purchases from medication manufacturers and wholesalers in Mexico. This was an unexpected surprise that God had in store for us which made us appreciate his plan even more than we had expected.
Another aspect of this trip that was a bit different from the past was the transportation of a van, trailer, and many supplies for the clinic and the church which were donated by the former Quince Road Church of Christ. When the van and trailer reached Nogales our crew was fully prepared to pay the required tariffs to import the various supplies, but an unexpected resistance was found there at the border. As the driving crew was stuck waiting, and negotiating, the rest of the team joined in prayer on the bus as they traveled. Leave it to God to amaze us with his provision. Just after the prayer on the bus was complete, the officials in Nogales suddenly and without explanation changed their minds letting the whole trailer and van full of supplies pass! Now, the church in Guaymas has 100 stacking chairs, a PA system, and a “new” van.
Our outreach effort was led by the youth group from the Norway Avenue Church of Christ in Huntington, WV this year. These teens accomplished an incredible amount during their week. They constructed eight exam tables, and two children’s tables for use on this and future trips. They created large signs advertising the clinic and the gospel meeting, and handed out 9000 fliers during the first three days of their work. They provided school supplies to over a hundred children, and spent time letting those kids know that they are loved and that God cares for them. And finally, they did a wonderful job preparing, repairing, and painting the exterior of the new building.
The clinic team consisted of two physicians, one nurse practitioner, one nurse anesthetist, a pharmacist, three nurses, a lab technician, and several wonderful other volunteers. They saw about nine hundred patients in the clinic with problems ranging from high blood pressure to leg pain, to sore throats, to non-healing ulcers, and to pregnancy. The clinic operated under a specific authority granted from the department of Health in Hermosillo (the state capital) and enjoyed the approval and cooperation of the general medical community in Guaymas. But perhaps the best testimonial about the clinic this year came from an elderly patient who just prior to leaving the clinic said, “I’ve never been to a doctor’s visit when I was given so much attention!” We were able to do very little for the chronic pain that he experiences in his legs, but that gentleman was able to feel as if someone cared enough to listen, and hopefully he knows it was God who made that possible.
Our team could never function without translators at various levels and this year we were blessed with a wonderful group of people to serve in this capacity. We took several people for this role who were joined by a couple from Chihuahua, Mexico, a missionary from Hermosillo, and two young ladies from Guaymas. Some of these were people we had never met, but whom God sent and through whom we were richly blessed. In particular, we were pleased to get to know Nathan, the missionary from Hermosillo (which is only an hour from Guaymas). We look forward to working with him on other projects in the future.
Several other of our team members served other important roles dealing with the headaches of arranging meals and transportation for such a large group. There were people who ran the children’s area during the clinic, and others who were simply available to take care of what sometimes seemed like a long list of things that had to be done every day. All of these areas ran incredibly smoothly because of the blessing of having such talented people in these roles.
The other group of people that should be mentioned is the church that meets in el Centro in Guaymas. The brothers and sisters from la Iglesia there worked tirelessly through the week preparing lunches, helping with registration, and serving as religious and spiritual counselors in the clinic. We all enjoyed our service and worship with the Christians in Guaymas, and the tears that were shed Friday night as we all said, “goodbye” were tears of thanks as much as tears of sadness that our time together was over.
Now that Medical Mission ’05 is over, we turn our eyes toward the future. God has blessed us richly, but there remains much work to do. The immediate next step is a construction project that is needed to enclose the patio areas of the building and double its interior space. These areas will provide rooms that can be used both as clinic rooms and class rooms, as well as permanent dental and optometric exam areas. To this end, plans are being formed for a late-December construction trip.
We will to continue to pursue ways of helping our clinic reach its goal of eventually becoming a year-round medical presence in Guaymas, providing a place where the poor can seek medical care and be shown the love of Jesus. We seek prayers that God will continue to open doors in the medical and pharmaceutical communities in Mexico so that our long term needs of staff and medications will be supplied.
But opportunities such as this year’s trip will continue to be an important part of our work in Mexico. For not only do the people who are served receive a blessing, but also the people who go to serve are truly blessed as we see God using us for his glory. We hope to be able to host two different weeks of medical mission clinic next year, and we seek prayers toward that end as well.
Again, we would all like to thank the many people who supported our work this year, and who continue to partner with us as we seek to join God in what he is accomplishing in the city of Guaymas.
The Manos Abiertas Board of Directors
Chris Hanson
Brandon Cooper
Carla Kirkland
Steve Hill
posted by George Welty at 10:48 AM
1 comments
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Coming Home isn't always Easy
Every year I tell the kids that they can expect Satan to take shots at them when they return from this kind of trip. People whom he considers a threat are always the target of the strongest temptations and trials. But, I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. Only minutes after our return several of our kids were put in stressful situations. And several kids went home hurt and confused. I was so mad that they came home to pain after having such a great week.
I wish I could protect them all from these kinds of things. All I can do is pray.
I wish I could protect them all from these kinds of things. All I can do is pray.
posted by George Welty at 6:46 PM
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Leaving Las Vegas
The trip home was uneventful. The bus trip featured some classic Rock n’ Roll, and some Disney Songs. It hard to tell which was more popular.
The border crossing went well. Actually, as it turns out its more difficult to get my entire group to the mall than it is to get all my kids across the border. Once we got to Tucson we all ended up at many different places to eat, but by 10:00 pm we were all in my hotel room for a final devotional. There are several things that stood out in the devo. (1). We have become a veteran mission group. During the devo many of the kids drew comparisons to other mission efforts. It was neat to hear their analysis. (2). The teens really seemed to connect with the group from Memphis, especially Steve. Several teens mentioned Steve's attitude and work ethic. (3). I can’t fully explain how great it was to be around the three Backi once again. I miss those kids, and it was neat to see how quickly we all picked up where we left off. And finally (4). tears are a part of mission trips.
I’ll sum up the trip with a final post in a few days, but until then let me say this. I’ve never been on a mission trip when the teens worked harder. They were amazing. We had 9,000 flyers passed out by Wednesday. There is no telling how many miles we walked. We remodeled and painted a building. Three of our kids and several of our adults played a major role in the clinic. It was hot and difficult work, and the kids are going home spent.
As I’m writing this the teens are sleeping in the Las Vegas airport. We have a three hour layover, and they are exhausted. But, it’s a good kind of tired, a satisfying exhaustion. The kind of tired that comes from spending a week spilling blood, sweat and tears in God’s service. The kind of feeling when you know you’ve earned your rest. May God’s name be lifted up by what we’ve done this week.
The border crossing went well. Actually, as it turns out its more difficult to get my entire group to the mall than it is to get all my kids across the border. Once we got to Tucson we all ended up at many different places to eat, but by 10:00 pm we were all in my hotel room for a final devotional. There are several things that stood out in the devo. (1). We have become a veteran mission group. During the devo many of the kids drew comparisons to other mission efforts. It was neat to hear their analysis. (2). The teens really seemed to connect with the group from Memphis, especially Steve. Several teens mentioned Steve's attitude and work ethic. (3). I can’t fully explain how great it was to be around the three Backi once again. I miss those kids, and it was neat to see how quickly we all picked up where we left off. And finally (4). tears are a part of mission trips.
I’ll sum up the trip with a final post in a few days, but until then let me say this. I’ve never been on a mission trip when the teens worked harder. They were amazing. We had 9,000 flyers passed out by Wednesday. There is no telling how many miles we walked. We remodeled and painted a building. Three of our kids and several of our adults played a major role in the clinic. It was hot and difficult work, and the kids are going home spent.
As I’m writing this the teens are sleeping in the Las Vegas airport. We have a three hour layover, and they are exhausted. But, it’s a good kind of tired, a satisfying exhaustion. The kind of tired that comes from spending a week spilling blood, sweat and tears in God’s service. The kind of feeling when you know you’ve earned your rest. May God’s name be lifted up by what we’ve done this week.
posted by George Welty at 6:08 PM
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Never Say Goodbye
Paint, paint and more paint. Scizz was so excited, we painted the clinic Carolina Blue.
Our teens spent the entire day Friday painting and cleaning our (yea, that sounds good) facility. Formerly it was painted the color and style of a giant Tecate’ can (as are most buildings in Mexico). Now it is the color of our choice, and it feels good. It also may have been the hottest day of the week. Another group of kids cleaned out some of the facility that we didn’t have access to until after the sale. In other trips we have saved the easier jobs for the last day. This was not the case on Friday. Painting down there was hot sticky work.
That night we attended the last night of the Revival and building dedication that followed. Here is a brief description of the events that followed.
- Worship in Spanish and English
- A Sermon by Nathan in Spanish and English
- A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- Chris reading an adjusted version of Solomon’s temple blessing
Then all of the members of the Mission trip went up front to be thanked by the congregation. They sang to us some songs in Spanish, then gave us handmade pillows so we could remember the trip. After that they lined up to say goodbye, in what could only be described by what happens at the end of a tee-ball game, except for bigger and with more hugs (and without the free pop afterwards). It was great to personally connect with all of the members of the church. Dana gave her pillow to Eugene. I was a little mad because I wanted to give him mine. We argued about it while we were in line smiling and shaking hands the entire time (if any of them had spoken English, our cover would have been blown). Finally I gave mine to Oulanda (pronounced to Yolanda), She was the lady that cooked our lunches every day. When I gave it to her she cried, and said “thank you” in English. I was one of my favorite moments of the trip.
Next, we went outside to admire Eugene’s handiwork. He had done the lettering for “Manos Abiertas” with two outlines of giant hands. Then, member of our group and members of the church dipped a hand in paint and put handprints inside the outlines of the hands Eugene had made. It was a great moment.
To sum up my feelings about this night would be impossible. All I know is that I have never felt more appreciated and more grateful all at the same time.
Our teens spent the entire day Friday painting and cleaning our (yea, that sounds good) facility. Formerly it was painted the color and style of a giant Tecate’ can (as are most buildings in Mexico). Now it is the color of our choice, and it feels good. It also may have been the hottest day of the week. Another group of kids cleaned out some of the facility that we didn’t have access to until after the sale. In other trips we have saved the easier jobs for the last day. This was not the case on Friday. Painting down there was hot sticky work.
That night we attended the last night of the Revival and building dedication that followed. Here is a brief description of the events that followed.
- Worship in Spanish and English
- A Sermon by Nathan in Spanish and English
- A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- Chris reading an adjusted version of Solomon’s temple blessing
Then all of the members of the Mission trip went up front to be thanked by the congregation. They sang to us some songs in Spanish, then gave us handmade pillows so we could remember the trip. After that they lined up to say goodbye, in what could only be described by what happens at the end of a tee-ball game, except for bigger and with more hugs (and without the free pop afterwards). It was great to personally connect with all of the members of the church. Dana gave her pillow to Eugene. I was a little mad because I wanted to give him mine. We argued about it while we were in line smiling and shaking hands the entire time (if any of them had spoken English, our cover would have been blown). Finally I gave mine to Oulanda (pronounced to Yolanda), She was the lady that cooked our lunches every day. When I gave it to her she cried, and said “thank you” in English. I was one of my favorite moments of the trip.
Next, we went outside to admire Eugene’s handiwork. He had done the lettering for “Manos Abiertas” with two outlines of giant hands. Then, member of our group and members of the church dipped a hand in paint and put handprints inside the outlines of the hands Eugene had made. It was a great moment.
To sum up my feelings about this night would be impossible. All I know is that I have never felt more appreciated and more grateful all at the same time.
posted by George Welty at 11:47 AM
0 comments
Friday, July 08, 2005
Manos Report
(Brandon Cooper from Memphis posts this report on the purchase of the clinic property)
Yahewh Jireh
Today was a day we have dreamed about for several months. It is absolutely incredible to see what can do with a few broken people, a few dreams and a few pesos!!! Today, Manos Abiertas, became the owner of a building at the corner of 13th Street and 13th Avenue. This doesn’t sound like a very lucky place to be, but in our situation, luck is very unnecessary! We have a greater power on our side, Yahweh Jireh (the Lord will provide).
Katina Gaines, our attorney in Memphis, just happened to be at a legal conference in Miami and knew about our need for representation in Mexico. Katia Rosenstein, and her firm, came highly recommended and was the only attorney that Katina would recommend to us from the possibilities. I believe this has nothing to do with a limited amount of attorneys in Mexico, and everything to do with God’s Divine Provision!
Prior to the closing scheduled for noon, our attorney, Katia, arrived to visit with me. We talked about a great number of things, and in doing so we uncover more of God’s provision in this work. We started discussing our problems with importing equipment and medicines into the country. As it turns out, Katia’s parents owned a pharmaceutical company until 1994. She still has very tight connections and knows many people in the business. We discussed how we need to obtain our importer’s license, and also our non-profit ability in Mexico. She happens to know a few people who can possibly provide all of the medicines we would need. WOW!!! Just an FYI, our medicine budget this year was close to $6,000.00.
We then began talking about how our clinic will be staffed and about our need for doctors. Katia shared that all Mexican Medical Schools require their junior and seniors to spend 480 hours in community service. She is already checking into the school in Hermosillo (the capital of Sonora, about 50 miles from here).
The closing could not have gone smoother. I expected there to be problems with language, or complicated requests from the sellers, however God remained faithful in his provision. We signed the documents and moved through the closing effortlessly (except for Katia who earned every peso of her fee!).
This evening, we had dinner with Sr. Ceballos Marin, the representative of the seller of the property and two of their board members. They celebrated with us in our work and pledged their support of our organization, another gift from Yahweh Jireh.
I am always amazed at how small our faith is and how well God displays his power!
Brandon Cooper
Yahewh Jireh
Today was a day we have dreamed about for several months. It is absolutely incredible to see what can do with a few broken people, a few dreams and a few pesos!!! Today, Manos Abiertas, became the owner of a building at the corner of 13th Street and 13th Avenue. This doesn’t sound like a very lucky place to be, but in our situation, luck is very unnecessary! We have a greater power on our side, Yahweh Jireh (the Lord will provide).
Katina Gaines, our attorney in Memphis, just happened to be at a legal conference in Miami and knew about our need for representation in Mexico. Katia Rosenstein, and her firm, came highly recommended and was the only attorney that Katina would recommend to us from the possibilities. I believe this has nothing to do with a limited amount of attorneys in Mexico, and everything to do with God’s Divine Provision!
Prior to the closing scheduled for noon, our attorney, Katia, arrived to visit with me. We talked about a great number of things, and in doing so we uncover more of God’s provision in this work. We started discussing our problems with importing equipment and medicines into the country. As it turns out, Katia’s parents owned a pharmaceutical company until 1994. She still has very tight connections and knows many people in the business. We discussed how we need to obtain our importer’s license, and also our non-profit ability in Mexico. She happens to know a few people who can possibly provide all of the medicines we would need. WOW!!! Just an FYI, our medicine budget this year was close to $6,000.00.
We then began talking about how our clinic will be staffed and about our need for doctors. Katia shared that all Mexican Medical Schools require their junior and seniors to spend 480 hours in community service. She is already checking into the school in Hermosillo (the capital of Sonora, about 50 miles from here).
The closing could not have gone smoother. I expected there to be problems with language, or complicated requests from the sellers, however God remained faithful in his provision. We signed the documents and moved through the closing effortlessly (except for Katia who earned every peso of her fee!).
This evening, we had dinner with Sr. Ceballos Marin, the representative of the seller of the property and two of their board members. They celebrated with us in our work and pledged their support of our organization, another gift from Yahweh Jireh.
I am always amazed at how small our faith is and how well God displays his power!
Brandon Cooper
posted by George Welty at 12:51 PM
0 comments
Thursday (notebooks, pencils, and candy)
Well, we are now 0-2 in the USA v. Mexico series after a 4 to 1 loss. No excuses, they are that much better. It didn’t help that Maty’s family was sitting behind our goal chanting “Mexico”.
Today was school supply and candy day. We passed out a notebook, two pencils, and a sharpener to 150 kids in Fatima. We also passed out lots of candy and about 100 Beanie Babies that Meghan brought with her. The looks on the faces of both children and parents are worth the price of the trip. Several of the children used the first page of the notebook to write us thank you notes. Let me share a couple with you.
Hello I’m Aylin and thank you for the notebook and pencil. I like cats and dogs. I am Aylin and I want to say goodbye.
Hello, I am Elizabeth and I think you are good people in giving us trust without knowing us. I thing the support you give is fantastic. Every year you come and give us many things like toys and notebooks and many other things. Thank you.
Another highlight of the trip is the way Maty’s family have taken care of us the past few days. The food they fixed for us today was so good it should be illegal. As a matter of fact, it may have been a conspiracy to fill us up so well that we couldn’t compete in the soccer game. At least I’m going to tell myself that in order to feel better.
Today was school supply and candy day. We passed out a notebook, two pencils, and a sharpener to 150 kids in Fatima. We also passed out lots of candy and about 100 Beanie Babies that Meghan brought with her. The looks on the faces of both children and parents are worth the price of the trip. Several of the children used the first page of the notebook to write us thank you notes. Let me share a couple with you.
Hello I’m Aylin and thank you for the notebook and pencil. I like cats and dogs. I am Aylin and I want to say goodbye.
Hello, I am Elizabeth and I think you are good people in giving us trust without knowing us. I thing the support you give is fantastic. Every year you come and give us many things like toys and notebooks and many other things. Thank you.
Another highlight of the trip is the way Maty’s family have taken care of us the past few days. The food they fixed for us today was so good it should be illegal. As a matter of fact, it may have been a conspiracy to fill us up so well that we couldn’t compete in the soccer game. At least I’m going to tell myself that in order to feel better.
Cory got bit by a dog today. To shock of all, it was the one dog in Mexico that has immunization papers.
I can’t get over how well our kids have done on this trip. They have been amazing. They have done everything we have asked them to do. They have exceeded every expectation. I am so proud to be part of this group.
I can’t get over how well our kids have done on this trip. They have been amazing. They have done everything we have asked them to do. They have exceeded every expectation. I am so proud to be part of this group.
posted by George Welty at 8:47 AM
0 comments
Scizz's Blog
(I asked Scott Studeny to write his thought on the trip so far)
Our trip to Mexico has been a great experience so far. The people of the church and the town have been very helpful and nice. I thought the language barrier might have been a problem but God has given us the ability to understand each other. Although Guaymas is a wealthier town than Agua Prieta, the need is the same. Jesus has been working through all of us this week, showing up in the people of Guaymas and those that came from the U.S. For example, as we were chipping paint away today on the church, I got something in my eye and a man stepped out of his car and handed me a pair of safety goggles. There are so many people down here willing to help and it is great to see everyone working together to help people and spread the word of God.
Scizz
Our trip to Mexico has been a great experience so far. The people of the church and the town have been very helpful and nice. I thought the language barrier might have been a problem but God has given us the ability to understand each other. Although Guaymas is a wealthier town than Agua Prieta, the need is the same. Jesus has been working through all of us this week, showing up in the people of Guaymas and those that came from the U.S. For example, as we were chipping paint away today on the church, I got something in my eye and a man stepped out of his car and handed me a pair of safety goggles. There are so many people down here willing to help and it is great to see everyone working together to help people and spread the word of God.
Scizz
posted by George Welty at 8:42 AM
0 comments
Random Thoughts about Wednesday
• Today we went to Fatima, Maty’s neighborhood.
• Antonio (the preacher at Guaymas) drives like Jeff Garrett (the preacher at Huntington).
• A kid got in trouble today for not coming out and talking to me. In America it would be the exact opposite.
• It’s sad that the kids I brought with me are better writers than I am.
• Maty’s mom makes the best tortillas.
• Manny and Scizz do not,
• Speaking of tortillas, there is a little bug that drives around playing the loud and very obnoxious “tortilla” song. I can’t get it our of my head. Iftnb,l I hear anyone else sings it tonight I might throw a punch.
• As of today, we have passed out 9,000 flyers.
• During the Mexico v. USA soccer (futbol) game, Jeremy switched teams. A spirited discussion ensued.
• Speaking of which, we lost 5 to 1. It was ugly. We plan to pull even tomorrow.
• I think Brendan thinks that the teens exist only to serve his wishes. I'm pretty sure he has a future in youth ministry.
• Three people today told me that Meghan works harder than any of the guys. It’s probably because she sweats like a guy.
• Manzana Lift may be the best soft drink in the world.
• The people in Mexico are amazing. They are so kind, so quick to laugh, so inviting. This place gets inside of you.
• Tomorrow is school supplies and candy day. It is my favorite day of the trip.
• I miss Rene and Rayne like crazy.
• Worship gets better every night. Tonight Scizz and Rob led. Yes that’s right, Rob Durst came out from behind the computer to lead.
• The only thing better than Rob leading worship was the look of shock on his mother’s face when he walked up there.
• Emma Jo and I talked about making the five hour trip to Applebee’s.
• Antonio (the preacher at Guaymas) drives like Jeff Garrett (the preacher at Huntington).
• A kid got in trouble today for not coming out and talking to me. In America it would be the exact opposite.
• It’s sad that the kids I brought with me are better writers than I am.
• Maty’s mom makes the best tortillas.
• Manny and Scizz do not,
• Speaking of tortillas, there is a little bug that drives around playing the loud and very obnoxious “tortilla” song. I can’t get it our of my head. Iftnb,l I hear anyone else sings it tonight I might throw a punch.
• As of today, we have passed out 9,000 flyers.
• During the Mexico v. USA soccer (futbol) game, Jeremy switched teams. A spirited discussion ensued.
• Speaking of which, we lost 5 to 1. It was ugly. We plan to pull even tomorrow.
• I think Brendan thinks that the teens exist only to serve his wishes. I'm pretty sure he has a future in youth ministry.
• Three people today told me that Meghan works harder than any of the guys. It’s probably because she sweats like a guy.
• Manzana Lift may be the best soft drink in the world.
• The people in Mexico are amazing. They are so kind, so quick to laugh, so inviting. This place gets inside of you.
• Tomorrow is school supplies and candy day. It is my favorite day of the trip.
• I miss Rene and Rayne like crazy.
• Worship gets better every night. Tonight Scizz and Rob led. Yes that’s right, Rob Durst came out from behind the computer to lead.
• The only thing better than Rob leading worship was the look of shock on his mother’s face when he walked up there.
• Emma Jo and I talked about making the five hour trip to Applebee’s.
posted by George Welty at 8:34 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Jessie's Thoughts on her time in the Clinic
(Jessie Beldyk is a college student borrowed from the Hurricane church. She is one of young ladies working in the clinic)
Shielded by a Powder-Puff sticker emblazoned clipboard and armed with the seventh soon-to-be misplaced pencil of the day, I weld off the teeming mass of shouting niños and empathetic “mamás.”
“Numero sesenta y ocho” I shout over the crowd. “Sesenta y ocho!,” a single mother echoes my words. Hurriedly, she collects her things: an oversized “muñeca,” the half-eaten bag of “chetos”, a lone surviving plastic cup of “agua.” And then, her children: “¡Martin!” “¡José!” She hollers over her shoulder.
On the crooked pink bench, a make-shift table, they’ve spent the last three hours crafting away while their mother sweltered in the intense heat only relieved by an enormous propeller fan situated a mere sixty feet away.
The mother appears drained physically, perhaps even emotionally. And, the young boys, sweat basted and dirt seasoned, are exhausted. Yet, there is an aura about the family, one of adamancy and optimism. It’s an attitude unfamiliar to me, one which I’ve rarely encountered and almost definitely never experienced. But, I like it. It gives me hope, encourages me.
Simply, I can’t help but smile. “¡Holá! ¿Comó estas?”
Inevitably, like is the eminent trend in Mexico, she smiles back. Grinning wildly, the boys’ faces light up. “¡Bien! ¡Bien!” their voices combine in a sweet chorus.
I love Mexico.
My job is not altogether too tricky: Greet. Check ages. Indicate gender (a much simpler job here than in “Los Estados Unidos”—a much more sexually diverse environment). Weigh. Take a height measurement. Direct to blood pressure station.
Got it? I do…well, most of the time.
There is that slight hindrance, the inevitable language barrier. There are questions, lots of questions, lots of questions that I don’t completely understand. But, it’s all good. I’ve come to heavily rely on the aid of the translators and their much more vast vocabulary base to answer and solve the trivial matters so arisen.
How congenial the clinic patients remain amazes me. “Gracias. Gracias,” they persist in telling me. But really it should be me saying “Gracias a ti.”
Shielded by a Powder-Puff sticker emblazoned clipboard and armed with the seventh soon-to-be misplaced pencil of the day, I weld off the teeming mass of shouting niños and empathetic “mamás.”
“Numero sesenta y ocho” I shout over the crowd. “Sesenta y ocho!,” a single mother echoes my words. Hurriedly, she collects her things: an oversized “muñeca,” the half-eaten bag of “chetos”, a lone surviving plastic cup of “agua.” And then, her children: “¡Martin!” “¡José!” She hollers over her shoulder.
On the crooked pink bench, a make-shift table, they’ve spent the last three hours crafting away while their mother sweltered in the intense heat only relieved by an enormous propeller fan situated a mere sixty feet away.
The mother appears drained physically, perhaps even emotionally. And, the young boys, sweat basted and dirt seasoned, are exhausted. Yet, there is an aura about the family, one of adamancy and optimism. It’s an attitude unfamiliar to me, one which I’ve rarely encountered and almost definitely never experienced. But, I like it. It gives me hope, encourages me.
Simply, I can’t help but smile. “¡Holá! ¿Comó estas?”
Inevitably, like is the eminent trend in Mexico, she smiles back. Grinning wildly, the boys’ faces light up. “¡Bien! ¡Bien!” their voices combine in a sweet chorus.
I love Mexico.
My job is not altogether too tricky: Greet. Check ages. Indicate gender (a much simpler job here than in “Los Estados Unidos”—a much more sexually diverse environment). Weigh. Take a height measurement. Direct to blood pressure station.
Got it? I do…well, most of the time.
There is that slight hindrance, the inevitable language barrier. There are questions, lots of questions, lots of questions that I don’t completely understand. But, it’s all good. I’ve come to heavily rely on the aid of the translators and their much more vast vocabulary base to answer and solve the trivial matters so arisen.
How congenial the clinic patients remain amazes me. “Gracias. Gracias,” they persist in telling me. But really it should be me saying “Gracias a ti.”
posted by George Welty at 8:36 AM
0 comments
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
It's Tuesday and All Is Well
For those family members keeping up, Brendan lost his first tooth last night. It was loose during the day, and he asked Dana to pull it. Out it came. The Tooth Fairy (who apparently has been adjusting for inflation) brought Brendan two dollars and fifty pesos. He has been so excited.
I can’t tell you what a blessing it has been having him on the trip. Even though it is difficult for Dana to be Brendan’s mom and the youth group’s mom, having them both here energizes me. Knowing that Brendan is getting to grow up going on mission trips and going to camp is one of the true benefits of being in youth ministry. He learns so much from our teens. Last night he told the entire group how he saw Jesus in the way they worked. Today he spent his time passing out sandwiches to those waiting at the clinic during lunch. He has been through so much, seeing him minister to other at the age of six - I couldn’t be more proud.
Today the outreach team went to Antonio’s neighborhood (more on Antonio later). By 10:30 we ran out of flyers. That’s right – we have officially passed out more than eight thousand flyers. That is a medical mission record. Since we still had an hour to kill, we hiked up a mountain. The view from the top was worth the effort. Also, Scott sang the Lion Kind song from the top of a cliff. That kid is not right.
After lunch we went to the Market place again. Since we didn’t have any flyers left we just let the kids shop for a little while. We are going to have to hit it hard for the next couple of days, so it was nice to have a little break.
One of my favorite things about this trip is seeing Mexico through the eyes of the kids who have never been with us. Aaron Ross has just been delightful. He is so outgoing, and he has been a real leader. So has Casey Galligan. He is in a zone. He is so eager to get the mission flyers in the hands of those who need one, he might be scaring some of the locals. Imagine seeing tall, buff, Casey running at you yelling what can only be called “broken” Spanish. They don’t know whether to take the flyer, or run. Also, he is the only kid in mission trip history to box out someone else, in order to be the one to hand that person the flyer. Wow.
The clinic saw 122 patients today. It is amazing to see our outreach efforts paying off.
I can’t tell you what a blessing it has been having him on the trip. Even though it is difficult for Dana to be Brendan’s mom and the youth group’s mom, having them both here energizes me. Knowing that Brendan is getting to grow up going on mission trips and going to camp is one of the true benefits of being in youth ministry. He learns so much from our teens. Last night he told the entire group how he saw Jesus in the way they worked. Today he spent his time passing out sandwiches to those waiting at the clinic during lunch. He has been through so much, seeing him minister to other at the age of six - I couldn’t be more proud.
Today the outreach team went to Antonio’s neighborhood (more on Antonio later). By 10:30 we ran out of flyers. That’s right – we have officially passed out more than eight thousand flyers. That is a medical mission record. Since we still had an hour to kill, we hiked up a mountain. The view from the top was worth the effort. Also, Scott sang the Lion Kind song from the top of a cliff. That kid is not right.
After lunch we went to the Market place again. Since we didn’t have any flyers left we just let the kids shop for a little while. We are going to have to hit it hard for the next couple of days, so it was nice to have a little break.
One of my favorite things about this trip is seeing Mexico through the eyes of the kids who have never been with us. Aaron Ross has just been delightful. He is so outgoing, and he has been a real leader. So has Casey Galligan. He is in a zone. He is so eager to get the mission flyers in the hands of those who need one, he might be scaring some of the locals. Imagine seeing tall, buff, Casey running at you yelling what can only be called “broken” Spanish. They don’t know whether to take the flyer, or run. Also, he is the only kid in mission trip history to box out someone else, in order to be the one to hand that person the flyer. Wow.
The clinic saw 122 patients today. It is amazing to see our outreach efforts paying off.
posted by George Welty at 11:05 PM
0 comments
Cameron Knight's Reflections
Coming into Mexico, changed my perspective on everything. Upon entering the country, my eyes seemed to define the country as an impoverished, dirty, deprived and seemingly neglected land. Of course, at the immediate entry of the country all I had to define it was my vision, which proved to be one of the most irrelevant tools in understanding the people of the country.
Getting to know the people was an entirely different story, and a completely new experience. I had immediately brought upon myself fear that I was going to be viewed as a minority, and not a brother. Which, was completely off target.
In my entire life, I have never felt more accepted or welcomed as I have in these past two or three days of talking to people, who can barely understand me. Every time that I was greeted, there were no bland, Hola’s or any insincere greetings, every time I was greeted, I was greeted as a brother or as a friend, and every single person that I talked to, was more receptive, and more attentive than most people I have talked to in America. God seemed to take away the language barrier, well, at least almost take it away, as the youth group reached out over the mountains surrounding Guaymas inviting them to the clinic for medical attention, and to fellowship with us and the Mexican Church. God spread us over the city, just in the first two days, as we built relationships, and helped people find their way to the clinic for any help that we could provide.
So, I guess that what I have felt over the past couple of days, is that the poverty in Mexico, only grasps material possessions, nobody that I have met has had a sour look on their face, or an ungrateful mannerism at the conditions of their homes. Everyone is so happy to fellowship with one another that the material poverty doesn’t seem to bother them. Indirectly every single person that I have met in Mexico, has touched me, just by their appreciation for what they have. God has sent to me, and I am sure to the rest of the youth group, messengers all over the city Guaymas. I am in the company of Christ. God is everywhere.
Getting to know the people was an entirely different story, and a completely new experience. I had immediately brought upon myself fear that I was going to be viewed as a minority, and not a brother. Which, was completely off target.
In my entire life, I have never felt more accepted or welcomed as I have in these past two or three days of talking to people, who can barely understand me. Every time that I was greeted, there were no bland, Hola’s or any insincere greetings, every time I was greeted, I was greeted as a brother or as a friend, and every single person that I talked to, was more receptive, and more attentive than most people I have talked to in America. God seemed to take away the language barrier, well, at least almost take it away, as the youth group reached out over the mountains surrounding Guaymas inviting them to the clinic for medical attention, and to fellowship with us and the Mexican Church. God spread us over the city, just in the first two days, as we built relationships, and helped people find their way to the clinic for any help that we could provide.
So, I guess that what I have felt over the past couple of days, is that the poverty in Mexico, only grasps material possessions, nobody that I have met has had a sour look on their face, or an ungrateful mannerism at the conditions of their homes. Everyone is so happy to fellowship with one another that the material poverty doesn’t seem to bother them. Indirectly every single person that I have met in Mexico, has touched me, just by their appreciation for what they have. God has sent to me, and I am sure to the rest of the youth group, messengers all over the city Guaymas. I am in the company of Christ. God is everywhere.
posted by George Welty at 12:19 AM
0 comments
Monday, July 04, 2005
Ready…Set…Monday
On the go. The clinic began seeing community patients. The outreach team passed out almost 3000 flyers, and covered several miles.
If you don’t know Maty, she has been amazing. Maty was raised in Guaymas. Five years ago she moved to Memphis to go to school at Harding Academy. She graduated this year and will be attending Lipscomb in the fall. Every summer she comes back to Guaymas to stay with her family. For the past two days she has been the outreach team interpreter. She has been a great asset to our group. Her attitude has been an inspiration.
Jeremy Gunn bought some turquoise, girl, sunglasses. They went well with his Nascar hat.
Tonight the entire group went to a 4th of July party in San Carlos (up the coast). It was mainly for tourists who were staying in the resorts. Our group kind of... er, overwhelmed the party. Especially when the dancing started. The highlights were Scizz and the congo line, Alex and his dance lesson, the electric slide to American Pie, and the Jimmy Buffet wannabe who didn’t know any Michael Jackson songs. What a party.
To everyone at home, happy 4th. We miss you.
If you don’t know Maty, she has been amazing. Maty was raised in Guaymas. Five years ago she moved to Memphis to go to school at Harding Academy. She graduated this year and will be attending Lipscomb in the fall. Every summer she comes back to Guaymas to stay with her family. For the past two days she has been the outreach team interpreter. She has been a great asset to our group. Her attitude has been an inspiration.
Jeremy Gunn bought some turquoise, girl, sunglasses. They went well with his Nascar hat.
Tonight the entire group went to a 4th of July party in San Carlos (up the coast). It was mainly for tourists who were staying in the resorts. Our group kind of... er, overwhelmed the party. Especially when the dancing started. The highlights were Scizz and the congo line, Alex and his dance lesson, the electric slide to American Pie, and the Jimmy Buffet wannabe who didn’t know any Michael Jackson songs. What a party.
To everyone at home, happy 4th. We miss you.
posted by George Welty at 11:06 PM
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Chris' Sunday and Monday Report
Brotherly Love
Sunday was a special day in Guaymas this year. The day began with worship on the patio of the Manos building which was well attended. There were over a hundred there including the forty of us from the U.S. Antonio preached a sermon entitled "Lifting up Holy Hands." He made some excellent observations, perhaps the most intersting of which was that Jesus' hands were lifted for our sins, and he asks us to lift our hands to touch his through our belief in him.
Lunch was a quick but delicious meal at one of our favorites, Pollo Feliz and was quickly followed by the opening of the clinic for the aftenoon of seeing the members of the church and their families. It was a great afternoon, and all went very smoothly.
The evening Sunday night was highlighted by a cookout at the Manos building for the team and for the local church members. We ate delicious hamburgers together and spent a while simply being together. Bill Wright from West Virginia made a comment while watching the teens from the U.S. and Mexico playing together while everyone else sat enjoying being together. He said, "This is the way it's supposed to be." He is right.
One blessing from God for Sunday was that Steve and Brandon successfully brought the van from the border where it had been stuck waiting on the proper documents to bring it down to Guaymas. Having the van will make all of the small transportation issues much easier.
Monday we began the clinic work for the community. Things went very smoothly in all areas. The patients seem a bit more significantly ill than expected, but the group of patients that we saw today generally seemed to be in better economic conditions as they live primarily in the down town area. We anticipate being much busier as the week goes on, especially since our teens handed out almost 3000 fliers today advertising the clinic, and Tony arranged for a radio spot advertising the clinic.
God is blessing us with health, with important work to do, and with the chance to see him actively at work. We praise him for those blessings and ask that he continue to show us the work that he has for us to do on a day to day basis. Please continue to pray for those who will come see us in the clinic. Ask God to send as many as we can possibly see, and to provide us strength and wisdom to handle each person with exactly the love that Jesus would show.
Sunday was a special day in Guaymas this year. The day began with worship on the patio of the Manos building which was well attended. There were over a hundred there including the forty of us from the U.S. Antonio preached a sermon entitled "Lifting up Holy Hands." He made some excellent observations, perhaps the most intersting of which was that Jesus' hands were lifted for our sins, and he asks us to lift our hands to touch his through our belief in him.
Lunch was a quick but delicious meal at one of our favorites, Pollo Feliz and was quickly followed by the opening of the clinic for the aftenoon of seeing the members of the church and their families. It was a great afternoon, and all went very smoothly.
The evening Sunday night was highlighted by a cookout at the Manos building for the team and for the local church members. We ate delicious hamburgers together and spent a while simply being together. Bill Wright from West Virginia made a comment while watching the teens from the U.S. and Mexico playing together while everyone else sat enjoying being together. He said, "This is the way it's supposed to be." He is right.
One blessing from God for Sunday was that Steve and Brandon successfully brought the van from the border where it had been stuck waiting on the proper documents to bring it down to Guaymas. Having the van will make all of the small transportation issues much easier.
Monday we began the clinic work for the community. Things went very smoothly in all areas. The patients seem a bit more significantly ill than expected, but the group of patients that we saw today generally seemed to be in better economic conditions as they live primarily in the down town area. We anticipate being much busier as the week goes on, especially since our teens handed out almost 3000 fliers today advertising the clinic, and Tony arranged for a radio spot advertising the clinic.
God is blessing us with health, with important work to do, and with the chance to see him actively at work. We praise him for those blessings and ask that he continue to show us the work that he has for us to do on a day to day basis. Please continue to pray for those who will come see us in the clinic. Ask God to send as many as we can possibly see, and to provide us strength and wisdom to handle each person with exactly the love that Jesus would show.
posted by George Welty at 10:39 PM
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CoJack's Take
(I asked Cory to share his impression of the trip so far)
Other than the exhaustion, ultra violet exposure, dripping sweat, hiking, confusing currency and language barrier, Mexico has been a royal waste of time.
There’s nothing quite like pouring yourself out all day, collapsing in a heap of sweat and sunburned appendages and waking up the next day to do it all over again. It’s interesting how I’ve never felt closer to my brothers and sisters than when most people wouldn’t want to be within a light-year of them. Most people remember the time change but forget to compensate for the deodorant discrepancy. It’s similar to converting dollars to pesos (how ever much you use at home, multiply that by ten). However, all kidding aside, there’s something about being able to use that mutual exhaustion to relate to everyone. It’s no secret why we’re here: we’re desperately seeking God’s favor. We want to be His hands and feet and we’ve got the pit stains and bunions to prove it.
Most people think the Sun is about three hundred million miles away. They’re wrong; he lives just below the border. Think of Mexico as a disco and the Sun as the disco ball, only with a lot less (insert disco band here) and a lot more tan lines and dehydration. On the bright side (no pun intended), I’m making up for those other 16 years I’ve gone without a tan. I’m blistering (no, seriously).
As for the sweat, I’ve bottled and started my own soft drink company. My recipe is two parts sweat…and then some more sweat. Most people only get tan lines; however, I’m one of the lucky ones. Whereas tan lines are seen as an eyesore, nothing’s more provocative than my brassiere-shaped sweat stains. Although, I’ve probably lost a good five pounds in sweat alone; that or a kidney failed.
If you know me at all, you know one thing: this guy is made for hiking (sandals and all). When I’m not playing guitar, writing, with Whitney, reading, listening to music, going to church, hanging out at Munner’s, watching TV or taking part in any other activity known to man, you can find me a hillside. That being said, it’s almost worth it when you’re climbing a mountain to give people literature that may plant the seed of God in their life. Almost.
Nothing makes me feel quite as aristocratic as spending 11 of something on a Diet Coke (or Coca Cola Light). Not only that, but when was the last time you looked at a 20 dollar bill and were intimidated by Andrew Jackson? The guys on the Pesos look like they would disembowel someone for speaking out of turn. Think about how much more leeway we’d have when haggling if Mike Tyson or Michael Jackson scared the living crap out of the person we’re trying to buy something from.
As for the language, I’m a poser. I know my spiel and a few phrases, but after I get through with my invitation and the person has a question, I am forced to come clean.
“Lociento, no hobla espanol.”
Most people don’t know this, but Mexico has two official languages; Spanish and soccer (futbol). Luke and I were invited to join in a game this evening. Our Spanish isn’t what it should be so when we tried to explain to them how bad we are, they didn’t quite get it. Luckily, we’re both fluent in Soccer. Soon after the game began, they got the picture: we are terrible.
Honestly, that’s all I’ve done and all of it has been as experience and truthfully, ones that I’ll never forget. Nothing’s been a waste of time, except maybe the Gold Bond application. It’s amazing how the most menial tasks and duties gain significance when done in the name of God.
- Cojack (Mark Twain)
Other than the exhaustion, ultra violet exposure, dripping sweat, hiking, confusing currency and language barrier, Mexico has been a royal waste of time.
There’s nothing quite like pouring yourself out all day, collapsing in a heap of sweat and sunburned appendages and waking up the next day to do it all over again. It’s interesting how I’ve never felt closer to my brothers and sisters than when most people wouldn’t want to be within a light-year of them. Most people remember the time change but forget to compensate for the deodorant discrepancy. It’s similar to converting dollars to pesos (how ever much you use at home, multiply that by ten). However, all kidding aside, there’s something about being able to use that mutual exhaustion to relate to everyone. It’s no secret why we’re here: we’re desperately seeking God’s favor. We want to be His hands and feet and we’ve got the pit stains and bunions to prove it.
Most people think the Sun is about three hundred million miles away. They’re wrong; he lives just below the border. Think of Mexico as a disco and the Sun as the disco ball, only with a lot less (insert disco band here) and a lot more tan lines and dehydration. On the bright side (no pun intended), I’m making up for those other 16 years I’ve gone without a tan. I’m blistering (no, seriously).
As for the sweat, I’ve bottled and started my own soft drink company. My recipe is two parts sweat…and then some more sweat. Most people only get tan lines; however, I’m one of the lucky ones. Whereas tan lines are seen as an eyesore, nothing’s more provocative than my brassiere-shaped sweat stains. Although, I’ve probably lost a good five pounds in sweat alone; that or a kidney failed.
If you know me at all, you know one thing: this guy is made for hiking (sandals and all). When I’m not playing guitar, writing, with Whitney, reading, listening to music, going to church, hanging out at Munner’s, watching TV or taking part in any other activity known to man, you can find me a hillside. That being said, it’s almost worth it when you’re climbing a mountain to give people literature that may plant the seed of God in their life. Almost.
Nothing makes me feel quite as aristocratic as spending 11 of something on a Diet Coke (or Coca Cola Light). Not only that, but when was the last time you looked at a 20 dollar bill and were intimidated by Andrew Jackson? The guys on the Pesos look like they would disembowel someone for speaking out of turn. Think about how much more leeway we’d have when haggling if Mike Tyson or Michael Jackson scared the living crap out of the person we’re trying to buy something from.
As for the language, I’m a poser. I know my spiel and a few phrases, but after I get through with my invitation and the person has a question, I am forced to come clean.
“Lociento, no hobla espanol.”
Most people don’t know this, but Mexico has two official languages; Spanish and soccer (futbol). Luke and I were invited to join in a game this evening. Our Spanish isn’t what it should be so when we tried to explain to them how bad we are, they didn’t quite get it. Luckily, we’re both fluent in Soccer. Soon after the game began, they got the picture: we are terrible.
Honestly, that’s all I’ve done and all of it has been as experience and truthfully, ones that I’ll never forget. Nothing’s been a waste of time, except maybe the Gold Bond application. It’s amazing how the most menial tasks and duties gain significance when done in the name of God.
- Cojack (Mark Twain)
posted by George Welty at 3:33 PM
0 comments
And We're Off
Today was a busy day.
I still can’t get my mind off how cool the web cast was today. To be able to address my church family while here in Guaymas was cool beyond all measure. Thanks to Jay, Rob Will, and Rob Durst for all their hard work to make that happen. It was a moment to remember.
After the web cast we went to worship at the Iglesia de Cristo. Sunday School was completely in Spanish. Regular worship was translated, but because of the PA system it was still difficult to follow. Mostly it was like being locked in a room for an hour and a half with Charlie Brown’s parents. I was struck by the heartfelt worship of our Mexican brothers and sisters. Their singing is so loud, and they don’t care one bit how it sounds. It is beautiful to hear God's people cry out to him.
After church we ate at El Pollo Feliz (the happy chicken). I’m not sure how happy the chicken could be traveling that quickly down my digestive track. Cory, our resident chicketarian was extremely happy and every one else seemed to like it as well.
Then we went to work.
The clinic opened only for the members of the church. This gave them the chance to test traffic flow, and reach out to the members. The outreach team passed out flyers for the clinic and the revival. We got to see a lot of the community surrounding the clinic. We tried to get to the homes close to the clinic, so maybe they can get there tomorrow. The rest of the out group worked on finishing the exam tables. By 5:30 much was accomplished and the fun was just beginning.
This evening we had a cookout with the church members. There was much laughter and much conversation. There was a very competitive soccer game started, some skateboarding going on (compliments of the Backi), and enough hotdogs and hamburgers for everyone. As you looked around the compound it looked like a single church having a church picnic. I honestly believe a common meal is one of Christ’s great gifts to the church.
Tomorrow the real schedule begins. Please pray that the people who most need medical help, and those who most need the help of the Great Physician will be handed a flyer tomorrow.
By the way, Meghan and Jessie were unstoppable during the soccer game.
I still can’t get my mind off how cool the web cast was today. To be able to address my church family while here in Guaymas was cool beyond all measure. Thanks to Jay, Rob Will, and Rob Durst for all their hard work to make that happen. It was a moment to remember.
After the web cast we went to worship at the Iglesia de Cristo. Sunday School was completely in Spanish. Regular worship was translated, but because of the PA system it was still difficult to follow. Mostly it was like being locked in a room for an hour and a half with Charlie Brown’s parents. I was struck by the heartfelt worship of our Mexican brothers and sisters. Their singing is so loud, and they don’t care one bit how it sounds. It is beautiful to hear God's people cry out to him.
After church we ate at El Pollo Feliz (the happy chicken). I’m not sure how happy the chicken could be traveling that quickly down my digestive track. Cory, our resident chicketarian was extremely happy and every one else seemed to like it as well.
Then we went to work.
The clinic opened only for the members of the church. This gave them the chance to test traffic flow, and reach out to the members. The outreach team passed out flyers for the clinic and the revival. We got to see a lot of the community surrounding the clinic. We tried to get to the homes close to the clinic, so maybe they can get there tomorrow. The rest of the out group worked on finishing the exam tables. By 5:30 much was accomplished and the fun was just beginning.
This evening we had a cookout with the church members. There was much laughter and much conversation. There was a very competitive soccer game started, some skateboarding going on (compliments of the Backi), and enough hotdogs and hamburgers for everyone. As you looked around the compound it looked like a single church having a church picnic. I honestly believe a common meal is one of Christ’s great gifts to the church.
Tomorrow the real schedule begins. Please pray that the people who most need medical help, and those who most need the help of the Great Physician will be handed a flyer tomorrow.
By the way, Meghan and Jessie were unstoppable during the soccer game.
posted by George Welty at 3:30 PM
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Sunday, July 03, 2005
Buenos Dias
I woke up too early this morning. The air conditioner in our room only has one setting - full blast. It's odd to be in 102 degree heat in the day, and have to kick the penguins out of the bed in the morning. Jeff, my roomate, kept stealing the covers. He left me about two inches of blanket. It was like covering a walrus with a kleenex.
We just finished the web cast from our hotel. It was really cool to talk to the church at Norway. We had a few technical difficulties, but it's still amazing that we have the technology to connect back to home in that way.
As tired as we get, the prayers of our church keep us going. We can feel your strength across two countries.
We just finished the web cast from our hotel. It was really cool to talk to the church at Norway. We had a few technical difficulties, but it's still amazing that we have the technology to connect back to home in that way.
As tired as we get, the prayers of our church keep us going. We can feel your strength across two countries.
posted by George Welty at 8:55 AM
1 comments
Chris' Saturday Report
Minor Frustrations and Unexpected Blessings
Saturday was a day of hard work setting up the clinic, and getting used to the new facilities, but God has provided some new relationships that are a true blessing.
The first order of business was simply unpacking the trailer and all of the items that were donated to the church here in Guaymas from the former Quince Road congregation. That job took all of five minutes with all of the hands that we had available. The rest of the morning was a bit frustrating for some of the group as supplies for constructing tables and painting signs were slow in arriving. That said, those projects went well. Four of the exam tables were completed, with several left to complete today.
The purchase of the medicines from Similares in Guaymas went well. The medicines were all ready, and the prices were what we expected. Actually, we found it rather unusual paying a 47,000 peso bill with 100 peso bills! (Checkout took a lot of money counting!) By the end of the day all of the medicines were labeled and ready to go.
Setup day is always a day that is rather mundane. This year, however, God blessed us in some very unexpected ways. At breakfast, when Tony (the preacher in Guaymas) arrived, he had with him a young couple, Havier and Bryna. Havier is from Mexico and Bryna is from Washington state. They are presently living in Chihuahua waiting on a green card for Havier, and working with the church there in the interrium. They have joined us for the week, and will be serving as two very capable translators. When we arrived at the clinic site, another unexpected translator showed up, Nathan who is a preacher in Hermosillo (the captial city of the state of Sonora). Nathan will be available all week and will be very helpful in teaching and translating. He grew up going on medical missions with his dad, who is a physician in the U.S.
God is blessing us daily, and we are looking forward to starting to see patients in the clinic on Sunday afternoon!
Saturday was a day of hard work setting up the clinic, and getting used to the new facilities, but God has provided some new relationships that are a true blessing.
The first order of business was simply unpacking the trailer and all of the items that were donated to the church here in Guaymas from the former Quince Road congregation. That job took all of five minutes with all of the hands that we had available. The rest of the morning was a bit frustrating for some of the group as supplies for constructing tables and painting signs were slow in arriving. That said, those projects went well. Four of the exam tables were completed, with several left to complete today.
The purchase of the medicines from Similares in Guaymas went well. The medicines were all ready, and the prices were what we expected. Actually, we found it rather unusual paying a 47,000 peso bill with 100 peso bills! (Checkout took a lot of money counting!) By the end of the day all of the medicines were labeled and ready to go.
Setup day is always a day that is rather mundane. This year, however, God blessed us in some very unexpected ways. At breakfast, when Tony (the preacher in Guaymas) arrived, he had with him a young couple, Havier and Bryna. Havier is from Mexico and Bryna is from Washington state. They are presently living in Chihuahua waiting on a green card for Havier, and working with the church there in the interrium. They have joined us for the week, and will be serving as two very capable translators. When we arrived at the clinic site, another unexpected translator showed up, Nathan who is a preacher in Hermosillo (the captial city of the state of Sonora). Nathan will be available all week and will be very helpful in teaching and translating. He grew up going on medical missions with his dad, who is a physician in the U.S.
God is blessing us daily, and we are looking forward to starting to see patients in the clinic on Sunday afternoon!
posted by George Welty at 8:43 AM
0 comments
Set-up Day
Hola from Mexico.
Today was our first working day here in Guaymas, unfortunately it started out more as a waiting day. The supplies we needed to get started were late to arrive. In Mexico things run slower than a Church or Christ in West Virginia if you can believe that. By the time we were supposed to leave for the beach the supplies arrived. So instead of going to the beach, we went to work. I was proud of the teens, they didn’t complain at all. I even heard one of them say, “we didn’t come here to go to the beach we came here to work.” There are times in my youth ministry life when I have wanted to strangle one of the kids. Today was NOT one of those days. I was so proud of how they worked. As a matter of fact, if their parents knew how hard they worked, they would never get away with being as lazy as they are for the rest of the summer.
Today the clinic crew set up the individual examination rooms, worked on printing labels for the pharmacy, and separated pills. The outreach team made examination tables, stamped fliers with the church address, made very large signs to advertise the clinic and the gospel meeting, and cleaned up the compound. Even though we got a late start a lot was accomplished and we came home pretty worn out.
Tonight for supper our group literally destroyed fourteen pizzas, it’s like they never even existed. We ordered it from Dominos, so much for eating Mexican food.
Getting to be around the group from Memphis again has truly been a blessing. Their heart for God shows through everything they do. It’s hard to believe that we wouldn’t even know them had it not been for a forest fire four years ago (if you don’t know the story it’s very long and I’m too tired to go into it).
Thanks for all the prayers. If you want to send any messages or personal thoughts, just hit “comments” and I will pass them on.
Ttfn - george
Today was our first working day here in Guaymas, unfortunately it started out more as a waiting day. The supplies we needed to get started were late to arrive. In Mexico things run slower than a Church or Christ in West Virginia if you can believe that. By the time we were supposed to leave for the beach the supplies arrived. So instead of going to the beach, we went to work. I was proud of the teens, they didn’t complain at all. I even heard one of them say, “we didn’t come here to go to the beach we came here to work.” There are times in my youth ministry life when I have wanted to strangle one of the kids. Today was NOT one of those days. I was so proud of how they worked. As a matter of fact, if their parents knew how hard they worked, they would never get away with being as lazy as they are for the rest of the summer.
Today the clinic crew set up the individual examination rooms, worked on printing labels for the pharmacy, and separated pills. The outreach team made examination tables, stamped fliers with the church address, made very large signs to advertise the clinic and the gospel meeting, and cleaned up the compound. Even though we got a late start a lot was accomplished and we came home pretty worn out.
Tonight for supper our group literally destroyed fourteen pizzas, it’s like they never even existed. We ordered it from Dominos, so much for eating Mexican food.
Getting to be around the group from Memphis again has truly been a blessing. Their heart for God shows through everything they do. It’s hard to believe that we wouldn’t even know them had it not been for a forest fire four years ago (if you don’t know the story it’s very long and I’m too tired to go into it).
Thanks for all the prayers. If you want to send any messages or personal thoughts, just hit “comments” and I will pass them on.
Ttfn - george
posted by George Welty at 12:02 AM
0 comments
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Chris' Friday Report
(Chris Hanson is the Medical Director of the trip. This is fourteenth medical mission. He will be sending daily updates to the Manos site, I will also re-post them here)
God Provides Again
Friday, July 1st, Medical Mission 2005 begain, and it wasn't long before we found ourselves dependant on God's grace.
As the planes from various parts of the country converged on Tucson, old and new friends quickly exchanged hugs as everyone was looking forward to the week of work together. The travel was long, and tiring, but everyone arrived without incident or grumpiness.
But the real story of God's work on Friday has to do with our driving team of Steve and Gill. They had spent Thursday night in Sierra Vista, Az and left early on Friday headed for Guaymas. Their first point of border official contact came at Nogales, and didn't go well. After over two hours of negotiating about bringing the various supplies into Mexico, no progress had been made, and it seemed that many items were going to have to return to the US and would be denied entry into Mexico. As the anxiety increased and as the rest of the team heard of the difficulty, prayers began. God showed his power again, for at the same time that the entire bus was praying for Gil and Steve, the border official who had been resistand suddenly and unexpectedly changed his mind and let the entire trailer of supplies pass without further permission! God provides.
One more problem did surface later the the day, also involving the driving team. Unfortunately, one important document was not available when passing the federal inspection station at KM 21. This prevented Steve and Gill from bringing the van to Guaymas yet. They used the truck to bring the trailer of supplies and parked the van at KM 21 until someone can return to bring the van the rest of the way. This is a small problem, and doesn't interfere with our work for now. We completely trust that God will provide a way for this one to be overcome as well.
Today begins the setup process and will be a very busy day as the team prepares to hold clinic for the first time in the new facility. Please continue to pray for God to be glorified, for the setup to go smoothly today, for the resolution of the problem with the van, for the continued health and safety of the team, and most importantly for the hearts of the people of Guayams that they will be receptive to the message of Jesus Christ as they see God at work in their city this week.
There will be daily updates posted here. Please continue to check in, and join us in prayer throughout the week!
God Provides Again
Friday, July 1st, Medical Mission 2005 begain, and it wasn't long before we found ourselves dependant on God's grace.
As the planes from various parts of the country converged on Tucson, old and new friends quickly exchanged hugs as everyone was looking forward to the week of work together. The travel was long, and tiring, but everyone arrived without incident or grumpiness.
But the real story of God's work on Friday has to do with our driving team of Steve and Gill. They had spent Thursday night in Sierra Vista, Az and left early on Friday headed for Guaymas. Their first point of border official contact came at Nogales, and didn't go well. After over two hours of negotiating about bringing the various supplies into Mexico, no progress had been made, and it seemed that many items were going to have to return to the US and would be denied entry into Mexico. As the anxiety increased and as the rest of the team heard of the difficulty, prayers began. God showed his power again, for at the same time that the entire bus was praying for Gil and Steve, the border official who had been resistand suddenly and unexpectedly changed his mind and let the entire trailer of supplies pass without further permission! God provides.
One more problem did surface later the the day, also involving the driving team. Unfortunately, one important document was not available when passing the federal inspection station at KM 21. This prevented Steve and Gill from bringing the van to Guaymas yet. They used the truck to bring the trailer of supplies and parked the van at KM 21 until someone can return to bring the van the rest of the way. This is a small problem, and doesn't interfere with our work for now. We completely trust that God will provide a way for this one to be overcome as well.
Today begins the setup process and will be a very busy day as the team prepares to hold clinic for the first time in the new facility. Please continue to pray for God to be glorified, for the setup to go smoothly today, for the resolution of the problem with the van, for the continued health and safety of the team, and most importantly for the hearts of the people of Guayams that they will be receptive to the message of Jesus Christ as they see God at work in their city this week.
There will be daily updates posted here. Please continue to check in, and join us in prayer throughout the week!
posted by George Welty at 6:19 PM
0 comments
Good Morning Mexico
We made it. We were so tired last night we didn't take the time to log on.
Everyone is mostly awake and ready to go. Luke is walking funny from the Gold Bond. Today our group will be setting up the clinic, stamping flyers with the church address, building clinic tables, and making signs. This afternoon we are going to San Carlos to the beach.
Quince Road has donated their van to the church here in Guaymas. Yesterday they couldn't get it across the border. They are going to go try again tomorrow. Please be praying that this will get done, it will be a big help to the church here.
Everyone is mostly awake and ready to go. Luke is walking funny from the Gold Bond. Today our group will be setting up the clinic, stamping flyers with the church address, building clinic tables, and making signs. This afternoon we are going to San Carlos to the beach.
Quince Road has donated their van to the church here in Guaymas. Yesterday they couldn't get it across the border. They are going to go try again tomorrow. Please be praying that this will get done, it will be a big help to the church here.
posted by George Welty at 8:52 AM
0 comments
Friday, July 01, 2005
Headed South
We made it to Tucson and found our bus. We are now eating our last meal in America. After this its meat, cheese and tortillas, El Pollo Loco, and maybe even some sea food. Just don't drink the water.
Thank you for all the prayers. So far everything is going smoothly.
Thank you for all the prayers. So far everything is going smoothly.
posted by George Welty at 12:58 PM
0 comments
Fear and Loathing
We are delayed for an hour in Las Vegas. Uhggg.
On the plane the Dursts sat by a very intoxicated man. He was obnoxious the entire trip. Carol was in shock, but he turned out to be the most entertaining part of a four hour flight.
Can't wait to finally be in Mexico.
On the plane the Dursts sat by a very intoxicated man. He was obnoxious the entire trip. Carol was in shock, but he turned out to be the most entertaining part of a four hour flight.
Can't wait to finally be in Mexico.
posted by George Welty at 9:45 AM
0 comments
Too Early - Too Little Sleep
Last night we spent the night at Westerville Christian Church. Scott Studeny (and others) kept pretty much everyone awake all night. I don't think anyone was more mad at him than Meghan. Then, this morning at 5:00 am Scott and Casey entertained us with Disney tunes on the drive to the airport.
Rob wrestled his Dad's laptop away from him at the last minute, so I should be able to update a couple of times today. Rob can smell a wireless access point like a dog sniffing alpo.
TTFN
Rob wrestled his Dad's laptop away from him at the last minute, so I should be able to update a couple of times today. Rob can smell a wireless access point like a dog sniffing alpo.
TTFN
posted by George Welty at 3:35 AM
0 comments
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
(This was originally published on my other journal, and added here to explain my motivation for these trips.)
At the fear of sounding like Matt McDowell, there was a moment the last time I was in Mexico that changed my life. I still have a difficult time discussing the event.
I was on a mission trip with the teens, and I walked into the room where we had been eating and scolded them for leaving so much food lying around the table. They quickly threw it all away and I quickly forgot about the incident.
That day a group from Guaymas, Mexico had traveled to Agua Prieta to talk Antonio, their former preacher, into returning to the congregation in Guaymas. After selling tamales and crafts to make money for the trip, twenty-two of them piled in a fifteen passenger van and made the six hour trip to Agua Prieta without any air conditioning (it was about 107o outside). They arrived during one of our nightly devotionals. Not knowing the circumstances of their journey, I asked them to join us at the devo. They sang with us in English (not very well) and we sang with them in Spanish (also, not very well). The look of joy on their faces as they sang and praised their God would become one of the reasons I fell to my knees in tears later that night.
After the devotional they invited me to a meeting about Antonio returning to Guaymas. They wanted some of the American’s input on the whole situation. The meeting didn’t mean a whole lot to me – I don’t speak Spanish. What I gathered from the spanglish translated to me was that Antonio had agreed to go back and everyone was generally happy with the decision. As the meeting was closing and I was walking out, Rene (my friend from Memphis) looked at me with tears welling up and said, “This is the first time they have eaten all day.” That’s when it hit me. They were eating the food from the garbage can. The food we had so casually thrown away that day had become the first meal of the day for the Christians from Guaymas. The people who had sold food and crafts to travel six hours in the Mexican heat in a van with no air conditioner and no food just to do what they thought was best for their church spent their evening praising God and eating our garbage. I will never get over it. After hearing the story several members of our group made sure they ate more than our leftovers that night.
Right now I am in middle of planning a trip to Guaymas for our teens this summer. Planning one of these trips is never fun – there are a lot of details that have to be taken care of. But, when I get bogged down one thing that keeps me motivated is what I learned about faith that night in Mexico. We say we are going down to help the Mexican people, but make no mistake. The Mexican Christians help us more than we will ever help them. Their faith that night humbles me still, it changes me still.
At the fear of sounding like Matt McDowell, there was a moment the last time I was in Mexico that changed my life. I still have a difficult time discussing the event.
I was on a mission trip with the teens, and I walked into the room where we had been eating and scolded them for leaving so much food lying around the table. They quickly threw it all away and I quickly forgot about the incident.
That day a group from Guaymas, Mexico had traveled to Agua Prieta to talk Antonio, their former preacher, into returning to the congregation in Guaymas. After selling tamales and crafts to make money for the trip, twenty-two of them piled in a fifteen passenger van and made the six hour trip to Agua Prieta without any air conditioning (it was about 107o outside). They arrived during one of our nightly devotionals. Not knowing the circumstances of their journey, I asked them to join us at the devo. They sang with us in English (not very well) and we sang with them in Spanish (also, not very well). The look of joy on their faces as they sang and praised their God would become one of the reasons I fell to my knees in tears later that night.
After the devotional they invited me to a meeting about Antonio returning to Guaymas. They wanted some of the American’s input on the whole situation. The meeting didn’t mean a whole lot to me – I don’t speak Spanish. What I gathered from the spanglish translated to me was that Antonio had agreed to go back and everyone was generally happy with the decision. As the meeting was closing and I was walking out, Rene (my friend from Memphis) looked at me with tears welling up and said, “This is the first time they have eaten all day.” That’s when it hit me. They were eating the food from the garbage can. The food we had so casually thrown away that day had become the first meal of the day for the Christians from Guaymas. The people who had sold food and crafts to travel six hours in the Mexican heat in a van with no air conditioner and no food just to do what they thought was best for their church spent their evening praising God and eating our garbage. I will never get over it. After hearing the story several members of our group made sure they ate more than our leftovers that night.
Right now I am in middle of planning a trip to Guaymas for our teens this summer. Planning one of these trips is never fun – there are a lot of details that have to be taken care of. But, when I get bogged down one thing that keeps me motivated is what I learned about faith that night in Mexico. We say we are going down to help the Mexican people, but make no mistake. The Mexican Christians help us more than we will ever help them. Their faith that night humbles me still, it changes me still.
posted by George Welty at 12:38 PM
0 comments
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Check Here for Mexico Updates
From June 30 to July 10, this is the place to come for updates on the Mexico Mission. I will be posting a running dailey diary of what happened with pictures. Until then, please be praying for our time in Guaymas.
posted by George Welty at 8:59 AM
0 comments
About Me
- Name: George Welty
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee, Afghanistan
I am the husband of Dana, father of Brendan, and youth minister at the Church of Christ at White Station.
Links
Previous Posts
- Mission Team
- Manos Abiertas Medical Mission 2005
- Coming Home isn't always Easy
- Sleeping in the Las Vegas Airport
- Leaving Las Vegas
- Newly Painted Manos Building
- Never Say Goodbye
- Working on the Manos Building
- Manos Report
- Are you ready for some FUTBOL
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