Day Three—Promise of Something New

Our third day was also our first full day of work. 

This one was a challenge…

Many of our crew were hit with a stomach bug this morning. 

So many rallied and powered through, though, and it was inspiring to witness their strength and determination.

Thankfully, most were feeling pretty well recovered 

by quitting time. 

All that being said, we got so much accomplished!

By the grace of God 

(and certainly not possible without Him),

We have completed base floors for all three structures, five standing walls and all of our painting is done 

(outside of a single door). 

FULL rainbow beaming over our work sites this morning. 

A beautiful reminder of God’s promise 

to never desert His people. 

Even with our trials this morning, we recognize that it is by trusting in Him that we have been able to do any of this.

An inside shot of the clinic that was built on last year’s trip.

It is truly heartwarming for those of us who worked on it to come back and see the good work that has come of 

what we made. 

More Lord Jesus, more we pray.

This addition to the clinic will have a bathroom. 

It had to be raised to a higher height to accommodate the 

septic system. 

This corner of the lot where we are building a new home for a large family boasts an image of the Third Station of the Cross; 

Jesus falling for the first time. 

A group of parishioners from Divine Mercy Church lead a walking Stations around this neighborhood every Friday 

(at least during Lent). 

This is the spot where a new home will be by the time we leave, God-willing. 

This was what it looked like at 9am, this morning.

Two of our very happy bench makers, 

after finally completing the final one. 

Six of these benches will be brought out to the clinic for seating during the Masses offered there.

End of day at the clinic site means completed floors, a deck and standing walls on both structures! 

Side shot of housing quarters fo the clinic.

Happy ducklings at our family’s house. 

Hoist the floorboards, ladies! 

This flooring was installed by a team of mostly female missionaries. 

Kids returning from school to found a very different looking home than the one they left this morning. 

These kiddos were our little helpers at the clinic last year. 

So good to see them and incorporate them into the process a bit. 

The matriarch of the family awaiting this new home, Lu is so grateful after only asking for a new roof last year. 

Just chillin’

Deacon John played Charlie to these “Angels,” coaching them on the installation of the floor they are so proudly standing on in this picture. 

There was quite a team coming together for this project and it was a thrill to complete it before the day was done. 

Kids showing off their skills!

To see how happy they were on this space, one cannot find the words to describe how it warms the heart. 

All but one of these kids will call this space home.

This is why we’re here. These joyful, Jesus moments. 

This little guy crawled up on the space and immediately laid down like this. It was as though he just knew it was HOME, even if it’s not completed yet. 

“Kiwi” jumped right in and started helping us install the floor when she got home from school. 

What a proud moment for her to have a hand in building her new space! 

Reporting for work! 

We can’t wait to see their faces when they get home from school tomorrow.

~~~

If everyone is healthy tomorrow, there’s no reason to believe we won’t have all walls up on all structures, as well as siding/roofing at least started by quitting time.

All those who are following along everyday, we ask for your fervent prayers as we head into Day Four. 

It’s clear there is some spiritual attack, with the nature and level of some of the illness that has impacted our missionaries.

We will not be deterred from the work we have been called here to do. We will persevere and leave this place a little brighter than we found it. 

By the grace of God, the evil one will not prevail. 

Pray for us as we pray for you.