Saturday August 30
Today was a FANTASTIC AMAZING day that we got to spend with great friends before saying goodbye for the next year. We had time for shopping at a local market and then several hours at the beach. To top off the day we had a beautiful and meaningful baptism service for Vanessa, Jessica, Bethany, Gaby, Carla and Kim. Jessica had the amazing opportunity to baptize a very good friend (Gaby) who I've gotten to know over the past 2 weeks.
It's always hard to say goodbye but we're already excited for next year's trip. We have had Stefani stay with us for the past week so we had the chance to get to know her better. We also had more time to spend with Carla and Abby this year so it was a lot of fun even though it makes it harder to leave them behind.
We had dinner at Tony Roma's tonight and a LOT of pictures taken throughout the day. The entire team is so thankful that we all had this amazing opportunity to come to El Salvador. God provided for all our needs and took care of us through every adventure we had. Thank you to everyone who was praying for us back at home and around the world. Our prayer is that you would be as blessed as we were through all the prayers said on our behalf.
Thank you God for the way You met our needs even before we were aware of them ourselves. Please help us to be good stewards of everything You give to us and may we always keep You in front of us no matter where we go.
This post was written by Jess and Kim
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Friday, August 29, 2014
Mixed emotions
Friday August 29
Today was our last work day. We have a full day left here but we will be doing some shopping and sight-seeing so today was the last time we would meet early, go to a school and give our talks and hand out salvation bracelets. The morning was great. The kids were attentive to what we were saying and plenty of "photo ops" (opportunities for pictures) were there. We had the 3 sisters from Agularies with us for lunch; Stefani, Carla, and Abby are such amazing young ladies; they bless us every time we see them.
Then we went back to the school to give our final talks. Such a great time was had by all and we discovered more about each other even at this late date; who knew how many of our team had an overdeveloped sense of being ticklish?
On the advice of Vanessa, we went to a Mexican restaurant called El Zocalo and had a really great meal. It has become clear that in addition to Vanessa's other talents, she is a great restaurant critic. Whenever we need a different place to eat she always has a fantastic suggestion that everyone loves.
Today was our last work day. We have a full day left here but we will be doing some shopping and sight-seeing so today was the last time we would meet early, go to a school and give our talks and hand out salvation bracelets. The morning was great. The kids were attentive to what we were saying and plenty of "photo ops" (opportunities for pictures) were there. We had the 3 sisters from Agularies with us for lunch; Stefani, Carla, and Abby are such amazing young ladies; they bless us every time we see them.
Then we went back to the school to give our final talks. Such a great time was had by all and we discovered more about each other even at this late date; who knew how many of our team had an overdeveloped sense of being ticklish?
On the advice of Vanessa, we went to a Mexican restaurant called El Zocalo and had a really great meal. It has become clear that in addition to Vanessa's other talents, she is a great restaurant critic. Whenever we need a different place to eat she always has a fantastic suggestion that everyone loves.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Climb every mountain part 2
Thursday August 28
Today was an amazing day. We started off at a school near Tepecoyo where we had another climb to get to the classrooms. A few of us had sore throats so we could barely talk but the kids still heard the message we had thanks to the translator.
Then we went to a mall to have lunch and had coffee at a really great coffee shop...the owner was in a competition and was rated third best in the world.
Then we went to an orphanage where it is more like a big family because the kids are treated in a family atmosphere-like setting. We had a lot of fun with the kids, singing, doing salvation bracelets, and friendship bracelets and talking to the kids in English. We had a lot of fun and had dinner with the children and their leaders.
Today was an amazing day. We started off at a school near Tepecoyo where we had another climb to get to the classrooms. A few of us had sore throats so we could barely talk but the kids still heard the message we had thanks to the translator.
Then we went to a mall to have lunch and had coffee at a really great coffee shop...the owner was in a competition and was rated third best in the world.
Then we went to an orphanage where it is more like a big family because the kids are treated in a family atmosphere-like setting. We had a lot of fun with the kids, singing, doing salvation bracelets, and friendship bracelets and talking to the kids in English. We had a lot of fun and had dinner with the children and their leaders.
Wednesday August 27
Our entire team would be unanimous in saying that today was a GREAT day. There was shopping, connecting with friends here in El Salvador, and a young adult study that was very moving.
Natasha spent the day with her sponsor girls through World Vision and had a marvelous time. It had been 2 years since Natasha had seen Marianela and Noelia so it was a great time of catching up and having fun. The rest of the team went shopping at the Gallerias mall. This mall was built around a house and 1 floor of the house was built into a Starbucks. Vanessa described this Starbucks as the most beautiful one she had ever seen and, being the world travellor that she is, I am inclined to believe her. There were a few of us excited about going to the book store (I know, we're a bunch of geeks) since there were some books in English there.
We went to Agularies for the Wednesday afternoon service there and it was a great time of singing and Allan's testimony about a couple of miracles in his life.
Then it was back to the hotel for supper and a young adult Bible study led by Miguel and another lady from El Salvador. There was a great turnout; again we were expecting around 10-12 people but all those people invited a friend so there were 30 people. We moved the study into a salon here at the hotel since we had some space issues. It was a great time of singing and asking questions and hearing Allan speak again about a summary of what we talk about in the schools. The Latin America director for Youth for Christ was here so she, Myra, also talked at the meeting and answered questions from the young adults about the purpose of YFC.
We are all very thankful that with all of the challenges we have faced during this trip we had a day that we could honestly say was a day full of blessings.
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Life is a highway
Tuesday August 26
Today we went to a school in Agularies and immediately upon arriving the kids swarmed around us. The returning team members were recognized but the first-timers were also welcomed. Having enough translators for three groups helped a lot since everyone would have a good time to talk or have their say in the classrooms. We loved seeing Carla and Abby in their class and having their sister Stefani in one of the groups; Stefani sang with Vanessa and Kim and we found out her new favorite song is also 10,000 Reasons- just like several of us from Canada.
When we were on our way back to San Salvador the van broke down. There were a lot of anxieties and nerves showing because we weren't in the best area and the sun was setting soon. While all of us with the exception of David got on a bus for 2 stops and waited at a gas station, David got the van up the hill until it finally stopped working altogether. A lot of prayers were being said, however, and God provided for all our needs. The van stopped in front of a pastor's house and so the pastor turned on all the lights in the house, called some friends and so there were always people surrounding him and protecting David, the van, and all the contents. We eventually made it back to the hotel and we all thanked God for taking care of us during this adventure.
Today we went to a school in Agularies and immediately upon arriving the kids swarmed around us. The returning team members were recognized but the first-timers were also welcomed. Having enough translators for three groups helped a lot since everyone would have a good time to talk or have their say in the classrooms. We loved seeing Carla and Abby in their class and having their sister Stefani in one of the groups; Stefani sang with Vanessa and Kim and we found out her new favorite song is also 10,000 Reasons- just like several of us from Canada.
When we were on our way back to San Salvador the van broke down. There were a lot of anxieties and nerves showing because we weren't in the best area and the sun was setting soon. While all of us with the exception of David got on a bus for 2 stops and waited at a gas station, David got the van up the hill until it finally stopped working altogether. A lot of prayers were being said, however, and God provided for all our needs. The van stopped in front of a pastor's house and so the pastor turned on all the lights in the house, called some friends and so there were always people surrounding him and protecting David, the van, and all the contents. We eventually made it back to the hotel and we all thanked God for taking care of us during this adventure.
Climb every mountain
Monday August 25
Today we were at a public school near Santa Ana. The school is built on the side of a mountain (or a hill depending upon your perspective). The classes we went to were all at the top of the school so we had a steep climb in the morning and again after lunch. But the whole team felt we had had a good day since we were allowed to mention God during the recesses because the children were able to walk away. But when we brought out the salvation bracelets all the children stayed and learned what each color meant. We have always explained what each color represents and then the child has to say it back to us.
The classrooms all have a lot of students; most of the time there are 50 students to 1 teacher. There are also a lot of rules including the fact that we couldn't talk about God except in relation to our own lives. Even though we were somewhat limited in what we could say and we only had 1 translator Pastor Jorge spoke for the group with Vanessa, Debbie and Kim and all of us clearly heard him mention God; although in what context none of us could say. But since we were allowed to sing that's what we did and each time the children clapped for us and listened sometimes more carefully than at the Christian schools. I believe that it is possible that we were able to plant some seeds that with God's help will be nurtured and could only be the beginning of a journey towards God.
Today we were at a public school near Santa Ana. The school is built on the side of a mountain (or a hill depending upon your perspective). The classes we went to were all at the top of the school so we had a steep climb in the morning and again after lunch. But the whole team felt we had had a good day since we were allowed to mention God during the recesses because the children were able to walk away. But when we brought out the salvation bracelets all the children stayed and learned what each color meant. We have always explained what each color represents and then the child has to say it back to us.
The classrooms all have a lot of students; most of the time there are 50 students to 1 teacher. There are also a lot of rules including the fact that we couldn't talk about God except in relation to our own lives. Even though we were somewhat limited in what we could say and we only had 1 translator Pastor Jorge spoke for the group with Vanessa, Debbie and Kim and all of us clearly heard him mention God; although in what context none of us could say. But since we were allowed to sing that's what we did and each time the children clapped for us and listened sometimes more carefully than at the Christian schools. I believe that it is possible that we were able to plant some seeds that with God's help will be nurtured and could only be the beginning of a journey towards God.
Sunday August 24
Today we had a wonderful day in the churches at Agularies and Santa Ana. It was very emotional at Santa Ana since this would likely be the last time we see the people there on this trip. Vanessa sang with Aaron and Carlos again even though she had a cold; but her voice carried through and it is always heart-warming to hear her sing. The entire team was asked to stand and we were prayed for in our future endeavors. Allan spoke and referred back to yesterday's amazing day with the kids from the community of Santa Ana and challenged the church to keep in touch and bring the youth into the church. It is the responsibility of everyone and not just the pastor or youth pastor. Then we went to Agularies where we were so early early, the pastor arrived just after we got there! We had another great service with Allan issuing a challenge to draw in the children and the youth in the community and for the mothers of the church to pray for their children.
It's raining, it's pouring...
Saturday August 23
We had a bit of a sleep in day and then it was time to get ready for the kids program this afternoon in Santa Ana. We had 5 stations that involved water balloons, soccer training, a mini version of an obstacle course in army style, and a spider web made of rope that the kids had to climb through. The day was perfect and the rain started when the program was almost over. We went back to the church where the massive BBQ was already prepared for 200 hot dogs to be cooked. We were expecting around 50 to 70 kids but when all was said and done, there were 135 kids that showed up for team building games and the BBQ. The message was about being a part of God's team and it involved how much He loves us and wants us to be on His team.
We had a bit of a sleep in day and then it was time to get ready for the kids program this afternoon in Santa Ana. We had 5 stations that involved water balloons, soccer training, a mini version of an obstacle course in army style, and a spider web made of rope that the kids had to climb through. The day was perfect and the rain started when the program was almost over. We went back to the church where the massive BBQ was already prepared for 200 hot dogs to be cooked. We were expecting around 50 to 70 kids but when all was said and done, there were 135 kids that showed up for team building games and the BBQ. The message was about being a part of God's team and it involved how much He loves us and wants us to be on His team.
Friday August 22
Today we were back at the same school as yesterday. We each did 2 classes in the morning but in the afternoon one group could only do 1 class because the last class was having an exam. Debbie, Vanessa and Kim sang in their classes, gave out salvation bracelets, and then played a game with the kids. It was an emotional day since this was the last day we would be working with the people from the Santa Ana church at least in the schools. After school was finished we went to see the field where we will have a kids program Saturday afternoon. We will spend Saturday morning getting prepared and then have fun with the kids Saturday afternoon.
The Number of the Stars
Thursday August 21
We started our next chapter by continuing to spread the message of Christ's love to a variety of ages at a school in Santa Ana. We broke into teams; 4 of us including Jessica, Bethany, Natasha and Melissa spoke to a grade 9 class, then to a grade 8 class. Debbie and Vanessa sang and spoke to a grade 8 class as well as part of the team from El Salvador sang songs about God. It really moved the kids. Natasha, Bethany, Jessica and I talked about some common themes that are evident in our lives including the rest of our world. For example, peer pressure, and the worries that come with that, bullying and intimidation and how both the bully and the victim need to be shown God's love. We also talked about analyzing our lives and to question whether we are living for God or or are we letting curveballs in our life fall to the ground and defeat us. We talked about how comforting God is and how He is always listening to us when we are feeling angry, confused, or lonely. We talked about how everyone has their own life experiences and if we are going through a tough time, God is gracious and comforting. The kids in our classes seemed really touched by our talks and we offered them precious promises which essentially are a variety of verses found in the Bible. We also handed out salcation bracelets. The pastor's wife, Sarah, had some salvation stickers to also hand out. The kids absolutely loved the stickers! The kids were very excited to have us there and we even had some girls approach us and ask us questions about ourselves in English. What is amazing is that they knew that we did not speak Spanish but they communicated by some English that they did know. It was inspiring to us! We then had a break for lunch which was Pizza Hut. We had a good time there and it is one of our signature restaurants that we enjoy when we are in El Salvador. The customer service is great!
This is written by Melissa Galbraith
We started our next chapter by continuing to spread the message of Christ's love to a variety of ages at a school in Santa Ana. We broke into teams; 4 of us including Jessica, Bethany, Natasha and Melissa spoke to a grade 9 class, then to a grade 8 class. Debbie and Vanessa sang and spoke to a grade 8 class as well as part of the team from El Salvador sang songs about God. It really moved the kids. Natasha, Bethany, Jessica and I talked about some common themes that are evident in our lives including the rest of our world. For example, peer pressure, and the worries that come with that, bullying and intimidation and how both the bully and the victim need to be shown God's love. We also talked about analyzing our lives and to question whether we are living for God or or are we letting curveballs in our life fall to the ground and defeat us. We talked about how comforting God is and how He is always listening to us when we are feeling angry, confused, or lonely. We talked about how everyone has their own life experiences and if we are going through a tough time, God is gracious and comforting. The kids in our classes seemed really touched by our talks and we offered them precious promises which essentially are a variety of verses found in the Bible. We also handed out salcation bracelets. The pastor's wife, Sarah, had some salvation stickers to also hand out. The kids absolutely loved the stickers! The kids were very excited to have us there and we even had some girls approach us and ask us questions about ourselves in English. What is amazing is that they knew that we did not speak Spanish but they communicated by some English that they did know. It was inspiring to us! We then had a break for lunch which was Pizza Hut. We had a good time there and it is one of our signature restaurants that we enjoy when we are in El Salvador. The customer service is great!
This is written by Melissa Galbraith
Monday, August 25, 2014
Wednesday August 20
Today we visited a different school in Santa Ana, much bigger than the previous one. The grades ranged from one to nine, with one set of kids in the morning and another whole set in the afternoon. My group didn't have a translator, so it was an interesting challenge to run
a 45 minute program for each class. Two years ago I would have been terrified to go into a class without a translator, but for some reason this time I wasn't scared at all. I am starting to enjoy it when God pushes me out of my comfort zone because I know He is going to help me succeed and bring me closer to Him. We had an amazing group of people on our little team, so that helped a lot. Some of the Salvadorians, Mario and Pastor Jorge, are so incredible with the kids, and we managed to communicate with each other somehow to figure out a game plan before every class.
Once we started leading the classes together, we each figured out our role and how each fit
in with each other, and soon enough our program started to run like clockwork. Now someone could throw our team into another class and we could run the entire program smoothly without any preparations or translators- it was amazing to see how God brought our specific group together.
In the morning at school we started with the 2 grade 1 classes, and they were adorable. We sang music with them while I played guitar, we handed out salvation bracelets, Pastor Jorge and Mario gave talks to the kids (I never knew what they're saying but they always have the kids practically rolling on the ground laughing- both of them are good with the kids) and then we played a game (they love seven up). During the breaks we got to interract with the kids in the schoolyard, so there were a lot of hugs given out. Our third class of the morning was a grade 3 class, also adorable. They loved the music and bracelets. Our entireYFC team had been split into 2 teams for the day, and the other group gave talks in their 3 classes. After that it was time for lunch, so we ate at Pizza Hut.
In the afternoon we returned to the school, and visited another 2 classes each (our group visited the grade 1 classes). We were supposed to do another class but it didn't work, so we used that time to play with the kids in the schoolyard. I played guitar and met a precious little girl who wouldn't leave my side the entire time we were there. It was really nice to interract with the kids and show them love.
We headed over to the Santa Ana church once we were done at the school, and waited until the evening service. Natasha and I attended to a very important matter, filming Perfection's ice water bucket challenge. For the service, I got asked to sing with Aaron and Carlos, the guys in charge of the music at Santa Ana. They are actually SO good so I felt honored that they would want me to join them in leading worship.
The service started and it was excellent- the music was great, and we sang in both English and Spanish! Jessica gave an amazing testimony that impacted everyone, and Mr. Day gave a really good talk despite some setbacks. We finished off the night with pupusas for dinner, and then drove to the hotel.
Overall it was a really good day for me- I enjoyed leading the programs in the classrooms without a translator, and showing all the kids love and music. It was so much fun singing with Carlos and Aaron, and the service was great. However, our YFS team as a whole agreed that it was being attacked. Most people were feeling under the weather from the get-go in one way or another. People giving talks throughout the day couldn't find the words to say, and Kim was unfortunately very sick. Around noon we received an email from Bethany's Mom saying she felt we were being attacked by the devil who was trying to bring us down and prevent us from doing God's work. It all made sense- the devil knew the good work we were doing and he decided to try to take us down. We prayed hard all day and stood firm, Mr. Day's notes weren't working on his computer when he went to give his talk in the church and instead of deciding not to talk, he powered through. The entire team powered trough the day, and we didn't let the devil win. We thank you for everyone's prayers for us, and we ask you to continue to pray for protection from the evil one. We will continue God's work, and we won't let setbacks get us down.
This blog was britten by Vanessa Banks
Tuesday August 19
Today most of us presented our testimonies in the classrooms at Santa Ana. They were well received and the kids seemed attentive even when the translators had a somewhat difficult time translating what we were saying. A lot of people on the team are tired but still enjoying seeing people from other years and, for the first-time travellors, meeting new people and having new experiences.
This post is by Debbie Stuart
This post is by Debbie Stuart
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Plans change for Lomas del Tecana
Monday August 18
So today we were supposed to run a kids camp because the children had the Canadian version of a P.D. Day. So after a trip to Walmart to pick up supplies we headed out to Santa Ana only to be told that there was school and we would be starting to give our talks to 2 classes that day. Only some of us talked because we had a distinct lack of translators but it didn't seem to matter because we were able to reach the kids.
Then we had dinner at Pizza Hut before going to the church service in Santa Ana. Vanessa, Melissa and Natasha presented their testimonies. Allan spoke a sermon after asking questions to each presentor.
The biggest surprise was that 2 of our translators led the worship time and have amazing voices. In the future we are going to have at least one of them in the "music class" with Vanessa. Please continue to pray for us that we will have the strength to keep presenting the gospel no matter where we are.
This post is by Bethany Gilstorf
So today we were supposed to run a kids camp because the children had the Canadian version of a P.D. Day. So after a trip to Walmart to pick up supplies we headed out to Santa Ana only to be told that there was school and we would be starting to give our talks to 2 classes that day. Only some of us talked because we had a distinct lack of translators but it didn't seem to matter because we were able to reach the kids.
Then we had dinner at Pizza Hut before going to the church service in Santa Ana. Vanessa, Melissa and Natasha presented their testimonies. Allan spoke a sermon after asking questions to each presentor.
The biggest surprise was that 2 of our translators led the worship time and have amazing voices. In the future we are going to have at least one of them in the "music class" with Vanessa. Please continue to pray for us that we will have the strength to keep presenting the gospel no matter where we are.
This post is by Bethany Gilstorf
Sunday August 17
Our day started out with our morning devotions. So our team was all ready to go out in the name of God and show His love.We attended a service in the morning that some of the El Salvador YFC team attend and had the chance to see many familiar faces. We had a great sermon; Allan shared a talk with everyone about the influences of taking action when God places things on your heart. We worshipped with music. We are so blessed to have our own superstar Vanessa who shared her amazing talent with us. She sang all her songs in Spanish too. We then headed back to Agularies to share more love with the children. We had been working with this church for 4 years now and the number of children has more than tripled. We shared a service with them and then had an awesome kids program. We set up for the kids; we had face painting, crafts, games, lots of candy and, of course, a pinata (the size of a 6-year-old kid). Our friend Vincent was there who has been conquering a battle with a major tumor just below his left eye. We were told a few years ago that he would not make it through the surgery so we love our little miracle and all that he is. He is one of the happiest kids there and is always fun to be around. God has blessed him and his family. After an afternoon of fun with the kids, we headed out and had some traditional El Salvadorian food (pupusas) and then went to an amazing lookout to soak in some of the country's beautiful landscape.
This post is by Natasha Skwarok
This post is by Natasha Skwarok
Tuesday, August 19, 2014
Saturday August 16
Today we went to Agularies to do activities with the children. When we got there we got set up but it did not go as planned as to what OUR plan was but all of us agreed it went according to God's plan because He has an amazing trip planned. I had such a fun day with the children that we got to meet for the first time and see children we had seen over the years and have grown up now. I love to see the children laughing and smiling no matter what we are doing. Even when the power went off we still had fun. One thing that I think is really awesome was going to Agularies and seeing the children's faces light up when they saw us and ran to see us. It just made my day to see new children and see children that we had built up relationships with over the years. I am so excited to see what God is going to accomplish in this church.
This post is by Jessica Saunders
This post is by Jessica Saunders
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Safe arrival
It is a beautiful sunny day here in El Salvador. Sorry for the delay but thank you to all the people who prayed for our safe arrival. All of us arrived safely even if our luggage did not!
You read correctly, only 4 out of 13 bags arrived with us so there were some challenges when it came to clothing, toothpaste, sunscreen and supples for our first kids program. But we all recognize the Lord's handling of the situation and are thankful for all His blessings.
Thank you for all the love and prayers that accompanied us and we'll be in touch again soon.
You read correctly, only 4 out of 13 bags arrived with us so there were some challenges when it came to clothing, toothpaste, sunscreen and supples for our first kids program. But we all recognize the Lord's handling of the situation and are thankful for all His blessings.
Thank you for all the love and prayers that accompanied us and we'll be in touch again soon.
Thursday, August 14, 2014
'Twas the night before....
Theme for 2014: Stand Firm
Our last meeting in Canada is tonight at Dairy Queen (my, this mission stuff is such a hardship!). Last minute questions and details and, of course, ice cream will be the main topic of discussion. Our theme this year is STAND FIRM. Even in our last minute preparations we need to keep our focus on God and remember it is only because of His blessings that we can undertake such a monumental task. Please keep our team in your prayers and for the family and friends we are leaving for a couple of weeks.
Our last meeting in Canada is tonight at Dairy Queen (my, this mission stuff is such a hardship!). Last minute questions and details and, of course, ice cream will be the main topic of discussion. Our theme this year is STAND FIRM. Even in our last minute preparations we need to keep our focus on God and remember it is only because of His blessings that we can undertake such a monumental task. Please keep our team in your prayers and for the family and friends we are leaving for a couple of weeks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)