Last day of the build

Yesterday, both teams finished their houses. The youth team spackled, painted, put up the final bit of trim, cleaned the floor, and made shelves as well as beds for the family. We also learned that the daughter was pregnant, so this build was especially important as their family is still growing. The adult team finished the roof, painted, cleaned the floor, and made beds. Sarai's (she's the mom of the adult build's family) church family made them fish tacos (a first time tasting shark for all of them). Sarai had been in the hospital almost all week, but she was able to make it down for the emotional key ceremony. Also, the pastor working with them helped out with the final touches. The community service team helped out at a women's shelter. They played games with the kids and helped clean. After the houses were done, both builds had key ceremonies where everyone on the team passed around keys for the houses and said something encouraging to the family. This was an experience that is hard to write more about because it was different for everyone, but if you ask team members when they return home, they'll tell you all about it. There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd.

Day 3

To start the day off we went on our daily walk/run. After breakfast and morning chapel, our groups set off to go to their separate sites. Our youth build team finished the roof and also plastered all the interior. With help from Daniel, the house is almost completed. The family build site started the day off by finding out the mother of the family, who as you may know is struggling with cancer, was taken to the hospital last night. Though this is hard to take in, the team is staying strong and working together to finish the house. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Our community service folks went to the local hospital and gave sandwiches and juice to those who needed them, as well as  giving prayer to the patients waiting. In the evening we went to the local church. Not only was the service excellent, but everyone had a moment where they were able to connect with a local through prayer . Awake, but tired we are ready for bed. Wishing you well - Tiarra, Callum.

Also, Megan and Sara love Mexicans

Hey everyone!! Here's the first batch of pictures from the youth build site. Enjoy!

Day 2

Starting the morning off with a run (or walk,or sleep), we began day 2 of our house building/community outreach. For our community service folks, the work day started with a visit to a local church where they player with the kids and then helped out at a feeding program. Afterwards, the team went into the local community and embarked on a prayer walk (asked God for a sign of some kind, and set off to look for the things we saw/felt/heard). On the youth build, we finished the exterior, attached the roof (but haven't shingled yet), installed most of the windows, and put up the drywall. The adult build was about the same. The youth build also had a visitor throughout the day - a six-year-old boy named Daniel who enjoyed "capuchi"s (piggybacks). He also was very helpful when it came to painting. Overall, he was very sweet and we are all very excited to see him again today. Sorry for the late post! - Tiarra, Callum

The house has begun!

Yesterday, some people got up bright and early to go for a walk along the beach. After worship, our groups set out to build their houses or head off to their community service project. Both building teams got the frame and siding up. They met some of the kids at their work sites, and are starting to get to know our families. The community service team arrived at the Kid's Kingdom orphanage, and swept, mopped, and cleaned windows and walls. We had lunch, and then started to meet the kids. We played some games and made some crafts with all the little kids. We also played on the trampoline, and developed new relationships with the kids that we will both remember. Before we left, the kids prayed for us, and we felt humbled by their words of encouragement and love. We all had a day full of love, hard work and sun burns. - Graeme, Tiarra, Callum, Heather, Olivia, Maxine, Ethan, Ellory, Luke, Jared

So It Begins

Blasting Sweet Caroline and singing along, we set off to the EOC.  On the drive down we experienced many different emotions.  Some of us excited about being in Mexico, others having some more emotional moments when seeing the difference of how we live compared to Mexico.  As we crossed the border the first thing we noticed was how run-down everything was compared to California.   Though it was sad to see some of the poverty, the scenery was breathtaking.

When we arrived at the EOC, we were quickly introduced to the compound then set of to the local flea market, La Bufadora .  We bought backpacks, ponchos, bracelets, churros, and more.   Aidan ate two whole bags of churros, which may not have been a good idea.  Overall, we had a good time.

Back at the EOC, "the beans begin (Callum)".  Each team met their family they will be working with through out the week.  We ate dinner, which was quite tasty, and had ice cream for dessert.  We are now starting to settle in, socializing, playing games, ect.  Oriantation will be starting soon telling us what to expect through out the week.  We are excited for tomorrow when we will be starting the building of the houses and working at the orphanage.

Thank you for all the wonderful comments.  We will be reading them to everyone later tonight.  Wishing you well, - Tiarra, Callum, Graeme, Olivia.

Off We Go

Hello mothers,fathers,grandparents, friends, and family! We are up and  ready to make our way down to Ensenada. Last night we arrived at the days inn, some who were hungry went to Denny's for banana splits, others crashed, and some went for a quick swim. Today we are leaving for Ensenada. Feel free to leave comments for your loved ones on this trip. We are loving the sun and the beginning of our adventure - Tiarra,Callum,Graeme

Hello everyone

We are all well and had an excellent flight ! We are going out for dinner now but expect more in the next hour.

Today Is The Day

So the countdown is over, our bags are packed (hopefully), and we are prepared to set of on this new adventure.  Some of us may be feeling excited or nervous but together we are prepared for everything that is yet to come.  I, personally have traveled quite a bit for a girl my age, however this is a new and daring adventure that will certainly be the most unique, and likely the most fantastic, of anything I've ever done.  I know I’ll push my limits past traditional boundaries, learn more than can ever be taught in a classroom, and more than anything else, I’ll have a really, really, great time.  I can only imagine how excited the Barajas Rodriguez family and the Guzman Tercero family must be feeling and what they are doing to prepare.  I know we are all so very excited to meet them and help them along in this new journey for them.  I'm not quite sure what to expect but we have lots of love in our hearts and Gods hand to guide us. -Tiarra      

Praise God - we are ready for MORE!!!

Lots of shouts for joy are coming from the 44 participants of our Mexico team bursting with excitement that we are only 3 sleeps away from departing Canada for Mexico!  Our excitement lies in the task ahead of us as well as in the shear joy of living in the presence of our God.  While at the Ensenada Outreach Centre next week we’ll have discussions that revolve around the theme “MAS” - a Spanish Word for MORE.    “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Ephesians 3:20  With excitement we long to see the MORE in our lives and MORE in the lives of others.

Thank you for your support in prayer, encouraging words or actions and donating money.  We continue to prepare our hearts, minds, bodies and souls for this adventure in stepping out to follow God and the work of his Church in Mexico.  We look forward to this long awaited and prepared for step in our lives.  Financially we are doing well!  We are still a few thousand dollars short of what will be needed (due to the exchange rate changes which added about an additional $3,500).  There are still donations coming in though and for this we are thankful!

If you would like to see short videos of the families we will build houses for please click on the following links:  These videos don’t share details about their story but you do get to see faces of the people you are praying for.  The Barajas Rodriguez Family - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yswDe3gPBz0    AND The Guzman Tercero Family -http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTjvlo8UI6g

Our community service projects will have pictures and stories that come to the blog next week as we serve.  Here is the list of spaces we will be serving in: an orphanage working on facility cleaning projects and playing with the kids; community feeding programs with local pastors and seeking God’s voice for who to bless; elderly feeding and exercise programs; hospital outreach feeding and prayer ministry; and then working in a Women’s Shelter serving women and their children.

We invite your prayers for our entire team’s health, safety and unity.  Stay tuned to this blog for more updates through next week, as we are able.  

Also - mark your calendars for Sunday March 30th where Calvary United Church in St. Jacobs will host the team’s return to share stories and memories of Mexico with the congregation in worship (10am) and afterwards.

The Project - Ensenada Mexico - March 8-15, 2014

We are a group of 19 teens, 16 adults, 6 children, and 3 youth leaders from the Waterloo region who have committed to building two homes for Mexican families in need as well as joining in other feeding programs and community service projects in Ensenada Mexico on the Pacific coast.  We have already begun our team building preparations and will continue to do so over the next 6 months. Calvary United Church has sent many youth and adult teams over the last 8 years to build houses and have dramatically impacted the families who live in them. This will be the first adventure where we have combined the youth and the adult teams as well as inviting families to participate.  This blog has been created to keep the families, friends, and loved ones of those who will be travelling with us informed about all we may experience while in Ensenada.  I, Tiarra Ward, am a youth joining Calvary on this trip and will be here to update you through this blog along with the rest of our friends. We will begin blogging on March 8.  Be sure to come back!  In the meantime, I wish you all the best. Talk to you soon -Tiarra