Another day in paradise! 

Our Vineyard team is working hard alongside Pastor Arqui and Minda’s church and World Compassion Network. We accomplished so many things today!

The day started off with a beautifully crafted devotional from Mike Davis. Even though he wouldn’t say so, we were all greatly inspired by his words. He read a message on the power of the Holy Spirit. How God is three persons, all equal in power and love. This devotional remained in our hearts today. 

The team headed straight to Pastor Nelson’s village, La Nunuz, where we got to watch and participate in making corn tortillas with the infamous Tortilla Sisters. I cannot say who made the worst but mine was definitely the best. After making tortillas, the sisters prepared Chicharrions for us. Very delicious (just ask Mike, he would agree).

We had the honor to help finish painting the outside of Maria’s and Suyapa’s new homes. The beautiful orange and pink turned the village into a tropical paradise! Not only that, but the team laid cinder blocks, sifted dirt, and mixed concrete for Jorge’s future home. There was a minor pause in the day before the BIG house warming celebration. The team had a moment to rest, read our bibles and play card games under palm trees and a cool breeze.

In time, people of the village started to gather near the new homes. There were balloon arches, music and chairs. A few of us got to hand out candy and temporary tattoos to the kids. The celebration was a beautiful moment for us all. Kathy got to share her experience from her first time arriving in the village 5 years ago, emphasizing the faithfulness of God. Lee prayed a blessing over Suyapa’s new home. Then Suyapa herself got to cut the ribbon, the home was officially hers!

We moved the party over to Maria’s new home (about 20 feet away). Josh and Amy Grill from World Compassion Network got to share their experience of the village’s growth and God’s provision, blessing the home as well. The joy on Maria’s face was indescribable. The love and gratitude she has towards every individual there was contagious. 

The celebration got even BETTER!  One of the other Tortilla sisters, Dulcea, was surprised by her boyfriend who asked her to be his wife! The engagement was beautiful, the whole village and team was gathered for the moment. Their love for each other was so apparent, a moment none of us will ever forget.

Praise the Lord for Little Caesar’s pizza and banana soda. We gathered to eat and drink, finishing off the day with some salsa dancing (Forest, Derek and Stephanie were actually pretty good at it!)

I personally have such a deep love for the children of the village, I got to learn many of their names and teach them silly dances. 

The saying I heard and repeated to the children again and again. We say:Adios! En la manana!