Swinging a Hammer

The group...














Last night I arrived home from a whirlwind trip to Rancho de sus Ninos. This orphanage, affectionatly called simply "the ranch" is just off the highway between Tijuana & Tecate, Mexico. Over the past four years, since I first visited the ranch on a mission trip with high schoolers, this orphanage has found a place in my heart. I have been back a handful of times. Each time, I feel like a part of me has returned home. It is a unique place. I have written about this orphanage before - after our trip this summer. This time was different.

For the first time in the 21 year history, the orphanage has the supplies and money for a project before the groups arrive. They have been given a very generous donation to finish building the new day care buildings needed before their lease is up in just about a year on their current location. So a group from our church headed down late Thursday night and spent the past couple of days hammering on a new roof and hoisting beams for support for covered porches.

Friday we unloaded 45 trusses and carried them into the building, flipped them upright, and nailed them in place. Crazy heavy work. Then Saturday in to Sunday morning we layed plywood sheeting on top and hammered them into the trusses. This is a long and grueling process. My knees are sore and bruised from kneeling on the sheeting while nailing it down into the trusses.

yep - those trusses weren't there before we got there...














Mark & I nailing blocks in place between the trusses...














Me - on the roof...tool belt and all














CJ, McKenna, and me...it was a moment of downtime...what can i say???


















When we weren't working, we enjoyed eating with the kids on the ranch. I sponsor two sister in House 4. It is always a joy to see them, and love on them. Alejandra is alway ready with a smile, hug, and "Hi, Sarah!" Yaqueline is more shy at first, but warms quickly. She speaks more English and we are able to chat a bit by lunch on Sunday.

We headed back across the border on Sunday afternoon. Of course, no trip to the orhpanage would be complete with out a stop at In-N-Out Burger on our way back to the airport. We checked in for our flight with two hours to wait. I found myself sitting at a bar, sipping a rum and coke and chatting with some of the guys about the trip while we watched the last game of the ALCS and Sunday night NFL.

Our flight home was smooth and uneventful. I crawled into bed early this morning and fell asleep without any trouble.

This trip was something that I look forward to doing again soon. The building we worked on will one day house kids who would other wise be locked up in their house or left wandering the streets while their parents work 16 hours a day in the factories. It provides them with two meals a day and loving women to care for them. What a great day it will be when they can open these doors to even more kids who need to hear that God loves them.

Where's the nearest beach?

After today, I'm seriously considering a trip to a foreign beach. Somewhere my cell phone and computer won't work. No texts, no emails, no online options whatsoever. Just me, and God, figuring out what is going on and getting back on track.

This morning I woke up with a migraine. About 5:30am I found myself in the bathroom, throwing up. That's how I know it's a bad one. I took some Advil and drank some water and went back to bed. Finally, I started feeling better and decided to go into work. It was a busy and prodcutive morning.

At lunch I drove over to Wendy's to get some chili. A great choice for our cooler day today. As I pulled around to the window, I could tell something was not right with my car. One of my tires was flat. I grabbed my food and pulled into a parking spot. Sure enough, I had a flat...actually, one of my tires was so worn, it split. Tomorrow my car is scheudled to get four brand new tires. I called Ryan, one of the guys I work with, to come and put my spare on. He did and I went across the street to put more air in the tire. By the time I got there, the already low spare had come off the rim. I just sighed, called the towing company and had them take my car to the shop today.

I finished out my day and hopped into the "Green Van". Our church owns a 1987 Ford Conversion van. We call it the "Love Van" or "Cheech". This is my ride home. The foam lining is coming off the ceiling, the metal a-frame signs we put out on Sundays sliding every time I turn a corner. I pulled into the liquor store just around the corner from my apartment. For some reason, after my day, I just want a cold Coors. I find my selection and take it to the counter. The sweet lady asks for my ID and tells me I look young. Thanks, I say. You must be happy, she tells me. Happy people look young.

Well don't that beat all?! I just smiled, thanked her, and laughed once I got back in the van. Right now I'm in my pajamas, a cold beer sitting close by, getting ready to finish the program for Sunday morning. I know this is just one of those days we all have. And I know that God got me through it and will help make tomorrow a better day. Even when I don't realize it or feel it, He is with me in day like this.

What I witnessed tonight

At high school group tonight, there was only one girl who came in my group - so we decided to go to Starbucks and catch up. We were enjoying our drinks - her a hot green tea - me a delightful Carmel Apple Spice. Our seats outside were the perfect spot for people watching. At night, you can see perfectly into the coffee shop...and the Kinkos next door. We sipped and chatted for a few minutes when this student paused as she looked into the conference room at Kinkos.

"I think this guy is getting fired," she said. I turned my attention to the conference room inside the Kinkos. Sure enough, there was one man sitting behind a desk, leaning forward, looking down at the sheet of paper. His face was intense, you could tell he was talking loudly and his hand came down on the desk as he made his points.

Contrasting this man is a man sitting on the other side of the desk in a Kinkos shirt. He was sitting back in his chair with his hand over his mouth and at times covering more of his face and his eyes. Sure enough, he was being talked to, and it didn't look good.

But just when we thought we had it figured out, the most interesting thing happened. These men both leaned forward, folded their hands, and began praying. I immediatley shot forward in my seat to get a clearer view of the first man. Sure enough, they were both praying. After their prayer, they stood up, Bibles in hand, and walked out the door.

So now, I have no idea what they were talking about. But my curiousity is peaked and I'm replaying all kinds of options in my head. I don't know what I witnessed tonight, but it was the most peculiar event I've seen in quite some time.

Something to Chew On

Today we received an invitation to host a simulcast for a leadership event next spring. On the flier was this quote. I'm pondering this today and will write more soon...

"We cannot achieve our wildest dreams by remaining who we are."
John Maxwell

If you are looking to laugh

Last night I enjoyed the company of a very good friend for a movie and dinner. At 5:50pm Adrienne and I found ourselves sitting down to the opening previews for our movie, Ghost Town. I wasn't sure what to expect. All the reviews I had heard and read said it was funny. But I don't always agree with movie critics. In the mood for a light-hearted good time, I settled in as the lights dimmed.

I was not disappointed. The premise, as described in the previews, is that Dr. Pincus, DDS, dies and is brought back to life during a routine procedure. When he comes back, he can see ghosts still haunting Manhattan. The chaos and story that unfolds from that point kept me laughing throughout the entire movie. There were tender moments that helped develop the story, and the humor was both smart and silly. While I enjoyed the antics and laughed a lot, there was a sweet message throughout the movie as well.

Take your friends, your spouse or S.O. and enjoy some laughs and a fun story.

Recovered

I'm sitting on my couch, listening to music on myspace and watching the Broncos play. I feel like I have recovered from my long weekend in PA. It was amazing to me how much energy was drained during Cody's wedding. I guess it was much more emotional that I had anticipated.

I am loving that fall is upon us. This is the time of year when I pull out the Harvest candle from Yankee, snuggle under blankets with cold air coming in the windows, and begin thinking about all the yummy crock-pot meals I've been craving. I know many people look to the spring for a fresh start and renewal, but this year, I look to this fall to provide a new spirit within.

This week I start up another Beth Moore Bible Study...and oh, how I need it. My time with God has not been what I want it to be lately. I think that I let my busy schedule, and dealing with my own feelings distract me from the source of my strength and energy. I am praying that God renews my heart and mind in new ways...ways only He can. My heart is healed. God has been faithful. I truly feel like after all the struggles professionally, relationally, emotionally, and physically the past year, God's provision, faithfulness, and guidance have been what has pulled me through.

God is Good, All the Time
All the Time, God is Good

Back Home...

Our trip home from PA is one that I will remember. It was another 16 hour or better day to get back to my own bed. After a 3 hour drive to Baltimore, we found ourselves on the plane to Memphis. We actually landed ahead of schedule, which was good as we only had 30 minutes before our next flight left. We made a quick stop to pick up a deli sandwich and boarded our small plane.

This plane reminded me of the puddle jumper I took from Chicago to Milwaukee. Thirteen rows long, four seats wide, and one flight attendant, Judy. We took off and I waited patiently for the announcement that it was safe to use our approved electronic devices (aka my ipod). But the announcement didn't come. Then we heard a loud "thunk". The pilot came on saying that they had problems with our gears and that they now have them in the lock-down position and we will be landing again in Memphis in 5 minutes. People start getting upset and complaining - as if there is anything we can do about this situation.

Once back on the ground we are told that they will have to try to find us another plane, which they were able to do. So after waiting for an hour and a half, we are once again airborn and heading for Denver. I'm sure I fell asleep during the two and a half hour flight home. We landed, and found the shuttle to our car. As we went to pay for our car, we were told our reservations were for another lot. Frustrated and to exhausted to fight with them, we paid the money and went home. I fell into bed about 2am Wednesday morning.

It's good to be back home. My apartment is a mess, and I have lots of laundry to do. But at least I'm home, and I'll have lots of time tonight to get things caught up.