Today was a day of great celebration. One more family in piedras negras has a house to sleep in tonight. They will not have to worry about the rain showers anymore, the freezing cold, or the theft of stuff. They have a durable and safe house in wich to live.
It doesn't seem that long ago that we were staring at a concrete pad with the outline of some walls on it. Now it is a house that quickly is becoming a home. During the dedication, the father, Jaime, read a note saying thank you to us all for our smiles, tirless work and love we showed him. He also added that if we are ever back in Piedras his new house is open to us.
More than just a house was built this week. Firendships were made, despite the languages, cultures, and economic differences between us. Deep connections happen when we help each other with simple things like putting a roof over our heads. As the rain poured down today (see picture), it was a not-so-subtle reinforcement of just how important this house is to this family. They now really do have a dry place to be.
Also, it was a great week to see some of St. Luke's own working in their elements. Alex Whictomb (daughter of Marty and Brad spent summers coming with St. Luke's to build and this week she told us how to build. She did a fantastic job! Everyone should be proud of her. Jon Martin, our other St. Luke's grown is the construction director for CPC. He also did a great job. It is really awesome to hear their stories of growing up doing mission work and how much it changed their lives. Watching them work reminds me of just how important the work the church does to help others is. This is why tartan trot is so crucial to supporting the mission goals of St. Luke's.
St. Luke's should be proud of all their youth. They put in a great week of work not ever complaining and always eager to serve. God was with us.
Tomorrow we will travel back to GA and try to readjust our lives, and will hold CPC and the family we worked with in our hearts forever.
adios,
filepe
