Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Casi Terminando!

Day Three

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
                                                                                                 Psalm 29:11
We kept hard at work and almost finished all of the projects!
This is one of the rooms in the Trade School!
Jacob putting the roof on the Trade School.

Outside the Trade School.

"Workshop of Hope"

Al working on the roof!

The Guys finishing up the house!









The kids love to help out :)


And of course we don't just work!


I get to see this precious smile!




And hang out with these two beautiful girls.

Manuel! so so so cute

Girlies playing at the craft table!

They love the trampoline.

Angel wasn't so happy... but he's still so adorable!

And this is Paloma, she just got braces!


We come here to help the people on the canal but they always bless me in so many ways!

Dios te Bendiga!



Monday, July 9, 2012

Muchas Trabajar


Day Two

John 6:27Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.
Today we began the many projects around the canal.
We are building a house.
Leveling dirt to add on to a house.
Adding lofts to houses.
Painting a big fence.
And of course, spreading the Gospel!



I was helping at Saira's house, leveling their land!
They were so eager to help, which absolutely amazes me.


The construction site for the new house!
 

Painting the sides of the house!




Of course we had fun today too!

 This is William! When I met him he was a very sick little baby, and now look how happy he is!



This is Carlos, so mischievous, but can be sweet when he wants to be!


High fives for Baby William!


And lots of love!

The kids love to hold hands, too cute!

Saira and I now have 3 matching bracelets haha!

We gave out suckers and turned Iris' mouth blue! haha

These cute Amigos were holding hands and eating their suckers together!



I think this is my favorite part of every day,
walking down the street, talking or not and just being with them. 
More tomorrow.
Dios te Bendiga! 








Tres Semanas!

 
 
Day One


John 13:34-35
New International Version (NIV)
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
 

I'm back in Mexico again and this time for three weeks (tres semanas)!
I couldn't be more excited to be here!
Today was our first day on the canal with a huge group of people ready to serve the Lord.


Pulling into the canal!



This place is absolutely beautiful!

The first day we walk around and spend time with the people.
I'll introduce you to a few of my babies.



My first stop was to see these beautiful children! cinco hermanas!
This is Nathaniel (Mani) When I met him, he had no front teeth!

Then of course I went to Saira's house and it was so great to see her!

Love this girl with all my heart!




Jessica brought beads for the kids to make bracelets with and they had a blast!

This little girl is Iris she i about to be 2 years old!
What a beautiful gift from God.

This is Crystal, Saira's little sister (4 years old) she is growing up so fast! and look at that smile!

Crystal loves to play hand games and sit in my lap

I got out my ipad and they played for hours!
What a blessing a piece of technology can be!

This is Gireh and Rosa, They are sisters and also very dear to my heart!

The first day was amazing and I can't wait to spend the next three weeks with them!
Dios te Bendiga!

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

More than a Choir

I am a Junior Music Education Major at Samford University,
And part of this wonderful group of people...

Samford University A Cappella Choir



I am honored to be a member of this exquisite choir.
More importantly I couldn't ask for a better family to go through my college years with.
 Quotes about the choir from some of its members...

"Singing with you people is emotional and spiritual. Singing with you transcends the petty things of life. I am lucky to be a part of this. I hope all of you feel the same way. It has been an absolute joy enriching the lives of others with you this year. Be proud of what we've accomplished, remain humble and eager to share this love through music. I am utterly amazed by each of you. I look forward to next semester every minute of every day. Greatness awaits, and we are rising to meet it."

"Choir I miss you all already! I love how much a family we've all become. I'm so thankful for you guys and gals."

"We are a family... The performances we gave these past two weeks in Europe were the most rewarding and exciting in my whole life, and I wouldn't have wanted to share it with any other group."
 
"A Cappella, last night was so beautiful, and I found myself singing along with y'all on most of the songs.. I miss it so much. Enjoy it and savor it while it lasts. 4 years go by so fast! Good luck in France!!!"

"Can I just say we rock!?!?!?!?! Watch out France."

And these are just a few of many.
I've never been part of a group with so much pride and love for one another.
As you can tell by these quotes, we recently competed in an international competition.
Because I am not very good with details,
here are a few articles and words from others about the competition in Tours, France!



"Samford University's A cappella Choir was absolutely stunning today in the finales of the FloriƩge Vocal de Tours. The singers were engaged, artistic, and the audience absolutely loved them. When the concert was finished, the audience erupted in thunderous applause with people screaming "Bravo," stomping their feet,... and clapping in unison......I am proud of this fine choir and their talented conductor. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!"
- John Ratledge
Director of the University of Alabama Choir
and Composer of one of our pieces, "I Am the Secret Fire of All Things"
The trip was absolutely amazing!
We grew to be a much closer group than we already were.
We fought like siblings, loved, and worked together like a family.
But most importantly, we had the time of our lives seeing the world!!
First we crossed the pond to France!!

We saw the sights together!

Dr. Richardson's Studio!


everything was beautiful
Roomies and best friends :)

We ate weird things together!



Sang together in places I never dreamed we would.


Climbed together to see this beautiful sight.









Prayed together.

Competed together.
Met people from all around the world!

And Rejoiced Together!

Swam together in the Mediterranean.

color coordinated!


Then we headed back home with memories we'll never forget.