My
first ever international mission trip begins Saturday morning! I am so
excited – and a little nervous. After years of doing missions locally and
supporting them around the world, this is my first time going internationally.
I want to remind you to pray for our team as we go, drill and return.
Here are the names of those from Rock Bridge that are a part of the team.
Danny
Wilson - Davin Norton - David Thomas - Michael Ogles - Jenny Thomas - Kelly
Adkins - Robert Caperton Jr. - Edwin Teague – Brian Holt
There are also several people with Living Water in-country that will be a part of the team.
Here is our
itinerary so you can pray for each day’s activities.
Saturday: Arrive in San Pedro Sula
Emilio, LWI in-field director, will pick up your team at the airport. He will drive you to a restaurant for lunch and then on to the first hotel, where you will have the opportunity to relax and swim.
Sunday: Attend a local church --Travel to site hotel
After breakfast, you will go to an evangelical church. Remember, do not wear shorts and be receptive to different worship styles and languages. After church, you will return to the hotel to eat and relax before heading to the site hotel.
Monday: Community walk (see existing water source, meet villagers) --Drill a borehole and take soil samples --Hygiene lessons, VBS, crafts, games
The team will arrive at the village, meet its residents, be greeted by the mayor, pastor, or teachers, and walk to see the existing water source(s). This is vitally important relationship‐building time. Shake hands with everyone and smile; even if you do not speak Spanish this shows you care. After introductions, our in‐field staff will pray and the drilling and hygiene teams will start their projects. The drilling team will prep the site to drill by drilling a borehole and taking soil samples to determine the best water aquifer. The hygiene team and its lead will meet with the women of the village. As you will often visit their dwellings, finding ways to positively comment on them and their homes is a great way to build relationships. These women are often shy that a fancy American would come to their home. You have the opportunity to encourage and communicate worth even if you don’t speak Spanish. You can be warm and welcoming with body language and our staff is happy to communicate for you.
Tuesday: Drill, case, flush, gravel pack -Hygiene lessons, VBS, crafts, games
Today, the drillers will drill the hole wider, insert PVC casing, flush the well, put in gravel pack, and may start developing/cleaning the well. The hygiene team will meet with the women and children, deliver hygiene and VBS lessons and deepen relationships.
Wednesday: Develop well, clean and pack equipment --Hygiene lessons, VBS, crafts, games
On this day, drillers will have more time to play with kids. In the morning the drill team will work on developing the well, and in the afternoon will clean the equipment and tools. Wells occasionally take longer than planned; be patient, flexible, and cover everything in prayer. When in doubt, remember: our in‐field staff are the expert drillers. Never take action without their permission and always follow their lead. With God’s blessing, you will see a successful well. In the unlikely event that you are unable to bring water, rest assured that our in‐field staff will return to the community to attempt another well. We will not simply leave without trying to assist the community in every way possible.
Thursday: Complete pump installation --Dedication ceremony
You will arrive at the site, put the final touches on the well, and then there will be a dedication service. This is a time for the community to thank God for the well and thank you for your part in bringing water and loving them. This is a life‐changing day for the village and it can be emotional to say good‐bye to people who have become very dear to you. Please do not leave behind any gifts or make promises. While this feels instinctual, it can be damaging and the relationship should not be just about what you can give them. Please do not provide your contact information except email, and only do so if you are willing to write bilingually. Also, be aware that this may initiate requests for money or travel to the states, which is something LWI does not support. Remember to journal while the feelings, thoughts and images of your trip are still vivid.
Friday: Tourist day --Pack
Various activities will be offered and it is nice after a hard week to relax and enjoy some down time. Remember, you can continue to pray for the village and trust that they are in God’s hands. After lunch, Emilio and Yadira will take you to a souvenir shop in La Ceiba for some discounted shopping. Afterwards they will drive you to the third and final hotel which is about 25 minutes from the airport, where your team will have dinner together.
Saturday:
Leave for home You will get up early in the morning and head to the airport.
As you can see, it’s a busy week and we will be working outside every day with temperatures in the 90’s and high humidity. Please pray for us individually and as a team that God would use us to show Jesus to the people of Honduras.
I
will attempt to post updates here and on facebook while we’re gone, but I really don’t know what kind of access we
will have. In any case, I will update when we get back!
Thanks to each of you for praying!
