Off the Mountaintop

After the past eight days of adrenaline rush, little sleep, concern for the team members, and 30+ hours of physical labor, I literally crashed Monday. In fact, it was the most depressing day of my life. Why would I feel so downcast after one of the best week’s of my life? Thankfully, His mercies are new every morning. With a few days perspective on this week, I believe I have felt more like a spectator watching what God was doing in each of us. This is briefly what I saw:

Don Kersey Dad probably exhibited the best work ethic of any of us. He
was usually first to start laying block or clean the dishes. Always a smile
on his face. Everyone loved “Papa K.”

Derek Hodnett ”We serve a great God” is one of my favorite sayings of Derek’s. His devotions each morning on the greatness and holiness of God were tremendous. His continued enthusiasm to serve PWM is contagious.

Eric Patton Always willing to laugh at himself, Eric gave us all a constant smile whether from his assorted impersonations, corny jokes, or mishaps (a lunch of beef tongue and wearing an illegal camouflage shirt come to mind).

Drew Raines Drew best exemplified breaking the cultural barriers by constantly hanging out with Ariel and Alejandro. He was never afraid to speak in broken Spanish. His time leading worship was always passionate.

Sharon Raines Despite being around eight sweaty men, Sharon never complained. Her excitement in being able to see her sponsor child was encouraging as well as her desire to someday serve as a missionary at La Providencia.

Hunter Richardson All those years building homes paid off as Hunter took the role as our foreman. But I remember most were his consistent times reading God’s word each morning by his cot.

Steve Sandfort Ever the servant, Steve did whatever he could to help those around him. His creativity with humor, filming, and music kept us entertained. But his constant joyfulness and faithfulness encouraged us all.

Omar Siliceo Having Omar was simply providential. His Spanish translation between us and the eight workers allowed for deeper relationships. But his joyful laughter was truly his blessing to everyone.

I saw everyone on the team catching the vision and with each block laid, making it their own. I heard comments about how each can in some way contribute in the future, whether it’s to meet a specifice need or to one day serving as missionaries at La Providencia.

The Cerratos were perfect hosts anticipating every need. The team God has assembled through Alfredo is impressive. Mizael’s leadership and architectural talents equally match his spritual maturity. Douglas seems to be a sharp yet humble servant. Each man that is working at the site seems to exemplify hard work and joyfulness.

“Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Saviour and my God.”