Jefes, Caballos, Lluvia, y Gringos

I have come to the conclusion that once we have visitors/groups we have no other option but to shut down our blogging abilities for some time. A week and a half ago both of my bosses came into town along with the Rev. Quigg. We had a good time and finalized some decisions on the pastor's home, main building, and possible swimming pool. The few days they were here were crazy, but very productive. Contracts were signed and good deals were struck. In the end we came out with some good plans and with our eyes wide open on some things we have not been able to see. Work has been kind of slow with the main building and we really need to establish a blanket of prayer with it. We have recently entered into the very early days of the rainy season. The little pockets of rain each day have prevented all the material trucks from getting up the mountain. So pray that the Lord will give us some days that the tractor guy can get in there and fix the road by putting more material. But, the guys continue to prepare different sections of the project that do not necessarily need material--- today they began digging out all the footers on the lowest level of the building. So at least something is getting done. We had a time where we blew the shofar up on the property for the first time--- it was pretty awesome. I am set on getting a shofar now.

David Fuller from ATC and his daughter Jess stayed behind with us for another day after the others left. We celebrated my birthday in a cool way. We hung out and just did whatever most of the day, let Don Quijote bite us and mess with Pipa Verde. But then in the afternoon we went horseback riding through the jungle. It was pretty awesome and will be a birthday I will remember. We saw a toucan and I saw another sloth way up in a tree sleeping. We have since gone horseback riding again with the last group we had here. It was a good time as well. It was kind of interesting, when we first got on the horses I kept thinking that it would hurt so bad if a horse kicked you in the knee. So while we were on a downhill mountain trail in the jungle Dave handed me a stick to whack Jess's horse with. I whacked it one good time and then the horse kicked me right in the knee! It hurt somewhat at first, but then it was fine--- it didn't hurt anywhere close to what I thought it would. So that was a cool experience--- I guess. Later that evening we went to a little French restaurant tucked away about 15min south of here. Supposedly there is a small French community south of here--- Latin America continues in its random surprises. The food was awesome and then we returned home and topped our experience off with an awesome tres leches that Sarah made for me. I would advise all of you who have never experienced tres leches to make this endeavor and go get some. So drop what your doing and go to Gambinos or something or go find a good Hispanic cook. Don't go to Fernando's in Louisiana--- their tres leches is sad. I am all about some Fernando's, but they struggle with the tres leches.

Later in the night of my birthday our 2nd team arrived. They were a great team and got a lot done. We faced a lot of new challenges with this new team. They came in Semana Santa (Holy Week/Spring Break) and our little town was flipped upside down as well as the rest of the country. Everything shut down after Wednesday--- even the gas station shut down on Friday! Nevertheless our little town tripled in size over night and was invaded with a very weird darkness. But this Monday came and stores reopened and people went home. For the first time that week there was actually traffic. All hours of the night people were walking around. We also have been experiencing some difficulty getting up the mountain due to rain and sticky red clay. Despite the challenges, the team was able to accomplish much and leave without any injuries--- despite my crazy driving up and down the mountain. A few times I nearly lost control--- but what counts is that I didn't! The team got creative and spelled out "ATC" up on the property, I thought it was cool. We are now recovering from a week and half of company, craziness, and semana santa. We are liking our little home back to normal for sometime, at least until the next team comes. We are putting finishing touches on the pastor's home. Bathrooms have been painted and ceilings are being installed. Hopefully in the near future we can showcase the finished product. I am sure for all of those who have given and poured so much time and energy into this first home will really appreciate seeing it finally finished. May the Lord bless you all.