Reynosa Spring March 26 2018

Waking up came very early this morning, everyone walked around like zombies before the devo which was followed by a #litttt breakfast. The breakfast consisted of cinnamon rolls, coffee, and more cinnamon rolls. We all frantically got our backpacks together, and dressed ourselves. We lathered our epidermis in sun burn preventing lotion (which also helps to save us from deadly skin cancer, being exposed under the unforgiving sun). Loading up for the day, we split up into the van of our preference. One van consisted of all the rambunctious people on the trip, (Caleb, Collin, and Dani) with lots of Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber. We began a tradition yesterday the singing of the song ‘Baby’ By Justin Bieber, with Dani and Caleb on vocals and Colin’s “fire” beatboxing.

After we crossed into Mexico we packed up the truck with some tools for the build site. Once we got our tools, some of us loaded into the bed of a pickup truck and grasped onto the sides as we continued in song. Arriving at the build site, there was nothing there except the concrete foundation, which made us feel a little bit intimidated at the work ahead of us.

We were greeted by the family, where we got to meet the mother Liliana, and her three kids Dulce, Carla, and Jose. They were warm and welcoming, and despite the language barrier, you could feel the love and care. Whilst building, one would think that the heat, close quarters, and sweat would make turn the team against one another. That was the complete opposite. Everyone worked together joyfully, resulting in more productivity and laughter. Everyone was willing to get involved in the hard labor and really work their hardest for God. After a few hours of working we were summoned to lunch in the family’s kitchen, where we saw their current house and opened our eyes to see how blessed we are to have above and beyond what we need, and how thankful we are that we get to serve this wonderful family. Lunch consisted of fresh made empanadas, enchiladas and cold Coca-Cola. We noticed how generously and joyfully they gave with what little they had, and were humbled by how much food they provided for us when that money could have been used going to the needs of their family.

 After lunch, the team continued to work their hardest, which resulted in all four walls getting up and having a very productive work day. After we finished for the day we cleaned up the site, and piled into the vans and had yet another fun ride with singing and a lot of laughter. Arriving back at Bruce and Paula’s most of us took the time to shower and reflect on the day, but there were a few crazy ones amongst the bunch that chose to go running. Running was ‘very refreshing’ despite the intense humidity and the stifling heat, claims one of the crazy few.

We were served an amazing dinner with homemade noodles, chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots, and coleslaw. Just when we thought we couldn’t be any more stuffed, grapefruit Jell-O pie with whipped cream, apple fritters and cake were served to us. The team then talked and shared the best parts of their days, and a small fraction of us went on a Walmart trip to pick up some groceries for Bruce and Paula, as well as the family. The ride there had some more singing, and Walmart (being the happiest place on earth) was quite overwhelming to Dani, who had never been before. The endless aisles of anything anyone could ever possibly want left the team only 30 minutes to gather all the things assigned for us to pick up. Overall, the packed day was very eventful, tiring, and the best day ever. Cannot wait to see what the rest of the week has for us!

-Caleb V and Dani H