February 2011 Trip – Update #1-3

Below are 3 updates from the February 2011 Trip. Make sure you click on “Read the Rest of this Entry” to catch up on all that’s been going on!

Monday, February 21, 2011
Greetings from the Vision for Chile team in Santiago, Chile! I am Kathy H. and I will be sending updates of our activities every couple of days.

On Friday the early arrivers settled in–the men in the Hogar, and the women in the House of Hope. Patty and Willy, the caretakers whose home we came to work on made us feel very welcome. Some of us went to the mall to exchange money, and then to the grocery store for essentials–four kinds of ice cream. On Saturday, the men went to Sodimac (the Chilean version of Home Depot) to buy supplies. Cindy was fortunate to tour downtown Santiago with Kathy M. and Lissette, two of the lovely girls from the House of Hope. Kathy H. spent most of the day in bed recuperating from a GI bug. Pastor John caught it, too. They are both much better, but please pray for continued good health for the whole team.

On Sunday we attended an enthusiastic and spirit-filled service at the church next door. We even recognized some of the songs, like “Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord” and “I’m in the Lord’s Army.” We actually had to dance to that one! That afternoon we visited with the girls at the Hogar (which means ‘home’), which is just down the street from the House of Hope.

On Monday, after our devotion, singing and prayer, construction boss Kerry put us to work on drywall–moving it, mudding it, and sanding it. We are still awaiting the arrival of Gary and Shane, who were delayed in Atlanta. They are now on a plane bound for Chile, and should arrive Tuesday morning. Please pray for their safe arrival. Thanks for all your support and prayers. We are blessed to be here!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Greetings from the Vision for Chile team in Santiago, Chile!

Praise God for the arrival of Garry and Shane after their flight delays. We also welcomed Marco, son of a local VFC board member and Robbie, son of Bob the local C&MA missionary. With their arrival, our team of 16 is complete and accomplishing great things for the Lord. Willie, his family and the girls of the House of Hope are all pitching in with mucho gusto. And it is not all work on the house; the men swam with the girls yesterday and we had enthusiastic games of Uno at the House after dinner. Pastor John leads us in inspiring messages of devotion in the mornings that keep us on track with the Lord all day. We open our devotions with singing and are learning to sing “Open my Heart” en Espanol.

Drywall finishing is going well – should be able to start the painting tomorrow. The outside siding has begun and looks great.

Praise God for the blessed R.U.T.Numbers that have been issued to Tom and Bob. This is similar to Social Security Numbers in the States and will allow Tom and Bob to officially serve on the board of VFC. They are now officially CHILEANOS !!

Praise God that Kathy and Pastor John are now healthy.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

Friday, February 25, 2011
Hola Amigos! Praise the Lord for another great day in La Pintana.

The outside siding is going up – Marco and Robbie were great help with this. They leave us today to return to their local church work. We greatly appreciate their help. The upstairs is ready to paint.

Yesterday was laundry day – so we all have clean clothes on today! Tom is becoming so holy that he can now walk on water.

The highlight of the week was our dinner last night with the girls at the Hogar. We enjoyed a meal with about 30 of them and the Tias. Mr. Balloon-man, aka Garry, was a big hit. We danced, played, and ate.

It appears that the door for International adoptions is opening up. Please pray that some of these precious children of God can be placed in loving families.

Click below for more pictures of the February 2011 trip