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We had an early start to the day on the rooftop, with Andy Seiler leading a devotional for the team titled “God goes before us.” “God never sends you into a situation along. God goes before you. He stands beside you. He walks behind you. Whatever situation you have right now, be confident, God is with you." (from our devotional journal, author unknown.)
Two building crews initiated the construction of the two houses. One building site is more tricky working around existing concrete forms. Homes on the island are often constructed of whatever people can find or afford, including scraps of wood, bamboo, sheet metal etc. They aren’t always able to withstand frequent weather events such as the typhoons which devastate the area every few years. One of the families they are building a replacement house for, wanted to keep an existing post that had been used in the previous house. The grandfather of the current resident had installed it many years ago, so it would be a family memento of sorts. Our guys included it as they began construction around the existing foundation.
Building materials are different here, with much being built from coconut wood. It is not always straight, often difficult to get nails or screws into and due to the twisted grain of its lumber, a greater tolerance on how straight you can build is required. Even the most skilled carpenters-- and we have a few with us, must let go of perfection! A little monkey came to watch the proceedings at that site. The guys got a little sunburned out there but made good progress overall.
The rest of the group worked on VBS prep. First we tried to set up the projector and get access to the files, but the tech savvy people were on the building site. Three laptops and a pile of cables later, we decided to forgo the projector for now and got going on the VBS action songs, knowing that if we can bring enthusiasm and know the songs, it will encourage them. It was a great morning workout!
Following the practice we piled into the Oasis van and shuttled to the store to buy more supplies needed for a VBS craft. The other supplies were unpacked and sorted in anticipation of next week. God goes before us. Please pray he will prepare the hearts of the children to receive the message, though English is not their first language and we have limited translators.
A highlight for the Leites was a visit with Ceejay, a sponsor child of Grandma Dorothy Leite. Ceejay has grown up to be a fine young lady who has overcome a lot of difficult life challenges, recently graduating university with a psychology degree. She is an example of the kind of work being done here, work that doesn’t happen overnight. God goes before those who are children now and is building the next generation. Pray that those who are being sponsored now would love and serve Him throughout their lives.
Like the log post, enduring through generations of the house, God is a constant, in our past and present and holds the future in his hands. He goes before us!
Addendum: in case anyone was confused about the first blog entry, Anita is now here with Joven at the Oasis!
