When we began moving Pastor Oscar and Sister Rosa into their new home, we realized they did not have a working refrigerator or stove. Wayne and Paula told us that we had extra money left over from our mission deposit, so we unanimously decided to use God’s money and purchase them new appliances. We surprised Sister Rosa with a trip to Lowes in San Antonio. God is Good! There was enough money to purchase a matching fridge, stove and an above-range, vented microwave. While the girls were appliance shopping, Howard and Chris picked up all the supplies for Friday’s big lunch surprise. Texan, Dea Thurston and his son, Brent traveled three hours to bring the outside HVAC unit and install in the new home. Dea is a member of Missionary Action Project with Wayne and Paula and installed all of the new home’s HVAC. After another delicious salvadorian lunch, we said “see you later” to Dea and Brent and got back to work installing all of the appliances. Wayne, Gene, Kevin and Scott worked as a well-oiled machine successfully installing the ice machine water line for the refrigerator, the outside venting and a new shelf to hold the microwave above the stove. With some of the spare wood lying around, Dan, Brandon and Howard made a large front door step. In the church kitchen, Chris got a jump start with his crock pot lasagne so it could simmer all night long. It sure did smell good!

Before we wrapped up the day at 5:00 pm, we watched Pastor Oscar and Sister Rosa touring their finished home. It was wonderful to see their smiles :). Following a friendly and competitive game of soccer with the guys and Oscar and Rosa’s grandchildren, we made our way back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.

One surprise we had on Wednesday was Wayne’s 2:00 am ephiphany that the water line for the kitchen sink was never installed. So, our men began digging a trench, laying pipe and tying into the existing water line from the old house. Of course, it was the hottest day so far in south Texas, but our men endured. Howard and Brandon spent a great deal of time with a rake and shovel in hand. This was a new experience for Howard but he said he learned a lot from Wayne and Scott who led the water line installation team. Kevin custom built two shelving units for two of the bathrooms including another turn with a paint brush. We don’t believe him anymore when he says he dislikes to paint. Wisconson Dan spent the majority of the day touching up paint on the walls and baseboards. Paula has been a constant angel with her multitude of trips to the local hardware stores for needed supplies. She always had her list in hand to jot down every item that was requested from the crew. Chris tackled the outdoor lighting and helped move additional household items from the old house. Gene continued in the kitchen with Louisana Ron installing the new sink and fixtures. Donna was awesome with clean up and move in preparations. We closed up the house at 4:00 pm to get cleaned up for dinner and arrive back at church for the 7:00 pm prayer service. The service was dedicated for a time of community prayer, petitions and personal testamonies. Miss Paula, Brandon, Howard and Dan gave their testamonies of how they came to know Jesus. Following the request for petitions, Paula, Wayne, Scott, Annie and Brandon individually prayed for those petitions to be blessed. It was a touching and amazing experience. We spent a few minutes socializing with the church members and their children after the service than headed back to the hotel. By the way, Brandon and Howard told us their surprise. Since the women of the church have been preparing lunch for us all week, they thought it would be nice if we spent our “off” day of work, making a nice Maryland-style lunch for them. We all agreed it was a great idea and a nice way to pay-it-forward.

The team departs the hotel each morning at 7:30 am and drives 15 minutes to the church. Following our devotions, we begin work at 8:00 am. We are so close to completing the interior of Oscar and Rosa’s new home. Our joy and excitement gave us an extra “kick” especially when the septic system passed inspection with no problems and the contractor back filled the dirt. The kitchen counters were installed and the washer and dryer were tested. Final trim, doors and painting were completed before we started to move in some furniture and clothes. Miss Rosa told us the move is alittle bitter sweet. They have been in their home for 15 years and that is where her Mom stayed with them before she passed away. We respected their indifference and prayed for them to have peace.
Brandon and Howard wanted to do something very special for Oscar and Rosa’s six grandchildren. The kids live directly behind the church and spend a great deal of time with Oscar and Rosa. Brandon and Howard purchased supplies for a homemade soccer net along with soccer balls, board games, coloring books, crayons and a football. We thought we would present them with the gifts on our last day of work but Brandon was just too excited and said he could not wait that long. It was so precious to witness the kids see their gifts. They could not believe that all the presents were for them. At first, they just looked in amazement. You could see Brandon’s heart expand with his big smile. Amen! After a brief game of soccer, we headed back to the hotel to get cleaned up for dinner. At the end of the evening, Brandon and Howard told us that they have another surprise in store for Oscar and Rosa. Oh my, I think they got the mission “bug”. Stay tuned……..

Our team arrived in Texas safely Sunday late afternoon. Wayne and Ron met us at the airport and after checking into our hotel, we attended Pastor Oscar’s Sunday evening church service. The communion service was so powerful which included the scouraging and crucifixtion scene from the Passion of Christ on the large video screen. Immediately following service, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner prepared by the women of the church in the fellowship hall.
Monday morning we gathered for breakfast then headed to the church to begin God’s work. Wayne gave us our agenda for the day followed by a brief devotion time and morning prayer led by Paula. The team hung ceiling fans and lights, installed a hot water heater and door knobs, painted closets, trim and kitchen cabinets. The weather was beautiful, no humidity, bright warm sun midday and cool evenings. We wrapped up work approximately 5:00 pm. A wonderful dinner and a quick Walmart trip ended a perfect, productive day for the team.