We began Saturday at The Stepping Stone Missionary Center and enjoyed a full breakfast provided by the pastor’s wife. Then devotions included spirit fill singing and another message on upside down living. We loaded the vans and headed across the Mexican border at Laredo to Nuevo Laredo. It was already a hot day when we arrived at the Blanco Navidad Orphanage. There were two projects, one building portable bunk beds and the other sheet rock the ceiling on both floors of the new orphanage. By 3:30 the first floor ceilings were complete. Upstairs the ceiling work was almost complete with wall board installation begun. Vance who is 98, being born in 1918 was paired up with Joel, who is 18 years old cutting boards for the bunk beds. The heat added to the labor of love. We said goodbye to Starkie who was leaving at noon for his return to Riverside, CA. He encouraged us to help with fund raising so that we could continue to support the ministries we have witnessed and worked on together.
The traffic coming back across the border was intense. There were lines that extended well beyond the middle of the bridge, but thank God we made it back with no problems. This was our first visit in four years due to the violence with the Cartels. Week 2 of the One Trip will be our only visit through Laredo this year.
We went to Peter Piper Pizza and enjoyed the food, fellowship and cool surroundings. (At least 3 went to Burger King across the parking lot but they were able to hide their deeds.) Our van drivers got gas while we began to eat. Then we headed to McAllen driving about 3 hours through the darkness of Texas. For those of us in the back of the van, we can choose to sleep, visit or relax. But the drivers and shotgun are doing the heavy lifting. They keep us safe and in communication with other vehicles as we move toward our next place of service. We are staying in a motel, our first time on this week. After we found our rooms the Prayer group gathered, the van maintenance began and other leaders reviewed what has happened and will happen. We are thankful for all who are making week 2 of our one trip so encouraging.
Chris