Man was today a tough day of labor. We worked like horses from morning till about 4:30 in the afternoon. Of course the day began with breakfast and devotions in Romans 5, but the rest of the day was digging, breaking rock, carrying rock, physical labor. My muscles are starting to feel it. Three days of physical labor – I am going to be ready for a vacation next week. The guys we are working with – Elias and Manuel – are work horses, and they are definitely putting us to shame, but they are gracious and allow us to help them anyway. They are hilarious to work with. Elias is 42 and Manuel is 57, but you wouldn’t know it by the way they work. They are amazing.
The team is still functioning well, with the exception of Rus (the team leader) who is experiencing some stomach issues that are causing him a little problem. He left around 3 to go back to the hotel – the rest of us did not get back until about 7:30.
After the work, we watched the ladies play basketball against the women here. It was fun to watch 11 ladies on the court attempting to play basketball. Eventually the guys got in on the action and we played against the women. It was chaos, but we had a great time just building relationships with the women and the gym teacher (male). He played with us – 5 on 6. It was fun.
When we arrived back at the hotel I was able to skype with the family, and that was wonderful. It is always good to hear their voices and find out how they are doing.
Tomorrow is more physical labor as we continue moving the block that we took out of the basement and put upstairs and put it in a truck to be shipped to another part of the city. More lifting, more carrying, more moving dirt and rock… Really, I am ready for a vacation.
God has been good and He has been faithful. I have had many conversations with the team members about God, their future, their goals… I continue to pray that God would give me wisdom to give godly council and to encourage them in Him. So far He has done that – it always amazes me.
Tomorrow we are looking into Romans 6 – what a joy it has been to walk through this book – especially since this team started the book early! Now I get to talk about more than chapters 1-3. Christ’s righteousness is a wonderful gift that is greater than we realize. Thanks be to God for His wonderful gift!
Praying for you, the team, your family. The physical work sounds HARD, and the spiritual teachings/lessons are glorifying to Him. Hope you are getting as many shoulder rubs as you give!
ReplyDelete'Be strong in the Lord and in His great power.' Eph 6:10
Blessings,
Carolee