WOW

There are no words to describe the day we've had It rained torrentially during the night. We all got up between 5:30 and 6:00AM to climb the mountain. Josh showed up at 6 to tell us that it was too muddy to go. He was met with stares and grumblings, and in the end most of us trudged through very steep jungle mountains to the top of the hill. There had been a cross put up at one point and we could see forever. It was beautiful. We came back in time for devotions at 7:30. We were very muddy (so much so that when Chris took off his shoes and socks, it looked like he still had them on) and somewhat scratched up, but otherwise intact.

After breakfast, everyone went in different directions. Bonnie, Emily, and Bethany took a boatload of 20 girls (from 1-6 grade aged) "down island" to get measured for uniforms. The were all dressed up for the trip, and everyone was excited. It was a little rough crossing over, but not too bad. After being measured, we went to a "shop" (a house with chips hung out on the lattice work) and brought snacks and drinks. We stopped by a "restaurant" to get a refried bean tortillas for the girls. While we sat there, in the rain, waiting for them to cook, the girls started singing songs. As they sang, in their Island lingo, "Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world", I was so moved. These girls are precious in Hs sight and I'm so excited that I got to witness His love in action through the Bensons.

While we were on our boating excursion, the others split up and some worked hard on finishing the fence around the playground while others went visiting to Rocky Point. It was good huff down the road, and once again they saw how poverty stricken the people in the community are, but how appreciative they are of the people from the mission. In the afternoon, we again split up and while some finished the fence, others went out to another part of the island. We all met on the north side and swam for a short time.

Many of our prayers were answered today. Everyone got everywhere safely. The rains held off and didn't interfere with our projects. We finished the fence (including a coat of DEISEL FUEL instead of paint). Even though the seas were rough, the girls had a good time on their trip. Thank you so much for lifting up our requests.

Right now it's 7;15PM. We're getting ready to have a praise and worship service. The bands are gearing up and I hear George warming up his harmonica. After that we'll have a 'debriefing' and then pack and clean up. Our plan is to leave here by 7:30 AM in the morning.

Hopefully, if all goes well, we'll be able to have some recreational activity in the morning. Some will go "snubaing" and others will ride a zip line above the forest. Cool huh? Some prayer requests:

* We'll be able to get out of here on time and have a safe crossing
* The plane trips will be without incident (we forgot to tell you that when the Miami group was landing, they aborted the landing at the last minute and went screaming back up into the air. It took 3 tries before successfully landing. I don't think we get that many tries on take off....
*That Claire and Ramon will have a safe trip up to meet us.
* That as we leave the Bensons and the other missionaries here will be encouraged and strengthened and the mission will continue to fulfill it's purpose
*Pray that as we return home it won't be 'business as usual' and that this trip will have lasting impact on all that came and that God will continue to give Nags Head Church the vision to reach people to discover new life in Christ.

Thank you for your faithfulness in checking up on us and praying for us. Hopefully, if all goes well, we'll see you Sunday!
Bonnie