2009-Youth

We are 5 days out from being in El Salvador! We have our meeting / packing night this Thursday and will be getting some last minute stuff done up until we leave for the airport at 4am on Saturday!!  Thank you to everyone who donated, helped suppport and raise money for this years trip to El Salvador! God is going to use this team in mighty ways and I can’t wait to see all that is going to happen. Check back soon as more will be posted shortly….

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June 20th
Dear Jon Snyder’s Blog,

Greg smelled SO bad today. I don’t know which was worse, his post-nap plane breath or the trail of sweat he left in his wake. Luckily, our team’s love of the Lord and fervent passion to serve overcame. We’re all okay.

Plane rides were uncomfortable, but uneventful. I’m pretty sure most of us slept, but I wouldn’t know for sure because I passed out as soon as we boarded. Up until the plane I’m guessing we had eight hours of sleep between the fourteen of us, max.  This lack of sleep may be the reason why Becky’s suitcase is no longer with us. She took it off the plane, but from then on it’s whereabouts remain unknown. While she and a few others went shopping to replace her misplaced stuff, we got to work sorting clothes, inflating mountains of soccer balls, and building benches for the back of the truck we’ll be riding around in this week.

We crammed into the back of the pickup and headed to La Casa de Mi Padre, and I’m not even going to attempt anything clever here, because I’m still reeling from it. I mean that in a good way though, really. We popped enough popcorn to cover the entire country, and watched Bedtime Stories with the kids. Not surprisingly, Adam Sandler is hilarious even in Spanish.  As soon as we got in the facility, I broke out into a smile that has ceased to leave me since.  I don’t think a single one of us left without a hug. And they were good hugs! None of that insincere, pat you on the back stuff, but they squeeze you tight until you know for certain that you’re a part of their family. I’m so amazed that kids from circumstances such as theirs are as intelligent and open as they are.

I think everyone is beginning to feel the anticipation I’ve got running through my veins. We’re completely capable of changes these kids’ lives just with a show of God’s love and compassion. That blows my mind. Your prayers are madly appreciated, because I’m sure satan’s going to come at us in the worst way to knock us off our high. We’ll beat it though, definitly.

God bless and goodnight.
Danielle

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June 21st

We woke up this morning and an amazing breakfast of American and local food was waiting for us. After breakfast we went to church in San Salvador, it was much different than any mass I have ever been to. They had a band with guitars drums and keyboards and they sang several songs. Unfortunately the whole mass was in Spanish, but we had several people that help the mission try to translate. After mass we had a delicious local meal of Wendy’s haha they had all the same food that we had at ours. Next we went to an orphanage called cisna this one was all boys and is publicly run unlike the one we went to last night. It was much more run down and the rainy weather made it look even more dreary. Never the less we had a great time playing soccer with them for several hours gringos (whites) verses Salvadorians. Many of the kids also enjoyed a special all Spanish presentation of “Open Season 2” and snacked on the candy we brought them. It is amazing how happy and loving these kids are even with their situation. As soon as they see you they just want a hug because they never get that and I realize how much I take something so simple as a hug or a pat on the shoulder for granite. We also saw many poor settlements with hundreds of huts made out of sheet metal with tarps or leaves for roofs but still with this poverty these people are much friendlier than Americans, complete strangers often wave or talk to you (I just wish I would’ve learned Spanish haha). -Ryan

PS – Pictures will be posted tomorrow!

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June 22^nd
     Today we woke up, had a delicious American breakfast, and then left around 7:30 to go to Cisna.  Once we got there we went to the cafeteria and started repainting the whole place.  We painted the doors, windows (they were holes in the wall with bars in the middle), and the walls.  We painted the walls white and blue and the windows and doors blue.  It was a lot of hard work but it was a huge improvement. Afterwards we left to go eat lunch, then came back to play with the kids at Cisna. We gave out candy, played soccer, and played many other sports.  It was a lot of fun and they are really good at soccer.  It was great playing with the kids but it was hard to communicate with them.  Luckily we had translators which allowed us to connect with the kids on a whole new level.  When we were done playing sports, we left and went back to the house. Everyone was exhausted.   We all worked hard and had a great experience.  It’s amazing what can be accomplished just by one group of people. -Ben

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June 23rd

Today seemed to be so far the hardest day for our team. It started off with another wonderful breakfast. We didn’t think someone as tiny as Rachel could eat as much as Greg, but this morning we found out SHE CAN!

            Soon after breakfast we left for CISNA where we spent yet another day painting the cafeteria. We soon agreed that we NEVER wanted to see oil-based paint again. Lunch was so much better than yesterday’s, due to the fact that no one found any chicken claws or organs in their lunch. After lunch we went back to CISNA and performed the puppet show, followed by paper puppet crafts and face painting. All of the kids seemed to enjoy the parachute, and hanging out.

            While the kids were enjoying their hot fudge sundaes, we were surprised with hand-made crafts made with love. Unfortunately after three days of bonding we had to say good-bye to CISNA. Tears flowed through all of our eyes as we left. We will truly miss CISNA and all of the wonderful children we met and grew to love during our time there.

            After another amazing dinner, we headed out to feed the homeless. It was an eye-opening experience for all of us. On the way home it started pouring. Almost everyone got drenched with the exception of those who were smart enough to put on their ponchos. We are expecting another great day tomorrow. But hopefully it is not as sad.
Much love and we appreciate your prayers,
Angie, Brandi, and Sarah

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June 24th
    This morning we ate breakfast and (as usual) left late to go to le casa de mi padre. When we got there, we were assigned to (as usual again) paint the four walls and to put a roof over the room. The paint was yellow and water based so thankfully no one came back looking like Spongebob. Although we had some difficulties with spilling the paint, it turned out to be great. After we ate lunch the girls (And Greg) played with everyone left at the orphanage doing face painting while the guys (minus Greg) played soccer with all of the boys at the orphanage. After that we went to dinner with the kids at Pollo Campero (I think the translation is chicken camp.) were we ate a wonderful meal. After dinner we went into the play room at the restaurant where we were pelted with what felt like an aerial attack of eggs stuffed with confetti. We said our sad goodbyes and left them for the last time. When we got home we had an expected surprise visitor. Jon’s wife Danielle. We talked about our day and what we will do tomorrow. I hope we find as much fun as we did today. In the end the hard work was worth the effort and I think they really liked their new room.
-Drew

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Thursday, June 25^th

Today we began our day at Ilovasco a Catholic orphanage for about 30 boys.  The moment we arrived we were greeted with big smiles and warm inviting hugs.  After putting on a puppet show, the boys took their turn swinging at the Scooby Do piñata.  As soon as the candy hit the floor, it was scooped up by quick hands and nimble fingers.  They loved it!  The next event was a treat for us.  On command, the boys lined up and sang their hearts out, singing loudly and proudly.  The lyrics about Jesus, sorrow, and angels tugged on our hearts and reminded us of how fortunate we really are.  We then broke out the balls and played soccer and basketball for the rest of our time.  Before we left, the coordinator presented a gift to Jon… our fearless leader.  It was beautiful vase which will look great in his new home in El Salvador. 

After lunch at Burger King, we went to San Martin an orphanage for individuals with disabilities.  The people there ranged from 7 to 47.  As you can imagine, it was difficult, but everyone was happy and thrilled that we had come to spend time with them.  We performed the puppet show, offered up two piñatas, and did a craft.  We also had a tour of the facilities. 

It is hard to explain all the emotions that we have all felt over the past several days.  There have been moments of pure laughter and moments of true sadness where all we can do to keep our composer is to turn our head and hold back the tears.  Each of us is on our own journey trying to serve God and live our lives more like Christ… thankfully we have each other to learn from and lean on.

A few nights ago, I was recapping my day in an email to my wife.  It was our last day at Cisna and the night we fed the homeless.  I thought I might share some of what I tried to express. 

Today…
Today I saw my son Drew cry when he had to say goodbye to new friends he made at Cisna.  One 12 year old boy gave him a hug and said he would miss him… He wanted to know when we might come back.

Today I gave my Penguin hat away to a boy that touched my heart… he was one of the older/quite ones that was polite and was truly thankful for us coming and spending time with them… we could not communicate… he would say something in Spanish and I would say “no comprehendo”… but the look in his eyes said everything… he was thankful for the attention… he was thankful someone cared about him… He said goodbye to me at least three times. 

Today I saw my son Ben hand food to the homeless.  Sixteen of the 100 people we served were children living on the streets.  And one was a little girl Maddy’s age… She was with another little boy… maybe it was her brother… maybe it was her protector… maybe it was her hero… He made sure she made it safely across the street back to their hiding place.
Today I cried… we all cried…
Today I was blessed… blessed through the act of giving… blessed through the eyes of orphan boys… blessed through my own children’s actions, through their desire to love and give freely, through them wanting to help more

Today I was closer to God        
Dave

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June 26th
Unlike all the other days, today was relaxing and we didn’t have to work. We started off the day with donuts. And soon after breakfast we left for the beach. However, we made a surprise stop on the way. Our surprise was both enjoyable and exciting. We got to go “zip-lining”. Those who were afraid of heights had to face their fear by climbing up several ladders which led to small platforms that we began zip-lining from.

            After everyone was finished with the zip-lining we finally headed to the beach. The beach house we spent the day at had a pool and an amazing ocean view. During the day we went swimming in both the ocean and the pool. It was fun just hanging out with everyone and relaxing.

            After we ate another amazing dinner we finished the night with a bonfire and devotions. We think everyone really enjoyed hearing what the others were thinking about the week. And everyone is sad that the week passed by so fast but also excited to return home to their families and friends (except for Angie and Rachel who wish they could live in El Salvador).

Thank you for all your support and prayers throughout the week,
Angie and Rachel