Day 7

Today we wrote the final chapter to our week long mission trip in El Salvador. We concluded our trip with a day of rest… some souvenir shopping, a scenic hike to the top of a volcano, and eight hours at the beach, playing volleyball in the pool, napping in the hammocks, breaking bread together, and sharing by a bonfire on the beach. All in all, it was a perfect ending to an amazing week.

The week has changed us in so many ways.

This week Mr. Dave (Scimio) led our devotion time each evening. He walked us through chapters 12-16 of the gospel of John. We learned about Christ and the promises he makes us... promises of honor, blessing, peace, and joy. We also learned about the three als... the vertical, the horizontal, and the personal... we learned that we must continue to work on our relationship with God (vertical), with others (horizontal), and with ourselves (personal). Through our discussions we discovered that the realization of these blessings and the three als grows out of service... as Christ served others so shall we.

This week we worked as a team. Not only did we bond, but we developed life-long connections and friendships... and we tackled some incredible challenges... moving 1,000 pounds of sand, gravel, and dirt. Everyone pitched in and encouraged each other.

This week we will remember...

We will remember Kevin... the five year old boy who left his family of 9 to work... who gave .25 of the .75 he earned washing buses back to his mom so the rest of his family would have food to eat... who was given booze by his boss for entertainment... who smiled and hugged us when we came to spend time with him at CIPI.

We will remember a 17 year old girl... who was abused by her father... who became pregnant... who was forced to give up her baby... who wants desperately to be reunited with her child... who was happy that we took the time to make her feel important.

We will remember Stanley… who we met at CISNA last year… who was abandoned by his family… who ran away this past year and tried to make it to Mexico… who got caught at the border and was sent back to CISNA… who will be kicked out of CISNA in a few months when he turns 18… who was thrilled to see us… who showed us his art work… who is talented and smart… who we pray will get an opportunity.

We will remember the pastor and his wife... who have seven children... who make 1-2 dollars per day... who lead a congregation of 100 plus people in his small rural town... whose house and connecting church (barn) was damaged by the recent mud slides... who cried when he told us his story and gave us a flag of El Salvador… who has been praying for the clothes and shoes we brought him… who dreams of buying his wife a dress… who hugged us as we left… who gives people in his community hope.

We will remember the homeless... who we fed one evening… who ran up to the truck from their hiding places… who thanked us for a meal… who are going through some difficult times… who need a helping hand.

And we will remember Christ… and what he did for us… sacrificing himself on the cross so that we may live… who desperately wants us to love others as he loves us.

We are changed and we remember.

Dave

Day 6

This morning everyone had the exclusive El Salvadorian cuisine of bagels and cereal for breakfast. After breakfast, we all left to go work on the pastors house. As luke hobbled down the steps with his sore lower back side, everyone worked hard on their jobs. The bucket bragaid (Gravel movers) were tired of the enless climbing of steps, so Drew had a brilliant idea to do the work better and faster. It failed miserably. The work was still tiring so a new plan was made. In this plan everyone took a spot on the steps and passed the buckets down the hill. The cement was also made today and placed into the ground. When the work was done and we were sipping coke out of a plastic bag, we knew that we had finished all of our work projects in El Salvador. Our dinner was even more authentic than breakfast. It consisted of a meaty pancake like food with Chex Mixtm. Last we went home and went to bed thinking about the sand wedgies we will get tomorrow.

-Drew Myers and nathan scimio

More Pictures!

Pictures!

Whoa, so here we are on day 5. This week has been such an adventure. Today we were working on fixing up a home on a mountain side that had taken damage in the most recent El Salvador mud slide that took place about three weeks ago. The family who resides there is a pastor with 7 children. We set out at our normal take off time of 8:00; it was about an hour drive.
The roads we travled on took us through a beautiful mountain area, we were up high enough to get incased in the clouds. When we arrived there were huge piles of sand waiting to be carried to the home in buckets. What we didn't know was that from there to the house we had to walk down an 100 foot, mud covered, steep, bambu stair case! The other work to be done involved a lot of digging.
The bucket team (as we soon called our selfs) started strong, but as the day went on the work took it's toll. It was hard to keep motivated, but when I thought of who we were doing this for, a young family with such sweet welcoming children. They needed and deserved this. And as far as I was concerned we were giving it to them.
The day grew hotter and the hours longer, but we were detirmined to get this done. Rachel and I created a rotation so that we wouldn't get tired out to fast..... and let's just say we didn't have any trouble keeping everyone in they're correct spot :) gotta love italians!
It was tough (notice how I am sure to express that) some of us had cuts and bruises on our legs from carrying the buckets. Some of us had swallen legs from going up and down the steps so many times, a few of us feel while carrying the sand..... ok the last too only apply to me :)
Ben was running up and down the steps, I'm not sure if that was an attempt to get more done or if he was just going crazy.....
We ended the day by playing tag with some of the neibor kids. It was so fun to hear them laugh. Then we headed home and tried to get at least ten people in and out of the shower in 20 minutes. Good thing there's three showers. Though a couple people ran out of water (thank God it wasn't me). We were then off to the Snyders for dinner. Danillie prepared a lovely dinner for us and I ended up at the kids table with Tori and I.J. Tori and I wrapped up the rest of our time with a game of Futbol. The score was 10-6....... Tori....... I need to work on that.
We shared some laughs in the truck on the way home and were happy to rest after a long day. There's only a couple days left and tomorrow we are finishing our work at the pastor's house. I am only left with thankfulness. Thankfulness for the Snyder's and all that they do for us, thankfulness for the ways we've been able to serve and all of the amazing experiances, thankful for all that I have and for my friendship with Tori and Ian. I pray and trust that God will protect and lead us safely through the rest of the trip.
With love and attitude from El Salvador
Sarah :)

This day was awesome! At first we went to Cisna. We got to see many kids, chilled out, and had a monster soccer game! While leaving Cisna they didn't want us to leave so a few kids held on to the front and back of the car! After leaving we went to McDonalds. When we got back to the house we made bagged dinners to feed to the homeless. We created an assembly line in which each person had a task. When that was finished we went to the YWAM base. We went around looking for homeless people and brought them back for a shower, food, and new clothing. It was great to see how appreciative they were and saw how we made a difference. We went back to the house and ate hot dogs and hamburgers. After that we went out on the back of the truck to hand out the bagged dinners for the homeless. There were 106 people we fed and 42 were kids. It was hard for the group to see how many kids didn't have a home but we were happy to help.

June 21

This morning we got up and prepared for our first work day. We arrived at Cipi around 8:30 am and began working right away. The object of today was to get the garden done, which we able to accomplish. The main trouble with the garden was the many ant hills that we stumbled upon. We all got our fair share of being bit; needless to say it hurt very badly. Before going to lunch we were able to get the ground prepared for the handmade in El Salvador (by us) boxes to place the flowers, and fruit and vegetables seeds in. Finally Dave must have been able to hear some of our stomachs growling and decided it was time to head towards Wendy’s, where even the smallest members of our team was able to eat as much as Rachel (who needless to say can eat and eat and eat.) We finished lunch with a nice, cold, smooth and creamy, frosty of our choice (chocolate or vanilla) which was a special treat for us from David. Having a full stomach we had to head back to Cipi and finish the project that we started. At this point we knew exactly what had to be done, and got to work as a team. Even though we smelled like a mixture of dirt and sweat, and looked like we haven’t showered in weeks, we went to the girl’s part of the orphanage and performed a skit for them in Spanish and passed out candy and bracelets. We came back to the house to have a delicious homemade dinner and quickly returned back to Cipi for the last time to watch a movie with popcorn. During the movie we were able to spend some special moments with the girls that we got extremely close with. Two in particular were named Veronica and Katherine. Rachel, who on the first day of meeting Veronica gave her scarf to her which quickly started a bond that will last forever. Near the end of the movie both Rachel and Veronica were drenched in tears. Katherine, who on the first day of meeting Brandi gave her volleyball flag to her. During the two days Brandi and Katherine spent with each other they grew a strong friendship that will never end. These are just two prime examples of the difference you can make while working through God.
Rachel, and Brandi <3

Sunday... by Jessica

Today was a great day -- and such a whirlwind of activities.

First, we got to attend a church service (where Jon and Danielle attend) at the Holiday Inn. They had headphones there for everyone to hear the message interpreted into English.

After stopping back at our mission house (and I was so happy to catch the beginning of the Brazil match on t.v.), we headed out to Cipi, an orphanage which holds a flood of little crazy boys (who immediately flocked to us and hugged us all the second they saw we had come) and over a hundred girls. We set up little stations for both the boys and girls, where they got to rotate through and make balloon animals, necklaces, and water bottles. Played some futbol with them also, and we hung out with the girls group for awhile afterwards. Then, we ordered pizza for everyone and finally had to leave for the day. The girls had much more drama going on in their little "courtyard" hangout place (basically all the girls hang out on this cement patio, surrounded by a few caged "pens" where they kept all the disobedient girls for a few days). The two girls in the pens said they were put there for fighting, and so they weren't allowed to participate in anything. The other girls were instantly and madly in love with the boys in our group. They made us take their picture with them all...

We also heard many sad stories about the kids' background. The most unbelievable was about a small kid named Kevin, who, at age 5 decided he had to leave his family & home because there wasn't any food for him there (he had 9 other siblings and unfortunately was the youngest and most neglected), so he took up a job washing a bus for 75 cents a day. He took home the change to his mother until one day the owner of the bus paid him in alcohol instead of money. The police found him intoxicated and incoherent. He ended up in the orphanage soon after. Boy, what a difference it makes to hear a story like that and to look at this adorable little kid running around like crazy and hugging everyone in sight. It's hard to imagine that he has only lived a few short years, has been through so much, but is still so willing to reach out to everyone (even strangers) around him.

They were all so happy to just be around us, and I can't wait to go back tomorrow.

Knowing Spanish is the best decision I made... this is totally worth it, and there are no words in either language that can describe how awesome it is to have a flood of smiling kids running towards you to hug you and thank you and beg you to come back every day.

1st day!

Today we were traveling to El Salvador. First we flew over to Dallas. We had to wait SIX HOURS in the airport until we were finallly able to board the plane. While waiting, we made a fool of our selves practing our skit and doing the hand motions................ We did the wave! ha ha that was fun! Some people tried to keep awake by guzzleing down bottle after bottle of frapicinos from McDonalds. Finally, we got on the plane and headed towards El Salvador. When we touched back down to land we had to get the 26 fifty pound bags (which is 1300 poues with pizzands) all on two pickup trucks. when we got to the mission house one of the girls started crying. I guess they had a lot of good memories last year. We all stuffed ourselves with pizza and are now preparing for tommorow!

Luke Myers

Leave Soon!

We’re heading to El Salvador tomorrow. We would appreciate all of your prayers etc. Here is the tentative schedule of what we will be doing. I’ll try to update as much as possible:

SATURDAY
- Check-in 26 packed bags at 5:30 AM at Pittsburgh Airport
- American Airlines
- Flight to Dallas 1599
- Flight to El Salvador 1991
- Arrive in El Salvador 6:05 PM (ES time)
- Dinner – Pizza

SUNDAY
- Morning - Church at CCI
- Lunch - out
- Afternoon CIPI - Play with kids and 2 Parties (1 for older girls and 1 for kids) (need juice, pizza, cake, etc.)
- Dinner - @ House

MONDAY
- Morning - CIPI (Garden area. Need wood, dirt, tools, seeds, etc.)
- Lunch - out
- Afternoon – CIPI (Garden area / play depending on work)
- Dinner - @ House
- Movie Night @ CIPI

TUESDAY
- Morning - CISNA – Play / Ministry
- Lunch - out
- Afternoon – Street kids at YWAM base (stations – shower, new clothes, cut hair, food, etc.)
- Dinner - @ YWAM BASE w/ staff

WEDNESDAY
- Total Day - Comasaqua (Work Project – need tools, materials - concrete, sand, etc)
- Dinner - @ House
- Feed homeless $100 feeds 75 ppl (normally feed 75-150)

THURSDAY
- Total Day - Comasaqua (Work Project)
- Dinner - @ House

FRIDAY
- Debrief and visit Beach and Volcano

SATURDAY
- Depart at 6:40 AM
- Flight to Dallas on American Airlines #1998
- Flight to Pittsburgh #1118
- Arrive at 10:10 PM (Pgh time)

26 bags packed!

Thank you for all of your donations. We are taking 26 check-in, 50 pound, large duffle bags and suitcases! The clothes, crafts, and supplies will truly go to a great cause.

Follow our progress and say a prayer as we travel on Saturday morning!

Donations for Trip

El Salvador Donations. If you are able to donate any of the items please bring them to church by Sunday 6.13, or drop them off at the office by 6.15. Contact Dave Myers, if you have questions.

1. Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, washcloths, etc.)
2. Medical Supplies (Children's Tylenol, thermometers, Band-aids, gauze, etc.)
3. Sports Equipment (soccer balls, frisbees, etc.)
4. Hair Accessories for girls (ponytail holders, headbands, etc.)
5. Large Duffle Bags-to transport donations (will not be returned)
6. Bedding (light weight sheets & blankets)
7. Toys (for all ages - infant - 18 yrs)
8. Craft Supplies (pens, paper, beads, etc)
9. Shoes
10. Clothes- kid & adult sizes, summer/ spring only
11. Crayons and Coloring Books
12. Sidewalk Chalk
13. Stickers
14. Candy/Gum/Snacks
15. Gift cards to Walmart, Joann"s or Michael's
16. "D" Cell Batteries (large pack)
17. (2) Dewalt 6 1/2 inch Circular Saw Blade for Wood
18. (2) Dewalt 6 1/2 inch Circular Saw Blade for Concrete & Aluminum
19. Dewalt Charger & 18V XRP Battery
20. (2) HP Laser Tri-fold Brochure Paper (Office Depot-item #723265; Manufact #Q6612A)
21. Wagner Paint Crew Plus

Youth Discovery Team leaves in one week!

CRANBERRY TWP., Pa. – Discovery Christian Church is sending a team of five adults and eight youths to El Salvador June 19-26 to plant a garden at a girl’s orphanage, help a local pastor with clean up from a recent mudslide, and feed the homeless.

Of the thirteen going to El Salvador, five youths are returning for a second time and three are going for the first time. Most of the group’s time will be spent at a state-run orphanage for about 150 girls. Church members will plant a garden that will be maintained by the girls and others at the school.

The volunteers will also help a local pastor whose family of five needs help cleaning up after the recent tropical storm that created mudslides. They will clean up dirt and work to prevent future mudslides.

Also, they will work with a group called YWAM to feed the homeless. Their goal is to invite these street children to the YWAM base and provide food and clothing. Games, songs and crafts will be offered to share the love of God.

Discovery has a couple living full-time in ministry in El Salvador.

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Discovery Christian Church is a contemporary Christian Church with a main campus at the Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry and an urban campus in the South Side of Pittsburgh. The message of Jesus is communicated through live music, technology and sermons stressing cultural relevance. All are welcome. Toney Salva serves as senior pastor. www.discovertogether.com <http://www.discovertogether.com>