Hola from Cuba

We had the chance to get internet access and have much to fill you all in on!

Yesterday the team had the opportunity to visit the farm we will be working on in the next week. It was a great chance for all the students to see the people we will be working with, as well as the great need of work that has to be done. After this we drove back to Jovellanos where Willie lives. We all received a tour of the town by horse and buggy and even got to see the local zoo.

After this time we went to a house that has been refinished for a family whose son is handicapped, and we will later get the privilege of working with during our handicapped ministry time. The students then all returned to the church while three of the students got to stay at Willie´s house and experience the Cuban culture. All the students throughout the trip will get the chance to spend time with Willie´s family, go around town meeting neighbors, and experience a typical night for a Cuban family.

Today began bright and early as all the students woke up at 6 am, and had quiet times on the beach which is located only about a block away from the church we are staying at. It was great to see everyone lined up across the shore spending time with the Lord before the day began. After this we returned to the church for a great breakfast, which we have been blessed and spoiled with amazing meals every single day. We then all loaded up into vans and headed to the farm. Until about 3 pm today the students worked and worked with all that was needed on the farm. Many dug holes that septic tanks will later be put in, a pathway for cables that stretches over 100 feet, sanding the posts in the new community building they are trying to finish before New Years, and helping with an agricultural field.

So far we have been amazed at the experiences we have been a part of and excited for what is to come the next week. Specific prayer requests would be strength each day as our schedules are packed with either working on the farm, helping with the handicapped ministry later this week, and just the many experiences we get to be a part of each day. By the end of the day we have many tired students, so please pray that our sleep is multiplied. Also, keep in your prayers the ministry that we get to serve with. Willie asked for specific requests such as unity between denominations, humility, and continued relationships that will be built and last with all who work with CCM.

So as we wrap this up, we want to thank you all for your continued prayers. God is good, and He is blessing us like crazy down here in Cuba. The people we have met have been incredibly hospitable, and the way they are loving on us is inspiring. We will update you all when we get the opportunity.

Hasta luego!!

We are LOVING Ireland!

We've just finished our 2nd day of work here in Greystones.  Half of us have been "decorating" a side house here at the YWCA.  They call painting, refurbishing, etc. decorating here.  We thought we'd be picking out curtains and such but have completely re-painted and cleaned out four bedrooms.  The other half has been doing various projects at a local church.  They've been breaking down old benches (102 years old), re-painting them, cleaning windows, weeding and scraping old fences.  

The house manager and his family, another couple that lives at the Y, and a local Irish family have done a wonderful job of welcoming us and making us feel at home.  They've shown us around the small town which is right on the coast (literally a 2 minute walk from our house.)  It is so beautiful and the people are friendly.  It is a bit cold but not as bad as the Colorado weather that we're used to!

We're planning on going into Dublin tomorrow and then having our New Years Eve here in Greystones!

We'll update you again soon!

Cheers!

Cuba Team is safely in Cuba!

They all made it across the border!

As they do not have internet access during their trip, Jamie will be occasionally calling in updates to us back home to pass along to all of you.  She's not sure as of yet how often cell phone service will be available, but we'll do our best to keep you up to date on how their Cuban work is going!

This morning's fresh news:

  * The team is officially in Cuba safe and sound--no visa issues reported!

  * They are with Willie, their contact and leader during the trip, and it sounds like he's awesome. 

  * They've enjoyed their first Cuban Coca-Cola--a very exciting time for all

  * The whole group is on their way to Varadero

Jamie sounds very upbeat and quick to report that they're safe and happy--it seems that everything has gone smoothly and easily with travels so far!  

We will keep you updated every time they can make cell contact--she seemed confident that they'd be able to check in at least every couple of days.  Please keep them in your prayers--we'll have more specific prayer requests on the next update!  For now, pray for continued travel safety as they get to their final destination, team unity, and a smooth start to their work days as the week kicks off.  

Thanks for checking in!

Ireland Team officially in Ireland!

We have arrived!  Our red-eye flight from Atlanta went smoothly, and we arrived in Dublin this morning.  We then took a charter bus to the place where we're staying for the next week and a half.  It is a cool multi-bedroom house that reminds us of a fraternity or sorority house, and should be a great place for our team to stay. One of the local Greystones residents, Matthew, gave us a tour around the city and we saw the beautiful beach that's only a 5 minute walk from our place.  We have the rest of the day to settle in, tour the city, and get acclimated to the time change.  Hope all is well back home, and it looks like we will be able to update this blog pretty frequently, so we'll talk to you soon.

Leaving Tomorrow!!

Well the time has finally come for both teams to leave tomorrow! Please keep both groups in your prayers as they travel over the next couple of days. The Ireland trip will be traveling to Atlanta and from there the long flight to Ireland! Then the Cuba team will be heading from Denver to Miami, and then on to Cuba on Sunday. Keep checking back in as both trips will try to update as much as possible to let you all know how they are doing and the great adventures they are experiencing! Thank you all for your support both financially and in prayer for all the students going!

Christmas Mission Trips

This Christmas break we are taking two separate trips of about 30 students each to Cuba and Ireland.  Both trips are leaving December 27 and returning January 8.  It will be a great adventure and hopefully we'll be able to keep you updated through this blog during our trips!  Please join us in praying for these teams as we prepare for our time abroad.