Florida comes on strong in the second half
The florida guys took control on “make or break” day by laying two long walls of block, even with Mudder finding it difficult to share his mud. The Tennessee effort was hampered when Troy dumped an entire load of mixed cement on the ground. Both teams found out later, however, that we failed to meet a goal we didn’t know we had. For those counting at home, another truckload of block was delivered and unloaded. In all seriousness, the work is hard. There are plenty of blisters, aches and ego bruises but, luckily laughter is in great supply as well. And there are no state lines here, just citizens of heaven on sojourn, who, in a brief moment of unselfishness, are afforded an opportunity to see the rocks that Rex’s team planted sprout into walls…walls that symbolize freedom. The present variety that is both the gift and the promise of our Heavenly Father…the kind that makes it possible for nine weary sinners to be here. And a future freedom for orphaned boys and girls who’ll be the beneficiaries of HopeHouse’s passion and vision. I said previously that we laugh to keep from crying…that was misleading. We laugh in celebration…for it is the greatest of joys to serve the Lord. All our love…
May 17, 2007
Hey!
Thanks so much for posting updates.
I know all of you are doing a great job, even amongst the hard work and a few mishaps. Keep laughing – it is one of the best medicines! Hang in there and know all of you are in our thoughts.
TN Guys – I hope you all will bring a few pics back.
Gena
May 17, 2007
Hey Guys!
I am sorry that I have not commented earlier…..but I got home Sunday night from our trip and I just woke up today. HAHA I was jet laged more this time than before. Anyway, it sounds like you guys are having a great time and getting alot of work done. I hope we didnt leave you to much of a mess. Tennessee needs to man up…you cant be beat by Florida again. I was glad to hear that you made your train, I was worried when the flight was delayed. I cant wait to get back and see the walls you guys are doing and finally see progress. It was hard to visualize and see progress with the work our team did as most of it was in the ground but I bet it all starting to come together now. You guys be safe, please tell Yuri, Sergei and Ira I said Hello and we will continue to pray for your team.
May 17, 2007
Alright Tenn. you can’t let Fla. enjoy their new found victory J/K
Glad to see all of you can find ways to humor yourselves in the fun, work , and even mishaps. It’s all a part of a mix called survival. I’m sure when your efforts have reached the allowed time you will look back and remember those times when you asked yourslef “why am I here”? Then you got a resounded “IT’S NOT ABOUT ME” answer!
Guys, thanks for the sacrifice and willingness to put others ahead of yourself.
So are we up to 36 tons of blocks? We must keep count back in the USA
Side note to Art, Lee, and Michael….if you let Florida win again we’ll give you the “Duane” HAHAHA
Now BACK TO WORK!!!
May 17, 2007
“Watch what God does, and then you do it… Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with Him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of Himself to us. Love like that.” (The Message/Ephesians 5:1-2) Thank you for loving current and future Hope House kids like you are… your work there is truly extravagant!
May 17, 2007
Hey Friends,
Great blogs!!….Laughed out loud when reading about Shawn’s money management skills-Ukrainian styly,….felt bad on my friends Troy’s behalf about the overturned mixed cement,….and sat in disbelief that you all have unloaded 18 tons of block — more than once! See, this is the reason us women shouldn’t go on these bldg trips! smile…… You all are working so hard and we can’t thank you enough.
In your last blog you mentioned HopeHouse’s passion and vision. The truth is that HopeHouse would remain in a state of “passion” and “vision” if it weren’t for people like yourselves who have worked to make it a “reality”. We continually thank you — and others who have served before you and will serve after you –for your compassion and willingness to help orphans in this way.
Keep writing us – we’re praying for you and your families. Give our love to Yuri, Ira and Sergei!
Love,
Deneen and Mark Turner
May 17, 2007
What you guys are accomplishing there reminds me of our Christian life–we start with Christ as our foundation and build on it daily one block at a time through out our lifetime. Many times, in the midst of the ups and downs, we struggle but press on. When we get to Heaven, we hope to hear “Well done” from our Lord Jesus. You have been a good example for the rest of us doing what we can from where we are.
May 17, 2007
We miss you guys something terrible but we are so glad that you are working hard and having fun! It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you all work together (whether you are from FL, TN, or the Ukraine). I hope that your friendships will be strengthened while you are there and will continue to keep in touch with each other when you get back. I also hope you get the chance to meet and hang out with some of the children while you are there (I have a bet that y’all can’t score a goal against the kids in a friendly soccer game).
May 17, 2007
Hey,Guys! Sounds like y’all are doing a super-duper job over there.You know..so many feelings & emotions are welling up inside of me right now, b/c of the awesome work that y’all are doing,that I can’t quite find the right words to say. So,I am going to send them telepathically.Now,I am narrowing the thought channel so that they will go directly to the fellows in the Ukraine & not be detored or interfered with by bad cosmic energy (or anyone else’s thoughts trying to hitch a ride).O.k. now the guys in the Ukraine need to close your eyes, really tight,and focus all of your minds on the positive thoughts & warm fuzzies I am sending you right now. O.k. y’all need to take deep breaths and relax and absorb the positive & soothing thoughts. Michael, I said RELAX! O.k. My brain is getting tired. The transmission has stopped. I hope that will be enough to get you through the day. I will do some more thinking so that I can store it up to send to you tomorrow. Keep doin’ the Lord’s work and you will be blessed. Y’all are awesome & can’t wait to see you again. Now give each other a great big group hug from me.
Jun 02, 2007
JJ………leaving for Indiana in 10 minutes…..(7:30 am)
Hope your trip was great and hope I am on the correct blog. Hope you find this and correct me if this wasn’t the right one. Huge blessings on your special self today…………Love, Ter