Spirit Midwest Ministries Blog

Tijuana Team I 2010 - Day Seven!

Post by Julie Barnes on Fri Feb 26th, 2010

Today was a great ending to an awesome mission trip. We began the day finishing up a few projects at the base, then headed off to the feeding kitchen to serve lunch to the kids again. With fewer women onsite to help serve, our help was greatly appreciated. God was so good in giving us perfect timing with the meal as we had most of the plates ready to go as soon as the memory verses were shared. Serving was fast and efficient and the kids enjoyed their meals quickly so they could go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.

From there we spent an hour at a taco stand where we ate our own lunch, then moved on to the coffee shop to feed some addictions and use the facilities. Having a full day out for ministry often leaves us without modern restroom facilities. Though we are able to use whatever might be available at the orphanages and feeding kitchens, they often don't have running water or electricity, so we attempt to make other arrangements, when possible. We were grateful for this plan, as the entire team used the facilities at the coffee shop before moving on to Casa Hogan Sion orphanage.

The orphanage has a policy which prevents photography, so we were sad that we weren't able to take pictures of the kids as they played with us. We had so much fun making balloon animals, blowing bubbles, playing basketball and just holding the kids. When we joined the kids for dinner, we were given permission to take some limited photos, as the kids so enjoyed their gifts and getting their pictures taken with us. They really loved seeing their photos and were in awe of how quickly we were able to take the photo and turn around with a beautiful 4x6 glossy photo that is "guaranteed to last 100 years!"

As we finished the meal and cleaned up, we were exhausted. It's amazing how much energy we expend playing with the kids. Sometimes we think we haven't really done a lot, but we get so physically tired from the play that it really does wear us out. But, it's a great tiredness. We know we have shared the love of Christ and the kids have touched our hearts at least as much as we've touched theirs - if not more!

It is with sadness in our hearts that we head off to bed for our last time in Tijuana. Even Faith said this morning, "Nana, I don't want to go back to Iowa on Saturday." While she's been bashful around the kids sometimes and tired from the long days without naps, she has so thoroughly enjoyed her time here that I don't think she'll ever forget it. Nor will any of us. The smiles, laughter, hugs and kisses have all been priceless. We can't wait to come back again!

Check out our photos from Day 7 here!

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Tijuana Team I 2010 - Day Six!

Post by Julie Barnes on Thu Feb 25th, 2010

Today has been a wonderful day filled with new opportunities. While Faith continued to develop her special relationship with the cook at the base, Amalia, the rest of us finished organizing and cleaning up the chapel/auditorium, working on a commercial dryer which hadn’t worked since it was donated and sorting out and loading up another set of items to deliver to the feeding kitchen, Aracely (the new mom we visited yesterday) and the men’s hospice.

After our stop at the feeding kitchen, we enjoyed an awesome lunch of homemade tamales prepared over an open fire in Aracely’s yard. We were overwhelmed with the generosity of this humble woman, as she had prepared an absolute feast for us with dozens of pork and chicken tamales as well as a wonderful traditional Mexican hot drink called atole.

After enjoying our time with Aracely and her family, we headed off to Camp de Fe, the men’s hospice in the outlying region. Flora and her husband started the hospice after caring for a brother who was unable to find care elsewhere. After more than twelve years and 1,000 patients, Flora continues the ministry, though her husband left her years ago. Luckily, her daughter shares the responsibilities with her. Al and I weren’t sure we were emotionally prepared for this particular outreach after watching our dear friend pass away in a hospice a few days before we left on this mission trip, but we found ourselves greatly enriched as we shared the love of Jesus through song, prayer and worship.

We also took photos of each man, printed them out onsite, framed them in some simple wooden frames and gave each man their photo. It was amazing to see their reactions. We knew the children would enjoy receiving their photos, but we didn’t realize the impact this would have on the men. One of them stared at himself for a long time before finally asking me if that was truly a picture of him. I’m not sure if he was surprised because of how fast we were able to take his photo and print it out, or if he just hadn’t seen himself in a mirror in a while.

But either way, he – along with all the men – seemed to cherish their photos. Faith was eager to deliver cross stickers to each man, so they could put one on their frames. Then we sang more songs, Faith danced and we passed out blankets to each of the men. We were sad to bring our time of sharing to an end as the men were so greatly encouraged by our visit and we truly felt the love of Jesus pour through us to them as we ministered. This is definitely a ministry we will want to continue to partner with in the future.

We ended this wonderful day with a time of prayer and worship - made especially sweet as Faith joined Aaron on the guitar.

Check out our photos from Day 6 here!

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Tijuana Team I 2010 - Day Five!

Post by Julie Barnes on Wed Feb 24th, 2010

We were so blessed to have had a light day yesterday, as today was packed full of activity. After breakfast, we packed up a couple of bags of gifts to take with us as we embarked on our journeys. First, we dropped the men off at the Men's Rehab, where they enjoyed (another) light breakfast and a time of worship after which Al spoke about being a true believer and having an assurance of salvation. Dave also shared a brief message with the men and prayed a very heartfelt prayer over them. The men came forward for individual prayer, as well, which was a powerful time of spiritual warfare.

While the men ministered at the rehab center, the women visited Aracely, a young woman who had been trying to have children for twelve years before finally being blessed with her new daughter. We shared some of the blankets Elaine had given us, as well as some clothes for her and her baby which were donated to the base. Aracely was gracious to let us tour her home, which was built by a short-term mission team about a year ago. It was great to see it transformed into a home! With two bedrooms upstairs and a kitchen and living room/bedroom downstairs (the hammock is strung across the living room and tied up during the day, but let down at night), Aracely was thrilled with her home and her new daughter.

We then moved on to the feeding kitchen, where we also had a time of worship with the women of the area. Then Mary Jane blessed us with another message on trusting in God. This was a great teaching time with step-by-step instructions on how to follow the Lord, after which we also prayed with the women and children who came forward. It was touching to have several teenage boys come forward and ask for prayer for their parents - one in tears as he spoke of how his parents fight. We battled the enemy in prayer then rejoiced as he brought peace, at least to our hearts and minds.

The transition from Bible study to lunch was swift and chaotic - but in a very controlled fashion. We were impressed with the smooth oil that runs this feeding kitchen, which now serves over 200 children (and many of their mothers, as well). While we were astonished to see that the numbers had grown from 90-100 the last time we were here to over 200, Carmen, the woman in charge of the feeding kitchen, simply rejoiced as each child is exposed to the Word of God before lunch through memory verses that are taught as the children take their places. What an awesome ministry!

As we plated food and filled cups, they were swiftly delivered to each child in two shifts. Many children returned home from school and ate, while others were on their way to school and grabbed lunch on the run. Each child was blessed with the love of the women who volunteer in this kitchen every day, five days a week. We were blessed to be able to share in the ministry and, when the last child was fed, these wonderful ladies also shared their food with us. Chicken mole, rice and corn tortillas - yum!

We returned home in time for a quick change from ministry to shopping as the women compiled the lists for the base and the feeding kitchen and we headed off to Sam's Club. (Amazing, a new Sam's Club just a mile or so from the base!) We were able to purchase a huge amount of food for the feeding kitchen from donations Puente de Amistad had received, as well as the basics needed for the base for the coming teams. What a chore! I don't know how Bertha and Cathy do this alone! We were overwhelmed with the amount of food we loaded into the van!

As a treat, we then shopped at Wal-Mart, where we were able to purchase a new coloring book for Faith for the plane ride home, snacks for the team (as if we haven't been fed enough throughout each day!) and to top it off, coffees and frappuccinos at D'Volada's - Tijuana's version of Starbucks! Faith was even able to play in a playplace inside the food court for a bit as we enjoyed our sustenance.

After unloading the food and re-stocking the shelves, we had to quick change into our church clothes for the evening service. Tonight was the big night - no, not for church, but for us to eat at Al's all-time favorite taco stand: Tacos Moreno's. It did not disappoint! As we enjoyed our tacos de carne asada, roasted onions, limes, cucumbers and quesadillas, Al thoroughly enjoyed his first taco adobada of this trip . . . then his second . . . and then his third! Delicioso!

As we began the trek to the Templo de Alabanza La Puerta church, Al attempted to find his way - as he has learned the city of Tijuana very well. However, progress has come throughout the city and with the new paved roads, he was thrown off from his directions. Luckily, Mike was driving and knew where to go! As we arrived at the church, we were amazed at the paved street right outside the front door. The last time we were here, we had sunk nearly ankle deep in mud! It was awesome to see how much improved the area had become.

We were also blessed to see Jaime, who's foundation we had prepped last time we were here; as well as many familiar faces from the church. This church has always been a favorite of ours and we were excited to share the Word of God with them and to pray for them. Al shared his own testimony of coming to know the Lord at a young age, walking away, returning half-heartedly, and finally giving his whole heart, mind, sould and strength to the Lord. We then prayed for those who wanted to find that same passion for the Lord - either in their own lives, or in the lives of their family members.We were humbled by the pastor as he called for his congregation to also pray for us to have boldness, safety, wisdom, travelling mercies, etc as we continued on our journey.

Dave shared a special time of prayer for a young man who had spent most of his youth/young adult life in many illegal and dangerous activities before recently turning his life over to the Lord. In fear for his family, he requested prayer for safety from those in his "previous life" who might want to bring harm upon him and his family. He also sought prayer for a deeper relationship with the Lord and the ability to bring his family into that relationship, as well. We were touched to see him give his brother a hug, which was the first contact in many years due to their different lifestyles.

This church has an annointing of the Lord that was evident even on this night of prayer, rather than a full worship service, and we were blessed to be able to witness the fruit that is being borne through their efforts. Please remember La Puerta in your prayers as they continue to reach the lost. Thank you so much for following us on this journey. We are honored to be the hands and feet of Christ in Tijuana!

Check out our photos from Day 5 here!

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Tijuana Team I 2010 - Day Four!

Post by Julie Barnes on Tue Feb 23rd, 2010

Today we enjoyed a leisurely stroll through the market on our way to Lily of the Valley orphanage, which just happens to be in a coastal area minutes from the ocean. At the market, we each found that special something we couldn't resist - whether it was a new guitar for Faith, a dress for Mary Jane or tacos for Dave! Because it's early in the season, many of the vendors weren't open yet, but we were overwhelmed with the choices we had, so we considered ourselves blessed.As we finished our shopping, we enjoyed quesadillas at another taco stand. So far, we have not been disappointed anywhere we ate - except perhaps with how much we ate! But good food is hard to resist.

Our drive from the market to the shore was filled with new sights and sounds - many of which were the honking of horns, which is apparently a commonplace sound in Mexico. The houses along the way were unique in the way they are built into the hillside. Driving along the boarder fence was interesting, as we watched guards walking and driving up and down the boarder. It was sad to see the wall of crosses as we reached the ocean, each of which represents a life lost in an attempt to cross the boarder. There were signs everywhere declaring the need for reform.

Faith enjoyed her first look at the ocean, though she was disappointed in not being able to swim in it. However, while the temperature was a great deal warmer than home at 67 degrees, with the wind it seemed quite chilly at times. Definnitely not swimming weather. Plus, the particular stretch of the beach is heavily polluted and not safe to swim in. We consoled ourselves by having an ice cream at an oceanside cafe.

Finally, it was time to go to Lily of the Valley. Due to their restrictions, we were unable to take any photos of the orphanage or the children, but we did have a good time playing with them. First a quick game of soccer began, where the VERY talented boys were beating up on the guys. But then the guys, feeling their egos being battered, kicked it up a notch and scored a few goals. We also took turns spinning the kids on the merry-go-round, which they enjoyed at "mya rapida" speed. They cried out for more every time the ride came to an end.

We also presented the David & Goliath skit - only this time, with a twist. We let the children volunteer to play David. We weren't sure how well this would work, but they loved it. We ended up with several encores and by the end, the children were playing David, Goliath, the lion, and King Saul! They had taken our skit and made it there own. It was great fun to watch. Afterwards, each one (yes, even the teens) colored pictures depicting the scene. Some took theirs back to their rooms, while others gave them to us as keepsakes.

After several hours with the children, we returned home for dinner and debriefing. A common realization among each of us has been how much we take for granted the things that we have at home. When we go from orphanage to orphanage to feeding kitchen and churches, we see how content these people are with what we consider to be meager surroundings. How can we return home and jump back into the rat race of humanity, always struggling to get ahead . . . to get more? We pray that God will pierce our hearts in such a way that we do not return unchanged. May He keep our hearts as sensitive to Him at home as we've been to Him here!

Check out our photos from Day 4 here!

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Tijuana Team I 2010 - Day Three!

Post by Julie Barnes on Mon Feb 22nd, 2010

After another delicious breakfast, we headed off to Dibujanda de Sonrisa orphanage where we were surprised to find many more kids than we expected due to school being cancelled due to mud! It had rained the night before and - especially in the poorer sections of town - many of the roads were impassable due to all the mud. Thankfully, we had the directorial team from the base with us, along with one of their children, Mikayla, who helped organize the group in an instant.

The kids were happy to line up for photos and eagerly decorated their frames while the printer printed as fast as it could. The children loved watching the printer print each layer of color on their photo, one by one, the a final layer of gloss over the top. Brandi & Al would then trim the photos for the frames and glue them on. It was a great assembly process.

We interrupted the photo process for the David & Goliath skit with Faith and Dave. While Faith was extremely shy and suffered a bit of stage fright, Dave soon had her laughing as she slew the giant! Then the kids began coloring pictures to remind them of the skit if they had already finished their frames. Age really didn't matter when it came to the photos and the coloring - everyone enjoyed taking part!

The orphanages don't see a lot of men, so Al and Dave were always surrounded with boys wanting to show them their pictures, play with their airplanes and eventually they talked them into spinning them around like airplanes! The guys were happy to oblige, as the huge smiles, hugs and laughter was like music to our ears. What an easy way to share the love of Jesus - even without words.

These children were so happy just to spend time with us. Many of them just wanted to be held and loved on - which we were eager to do! Al and I were especially thrilled to see Ruby, who we've known for a couple of years from another orphanage. She was a very sad and angry little girl when we first met her (at only a year old). But now she is with her brother and sister in this orphanage and blossoming into a smiling and happy little girl.

As is sometimes the case, her parents were unable to provide for her, so when she was just a baby they began dropping her off at the orphanage on Monday and picking her up on Friday night or Saturday. This was so hard on Ruby emotionally, she didn't know how to cope with it so she just shut down during the week. She had begun to blossom the last time we saw her, last summer, but seeing her along with her siblings at the new orphanage today was a special treat. It was hard to say goodbye at the end of the morning as the kids wanted us to stay. But, for us it was easier as we know we'll be back again next year!

We were thrilled to enjoy our first shrimp enchildos and birria tacos at a couple of taco stands on the way home, where we began our work projects at the base. The guys built the rafters and framework for the stairs of a new house a team is building next week, while some of the women sorted the rest of the donations in the chapel/auditorium and began bagging them up for donations to the various orphanages and feeding kitchen. Mary Jane and Brandi scrubbed and painted the kitchen and dining room. Then Dave finished off the hallway he and Brandi had started yesterday. That leaves the auditorium for Wednesday's painting project.

Keep checking back to read about tomorrow's activities and check out our photos from today here!

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Tijuana Team I 2010 - Day Two!

Post by Julie Barnes on Sun Feb 21st, 2010

Today has been a fantastic day. We began our morning in Tijuana's version of a mega church, La Arena (Grupo Unidad Cristiana), where the uplifting music, powerful message and interpretive dancing thrilled us. Since we wer downtown, we walked to a couple of stores on our way to Los Arcos, a favorite seafood restaurant where we enjoyed a wonderful meal and shared Lori Emerson's birthday. While tradition in this restaurant required the recipient to drink a shot of Tequila and have her birthday cake smashed in her face, the servers graciously modified their custom to a more subdued singing of Feliz Cumpleanos and a dollop of whipped cream on the chin!

We then headed back to the base so Mary Jane could put the final touches on her message for the afternoon service at Vision de Dios, a local colonia church which would give us the opposite extreme of the churches in Tijuana. Vision de Dios is a small church in one of the colonias outside Tijuana with few of the technological accoutrements we witnessed at La Arena. However, in honor of our visit they did videotape the service.

After what we in America would consider to be an extended time of passionate worship and exuberant praise – provided by the worship team as well as many others who were invited to lead, including small children – the pastor introduced Mike Brandt, the director of Puente de Amistad (the outreach base in which we’re staying). After a word of prayer, I introduced our team and Mary Jane Shea, who shared her testimony of Restoration.

She challenged the congregation to reflect on their personal walks with the Lord and to come forward at the end of her message if they had any need. The altar was filled and many wept as we prayed for God’s provision. It was especially awesome to see the transformation of one man who had come forward in tears and mourning as he realized his separation from God, then suddenly the joy of the Lord filled his heart, his eyes lit up and he couldn’t stop smiling from ear to ear. Praise God!

After the service (which lasted nearly three hours!) we enjoyed hot chocolate, coffee and pastries with this humble congregation who had prepared a feast for the “international mission team.” The children loved seeing Faith with our team and all greeted her with smiles and laughter. While she was a little shy at first, she soon opened up and shared all kinds of stories with the girls at our table. Though they didn’t understand each other’s language, they sure enjoyed one another’s company!

We finally returned home around 7:30 to another of Amalia’s feasts: black bean burritos, taco salads, nachos or whatever concoction each of us put together with the feast spread out before us. (I must say, it has been difficult suffering for the Lord with Amalia around!) We go to bed exhausted, but eager to face tomorrow.

Check out our photos from Day 2 here!

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Tijuana Team I 2010 Hits the Road!

Post by Julie Barnes on Sat Feb 20th, 2010

Well, twenty-four hours into our trip, we already have some amazing God-sightings to share. Arriving at the airport Friday night was a challenge, as the 1"-3" snowfall that was expected, turned into far worse than anyone imagined, making for some slow going. But, we all made it by 6:00 p.m., checked in, checked our bags, enjoyed dinner together, then waited . . . and waited . . . and waited.

Much of our waiting time, Al was standing in line at the gate, hoping to speak with someone about our difficult connection in Denver. With only forty minutes between flights, we knew we were cutting it close. Watching our boarding time pass, then our departure time pass, we began to get nervous - okay, I should be honest, I didn't see Dave, Lori, Mary Jane or Faith exhibit any nervousness. Brandi was a little nervous, I was more nervous and Al - though not nervous at all - took the bull by the horns and tried to get some answers. Unfortunately, there were none to be had.

By the time he reached the head of the line to ask the gate attendant for assistance, our flight had actually started boarding and all she said was, "Get on the plan, Sir." And that we did. Gratefully, though with some trepidation as to what we would find when we landed in Denver. However, there was no way we were waiting for morning to depart, because Faith (our four-year-old team member) could hardly contain herself any longer. This was her first time flying and having to wait the extra hour and a half to depart had nearly driven her crazy!

So, onto the plane we went. It was amazing that our little group of seven couldn't manage to have seats together, but we didn't. A couple pairs were able to be put together, but the rest of us were on our own. However, as the door closed, I snuck up to the fourth row, beside Al, and enjoyed a nice flight with lots of leg room. (No, it wasn't first class . . . just a small plane!)

Faith enjoyed the take off, drew in her new notepad, and then promptly fell asleep. As we landed in Denver, she missed the minor turbulence and awoke after Papa had managed for secure four rooms for our group of seven, as well as $15 per person in meal vouchers, as the last flight to San Diego has departed some time earlier. So, off to the hotel we went. A beautiful room awaited us, filled with sets of toiletries - which we had actually intended to buy for the men at the hospice. So, we took our sets from our rooms and also asked the front desk for supplements and thanked God for this divine opportunity.

We also thanked God for his appointment of a seat mate for Mary Jane. Theresa was flying from Des Moines to San Diego to be with a cousin who is battling cancer and she and Mary Jane struck up a conversation. Through the course of the flight to Denver, they learned they had much in common. Mary Jane has recently heard God calling her home to Peoria to help take care of her parents and Theresa just moved to Fort Dodge to help her mother take care of her ailing father. A kindship was formed. As we landed in San Diego, Theresa did not fare as well in getting accommodations from United, but Mary Jane was honored to share her room and continue to share stories with Theresa.

As our flight was boarding from Denver to San Diego, our team experienced another minor bout with anxiety as Al wasn't with the team. He had decided to go back to the United agent and see if we could get some travel vouchers for our inconvenience. Contrary to what you might think, he didn't go to the counter and angrily berate the agent for our inconvenience and demand compensation. He simply struck up a conversation about what our journey had been like so far, where we were going, what we were doing, etc. All the while, he was also drawing out the story of the agent's life, friends, family, goals, etc. In the end, he walked away with $150 travel vouchers for each one of us to be used toward any future flights in the next twelve months! Way to go Al!

The flight from Denver to San Diego was fantastic. As a person who secretly fears flying and often suffers from motion sickness, I have had some anxiety about this first flight for Faith. Turbulence in Denver is often a challenge and has been the location of my worst bouts with motion sickness. But, both our landing Friday night and our take off Saturday morning were wonderful and Faith was in heaven - quite literally, or so she thought!

Remember the innocence of a child? As we met with a couple of bumps, she just thought we were skipping along on the top of some bumpy clouds and had not a fear in her mind. She was able to enjoy all of the in-flight time going back and forth from window to window seeing the beauty of God's creation and enjoying the presence of family and friends. God is so good to give her this wonderful memory to call upon as she embarks on additional journeys later in her life.

The mission base directors picked us up from the airport and brought us across the boarder to the base, where we unloaded and unpacked, then enjoyed a leisurely lunch. After orientation, we organized our ministry materials and began working on the base. As the first team in to the base this spring, we offered to use our time at the base to help get it ready for the coming onslaught. So, today Dave and Brandi painted the hallway; Al, Mary Jane and Lori sorted donations for distribution to the various ministries; and I polished up the Spanish translation of our David & Goliath skit for the orphanage on Monday morning. (That sounds a whole lot more impressive than it really is. I don't speak Spanish well, I just recognized a couple of modifications I wanted to make to the script that someone else had translated for us.)

After an awesome dinner and devotions, we sent the team off to bed early so we'd be ready to hit the ground running tomorrow. Breakfast at 7:30; depart for La Arena church (big) at 8:00; walk around downtown for a bit until lunch at Los Arcos (my favorite restaurant in Tijuana); then a local church (small) at 4:00, where Mary Jane will share with the congregation and then we will open the service up for prayer. Please join us in paying for each step of our day, that we can be the hands and feet of God. Thanks for checking in. Come back tomorrow to see what God has done!

Check out our photos from today here!

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A Huge Success!

Post by Julie Barnes on Wed Feb 17th, 2010

We couldn’t have asked for a better turnout for our Valentine’s Dinner & Dance last weekend. As our first fundraiser for Tijuana Team I 2010, we thought we’d start small and limit our dinner to 60 people, since we were preparing, decorating, cooking, serving and cleaning up for the entire event ourselves. However, the response was so overwhelming that we decided to add a table, then another, and another and finally one more till we had 84 reservations! Many thanks to Rob & Marla Faith and Vicki, Allison & Samantha Crawford who jumped in to assist at the last minute. We couldn’t have pulled off the event with out you!

Unfortunately weather and other conflicts kept a few people away, but we ended up with 72 guests the night of the dinner and we were thrilled to see most of them take advantage of our dance instruction - graciously provided by the owners of Dance-A-Cross. The floor was filled to overflowing much of the night!

Our youngest team member wasn't able to help cook, decorate, set up or tear down for the night, but she added a very special treat as she went table to table selling beautiful long-stem roses to anyone who so desired. She was excited to sell over two dozen roses and know she made a contribution to the fundraising effort. Thank you to all who succombed to her solicitation!

After expenses, we were blessed with nearly $750 to use for our ministry expenses. We were excited to purchase a portable printer and nearly 250 photo/ink packs from these proceeds – which Cia (pronounced shy’ uh) with Cia Designs used to provide photography at the dinner. (Photos will be uploaded gradually here.) We learned on a previous mission trip how much the children like to have their pictures taken. However, instamatic pictures are cost prohibitive and fade easily. Now, with our high quality camera and printer, we’ll be able to take long-lasting photos of the children in the orphanages, which they’ll custom frame and decorate and then either give to loved ones or keep for their rooms.

We were also told that the eight men living in the hospice facility in which we’ll be serving would also love to have the opportunity to share their photos with loved ones, so we’ll be taking pictures there, as well. When we asked the director of the hospice (which is really just someone’s home, opened for those in need) if there was anything special we could bring with us, we were thrilled to hear the answer: blankets. It just so happened that last month at one of our Jammin’ Java events in Ankeny, a wonderful lady named Elaine Folding learned of our mission trip and donated a huge box full of handmade afghans! We are always humbled to see how God has orchestrated details long before we ever understood or recognized His hands at work. Thank you, Elaine, for being willing to share your gift with us, the orphans and men in the hospice! May God richly bless you in return!

As we embark on this new journey, we are already planning our next trip later this year. If you would like to join us, please let me know. We’ll be having an informational meeting in late March to discuss the next trip – on which we hope to have enough able bodies to build a house!

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