To build a stone fence we had to excavate a trench about 1.5 feet deep, which meant using a pick ax, shovel, pry bar and assorted "manual" instruments of labor, and pain! It literally took a team of boys (and men) five hours to dig the trench twenty feet, while removing hundreds of rocks, some we estimate weighed more than 1000 pounds.
I have to give special thanks to my personal chiropractor, Clyde Walker, who had to make an adjustment of my neck, on a rock! When will I learn that I cannot keep up with the kids any more! I am concluding that one should never travel without their chiropractor. Thank you Clyde.
The work today was a labor of love as the boys knew it was for the mission camp at Kusi. We men marveled at how much spirit our kids have as they worked and rested in teams, having to spend considerable time resting due to the altitude. Myself, I became winded after only a few minutes of hard work, while the boys could work much longer.
Representative of their teamwork, the boys moved a rock (about 500 pounds, over 100 yards by rolling it along the ground. They figured out on their own that six of them could work in teams of 2 and roll a while, turn it over to another two, and rest while the rock made its way to the trench. I am including a picture of that effort and a picture of the excavation.
We broke for lunch then went back to work until 4, when we went back to the camp and the children put on a show for us. Amazingly, we could have left early as the work was tedious, and the kids were worn out from the physical labor. Instead they chose to stay around for an extended show and danced and sang with the boys at the mission, giving up shopping time in town. To a person, all of our kids always said the best part of each day was when they could "play" with the boys. I must admit, interacting with the boys was the best part of my day as well. I have never been prouder of our Southlake Seniors.
At lunch today we acted out a skit on the story of Ruth and Boaz. I got to play a small role as Ruth's husband that passes away early in act .25. I believe they do not like my acting! I forgot my only "act", which was to die on cue. Of course I forgot my cue, and it caused some laughter for the audience, and some humiliation for me.
Our worksite today was right in the path of the 1974 earthquake that killed the 30,000 I spoke of Monday. It was kind of eerie working under the ominous peaks of the glacier that broke away during that quake. I have been told that when the lake broke free the mud reached speeds of 300 miles an hour by the time it made its five mile trek through the town. The people did not know what hit them.
My observations from today are that the little time we were here and interacting with the kids, means more to them than we think. When I look at the Scripture Union Mission, and think about all it stands for, and the awesome task at hand, I feel inept in trying to perform God's work for such a brief moment in time. I remind myself that if we only affect one soul, and lead them to Christ, then we have accomplished much. I can tell you that this has been a life changing event for me personally. I see all the good that has come from a dream someone had to make a home for these children.
I see the family that is the mission, and the great people that run it and care for these boys. I also see the joy and happiness in the faces of the children from a simple kiss on the head, a hug and "Yo amo usted", my bad Spanish for "I love you". And I will tell you that in only five minutes with them you too will fall in love with them. Their eyes light up as they realize that we do care for them, and our short time here is truly meaningful. That our love translates to the love of Jesus and eventually can lead them to salvation through Christ. All of our kids are keenly aware of this mission.
It is a tough message to "get" for any child that has never felt the love of a parent, been abused, abandoned or orphaned. They must feel there is no God and there is no value in their life. We talked last night about the purpose of service, and how God uses us in his name. Jesus reminds us that we must have faith, but that faith without works is shallow.
My verse regarding service comes from 2 Timothy, 4:2, “Preach the word, be prepared in and out of season to correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction." In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he was warning Timothy that service to God is not "easy". It takes courage and perseverance. This is His command of our mission as well.
Macho, macho men!
Two unfortunate victims of the Ruth skit :)
Ruth and Boaz
The boys at Cusi perform a choreography. Later, they taught us how to dance!
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