Sunday, June 1, 2008

The Journey






We shoved off from the FCC-BRLA at 7:00am sharp on Saturday, May 31. Packed into the Powder Blue Holy Wagon, Judy’s car and George’s truck pulling a trailer…we were ready for that 10 hour drive to Corpus Christi, Texas where we would spend the night. Three stops later we were at the First Christian Church, Corpus Christi, Texas. This church was amazing!! Our accommodations were beautiful and quite comfy (even though the boys took the room with the couches while the girls had to sleep on the floor…seriously?) We had dinner and some time to fellowship and stretch our legs. We can’t believe our journey has finally begun!!

We attended the 9:00am contemporary service at the FCC, Corpus Christi where the people were incredibly welcoming and excited to have us visiting. They even let Matt play the electric drums! He was like a kid in a candy store. The children’s sermon featured non other than our own Andrew Packman! He was a hit! The title of this morning’s sermon was “Crossing Borders!” It could not have been more appropriate!! J

Although we were appreciative of the hospitality at the FCC, Corpus Christi, we were anxious to back on the road. One U-turn later (which Andrew handled famously in the Holy Wagon, I must say)…we arrived at the Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries in Bayview, Texas to a positively giddy Michael Karunas.

We unpacked the trailer, claimed our bunks, and met our hosts for the week: David, Eric, Erin and Krista. The grocery crew: Judy, Tom, Lucy and Barb headed off to the grocery store and to organize our food for the week. In the interest of staying out of their way, Eric escorted us to BONITA South Padre Island for some beach time! There was swimming, soccer, football and a graceful face-plant by the Rev. K (sorry to say, we were not quick enough for a picture…)

Back at the SWGSM, we showered and got dinner ready. We are anxious to meet the Garza family and get to work!

We have wi-fi here at the Good Sam, so keep checking back for more pictures and Tales from South Texas! I’m sure we’ll good stories of our first border crossing tomorrow!!

Con la Paz de Jesucristo,

Sunday, May 25, 2008

The Commissioning



This morning (May 25) most of our group going stood before the congregation to receive our "sending off." It's less than a week now! And again...a HUGE THANK YOU to the FCC...

How We Got Here...






We didn't get a week away from this trip without some work! And our little group surely didn't accomplish this by ourselves!! We'd love to thank everyone from FCC and beyond who helped "build" our Casitas with Pieces of Casitas.
*The folks involved with the Jambalaya Lunch.
*The Women of Synergy with their "Cookies for Casitas."
*EVERYONE involved with the Tea, Fashion Show and Silent Auction.

We couldn't have done this without you all!

If you couldn't make it to the Tea, enjoy some of the pictures...it was something to see!!

Friday, May 23, 2008

All that's left to do is pack...




....We've raised funds...
...we've learned about the language and culture...
...we've gotten our tetanus shots (some took it better than others)...
...we've got t-shirts...
...Saturday, May 31, bright and early, we leave on this marvelous adventure!