Day one of building, both houses and relationships. Yesterday I was a little nervous about how our groups would mesh. Two groups like ours usually get along, but tend to naturally segregate. I didn’t want that for my group. Immediately when we got to the work site all of my groupies started working, and working well. Nobody seemed afraid to help out. Tommy challenged the student leaders this morning to be intentional and have a conversation with each group member, both from our church and those from the other churches. So Braxton and I made sure to do just that. We found out quickly what everyone’s strengths were, and learned some of the interests of other group members. By lunch time, there was no longer their church and our church, but our group. Praise God for answering our prayers.

Aside from that, the building went well with the exception of a few minor flukes that are sure to happen our first time out. Interacting with the family was an amazing experience, despite the very evident language barrier. Everyone tried their best, and the effort was appreciated on both sides. When we had completed our first house, we stepped inside with the family to pray. I was hit by a metaphoric brick in the head when I realized that this was their new home, a small 12×12 structure that is smaller than my bedroom. The mother of the family said (in English) “It’s beautiful!” The look on her face and the complete gratitude that I knew she was feeling really humbled me. If somebody told me I was moving into that structure, selfish little me would be very upset and probably angry. And she was so grateful. I’m still trying to think that out completely in my mind. Please keep praying for us on our mission here. God is truly working on and through us here.

By Haley Beer