service8_3

service8_3: "1. Mighty to Save - Big Stuf
2. Enough - Chris Tomlin"

Last day in Texas

Today was a extremely exciting day, we all woke up and had breakfast had our devotion from Adam and packed ourselves into the van to go to New Mexico. What in the world were we doing in New Mexico you ask? Well we were going to the White Sands National Park. Hmm... sounds slightly boring when you put it like that but we went sand sledding on the sand dunes. when we all got out of the car we expected it to be freezing because it looked just like new york in december all white and fluffy snow.. but to our surprise we almost died from the heat. We have many pictures of the gorgeous clouds and mountains with the sand. Then we went to Lascruecs, New Mexico. While we were there we got to see a wedding and a fifteenth birthday party and we bought some AMAZING ice cream that we were all dieing for. After the ride home some of us immediately collapsed on the bed and the others headed straight for the pool.

After some nice R&R the whole group got together in Alex's and Laurens room and had talk time... during talk time Bart gave out "awards" sue was given one for being the "rock of the group", Adam was given "true blue" because he is always true to the family and his friends, the girls were given ones for being compassionate and loving everyone. After Bart's awards Eric gave us some too. The awards were as follows... "Are we on time"-Sue, "Gassiest"-Sean, "i don't care how i look"-Eric, "awe award"- Miranda and Ashley share, "Indiana Jones award"-Adam and Lauren, "the social butterfly award"-Adam (a.k.a. the ladies man), cactus award-Lauren (lol) and finally the "gasp award" going to Alex.

we are all excited to come back and cant wait to see you all and tell all of our amazing stories.

with love,
Alex

Back in El Paso

This morning we got up bright and early, bright eyed and bushy tailed (ha yeah right), at 5:30!! We wanted to get an early start so that we could get in line to cross the border.
The line actually didn't end up being too bad, it only took a couple hours, and no one got held back!! except Adam, but no big deal. Kidding!!
Saying goodbye to the community and all of our new friends was kinda hard, but it is good to be back to functional plumbing! We have never been so excited to flush toilet paper and shave our legs!! :]
We had a relaxing day today, napping and showering. And we finished it up with an excellent celebration dinner and Starbucks! Beuno!

Nos gustan los camas!
(we like the beds!)

Hasta luego
(see you soon)

God bless,
Miranda and Ashley....and the crew.=]]

El Fin de Semana

Today is July 10th, and it is our fourth and last full day in Juarez. This entire trip was amazing, thank you so much to all of you for supporting us with your prayers and donations to get us here. Today Sue, Bart, Ashley, Miranda, Sean and Adam worked at the construction site of a new Sunday school building for the church Youth Works supports while Eric, Alex, and Lauren went to Kids Club for a day of songs, soccer, and crafts with 40+ children from the community. Afterwards, we passed away our free time by playing cards, soccer, or just hanging out with the other groups here. After dinner, we piled into the bus and headed for one of the mountains that overlooks Juarez and hiked straight to the top, where we could see all of Juarez, El Paso, and some of New Mexico. At Club tonight, the Youth Works staff washed the feet of the adult leaders, who in turn washed the feet of their students. It was an amazing and humbling experience, like most of our stay here. We all have grown to love this community and its people, and leaving tomorrow will be painful, but none of us will ever forget what we have seen and heard here, or the people we've met.

--And now, a word from the Youth......
Alex says, "I want a shower."
Sean says, "Mexican mountains are a blast!"
Miranda says,"I love hiking!"
Ashley says, "My feet feel very, very clean."
Lauren says, "I love that soccer isn't limited by language."
Adam says, "Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive!!!"

Day 4

heyy everybody it's sean!!!!!

so day 4 was totally amazing even though it rained most of the day, but the temperature was awesome. we started out going to the church service that was held right right at our sight, and it was a great experience. we were supposed to go on a hike but because of weather issues we had to change plans. instead we went to a rehab center that had about a dozen men in it. they all told us their story's and how things were much better for them now that they had found Jesus!!! it was so moving and i think every body had an amazing time.

The highlight of my day was when i had heard that one of the girls cars had broken down, and i was pretty sure that i could fix it for her. I'm just happy that my daddy has shown me the parts of a car, because from the things he has taught me i have been able help others because of his knowledge :]
we had a great end of the day, and were all able to tell of how this experience has change the way we see things. i know that it has had a great influence on me already and we're not done yet. everyone is doing great, it think alex is pulling through without the phone, but I'm not sure, hahaaaa

and it is true.... DON'T DRINK THE WATER IN MEXICO!!!! it has bacteria that only locals that have grown with it can drink.

Sue tooth is doing OK!!!! all good

look forward to seeing everyone, and keep the us and the people of Juarez Mexico in your prayers. god bless

Another Great Day

The day was amazing, it was much cooler in the low 90's. We are with three other youth groups and we are divided into different crews with other students and leaders (Marysville 1st UMC (OH); St Peter Lutheran (Denver, CO); and Church at the Cove (UCC, Boston, MA).

Today again we laid some more brick and mortar (Lauren and Alex). The rest of the crew, are helping out at Kids club (VBS) plus some had the opportunity to serve at an orphanage helping with some grounds keeping

We are also, just loving getting to know some of the members of the community, who are amazing people. God is also just touching our heart and show all of us his depth in love and culture.

Tonight Sean won the tortilla making contest., and it was good.

We had a chance to read the letters some of you wrote to us prior to coming to Mexico, and they were so encouraging. You are an amazing church.

More pictures to come!

Juarez Day One

Greetings Friends and Family,

Today was our first day in the community serving. Lauren and Alex are amazing at putting up brick and morter (alex is a amazing mason lol). We are consturting a new sunday school wing of the church. While everyone else was involved in Kids Club (VBS). Many piggy back rides and soccer games were played. Bart had like 3 kids hanging on him. This is a blessing, to get to know people in the area who have, what we think is sooo little, but yet so much care and love for us...even as strangers.

Sorry for no pics, we are not allowed to take pictures at work sites until wed. They want us to build relationships, and not just flood the community with people taking pictures.

Bye the way, it was 110 degrees, but very dry. Right now it is raining. We are a little tired, but so ready to continue serving.

(sorry for misspellings, we are on Spanish internet, and some words are boggled.

Talk to you soon.


Meg I love you soo much! say hi to shasta

Juarez Crossing the Boarder

This morning we attended worship at Trinity 1st UMC in downtown El Paso. We had an amazing time, and the people were soo nice. We had a chance to meet one of the former b-ball players of Texas Western Basketball team who beat U of Kentucky for the national championship in 1963 0r 66. This is depicted in a newly released movie "Glory Road". He was a nice man, tall, and mentioned that Coach Haskins widow comes to service every Sunday.

After lunch we made our way to Mexico, it was a 3 minute broader crossing. The Rio Grande is just a small reservoir between the US and Mexico.

We are hear, a little tired, but enjoyed a COKE in glass - pure cane sugar.

The poverty is heavy, and we will be encountering some very poor areas tomorrow.

God is moving in many of our hearts. We even got in a neighborhood game of street soccer.

We are so thankful for safe and uneventful travel. Keep us in our prayers!

P-Eric

Day two.

Eric at lunch..

the view from the parking lot at the tram.

the whole group.. rode the tram up to the top of the mountain.

Hello everyone, (from al lauren adam and sean)

today we all woke up around the same time nine-ish we had our continental breakfast together... adam and sean had some issues with syrup hogs.. haha.. then after breakfast we all went site seeing and went to the art museum and ate at a mexican/american restaurant. Later we went to the tram. It had amazing views! pictures to come.. after we went home napped a bit and swam and then went to the mall for dinner at subway! we just got back from a concert we are all exhausted and cant wait to go to bed.. and we are all SO excited to cross the border! talk soon. Love us.

Texas Desert from the Plane-

waiting to load up for our hotel

first view of Texas from the ground

in springville

Long Day...Safe in El Paso, TX - Day 1

Well, we finally made it, after a long day of travel. The flights were pleasant, and we were able to view the fireworks via, our van. We almost went into Mexico (accidentally), thank God for U-turns before the boarder.

It is gorgeous here with the dry heat at 91 degrees at arrival (8pm MTN) 10 Springville time.

Here are some of the comments from the team:

Alex: "I love El Paso...long day"

Miranda: "I love fireworks"

Ashley: Flying is so exciting and it was great!

Lauren: "Long day, finally here"

Sue: "Very long day - glad to be here - thankful for no travel difficulties

Eric: "You know, El Paso is warmer then Western New York"

Sean: "Great to be here"

Adam: "I saw pretty girls" (mr.beeman had to offer up a fee for this comment, lol)

Bart: " The missions team has landed, the situation is well in hand."

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

All of your message on the blog are shared with the team

Blessings,
Eric

Mexico Missions Team Part 1

In Matthew it says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in heaven” (5:14-16).

This verse speaks a lot to the purpose of this trip. Yes, we will serve people, and be exposed to new and sometimes uncomfortable things. Through, this I believe God will reveal himself to us as a team in a new and fresh way. Our prayer is that this experience will be a launch pad for our youth ministry to display deep justice and service to our town of Springville.

As we prepare to leave we ask for your prayers for Team Unity, Flexibility, Safety and an open heart as we serve the people of Juarez.

Next Blog: WHO'S WHO...on the Mexico Missions Team...and some final notes before we blast off.

Picture: (Back L to R) =

Adam Beeman, Sean Andrews, Sue Skura, Bart Moody

(Front L to R) =

Ashley Beeman, Miranda Skura, Lauren Moody, Alex Holley, P-Eric

These awesome people to the left are going to Costa Rica in July. The Fundrasing has been going extremely well, and we are all blessed.

Some of the upcoming Fundraisers, Soup and Salad Lunch, Italian Pasta Dinner, Youth Stocks, Church Change Wars, and a HUGE HUGE Church Rummale Sale.

Our goal for the trip is to serve and to be stretched out of our comfort zone.

top(L-R) Bart Moody, Eric Rose, Tracy Maybray,

Sue Skura, Mary Lou Forster

bottom (L-R) Lauren Moody, Alex Holley, Adam Beeman, Miranda Skura, Ashley Beeman

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we take this awesome adventure.