DAY 2 – FIRST BUILD DAY by Shari Western

Working together!

              I am in awe, yet completely overwhelmed by the events that have so far transpired. This is my first time coming to El Salvador or even being on a mission trip, so I am busy trying to take everything in.

              Yesterday we met the families that we will be building houses for. Today we built 12 of those houses in the village of Apastepeque. I had the privilege of doing both kid’s ministry in the morning as well as helping to build a house in the afternoon.  Also, during house building we get to do interviews with the specific families that our team is building for.

              The kids were a bundle of energy!! We had approximately 15-20 kids come out. Lots of games and activities were played. A “crowd favourite” was face painting - especially when another team member and I became the canvas!! 😊            

In the afternoon, along with working some power tools (another first for me!) my husband and I interviewed a mother who, along with her husband and 2-year-old daughter are receiving a house. She met her husband in 2008 when both he and she had to move to this community because their previous houses were destroyed. They had a huge storm with a tonne of rain which created a mud slide down the side of a volcano. Much devastation occurred with many lives lost. Those whose houses were destroyed were given temporary housing in a nearby village but are no longer allowed to live there. This house means the world to Carla and her family. She said it will be nice to not have random animals wandering in and out and that it will be a safe place for their daughter to grow up.

All in all, it has been a tiring but equally rewarding day. Looking forward to what God has in store for tomorrow!!

By Shari Western