Wednesday, commonly known as “hump” day leaves the team with the same feeling.  Over the hump of our work here in Puerto Rico, yet knowing there is still a lot to accomplish at each of the sites and cumulatively on the island.

Personal Account of the Storm

During break times and lunch we learn much more about the hurricane and it’s devastating effects.  One team’s translator, Jose, told of his experience during the storm.  High winds, heavy rain continuously for eight hours as the hurricane sat over top of the the island.  Then for the next week as the storm moved away it rained continuously.  Part of the roof on his second story blew off, and the interior was damaged.  He said it was the most frightening thing he had ever experienced, but he had to be strong so that his wife would be OK.  He was one of the fortunate ones, only without power for four months and able to repair his home.  He also told us that as a result of the storm over 750,000 left the island and have no returned.  Because so many left the island, many schools were closed, and sadly many young people committed suicide.  Events like this can take such an emotional toll.

Today’s progress:

• trusses started going up – a slow go as tarp is removed, old trusses cut away and new moved into place – roofing will start tomorrow
• painting finished and helped get one family moved back into the area of the house affected – they were soooo appreciative – team moving to start helping another family
• finally seeing progress on one site after a lot or prep work – wall building, prep work for roofing
• second coat of paint on a lot of the house, first coat on the rest, most of the doors hung, light fixtures installed

Work is coming along, but it isn’t really all about the work. It is about the relationships, showing someone cares, sharing the love of Jesus. As we do, we find out that besides the physical dwellings that need fixing, there are other concerns, too. On one of the sites, the PR helper on site shared that he has been working with a broken rib and has been having trouble breathing. On another site the PR translator’s brother has been in the hospital for three weeks. He is recovering, but it is a slow go. After a long day at the work site he goes and visits his brother until 9PM. He is back to help the next morning by 7AM. All of us are humbled by the serving attitude of the Puerto Ricans we are working with who are always concerned with us, making sure we get out of the sun and take enough water breaks.

Group Effort – Mission Team and Home Team

At evening devotions, after sharing our work progress and where we saw love displayed today, Rick shared something he had learned on another mission trip. Yes, we could send money and let someone local do it. Important with a mission trip is the connection between home (us and our church) and the mission field. It is important for our (church) people are go and do. And it isn’t just about those going. There are the ones on the mission field and those on the “home” field. Important to the success are the prayers of those on the “home” field. We covet and appreciate your prayers for us in Puerto Rico, for the physical work we are doing, and for the bridges built as we get to know and appreciate our Puerto Rican brothers and sisters.

Photos today are of three of the work groups and some of what they are doing.

Please continue to pray for us.