thoughts-for-today-bible-wisdom/pastors-blog/blog/umcl.us

Photo Journal of Mission Trip to Puerto Rico

Posted on January 29, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 28, 2019

The mission team has hoped that from the previous blog posts on Puerto Rico you have not only learned about the island US Territory of Puerto Rico, but discovered its unique beauty, shared in its lovely sunsets, and experienced the “flavor” of the team’s experience ministering by helping to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurrican Maria in September 2017. After 16 months, there is still a lot of work to be done rebuilding homes. Infrastructure and electrical grid are still being rebuilt and upgraded. Lives of many are back to normal, yet many more still live with a tarp over their roof.

As you look at this collage of photos and see the work accomplished by the Upper New York Conference Mission Team of 24 to Puerto Rico that included team members from United Methodist Churches of Livonia (13), Rush (2), Homer (6), and (3) acquaintances of other team members, please continue to pray for our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico and the continuing rebuild effort.

Fond Fair Well to Puerto Rico

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 28, 2019

One week – not enough time, but long enough to turn our curiosity for Puerto Rico into a love of the island and its people.

Friday – Short Work Day

Our last work day was cut short because of the need to leave camp and head to the north side of the island to be close to the airport for an early departure scheduled on Saturday. We traveled on winding roads up the east side of the island giving us yet another beautiful look at the mountains, small towns, and the ocean. We arrived at a large church in San Juan, a short drive from the airport, where we were to stay

Church in San Juan where we stayed the last night.

that night. The church had been expecting us, along with two other teams. There were close to fifty housed at the church. In preparation, they cleaned out one room, purchased bunk beds, mattresses, and acquired sheets and towels. One of the other teams was one we had met in the Baltimore airport on our way to PR which was from Kansas City. Again, they would be on the same plane as we were going home.

With the few hours remaining we drove about twenty minutes to Old San Juan. What a beautiful and interesting area. After parking we walked several blocks up hill past beautiful buildings and statues to the old fort, Castillo San Cristóbal. We were excited that the fort was open even though the government was still shut down, and no cost to visit because of the shut down. What an amazing structure, built 400 years ago, still standing, and even used during WWII. With water on three sides, it is built with secret passageways, extremely thick walls, towers and a moat, this structure was designed for observation and defense in such a way that it would be nearly impossible for the enemy to penetrate. It was even designed with its own fresh water collection system to hold about 800,000 gallons of water.

: Castillo San Cristóbal

: Castillo San Cristóbal

: Castillo San Cristóbal

: Castillo San Cristóbal

: Shops and cafes in Old San Juan.

: Street in Old San Juan

: Street Cafe Old San Juan

: Statue in Old San Juan

When the fort closed at 6PM we walked back to the van past cafes playing Puerto Rican music. Within walking distance of the church we stayed at were a number of restaurant choices. Eating in a restaurant in Puerto Rico is a lingering experience. No rush – no rush to take your order, no rush preparing your food, and no rush at the end of the meal to make room for another customer. Sit back and enjoy! After returning to the church we had one final team meeting. Retiring to our rooms, we were all quite tired from the week’s work and quickly fell asleep.

Team Thoughts on the Week

Team members all agree that the week was too short.
We needed more time to really complete what we had hoped to accomplish and are praying other teams will take up where we left off next Monday.
There is so much to do and so many more places that need help in PR.
We were just getting to know our PR hosts, worksite coordinators and translators – learning their stories and testimonies – we wanted to spend more time getting to know them better.
All of the Puerto Ricans we worked with were hard workers. Even our translators jumped in on the job sites to help with the work.
We all felt there could be room for improvement in organization and planning at the PR level to maximize the labor provided by mission teams.
We all enjoyed getting to know each other. Those from the same church got to know each other in a different way as they realized hidden talents and skills. Meeting and working along side team members that came from other churches was a growing experience as we worked together for the common goal. One team member has even offered to host a team reunion next summer.

Mission Trip Recipe

Take 24 people, both men and women, with a variety of ages and life experiences from different churches, mix in work including construction, framing, painting, cleaning, and “whatever,” blend for one week, bake in semi-tropical sun, and flavor with scattered showers and rainbows.

Yield: 24 who came to help, but return home with changed lives.

Note: Final post tomorrow will be a large photo gallery of the work done by the teams.

Day #4 – If Only . . .

Posted on January 24, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 24, 2019

If only we had more time. Even with many helping at each site we might not finish everything on the site “to do” list. We have 24 willing workers and in spite of some supply and tool shortages, most resolved, a lot of work has been accomplished, but not everything will be done. The good news is that another work crew will be coming in next week. In fact, we were told that crews are scheduled now through March.

Progress In Spite of Shortages

As reported earlier in the week, some sites experienced shortages of essential tools like hammers and ladder, screws, inadequate equipment like very small paint brushes and old, worn out paint rollers. Sometimes these shortages are not the fault of the PR coordinators, they are shortages yet in stores like local hardware stores and Home Depot. For example, all of the tile that Home Depot had were purchased, but he shower tile job came up short 14 tile.

Yesterday and today some of the exterior jobs were cut short or delayed because of heavy showers. People are so appreciative of our efforts. One woman even cooked a delicious lunch for the crew working on her house. When they thank you with tears in their eyes, you know your efforts are appreciated.

Scenery On the Way to Work

Work crews go both east and west from our camp in Patillia. The crew to the east travels along the coast, right along the coast with a drop off to the ocean, then cuts back into the hills/mountains on single lane roads and bridges, up to about 450 feet above sea level. This trip takes about 20 minutes through little towns and at times between banana fields. The other crews go west, one crew up into the mountains. The two further crews travel along the coast, but not right next to the coast. On their way they travel across a wide coastal plain, a very large agricultural area where there bananas, sugar cane, tomatoes and other crops are grown. This farming area is well managed. Near the large “wind” farm they turn toward the coast.

: Gas price on island – per liter

: Banana plantation

: Wind Farm

: Another banana plantation

Animal Life

Life is different here in Puerto Rico in many ways from the climate, to the way houses are constructed, to their life style and customs. It is very common to see chickens running around houses and hearing roosters crow most of the day. Yesterday arriving at my work site we discovered the bull had gotten out of the pasture ten feet from the house we were working on and was enjoying his breakfast eating the shrubs and plants around the house. Papo and Jose who work on our team had to shoo the bull back through the hole in the fence before we did much work outside. Dogs of every kind, none purebred, cows, horses and ponies, birds, lizards (Iguanas), gecko, probably insects, but very few mosquitoes or spiders that I have seen. On the way back to camp yesterday, the group came across a horse dead in the road. Many places the horses are not in pastures, but roam free range.

: Iguana

: Bull being followed by birds.

: Couqi frog of Puerto Rico

Thoughts on Our Trip Here

I asked several if they would like to share their thoughts on coming here.

Laura used the word united. We came from several different churches to work together for a common goal, that of working on a house (for a person or family) damaged by the storm. We are of one mindset, that of making the house a home, or at least doing our part in that process.

Annabell, who feels she has no construction skills, has learned a lot. In fact, she is now featured in a YouTube video where she demonstrates the techniques and skills to fill in and mortar around a door frame/door. Yes, she learned how to “mud,” taught by Papo and Laura who learned this skill on other mission trips. Somewhat kidding, she did want a video taken on her phone of her doing this skilled work.

Phil mentioned that it takes a few days to get to know the locals, the Puerto Rican members working at the site, our translators, and the UMCOR workers. About the time that you begin to develop a relationship, it is time to go home.

Mission Trip Success

As “missionaries” to Puerto Rico we each came with our thoughts on what success here would look like. Our perception of success is often not what the nationals vision of success might be. Sometimes we need to relax, step back, and look at our success by the standard of success in the eyes of our hosts, those that invited us to come. If we are successful by their standard of success, we have accomplished what God has called us to here to do.

Friday – Last Day

Our Friday work day will be shortened because of the need to travel and stay much closer to the San Juan airport because of our early departure Saturday morning back to the cold and snow in New York. There will be a few jobs that will be completed tomorrow, and yet there will be some that remain to be completed by other mission teams arriving next week and in the weeks to come.

Because of the shorter work day, travel across the island, and relocation at another camp site, I probably will not be posting a report on Friday. More will be posted after our return state-side. Also, the pastors are planning on the team giving a report the first Sunday in February.

Workday #3 – Mission Field and Home Field

Posted on January 23, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 23, 2019

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.

On the Job in Puerto Rico

Posted on January 22, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 27, 2019

Two days, four work groups with about six or seven in each group, translator for each group, national work site leader, possibly other national workers, team leader, big insulated tubs with ice and cold water, and a tub of lunch and snacks.

Sites and Jobs

One work group travels about 20 minutes to their work site, the other three groups travel about an hour, one even further. The house at the closest site needed to be totally gutted. It has the corrugated roof on with finishing work going on. Two doorways framed, walls almost ready for paint and by the end of the second day about half of the rooms and nearly all of the exterior had two coats of paint. Another of the sites has similar work with painting and finishing. Work is progressing well.

Two teams are working on exterior construction, one building roof trusses (wooden due to lack of steel supplies), the other tearing out walls, framing up, and a lot more. One team did not lack for supplies and equipment, yet another didn’t even have a step ladder and only a hammer that our team leader brought.

Team members are pitching in doing many tasks, some seem like they are small and not important, but on jobs like these, every job is important and every person’s contribution is important, even if it is just marking lumber for cutting. Team members are learning new skills, some using skills they already had. Tasks team members are doing include painting walls, cutting in paint, calking, repairing the walls (stucko like material), wiring, marking and cutting lumber, tearing out damaged portions of structures, building exterior walls, setting trusses, supporting and encouraging each other. The days are quite warm (we are not really complaining) and it is humid. Staying hydrated is important. The camp kitchen staff is making tasty meals and sends a nice lunch each day.

: Wall repair before painting.

: The four work teams prepare to leave for their work sites.

: One interior wood wall, steel rooting already installed.

About the Puerto Ricans

Most of the Puerto Ricans working on the sites with the teams have experienced similar issues from Hurricane Maria. One translator was without power for two months, another without power for four months. Some had damage to their home or a home of a loved one. These folks work for UMCOR, the humanitarian outreach of the United Methodist Church. The have told us that they feel blessed to be able to give back and help others whose lives are still disrupted 16 months after the hurricane. FEMA and UMCOR are working together on many of these projects to repair homes and get people’s lives back to normal.

God At Work

At the team meeting and devotions last evening someone mentioned that as the paint we are putting on the house is giving the owner and his family new hope. God does more than cover us with paint, he cleans us up on the inside, too. Although it may be common here in PR, we have seen one or more rainbows in the sky every day. We see this as a promise from God and a blessing on the work that is being done, not only by our team, but by all of the teams that are coming to PR to help.

Sunday, Day of Worship and Acclimation to Puerto Rico

Posted on January 21, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 21, 2019

After a welcomed night of rest, the Puerto Rico Mission Team woke to sunshine, warm temperatures, and ready to begin our task. After a time of fellowship we enjoyed a filling breakfast and has a short team meeting.

Warmly Welcomed at Church

After a short 5 minute walk up he street to the Methodist church, we arrived to singing already in progress. We found out later that this was the second service. One service runs right into the next with a few people coming and going, but many staying for both services. Our service lasted until 12:30. After finding seats, the Pastor welcomed us to the service explaining to the congregation (in Spanish) the reason why we were all there. Our team leader, Pastor Beth, was asked to say a few words (English translated by our interpreter into Spanish). Many in the service took opportunities then and later to personally greet the members of the team thanking us for coming to PR to help.

Church was a mix of lively worship singing, scripture readings, times of prayer, and preaching. It did not feel like two hours long! Children were in the service for the first hour, then marched to the front of the sanctuary, then released to Sunday School. Later at the end of the service, the children marched back into the service to show everyone what they did in Sunday School. The teacher briefly told what was learned (in English for our benefit), then the children went back to their parents. The church was even thoughtful enough to ask those that could translate find a place near groups of us so that the message could be translated for our benefit, too. The pastor preached from the Gospel of John about the time when Jesus changed he water into wine. After church, again, many came and gave us hugs and thanked us for coming. We were blessed by their warm welcome.

Sightseeing and Bio-luminescence

After lunch the team filled both vans to head to he city of Ponce more than an hour west of the camp.

The team members had time to walk around the city, enjoy the Caribbean architecture, visit the lovely parks, and a few even walked quite a distance to visit the art museum. Most of the team did have a chance to go into the beautiful cathedral in the center of the city. Well maintained and used for regular services, the Catholic church even had a large pipe organ in the back balcony. We wondered if it was still used. Half of the team had arranged an outing another hour and half further to see algae that, when disturbed, give off light. They suited up went into the water after dark to have a “Tinkerbell” experience.

: Walking to the Methodist Church Sunday morning.

: Cathedral in Ponce

: Inside the cathedral.

: Beautiful stained glass inside the cathedral.

: Beautiful ending to our Sunday in Puerto Rico.

Except for the team that had driven the furthest, the rest went to bed early as Monday morning would be an early rise at 6AM.

Mission Team Arrives in Puerto Rico

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 19, 2019

Up early Saturday, January 19 and meeting the rest of the team at the Rochester International Airport at 4:30 AM, team members checked their bags and waited to depart for a week in Puerto Rico to assist in rebuilding efforts following devastating destruction from Hurricane Maria in September 2017. Three others flew in from other areas of the country and met the team in San Juan.

: Flying into San Juan 1/19/19

: Puerto Rico Mission Team in the airport.

: Checking out the beach just outside the camp compound.

: Beautiful sky.

Team Escapes Before the Snow Storm

The Lord has directed the path allowing the mission team to fly out before the snow storm arriving in San Juan with warm sunshine and the temperature at 83 degrees. The team was met by a local staff member. After retrieving our luggage, we were met by a pickup (to carry most of the luggage) and two 15 passenger vans. The drive from San Juan to the south side of the island to Patillas Camp, which is on the shore.

At the camp them women are housed in a dormitory above the dining area , the men in a dorm in an adjacent building. After a tasty meal of rice and beans, pork, and plantains (a type of cooked banana) we had a team meeting followed by devotions led by Pastor Hoyt. Since most everyone has had a very long day, we are looking forward to a restful night, windows open with a nice sea breeze. (sorry NY!

Plans for tomorrow include church – in Spanish.

Anticipation Rises for Puerto Rico Mission Team

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 16, 2019

As the combined mission team from Livonia UMC, Homer UMC, Rush UMC, Lansing UMC, and two from Philadelphia, PA heads to Puerto Rico today, January 19, anticipation rises as members wonder just what it will be like in Puerto Rico, what will they see, who will they meet, what will they eat, and what will the nature of their work assignment be?

Puerto Rico – Did You Know?

Puerto Rico is 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, the smallest island of the Greater Antilles. It includes the main island of Puerto Rico and several islands: Vieques, Culebra, Mona and numerous islets, and is located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
“The culture of Puerto Rico has been greatly influenced by its history. With the blend of Taino Indians, Spanish and African cultures, comes a melting pot of people and traditions, as well as the impact of the United States political and social exchange into every aspect of life.”
“Puerto Rican cuisine is a unique tasty blend of Spanish, African, Taíno, and American influences. We call it “cocina criolla”, a delicious mingling of flavors and ingredients passed from generation to generation.”

Island of Puerto Rico taken from space.

Coquí Frog

Couqi frog of Puerto Rico

It is known that the people of Puerto Rico are very fond of their little island mascot, a tiny frog that is about 1″- 2″ long called the coquí. It is called a “natural wonder of Puerto Rico.” This endemic species live in the island’s forests. Although small, it makes an impressively loud sound! “The call of the coquí is clear, high-pitched and unmistakable. And if you ever get to spend a night or two in El Yunque, you’ll hear their song all night long without interruption. This symphony will either drive you nuts or lull you to sleep.” I hope that I get to both see and hear this little frog, the coquí.

What else will the mission team see and experience? That remains to be seen.

Jeremiah 20:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The mission team asks for your prayers – that the work that they do will bring hope and encouragement for a brighter future to those that they meet and minister to that have been so greatly affected by the natural disaster, Hurricane Maria.

Information courtesy of:

Puerto Rico – Destination of UMCL Mission Team

Posted on January 18, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 16, 2019

As the team prepares to leave for Puerto Rico to help with construction to rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Maria in September 2017, anticipation runs high as they head to a place never visited before and doing work that has yet to be assigned. What is Puerto Rico like and what will they experience?

About Puerto Rico

Founded: Dec 10, 1898
Population: 3.34 million (2017)
Area: 3,515 sq miles – about the size of Rhode Island
Unincorporated territory of the United States
Located in the northeast Caribbean Sea, approximately 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami, Florida.
Capital and most populous city is San Juan
Language: Spanish and English although Spanish predominates

History of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, which means rich port, was colonized by Spain after the arrival of Christopher Columbus and remained a colony of Spain for four centuries. “The island’s cultural and demographic landscapes were shaped by the displacement and assimilation of the native population ( indigenous Taíno people), the forced migration of African slaves, and settlement from the Canary Islands and Andalusia.” ” In 1898, following the Spanish–American War, the United States acquired Puerto Rico under the terms of the Treaty of Paris.” Since 1917, Puerto Ricans have been citizens of the United States and have been allowed to travel freely between the US and Puerto Rico. In fact, by November following Hurricane Maria in 2017, 200,000 Puerto Ricans moved to the mainland, many to Florida, because the devastation on the island was so extensive.

Although citizens of the US, the people of Puerto Rico do not have voting representation in Congress, in either the Senate or House of Representatives, however do have one non-voting representative in the House called a Resident Commissioner. The people of Puerto Rico are disenfranchised at the national level, they do not vote for President/Vice President, and do not pay federal income taxes on Puerto Rican income.

By 2017 Puerto Rico experienced an economic crisis with $70 billion in debt, 12.4% unemployment and 45% poverty rate, and then was slammed by Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

Climate in Puerto Rico

Patillas, Puerto Rico – south side of island.

The climate in Puerto Rico is classified as a tropical (marine) rainforest. In fact, one region in the northeast of the island, east of San Juan, has tropical forests with native orchid plants. “Temperatures are warm to hot year round, averaging near 85 °F (29 °C) in lower elevations and 70 °F (21 °C) in the mountains. Easterly trade winds pass across the island year round. Puerto Rico has a rainy season which stretches from April into November.” The mission team, based on the south side of the island will experience temperatures between the low 70’s and low 80’s. Depending on location, the team may experience a little rain as the island receives almost 4″ of rain during the month. An inter-mountain area on the west, central side of the island even tends to be dry. It will be more humid that here at home. As a result, when not in work clothes, team members will enjoy dressing in summer clothes.

Information courtesy of Wikipedia.

Next blog post: Anticipating Departure

Mission Team to Puerto Rico Commissioned

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Joyce BlowersJanuary 16, 2019

Commissioned to Go

Sunday, January 13, Pastor Hoyt Brown, also a member of the team, commissioned the Puerto Rico mission team from the Livonia United Methodist Church to go, work, and bring hope and healing to Puerto Rico. Team members from Livonia will join others from Homer UMC, Rush UMC, Lansing UMC, and two from the Philadelphia, PA area.

Pastor Hoyt Brown commissioning the Livonia mission team for service in Puerto Rico.

Travel Preparations

Travel preparations for the mission trip to Puerto Rico began months ago. Last summer the call came requesting help with rebuilding homes and churches in Puerto Rico destroyed by Hurricane Maria. About fourteen from our church and several from the Homer Methodist Church signed on to help with construction. Team members are not just preparing and packing for an extended trip, but are packing to be ready to assist with construction.

The team is mentally ready, packing work clothes (long pants), work shoes, safety equipment (safety glasses and hearing protectors), gloves, some tools (other tools will be purchased locally), bedding, sun screen, insect repellent, sun hat, and more.

What Does the Team Expect?

Summer weather
8-hour work days with time out for lunch and water breaks
Meals provided at the camp
Early rising – up by 6AM (it will feel like 5AM as Puerto Rico is one time zone to the east)
Daily devotions and team meetings
Meeting the homeowners, listening to their story and learning the vision for their reconstructed home and future
Working under the direction the Methodist Church of Puerto Rico and a local site engineer

Like Jesus sent his disciples out to minister, the mission team is commissioned to go and sent under the “covering” of the church to bring hope and healing.

John 20:21 Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.

Next blog post: About Puerto Rico, a little history, and the climate?