Home!!!!

Hello all

we made it home safe!!!!! We would really like to thank all of you for all of the love and support you have given all of us!! This trip would not have been possible with out you. We cant wait to see all of you! and tell you all about it!! We Love you all!!!!

God Bless

Adam

July 31 and Campus Tour

Today was both Victoria and I day off. It felt great to sleep in. haha. we relaxed today and did some laundry. In the after noon, about 120 kids came from Rio 1 to swim. this was the fisrt time that B2B had done this. It went really well and the kids had a blast. it was crazy haha. We also gave them school supplies for the school year, shoes, and then a "happy meal bag" with lots of goodies.

Also
here is a tour of our campus. Victoria nad I thought it would be easier for everyone to see what exactly we always talk about. And also how we have been living the last month.

There is another Video of one of the songs from our worship. the sound and voice quality is a little off, so sorry if it sounds weird.

adam

Unfortunatly either video uploaded. I apologize. Ill try a little later.

"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

John 10:10

July 30

The days are counting down!!! Its hard to believe that there are only a few days left. This month has gone by fast.

Today Victoria went hicking, yes thats right I said Victoria went Hicking....., At a place which I can barely say yet spell, but I do know it started with an H. haha. the took the kids from VDA and MDA. They had so much fun!!! Victoria showed me all her battle scares, and bruses. she said it was crazy but a blast. She drew a little blood on one of the branches, just a scrape, but she wanted me to tell you all that she went through blood and swet today for those kids!! haha. all is well, she says it was a once and a lifetime thing, but I dougbt it. She will do again haha.

I went with my group to Wal-Mart today. we bought supplies for Rayos de Luz. The New Property. We bought them a kitchen table and chairs, towels, a microwave, a stove, a refigerator, pots and pans, and a bunch of other things. Some of the group members bought them some soccer balls that they can play with also. After lunch we picked the kids up, and when to a place called Chipinque. It is a park on the top of the Sierra Madre's. It is at the northern part of Monterrey. They have a tone of play grounds and slides there. They had soo much fun and also we made them dinner. Hot timoles. they love it.

adam

" Jesus said "If any one desires to come after me, then let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.""

Luke 9:23

July 29

Today Victoria and her group worked on the property. House # 6 is almost done. They are putting the last of the tile in and the painying is almost complete. The kids from moniteil and vda came for a swim party, and cook out. She said they had soo much fun, and the kids did great!!

I went to RDL agan today, the new property, and we started cleaning the house , and putting the last touches on it. we still have a lot of work to do before the weekend, like plumbing and such, but it is really coming along!!! I built shelves and cabinets in the two dorms, and also in the front room where there grandmother will sleep. One of the other interns jessica helped me! The kids came to the new property today while we were working. It was so great to see them running around and playing. The mother and Father, and grandmother we so surprised. When the grandmother saw her room, she started to cry. I was soo happy and excited for them. I know God has truly been in there hearts through all of this, and he has spocken through the gift of this Home.

Here are some pics of the new home. There is a pic of the truck that they all ride around in and also the mom dad and grandmaother, with antonio, the B2B staff in charge of the project. he is all the way on the right.

adam

We find home when we find the comfort of God in our Hearts

July 28

Today my group worked on the property, then we went to CHD and played with the kids. I painted and touched up spots on the outside of the clinic. john hopes to have the clinic open in a few weeks!!! Victoria went to Montiare de Amor. She got sick and kinda snoozed the whole day, but they were doing some constuction, and digging i heard. no worries, she is doing fine. all is well. today was hot. about 105. tom is suppossed to be about 107. but everything is great.!!! hope all is well back home!
adam
"accepting is believing, believing is dreaming. dreaming the future. the future is in our hands"

July 27

Today Victoria went to the Caterayta. The did some outreach and then fed the kids Hot Dogs. This afternoon, the had a queansinyerra, for one of the girls turning 15. It is a whole elaborate ceremony, kinda looks like a wedding, and then they all have dinner, and party. Victoria said they did some salsa dancing again. I was Jealous. haha. She had a great day!!!

I went to Rayitos de Luz, the newest home B2B follows. They have 15 kids. Meamea one of the ladies who lives on campus every weekend found them. Mea mea lives at Rio 1, and stays here usually on the weekends. When she found them they were all huddled up in the back of 1974 ford pickup truck at asmall tienda. She really did not think of it at first, and just kept on. Later she wonder, and then went back, and they were still there. Meamea talked to them and told them about B2B. Turns out, they lived in a little shack, with 3 rooms no bigger than a closet. they had a metal roof, which is load when it rains, and extremley hot at all times of the day. the walls had holes in them, and there was no plumbing. The kids slepted 4 to one twin bed. and ate very very little. The husband and wife who take care of the kids began there story a few years ago. They wanted to have kids, but were unable. They found these 5 kids that needed a home so they took them in. The found more and more, they said and they felt that God was calling them to these kids.

Last September B2B got involved. 4 families raised the funding to temperaly move them into a home down the street. this home is no bigger, infact it is a little smaller, but it has plumbing, and electric. the rooms, still three, and very small, but nicer. the kids still sleep 4 to abed. they raised enough to rent it for a few months. Meanwhile, B2B was looking for a new property to build on. they found an area that they loved, but the land owner wanted $160,000 for it. an he said if you could get all the money at once he would drop it $120,000. So B2B kept looking. they talked withone of the atourneys down here and told hime about the property they wanted. The man said he would see what he could do and he would let them know in 4 months if they had any plans. B2B still went on looking, praying, but checking new areas. within 4 weeks, the atourney called and said that some of his friends had done a few fundraisers, and raised some $. He told them that they had raised $100,000!! this was awesome and 3 months early. B2B had a few families that had raised $25,000 for the home. it was perfect. they call the land owner and they bought the property for $120,000. The property already had a home on it with a small field, a pool, bathrooms, and two other buldings. it also came with some chickens. they are gonna use then for fresh eggs in the morning. So At the begginning of vthe summer, B2B was able to gain acces to the new property and started renovating the existing home. Groups have been working all summer to prepare it for the kids. Tomorrow a group is going to wal-mart to buy bunk beds, and supplies for them. The property is far from being finished, but the house is almost completly renovated. The plan is to move them in this weekend. Ia m so sad we will be gone. But each kid will have there own bed, and there own space, very small, but there own. They have a big kitchen where they will have tables to actually eat at. Real plumbing, and freash water. The property has its own well and water pump. They plan on bulding another buliding in the field next to the other home. it will be dorms for the older kids.

It is so amazing that the kids will be moving in this weekend. It is truly a miracle that this all happened in one year. It was expected to take over 4 years. God works in wonderous ways. The power of prayer is truely powerful!! I ask all off you to please keep these children and there home in your thoughts and prayers this weekend. As they take literally the biggest step of there entire lives. Thank You!!!!

adam

"The power of Prayer and Love is far stronger than any streangth. The heart shall Love, The Heart shall See. Gods plan has just begun. and a New Beggining is just around the courner"

I forgot to take pics of the property, ill be there this week again though. here is there old home though.

July 26

This morning we prepared for the groups. I fixed the truck bed on one of the trucks. some boards had broken off of it. Then the groups showed up. there was literally a giant mound of donations. which is good, but crazy and heavy haha. Wwe had 3 childrens homes come this afternoon. The kids are so great and cute. Del Norte Kids came so Victoria was able to se Jaunita again. We have decided that she will def fit in our carry on. haha. she is soo cute. We able to get her to smile and talk alittle today!! very exciting!! Vita cooked her famous chicken mashed potatoes and noodles for dinner. mmmmmm sooo good. Victoria is picking up the cooking skills so she will gladly make everyone a plate when we get back haha.

As the last week begins, God begins to remind us that this experience carries on through our lives. that truly this satrday is a new beginning, and our lives will, and have changed forever. The future is in Gods hands, and we fully trust in him to lead us into eternity!

adam

"The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you."

(2 Chronicles 15:2)

July 25

Today the groups left. It was sad, but we have 5 groups coming tom. it is our biggest week yet. were going out with a bang!! haha. tonight we are going to the movies to see hancock and then to the mall and out to dinner. We cant wait!! It is hard to believe that this experience is coming to an end so quickly. At times it seems like it has never even been three weeks but one. God has amazing plans foreveryone and it is neat, and confusing at times, to see out it plays out.

Hope all is well back home!!

adam

"our biggest challenge in life, is accepting who we are, then finding our gifts, and using them to make a difference in others "

July 24

Hello all,

today is my day off. It felt great to sleep in!! I made some grilled cheese for lunch. very good!


In our Bible study last night, we talked about a verse in Luke. Jesus says, "repent of your sins, take up my cross, and follow me." We talked about each line and its context. It was cool to see what some of the other guys think. We talked alot about what a true christian is and how God wants us to live. we read last week about a verse in galations, that stated, "as long as you follow the Holy Spiri, sinning should be imposible. Wwe said it is possible, but is it plausible. we are human. but that verse reminded me of the first verse for this week. and if we truly give up our sins and act in the Holy Spirit, then our lives with God would be simple. No ones perfect, but the action of trying is what is important. If we take up the cross, and truly follow Jesus, our ever lasting life is erternal. Jesus asks us to "follow him", not anyone else, but Jesus, the son of God.


God Bless all of you, and please continue to keep the Hartmann family in your thoughts and prayers.


Adam


also heres a pic of the TV cabnet I helped build!!!!


"The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where the stand in times of challenge and controversy."


Martin Luther King Jr.

July 23

Hello all
thank you soo much fot the B day messages. they made my day!!!!!! I had a great day, we went to CHD and worked!! Victoria went to the Rio 3, and did some outreach and concrete work. Vita cooked dinner tonight and it was awesome. we had Bible study after worship tonight and we went to Manhattan, a resturant like Fridays. sooo good, then they bought me a double mocha make. yea i gained few, but its all good haha. It was a great day, and tom is my day off, so i get to relax!!!!! Victoria is doing alot better!! and I ask all of you to please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers. Thanks agin everyone, cant wait to see you all in a week and a half. Love you all!
Adam
"Prayer is the true ultimate source of power and Love"

July 22

Hello,
Today I worked on the property, and then the kids from monitel de amor came for a cook out and pool party. Victoria had her day off. This morning she found out that her moms best friend Joyce had just past away of Breast Cancer. It was a long day for Victoria, but she has been praying all day. I ask all of you to please keep the Hartmann family in your prayers, and also there friend Joyce, who has a 10 year old daughter. Thank you much!!
Adam
"People come into our lives for many reason. But when they leave we must learn to understand why. Gods plan is still not finished, and there Love will rise in our hearts forever"

July 21

Today we went to CHD and worked. A big screen TV was donated to there home, so I built a cabinet in the Palapa and we put the TV in it today. now the kids can watch movies!! We laid a lot of concrete today, and painted alot to!! Victoria got the dirty job. At CHD in the kitchen, they have a cockroach prob. so every week we take all the furniture out srcub it down and then scrub the walls. It was crazy but she did an awesome job. yes there were lots of "buggies" but she did great haha. It was a very tiring day, but very productive!! We are having so much fun, and Vita is cooking dinner tonight so we are hyped!!!!

Wwe miss and Love everyone!

adam

"I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, "Move from here to there" and it will move."

Matthew 17:20

July 20

Hello all

today We went VDA, another one of the childrens homes B2B supports. The Kids were great. We did all kinds of work! I did some concrete work both on the ground and on the roof of the home. We did some rebar bending, and wire cutting, and Victoria painted inside with some of the other group members. There was lttle to no venalation in this room and they were using oil based paint. It was a bit fummy, and yes you can geuss, Victoria was a a little loopy. haha. but no worries Mother bear and father bear I brought her out side and made sure she scked in some oxygen haha. She is a hoot.

There was a little boy named Julio Ceser who kept following me every where I went, and I started to play with him, and then when it was time to work again her was still by my side. so all day he would help me with my projects. When I was down in a hole preping it for concrete, he would pass me tools down and be asking queastions. Wwe had to cut wire for rebar, and we needed sets of 15. so he would help me cut it and then we would count to 15 in spanish. I kinda was embarresed when all I could count to was 10. but he laughed and it was soo much fun.

also on fri, juan one of the teen house parents, took all the interns repelling. yes on the side of a mountain. the seirra madras. wow it was high, but definatly a blast. Victoria did so awesome, I was very very proud of her. It soo great to see the smile on her face when she acomplishes something she never thought she could do. I had no doubt in her. and for those who dont believe it here is a pic to prove it!! haha.

Hope all the well back home. We miss everyone.

adam

" Gods path may be harder, but its more rewarding in the end"

July 19

Today three new groups showed up!!! They are all big too so it should be a crazy week! The kids from CHD came over for a swim party. It was a blast and the kids had soo much fun! Vita cooked dinner!! yes it is the best chicken and mashed potatoes ever!! All the interns had a movie night tonight. it was awesome to just hang with everyone. and eat. haha. Today was a great biggining, and we are excited for a new week.!!!

Adam

"No matter how tough and confusing Gods plan is for us, we must accept it, and be patient"

July 18

Hello all!

Another week, and another goodbye. Mom Dad and Uncle Tim left today. It was great to see them down here!! I had soo much fun with them, and it was great to see them interacting with the kids, and doing the work. Thanks mom dad and uncle tim!!! we miss you already!

Our faith right now has never been stronger. Our lives have drastically changed over these last two weeks, and the way we see and Love will never be the same. I wake up everymorning to a sky of endless possibilities, but when I look down I see the true reality of our world. and as a mission to save the hearts of these children, and piece them back to gether, gets harder and harder and harder. but as we work together, and with "one another", we can accomplish the imposible. we must challenge ourselves and especially others to stand up. It gets so crazy in our normal lives, but if take a few minutes out of every day, to just pray, and to thank God for what we have, then we take a step closer to God. the patience of love and the patience of prayer are so hard, and I know because I deal with it every day. but God has a plan, and as much as waiting is the last thing I want to do, his plan will soon prevail. But knowing this, my love and prayers continue and get stronger each day. it may take a few weeks, or maybe even a few months. but if we truly care, his plan is perfect, that it is worth the wait.

God Bless all of you!

Adam

"seek love in all those you encounter"

Pics

July 17

Today we went back to Del Norte, and worked. We dug some more holes, and laid some more concrete. We tore down the existing fence and prepared the ground for cinder blocks. Mom and dad and Uncle time dug and pushed wheel barrows all day. they were very tired. Victoria and some of the other group members bought flowers and they planted them in the planter that they sealed the other day. around 4, the kids came out and we games with them and we brought a pinyata, hope I spelled that right, and the kids had a blast. it was great to see them smilling and having fun!! At Del Norte they have a bakery that helps raise money for the home. the bread is sooooo good, and the cookies and suger buns a great. Uncle Tim bought a whole tray of cookies and gave them to the kids. It was so cool, and so nice of him. Unfortunatly Uncle Tim and my parents leave Tomorrow, but I am so happy that I was able to share this amazing experience with them!

Adam

"Be Completely humble and gentle: Be patient, bearing with one another in love"
Ephesians 4:2
More pics to come tom!!!!

July 16

Today we went to the Cateryata. This is a poor area on the out skirts of Monterrey. The houses have no rooves, some walls, and usually no water. An out house no roads, kids with no shoes, and no food. No money, barley any jobs, and barley any Hope. We worked on the communty center and church building today. We did some concrete work, and Uncle Tim and I built wood benches. Victoria helped prepare lunch, which was hot dogs, and dad cooked them. Mom went around and invited people to eat. she brushed up on her spanish a bit. The day was very draining emotionally. Although this was my 3rd time there this monthe, and Victorias 2nd, we are still in complete shock when we arrive each time. Uncle Tim and I walked around the "streets" and passed out candy to the kids. It was a really great time to talk and hang with him!!! We ate at Pollo Loco to night. (Crazy Chicken) which is sooo good. Definatly Victoria and I's favorite!
sorry the post is a little short tonight, we didnt get home from Bible study till late tonight! Pics to come tomorrow!!!!!!
Thanks everyone!!
Adam
"Always preach the gosbel,..... and when nessesary use words"
Thomas Aquinus.

Pics

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July 15

Today was my day off, but I worked this morning on the property along with my parents and Uncle Tim. It was a great day. Victoria and I were in charge of painting the upper floor of one of the teen homes. Mom went with one of the other inturns and they checked wireing and electric in all the houses. Dad and Uncle Tim worked in the clinic running electric and feeding lines. It was a lot lighter day for them. haha. In the afternoon I took a nap and I also got a chance to talk to Liz. It was great to talk to her and catch up! The kids from Del Norte came and swam and they ate dinner with the group. The kids are soo cute!
Im not sure if I have mentioned it or not, but everynight we have worship on the campus. It is just a time to reflect and pray and truly connect with God. We pray and sing, and it really brings the day to a great end!
After worship tonight dad got his head shaved by one of the group members. I asked uncle Tim if he was gonna shave his, and he said that if he did, it would be like getting a regular hair cut. haha. I am so happy that Uncle tim is down here. I Love watching him interact with the kids, and I see the Joy in there faces when he plays with them. He is great with them and it always makes me smile. I am glad that he is able to share this opportunity with me and I cant thank him enough for joining me down here. Thank you uncle tim!!!!
Victoria and I are having such an amazing experience. We become stronger in our faith, and our hearts each day.....and in our arms...haha...but we have come to know a new meaning and a greater outlook on life. We always talk about our first trip and how it changed us soo much, but when we look at the time we have had here now, we find that Gods plan for us has only just begun.
Adam
p.s. We just would like to Thank everyone for reading the blog everyday! we cant tell you how much we really appriciate it. It truly shows us how much you support us, and our journey with God. We love hearing from everyone, and reading your comments. Your Love and support mean the world to us, and this trip could not have been possible with out all of you guiding us and teaching us over our entire Lives. it is truly because of you that our faith is so strong. God Bless all of you! and again We thank You with all our Hearts.
"Why follow the crowd,...When you can be yourself"

Pics

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sorry no pics on the blog, Im having a few problems with the site. Hope everyone is able to access our Pics through shutterfly!

July 14th

Hello all
Today I went Del Norte again with Mom dad and Uncle Tim. We finished digging the holes from yesterday, and then filled a concrete base in each. I found out toady that we get to dig another 8 holes this week. haha. We average about one to two holes a day. It was a great day though. The other holes that were dry from earlier in the week, we were able to fill those and stablize the concrete beams. Dad Mom, and Uncle Tim did concrete work today. yea they were bustin out those muscles. haha. we played with the kids this afternoon, and had a blast. They are so cute. I just cant belive that someome this cute and sweet be in a place like this. God sends us all kinds of messages. and this is a tough one. But his words are strong, and I trust in him to show me the way of christ.
Adam
"To Pray and trust in the Lord, is easier than waiting for the response. If we truly trust the Lord, than we will find in our hearts, the patience to guide us."

Pics

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Ok, sorry for all that are confused with the Pictures. If you Click on the words, Pics above, it will take you to a different web site. This is where all our pics and albms are. Just log in with the Email address above and the password, and it willl display all of the albms! also if you would like to write a comment on our blog, you just click on the "comments" below the last post. and after you write your comment, you have to type in the securty word, and then click a name choice. Hope this helps, we Love hearing from everyone!!!!!!

July 14th Victoria's day off!

hey all, today is my day off this week! im loving it! I consider to see myself grow more and more each day, both spiritually and mentally. the past two days we have been with a childrens home called del norte. There is a little girl who is about 3 or 4 there named juanita. her and i have become best buddies. she is the one in the picture from yesterdays blog. yesterday as i was looking at her something inside me clicked and i knew that i am here for a reason and I know i am supposed to be here. it is a feeling inside i cant explain but i know that at this point in my life this is where i am supposed to be. Juanita is so precious. all she ever wants to do is be held and loved on which i also love so it works out pretty good :) yesterday i held her for hours. it was funny because when you rub her back, she also rubs yours. i have absolutely fallen in love with this little girl. when i asked her if she wanted to come home with me and live with me she said yes and just smiled real big. i wish i could make her dream come true and take her to live with me and she would grow up in a loving family environment instead of a childrens home where she has to share a room with about 20 other kids, has no clothes of her own, they all share and most of them are hand me downs anyways, and where every night she could be tucked in her own room and read to and prayed with. unfortunately this dream seems like an impossibility, but i am putting it in gods hands.

victoria

July 13

Today was a great day. Hot...but great. the high reached 113 Degrees, and it is supposed to be like that the rest of the week. haha. We went to Casa Hogar Del Norte today. This is one of the childrens homes, and it is about 45 min from the B2B Campus. Victoria and I are working together this week, along side of my parents and the group from South Carolina. It was great to see my parents and Uncle experiencing the same things we did on our first trip. I loved watching them play with the kids and seeing there faces in both sadness and Joy. It was a blessing to see there Love spread even more!!

At Del Norte I help lead a group to dig holes for concrete beems. these wernt just small holes either.haha. Im talking 4ft x 4ft, and 5 ft deep. yea thats a big hole. try digging 8 of them. Just a little sore, haha. it was funny when they were asking who wanted to do what jobs, Uncle tim and dad both kinda stepped back when they heard concrete, digging, and jackhammering. yea they are getting old. haha. Victoria lead a group that painted and sealed a planter ditch. She had white paint all over her. haha. Mom dad and Uncle tim scraped the medal beams in the soon to be out door aditorium and also did some paint stripping. Mom picked up a hammer and chissel. I was shocked!! haha. Just kidding.

later the kids came out and we played games, colered and had fun with them. It was a great productive day!

Adam

"yet he who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven, is greater than he"

Matthew 11:11

Pics

July 12 Mom and Dad G and Uncle Tim Arrive

Today we pick up Mom and Dad G, and Uncle Tim from the airport. It was very exciting to see them. The kids from Del Norte came for a pool party and cookout, and the groups got to hang out with the kids. It was a great day, and we are very excited that Mom and dad, and Uncle Tim get to share the same experience as us!!!

Adam and Victoria

"The pain of dealing with dicipline now, is farless painful than dealing with the pain of Regret later."

Tim Coach B2B

Intern Night Salsa Dancing

Pics

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Fri july 11

I began my day with a view. This view, unnormal, in size, in heart, and in soal. A view of clear blue skies and mountains that looked as if they could scrape the skies. It was a view of endless possiblities, and dreams. A view of opportunity. Times pass. people go. But whats truly in our hearts continues to grow. Life is so full of own complications, that we fail to slow down and look at the bigger picture. A view...Gods View. To live a dream of helping one another, and loving them as if they were our own. A cute smile, and a warm hug always make a differnce. but when we take the time to look inside the heart of others, we accomplish things greater then we could ever believe. Complications will rise, and our faith may seem small. But if our hearts continue to love and experience the joy of others, we will rise in the eyes of our Lord Jesus.

We read a chapter out a book today in our Bible study Groups. There are Four other intern guys, and our leader Greg. The book and the author escape my mind at the moment, but the chapter was called the Barbarian Tribe. It talks about a "spirit of eternity", and an "untamed faith." Now as began to read this, my mind kinda flipped on a light. It talks about how we get to know God. That people often rely on scripture to connect with God. which in true reality is the truth. The Bible is our source. But what it is explaining, is that the Bible is not the only source. The true source is in our Minds and our hearts. It is how we connect with God on a personal and sometimes physical way that leads us through our lives. the "Spirit of God"..... It states that to know God in the scriptures always went beyond information to intimacy. Now we may find ourselves uncomfortable with this reality, but the faith of the scriptures is a different faith. It sometimes leads us beyond the material world, into an invisable reality. But to realize that faith, that untamed faith. the essense of Love, passion, hopes and dreams, is the true spirit of God. and this spirit, can only be obtained by those who truly open up there hearts and there minds to Jesus.

May we all find that untamed faith in our hearts, and connect with the true, and eternal,... spirit of God.

Adam

"Did Jesus die on the Cross, for us to Live a Perfect Life......"

Pics from week 1!!!!!!

Hello all here are pics from our whole week. Both Victorias and Adams. they are broken up into days once you enter the site!!!!!
Hope you enjoy them!!!
Adam and Victoria

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Pics

"Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self..."
Corinthians 13:4

July 10th

hey all this is victoria. i am off today :) it has been wonderful catching up on sleep. things here are incredible i absolutley love it. i am having the time of my life. although we have been insanely busy and are working really hard we are accomplishing so much and helping out the childrens homes a lot. Even though we have only been here for a little under a week, it feels like i have known the other interns my entire life. i love them all. we are all having a blast together. last night we had an intern night where we all got together and watched the movie the bucket list and we made brownies and popcorn which has never tasted so good to me since all we have been eating is mexican food haha. my relationship with God has grown more than i ever thought possible.. its incredible what only a week can do. i am excited to see how much i can grow spiritually, mentally and physically in the next three weeks. Although when i started here and even now i am not sure exactly why i am here and what God has in store for me, i have decided to take it one day at a time and enjoy the little moments and let God show me his reason for giving me the opportunity to be here.

i cant even explain how being here makes me feel. everyone is so great. you come back from a long day and all the interns ask each other how their day was and we tell each other all about them. its neat to hear other interns talk about what they did and how it made them feel.

my favorite part of my days are worship every night. we have a church service every night but fridays and it is amazing. we sing songs that are rocking and incredible and we dance and get very into them. one of the staff ususally gives an incredible and motivating sermon and i just have never felt so close to God.

please post comments we love reading them and hearing from you every night!

love you all very much

victoria

Pics

JULY 8

Heres Pics from July 8! Having a few tech probs, but will try and get things fix this weekend!!!
Hope all is well back home.
Love and Blessings
Adam

Tuesday July 8

Today was a long day!! but it was a very productive day! This morning I went to CHD again! The kids did a game today where the all split into 5 groups. The groups were countries like Mexico, the US, Italy and a few others. each team had there colors and flags, and they march around to each station. they were so cute! Each station was different, and the kids had to come up with different ways of responsibility. One was at the Chapel, and they had to come up with ways of responsibility to God, and how they can be more respon to each other. Another spot was at the dumpster. yes that sounds weird, but the kids had to come up with ways of how they some times "throw away there responsibilities to do other things or hurt others, and they had to find a way to reconect with God and help others. After they all finished, we gave them candy and donated 2 DVD players to the home. Wwe made them lunch, then started work. I led a tem that dug a trench. we had to prepare it ffor concrete. It was rainy muddy and a bit wet, but were very prductive! After lots of diging and concrete, we played alot of games and danced with the kids. then we ate pizza for dinner!!! it was very good! muye bein. yea, workin on that spnaish!! haha. victoria's group to one of the homes on a feild trip to a mueseum and imax theatre. she said the kids were so excited!! they hung out all day, and ate with them.

sorry, i tried to upload more pics, but for some reason it wouldnt let me. i will try and put some up tom. i have some cute ones of the kids!!!!!!

"I am prepared to be interested in what other peopl find interesting..."

Stuart Briscoe

Adam

Monday July 7

Today I work on one of the Teen homes on the property. One of the other interns named chris and I painted a stair well. The ceiling was about 30 feet high, and was tough to paint. It was crazy and a bit scary up that high, but it was fun. Then the kids from CHD came to the campus and we played games, and had a cookout with them. They watched the Chronicals of Narnia, but it was in spanish, and yea, I m still working on that, but it was fun to watch it with the kids and see the enjoyment in there eyes. Victoria went to a childrens home called Imperio de Amor. they painted all day, and had a birthday party for one of the kids. she said it was so much fun!! We played cards to night with some of the other interns, and also played a basket ball game between the staff/interns and the groups. yea the staff/interns lost pretty bad, and I think it had something to do with me playing...... haha, but it was a blast and a great way for everyone to connect. The rain did let up a little, and the sun popped out, creating a rainbow. of course as soon as I rain inside to get my camera, the clouds came back....... and the rain began to fall again haha.

"Accept one another, Just as Christ accepted you..."

Romans 15:7

Adam

Sunday July 6th

Today we went off with our assigned groups. I went to Casa Hogar Douglas (CHD) one of the larger childrens homes. Victoria went to the Cathrdra, a poor community. At CHD, we stained picnic tables, layed concrete, and lifted up 2x4s. We also play with the kids. There was a little boy named Filpo who I gave a piggy back ride, and the rest of the day he kepted saying "giddie up Horsey". It was a blast! At the Cathrdra, they passed out food and clothing and also had a chance to play with the kids. Also there buse hit a wall... and they had to wait for a while till another bus could come. It did rain today, but we did get a break around 1-3:30. it was nice and sunny and the mountians were beautiful!

In todays message, I read Galations 5:13-26. and it states "it is absolutly clear that God has called you to a free life. But with such "Freedom' comes responsibility. "

It got me to think, God has given us this freedom not just to Love one another, but to help and care for another. and that is the true act of freedom.

Adam

Sat July 5

Today the groups arrived!! We had three groups come, One from Detroit, another from North Carolina, and one from Springdale ohio!! we unloaded suitcases in the rain all day. although we were drenched, it was a blast! We had dinner in the big Palapata (covered patio like area) were Vita our cook made mashed potatoes, Nuddles and Bread. And in addition, Victoria made some delicious Chicken!! Yes it was fantastic! Look at here flipping those chickens!! haha. she only made like 150 or so, so not to many.....haha. Vitas mashed potatoes were pretty great, I donno dad we will have to do a cook off and see whos is better haha. All is well and we are very excited for the week!

Adam

Sat Morning

Hey fam!
will try and do web cams later Fri night. Let u know for sure later this week.
Love you Miss dyou!
Adam and Victoria!!

We Made It!!! Ist night!

We arrived in Monterrey around 11:30 am! We got to the B2B Compound around 1:30. It was, and still is pouring down rain haha. just a little wet. They said it hasnt rained in over a year, and all the wells are almost dried up! Thank God for the rain! They told us that we could only take three minute showers to save water. haha. Yes Victorias chin dropped! but there was a sigh of relief when they said the wells were filling back up haha.

We are having a blast already. The Compound has grown since last year and it is so cool to see all the new exciting changes. We had a bunch of meetings today and did some games to get to know our fellow interns! some of them we did in the rain. yea we got just a little wet. but we had fun, and then we went to dinner and ate some real Mexican Taco's!!! oh yes they were delicious!!!

We have a big day tomorrow. We learn our jobs and have to do safety training. The first group comes around 1 tommorrow. it is very exciting!

Here are some pics of our new friends and fellow interns!!

Hope everyone had a great 4th!!!!

Adam

In Houston

Hello all we made it to Houston.!!!! Almost there!!!
Love ya
Adam and Victoria!

Mexico 2007 Pics

More Pics!!!!!! <>

Only 3 Months Away

We are getting very excited, and nervous. My Freshman year of college is coming to an end very quickly. Victorias Senior year is almost over, and Graduation is just around the courner!
We are slowly getting ready. making a list of what to get and also filling out all the paper work. Both of us are very excited that my mom and dad and also uncle tim will be coming down on the 12 of July. Victoria anounced that she will be adopting my parents for the week. I am so glad that my parents and my uncle will be able to have the same experience as we did on our first trip! We will be posting pics and info on this blog over our experience. We will try to update everyday, and let everyone know how things are going. We have set up web cams at our parents houses so we can communicate back and forth easier. I am hoping that this will help Victoria not to be too much home sick. Shes a tough cookie and I know she will do just fine. I will be by her side the entire time.
This is such and amazing opportunity and I feel so blessed to be going with my best friend!
Thank you to our parents, Brian Berke, Mrs. Coyle and all who supportted our cause!
I also want to thank you Bonita! This summer is going to be amazing, and I am so glad I get to share it with you!! Love ya lots!!
Love and thanks to all!
Adam