San Carlos 2021 #1

 San Carlos 2021

Last year was not like the others in that 2020 was the year that some wealthy individuals attempted to control the world’s population. At the time of this writing they are still trying their best to make people obey. Of course they don’t follow the same rules as they attempt to force on everyone else. 

Despite the “orders” we felt called to return to San Carlos and so we did. Due to the land borders being closed our only option was to fly. The flights were only 2/3 full and the Canadian airports were quite deserted. Not so with the Phoenix airport. It felt good to be in a warmer climate. 

Our friends met us at the hotel and we went out to eat in a restaurant (something we could not currently do at home) and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The next two days consisted of shopping and picking up supplies for the mission. Our drive down into Mexico was uneventful as we travelled along the good roads and enjoyed the sunshine and the company. 

It feels good to be “home.” One of the main goals for returning this year was to help build a home for our Mexican friends. He is the director of the mission here and really needs a bigger home for his growing family. Since I designed the home last year I really wanted to help bring it to life. 

The first floor was completed before our arrival and the second floor poured and the staircase done by the first day. 

Today, January the 6th we begin pouring the second floor walls. In fact I  think I need to get back to make sure the guys are doing it “right” (insert laughs here as I have no intention of carrying pails of wet cement up a flight of stairs).

Turns out they didn’t use the stairs but rather lifted up the pails via some scaffolding. It is quite interesting how they can build a home using these styrofoam blocks that fit together like Lego pieces. The foam blocks are stacked together, some rebar is added for strength and then rocks, sand, water and cement powder is mixed together and poured into the blocks. They only pour three high at a time in order to allow the cement time to set up and harden. Beginning again the next day the process begins and is repeated until the build is done. 

The styrofoam plant had some issues and so we couldn’t build as much as we wanted, but it did give us time to do other things while we waited. 

On Saturdays in the city of Guaymas there is a couple who have been ministering to the homeless people for many years. Each weekend they come and sing some songs of worship to God and someone shares the gospel of Jesus Christ. They make sure to take time to pray for the needs of those who come. Often praying for healing.

Over the years we have come and helped to serve some food to these people and this year was no different. We came to offer encouragement to these missionaries who do this each and every week. We thank them for their willingness to serve God in this way.

Sunday we went into a church for the first time since 2019 due to the situation in the world and the funny thing is that the last church we attended in person was the same church we now attended in person. It was good to be back and worshiping alongside other believers (even if we were “required” to mask up). I will not be discussing that issue on this platform. 

Our buffet lunch was quite delicious and the company was pretty good too which included our friends and the lead pastor and his wife. After the “required” Sunday afternoon nap we headed out of the trails with a quad. It was relaxing and beautiful to see God’s creation and how unique it is in every part of the world. 

We are thankful that we can be here and we are trusting that God will use us however he sees fit. To Him be the glory, forever Amen.