The Team Arrives

The hotel has been a quite oasis for the past three days. There has been a lot of activity, but it has been still. With the arrival of the team today, suddenly, this place has come to life.
Shawn's father, Frank, and I accompany Shawn to the airport aboard Freddy's chicken bus deluxe. There is no way to describe this thing other than to say that its blend of Looney Toons characters and Christian icons reminds me of the birth of Santa Ria. It's all good, the bus is a beast of a machine and the noise it produces as it carries us up and down the mountains here is impressive. I pause and say a little prayer...."Oh blessed mother of acceleration don't fail us now, amen." :)
The airport is the usual scene but a bit toned down today. The first of the team is late as their flight was delayed an hour. Thus part one, two, and three all arrive within 30 minutes of each other...perfect timing.
I get to hold the big purple sign with the mission name on it this year that beckons the new arrivals to the gathering point outside the airport. I am honored. Okay, not really but it is pretty cool to be jockying for position with the local cabbies all flashing signs at travel weary folks stumbling out of the terminal. That's right, I got the sign. Thanks dude!
The team has exceeded any expectation of generosity and good stewardship of this opportunity. The dining and welcome area of the hotel becomes a sea of donations as soon as the team arrives. Everyone is exhausted and hot and funky from the flight and bus ride here but they dig in and begin the unglamorous task of organizing some 2000 pounds or better of donated goods. It is an awesome sight to behold.
The team re-gathered for a quicky dinner and then met to get some short order cultural ed that includes, "Hey, by the way......don't throw the toilet paper in the toilet, it has to go in the little garbage can in your bathroom." Oddly, toilet paper and 17th century plumbing just dont jive. The team shrugs it off like pros but I am sure there will be a few "icky moments" that follow this week. You just gotta love missions work.
Every night, one of the team leaders has the great fortune to present a spiritual presentation. Diana took the opening night, moved the whole thing completely out of the box, and closed with some very pointed scripture. I tell you this, she continues to blow me away. I told her four years ago that one day she would lead a medical team on mission to which she gave me her famous "no way" look. I love being right. Actually, I love watching God work in her.
There will certainly be some Facebook withdrawal tonight but all is good. Most folks are jumping into bed early. The long haul begins early in the morning. There is concrete to be poured, stoves to build and install, sickness to be healed, worship to be conducted. God is goo all the time, that is His nature. And all God's Children say......Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaammmmmmmmmmmeeeeennnnnnnnnnnn!