Wednesday, February 29th

Today we had the awesome experience to work at the seminary with our new Venezuelan friends. We woke up to the sound of the Venezuelans already hard at work on the grounds of the seminary. After welcoming them to an American breakfast of toast, eggs and bacon, we all got to work on different projects to help improve the seminary. While we were all hard at work, Scott was having a biking play date with Nigel. Phil, Sam, Pam, Dillon, Jessica, Kevin, and Parker spent a good bit of the day painting and doing other little tasks. Matt spent some time finishing a wall that was only partially completed that he had to sit on to build. Stacy, Kim, and Pam worked with the women to help prepare the food we ate today. They are learning more and more each day about cooking authentic Venezuelan food. I do wonder why they decided not to eat with us after being in the kitchen…only kidding. The food that they prepared was yummy in my tummy as usual. Kathy used her time wisely today and spent time with her favorite new toy, a chainsaw. Believe me, it was as scary as it sounds. Steve took this opportunity to spend time with Ana, a special needs young lady, who took a great liking to her newfound friend. Seeing them together, laughing and playing, was most certainly a God moment for everyone today. John as always was there to help with translating for those of us working directly with the Venezuelans. They have all taken a great liking to us, but especially to John. With his ability to connect with them, I know John’s going to be a great seminary professor next week. If you didn’t know already, John is staying in VZ for an extra week in order to teach a course at the seminary.

Once Scott arrived back to the seminary, he jumped right in to help us complete our painting project. We concluded our afternoon by relaxing next to Kathy’s freshly sawed tree. The Venezuelan Ladies prepared fruit smoothies to help hold us over until dinner. They were so refreshing! In the mean time, Jessica, Parker, and Scott went on an adventure to knock down coconuts. John, being the wise one of the group, of course knew how to cut open a coconut. I believe John needs to write a book about all of his life experiences. He has a story for every situation, and he tells them so well. I know I would be first in line to purchase his book. Dinner was a special thank you to for all of the work that we are doing this week. Samuel’s Grandmother was very excited to cook for us, and prepared a traditional VZ Christmas dinner. The night concluded with Sam’s devotion on how important a strong foundation is in your life. He did a great job connecting our work here to our faith, where Christ is our cornerstone. He used the example that every house has different flaws within it (i.e. a leaky faucet, electrical problems, holes in the walls), but with a strong foundation the house will still stand and can be repaired. Everyone misses their friends and family back home. You are in our prayers. Good night.