Update #6 sent July 9

Hola family and friends. The end of our first week finds us healthy and safe. Today confirmed why they call it "flexico". While plans had us going to the beach, the weather did not cooperate so the majority of the group ended up at a large park. At the park we had an opportunity to play with the kids from the orphanage on all kinds of fun playground equipment. It is mexico after all, so we of course played soccer. Earlier this morning some of us helped pack a picnic for 70 people so we wouldn't have to return for lunch. The remaining four members of the team helped prime the 2nd floor of the new orphanage building before accompanying pastor martin castro while making his rounds. Its amazing to see how this orphanage functions solely on donations and volunteers, because they get nothing from the government. It is also amazing to witness the prevalence of God in the childrens faces on a daily basis. Its hard to believe we only have one day left.... Many of us have become rather attached to the children and it will be hard to leave, but we are all anxiously awaiting what God has in store for us on Catalina. This evening we had the privilige of not only participating, but rather running a church service... Completley in spanish! It was a challenge, but we pulled through with music, drama, testamonies and preaching. Considering most of us speak little spanish, the service was a huge success. Afterwards we were overwhlemed with joy. As we look back from the halfway point of our journey, our team has truly learned what joy from the holy spirit feels like. As Tom said, it was incredibly evident on our faces, but also in our hearts too. We wish you could see how truly joyful we all are, as well as witness the changes that have occured in our hearts. But in the meantime, God has answered our prayer for team unity and we have really come together. Please continue praying for us. Some of our requests include: safety, continued spiritual growth, flexibilty in enduring changes, endurance as we face long days and are physically exhausted, patience with one another as we are entering our 2nd week, as well as understanding of Gods plan for us, cutural differences and finding our purpose here. Thank you for your prayers and support, we love and miss you!
Leslie Parrish and Erin Mackie