TUESDAY IN MONTERREY

(Ted Bryant)
We knew from the beginning that today would be a little different. We did not have any work projects scheduled for today, at least, no work projects involving paint or concrete. . . but, trust me, much work was accomplished today. First, we went as a team to a ropes course, and tackled a few low elements. For example, we had to "try and get a piece of Noah's ark accross a river in order to bring amazing new biblical insights to the homeland." Of course to the average person it looked like a series of tire swings and a board, but no. . . - anyways, it was great to be able to figure it out, get through the frustrations that come with teamwork, and learn new ways of encouraging each other. There were so many parallels to us as one body in Christ, where together, we can accomplish things that we could never do alone. I think that we all got a pretty close look at ourselves and specifically, how we all can affect one another for good or bad. After a few more low elements we went to the LEAP. . . OF. . . FAITH ~ which was a pedastal in a tree about 35 - 40 feet in the air, where you would jump off, yes jump off. . . and try and reach a trapeze bar hanging from a different branch. . . yep. . . I think that we all took a step today - thanks Antonio (our guide) for helping us through everything!

Then the fun really began! We were paired up with one or two kids from Manantial De Amor that we would be "buddies" for the next 4 hours. We were going to a place that would blow us all away - it seriously had everything that a kid (or overgrown kids - us) would want. We started by going on a Safari ride with all of our kids. The animals were AWESOME - zebras, water buffalo, deer things, mules, monkeys, camels, llamas, giraffes, elephants, and a bunch of other aniimals that seemed to be a combination of about 4 different animals - let's just say, God IS very creative. Most of them came right up to the open air bus that we were on and ate grain out of our hands!!! Crazy - I think our students and adult leaders were just as juiced as the kids were (at least from what I can tell from the screaming and cat-like reflexes). And yes, in case you were wondering, the tongue of a water buffalo does tickle a little in the palm of your hand. After the ride, we had an hour or so to just go around with our buddy anywhere they wanted to in the park. There were water slides, splash pools, tons of playground things, a huge steel cable rope bridge that some adult leaders (ok. . . DC and I) decided to shake, which "enabled" the kids to fall off into the water to cool off :). There were zip lines for all ages of kids, a cactus garden, eating areas, seal shows, etc. . . I think you get the point - AMAZING. Eventually, we got around to eating dinner, after we decided to move the game of BUCK BUCK to the international stage! The HAMburgers (burgers in Mexico have slice of ham on top with guacomole and a tomato) were delightful. We said goodbye to the kids. . . at least until Thursday. . . knowing that with every smile and laugh that we all had together, Christ was smiling on us, and the kids, were able to feel love, true authentic love - the way it was meant to be. To God be the glory.