Hola!
Today we didn't venture outside the compound at all, however, we exerted plenty of energy, much more than some of the team members....err, the older ones, were used to. Awoken promptly at the terrible hour of 5:00 AM by Miss Kim, even though breakfast isn't served until 6:30, nobody rose too cranky. Some of us being what you may call 'veterans' have found aspects of the compound to be rather "homey." The Chi-Chi's bedding, the gym where we originally learned the Castillo Del Rey songs three summers ago, and the wild, potentially dangerous horses that roam the 36-acres we are occupying this week. After the early bird breakfast we all entered straight into five hours of training. This year we were housed inside the gym instead of the patio due to rain. We were shocked to find out that the main song for the programs, Mi Rey Jesus, has acquired a more techno feel and new movements. No longer do we have a sixteen measure, restful introduction, but a speedy four count hi-hat startoff. So you all will be witnessing a new and improved(?) version of this beloved dance Sunday morning. I got to observe a bit more this year being that I sat out for some of it, so I got to see how ridiculous we all truly look jumping around, especially on the first day.
After a fair amount of bootcamp all morning, and a hearty lunch, we all planned to have some free time until dinner. However, those napping plans were quickly dismissed when rumor started flying that Nelson was present at Castillo Del Rey. To some of you the name Nelson may have little to no meaning, but to us and some of you readers, that is a glorious name to be heard. At breakfast we received news that our dear friend Nelson was not doing to well, in other words, he had dropped out of the Master's Commission program and having much difficulty with struggles in his hometown and with bothersome gangs. Hearing this news personally made my heart sink. Hours later though, literal frowns were turned completely upside down. The whole "see a lost friend and sprint across a field to a warm embrace" scene actually happened with my brother, (hermano). Reconnecting with Nelson was great for everyone. Prayers were placed upon him and old jokes brought up. One of the first phrases out of his mouth was "No See Me" :-). Georgie and Christopher got a competitive, yet friendly, game of futbol going with a group of the national boys. Mrs. Franks had the lovely surprise of seeing her daughter Bri walk through the door after 5 weeks away from each other. Thaymee and Mariela have both proved to be great interpreters for the rest of us Americans, helping us with each and every word. Nicole, Nikki, and Angela have taken a young national girl on our team, Natalie, under their wings and teaching her to be "sassy". They've got her singing Miley Cyrus and saying, "Oh no she didn't" with the finger snap and all. Uncle Rick is once again challenging guys to late night ping pong matches. Mr. George and Miss Kim are holding true to the reputation of being fearless leaders, we'll see if that holds up tomorrow. ;-). Two of the newbies, as we're calling them, Neil and Carrie Ann, have successfully mastered the dances, I ended up following them!
Just about an hour ago, we returned from yet another memorable and impacting night at The Prayer Fortress. There's always something so special about going up to such a sacred place set aside solely for prayer and interceding. Individual and group prayer occurred asking God to bless and prepare the hearts of the lives we would come in contact with through out the week. At the wrap up, one of our American interns, Susanna, shared from her heart that she really believes that our team from Kingsway will be vessels of Love, specifically God's love. As corny as it is, I instantly smiled when she said that, because I was thinking the same thing. Knowing a lot of team members very well, I am well aware that they are all extremely loving and compassionate people, and seeing that someone who just yesterday was a stranger, sensed the same thing, reassured the fact.
Pastor Julio is quite "pumped" for this upcoming week, as we will be going into some difficult areas around the lake. Most of the people we will be ministering to this week, have in fact, actually heard the Gospel before, yet have not committed to the faith. A prayer that I have on my heart this week will be that the work and impact that King's Castle has, continues to be a lasting and impressionable one upon the lives of the children. I'm sure that it would be greatly appreciated by many if you all would keep the same prayer in mind. Two interesting analogies that were used in reference to our upcoming week were a faucet and a rock. Miss Kim shared that it's like we are presented with a faucet, and God's love is the water. We can either turn the handle a little this week, by not putting much effort out, and only let the water trickle out, or we can turn it on full force and watch God's love flood out. Pastor Julio also talked about water continuously dripping on a rock, causing an eventual impression. This helped us returners to understand the reasoning behind going back to the same areas we have ministered in the past. No longer are we slightly discouraged by that fact, but instead excited to go out and share God's love. Tomorrow morning we will be heading out to do our very first programs of the week lasting the whole day. Our first public run through the new dances and skits, and the appearance of our "frosh" clowns will take place.
In the business area of things, all the sicklings are feelings better, Chris put up a good fight in the soccer game, Nikki's smiling again, Miss Kim is still going strong, and I'm obviously not on my deathbed any longer, just kidding, just kidding. Uncle Rick's knee is holding up and nobody else has come down with anything. Oh, and the title of this entry is referring to the little "game" of Nose Goes. Which we taught to the National kids with the help of our Spanish speaking duo, Thaymee and Mariela. They love it. We all send our love, hugs, and kisses. You are all missed. Thank you for reading this wordy piece. I'll try to be shorter next, everybody's yelling at me to wrap it up. But the more the merrier, better safe than sorry? Whatever, at least you are all up to date on our adventures in El Salvador! Hasta Luego Amigos!
