Thanks for bearing with us. We know that many have been waiting for an update. Our schedule has been wonderfully packed but with little downtime. Let me catch you up...
PS...IW = International Workers
Saturday
The longest day...ever. Well, for this trip. :) After greeting our hosts and loading all our luggage in the pouring down rain, we navigated to our respective homes to quickly unpack, change clothes and prep for our first concert. Many prayers were answered for the IW team since this was an outdoor dinner event for couples. The rain stopped just in time for our team to set up a shelter and outdoor seating for us. Our hosts are truly an example of flexibility. Although spirits were dampened when the rain began at 4PM they mentally regrouped, prayed, and forged ahead by removing their living and dining room furniture outside under a roofline so that the rented tables and chairs could be set-up, ready for 25 couples to attend. Most of those who came did not know each other and this was their first exposure to a marriage enrichment event. Our role was to come alongside the IW's to help build bridges of friendship which will support the weight of the Gospel through musical excellence as the IW's seek to reach the professional class of Montevideo.
Sunday
We woke to beautiful skies and prepared for a morning concert at Christ Church, a multinational body of believers and seekers. Pastor John shepherds a transient congregation comprised of international business people, embassy representatives, university students, new-to-the-field international workers, almost to the place where very few were true Uruguayans; many languages were represented. This church body is a networking community seeking to build a spiritual kingdom. Following the concert, we enjoyed a fellowship meal that was truly international. Each family prepared a side dish to share and it was naturally an international meal without needing to exert energy to think "internationally." Our purpose was to bring the Christmas message through music and new contacts were made for our hosts. The remainder of the afternoon and evening was spent touring a few historical sites in Montevideo.
Monday
Our audiences ranged from the very young to the very old. Our first concert, which quickly turned into two concerts, was at the British School. There we performed for the 720+ elementary and junior high school student body. The students were responsive to the music, therefore interaction was incredible. This was our third visit to the British school. Bridges of trust began in 2011 when the new-to-the-field IW's contacted school officials to see if they would be interested in hosting us. Since then, we've become a well respected and requested group not only because of our level of professionalism but also because the bridges the IW's continue to build with people, even when administrators change. Our presence continues to strengthen IW's relationships with the school which opens doors for English camp and other initiatives. Relationships matter when building a community of faith. Pray for continued opportunities for our IW's to be in the school.
Side note...Mike gave us some excitement when we quickly discovered that his "not feeling well" turned into a diagnosis of shingles. An ambulance came on site at the school and provided care for him on location. He continues to rise above the pain and significant discomfort. Thank you for praying. We are in a spiritual battle. That is apparent.
Later in the day, we played an outdoor concert for a group of beautifully spirited mature adults at a nursing home. A young couple attended a Reflection Group meeting prior to the IW's returning to the states. After the IW's returned to Uruguay, they ate a meal at this couple's newly founded restaurant and were prompted to ask if they would be interested in hosting concerts; one at the nursing home the wife runs and the other at the restaurant the husband is chef. This couple owns both of these businesses. Two totally different audiences for the message of hope. The music brought Christmas joy to physically challenged and spiritually hopeless. One sweet lady said the music filled her soul. Later in the week we'll perform at the restaurant.
The music directly ministered to a group of people who were not able to give anything back. We trust the Spirit to draw people to Himself. Relationship building with this couple is important for the IW's. Pray they return to Reflection Group and seek the author of hope.
Tuesday
Much needed rest came with Day 5...aka Tuesday. We traveled up the coast to enjoy God's creation, beautiful sites, and authentic Uruguayan food. We fell into bed at 11PM.
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| Casapueblo |
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| wavy bridge - just because they can |
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| jumping for Emily and Ellie |
Wednesday
Up early and out the door by 7:45AM for two concerts at the American School. The same emphasis of purpose with the British School applies here. A unique experience at the American School was "Ability Awareness Day" - a day focused on student's abilities, not disabilities. This initiative was created by our hosts' daughter, who taught in this school a few years ago. Foundations within the special needs community were invited by the American School to come for a morning of integration and celebration, creating greater people awareness of their abilities. We were touched by the enthusiastic response from the K-10th grade students and guests. The additional children with no vision or hearing were able to enjoy our music either through hearing or feeling the vibrations. Some of these children were able to experience the instruments through touching them as well. Overall it was a time in which all received joy through music and we received joy and satisfaction in return. Relationships with administrators and teachers were able to continue and be bridged again on behalf of the IW's as their daughter had not been teaching there for a few years and they have been on home assignment for the last year.
It is important for there to be continued involvement with both of the schools as this provides a positive standing in the community and ultimately a good reputation that will lead to administrators, teachers, parents and children coming to the IW's Reflection Group and other events that will give them the hope they need in their lives.
This evening is a meeting of the Reflection Group in which some who are attending have attended a concert. Doug is sharing some testimony of storms in his life and how God has carried him through with this group.
Please pray for the American School and the students there and the many possibilities to reach into that community.
