Puerto Rico Trip Blog

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Day 7

There is never an easy way to leave and say goodbye to something that has impacted you so greatly. The days have been long, but the week has been short! On one hand, we were all ready to put the projects behind us and look forward to a night in the city filled with hot showers & a lack of dirt. But on the other hand, there was a part of us that wanted to stay to help and support Joseph in all he is endeavoring to do with Somos Gente. Before we headed to the other side of the island, we made a stop in downtown Añasco to visit the mayor's office and receive commemorative pins as a token of Añasco's appreciation. We prayed for Joseph, said our goodbyes, and drove to Old San Juan for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing. We ended the day in a quiet, relaxing hotel where we could put our feet up and reminisce with each other about the last 6 days.

Daily Prayer Request - that the Lord would keep the fire burning in our hearts for the work that needs to still be done in Puerto Rico.

All dressed up in our new Somos Gente t-shirts, our group took one last picture in front of the center that will forever hold a beloved place in our hearts.
All dressed up in our new Somos Gente t-shirts, our group took one last picture in front of the center that will forever hold a beloved place in our hearts.
It is a tradition at the center to write a note on one of their white boards on the last day. Michelle Morse found it hard to put into words how much she treasured her time there this past week.
It is a tradition at the center to write a note on one of their white boards on the last day. Michelle Morse found it hard to put into words how much she treasured her time there this past week.
We stopped in Añasco’s city center on our way out of town. This beautiful mural tells a story of how Añasco came to be.
We stopped in Añasco’s city center on our way out of town. This beautiful mural tells a story of how Añasco came to be.
The mayor of Añasco invited the group to his office to meet us all and to thank us for what PBF has meant to the town over the last year.
The mayor of Añasco invited the group to his office to meet us all and to thank us for what PBF has meant to the town over the last year.
Before we left for San Juan, we laid hands on Joseph and prayed that God would continually provide for, and strengthen, him as he continues the amazing work he is doing with Somos Gente.
Before we left for San Juan, we laid hands on Joseph and prayed that God would continually provide for, and strengthen, him as he continues the amazing work he is doing with Somos Gente.
Today was a bittersweet day mixed with both excitement and sadness that we were leaving this special town.
Today was a bittersweet day mixed with both excitement and sadness that we were leaving this special town.
We spent the afternoon in old town San Juan (which is a tiny island itself). Most of the group took the opportunity to explore - and take cute pictures in - the old fort that stands watch over the city.
We spent the afternoon in old town San Juan (which is a tiny island itself). Most of the group took the opportunity to explore - and take cute pictures in - the old fort that stands watch over the city.
Michael & Elijah Dekker had the view all to themselves in one of the tall turrets.
Michael & Elijah Dekker had the view all to themselves in one of the tall turrets.
We spent our last evening together debriefing & downloading in one of the hotel rooms. Would it truly be a group gathering without lots of smiles and laughter?!?
We spent our last evening together debriefing & downloading in one of the hotel rooms. Would it truly be a group gathering without lots of smiles and laughter?!?

Day 6

This team was able to observe the Sabbath in all its full, intended glory today! We started the morning off by attending Joseph's home church, Iglesia Misión Vida. The congregation there was vibrant and welcoming. They even provided a translator for most of the service, which made participating in worship all the more enjoyable. We then made our way to the beachfront of Aguadilla for a quick food truck lunch, and a swan paddleboat ride in a lagoon (there's a sentence I never thought I'd say on a mission trip). Joseph worked with Discovery Bay Paddle Boat Park and was able to get us complimentary rides. We laughed and pedaled our way around the water for 30 minutes! Then, after a quick dip in the ocean at Crash Boat Beach, we headed back to Somos Gente for our last meal there and some presentations by the Board Members. Joseph asked the group to all go around and share how we saw God at work this past week. While there were numerous ways mentioned, the overwhelming consensus was that our group dynamics were the greatest expression of His work. It can only be explained by pointing to Jesus Christ -  His work in and through us - as to the reason why we were a group of 16 individuals with no whining. No arguing. No sickness. No complaining. No dissension. No exclusivity. No pridefulness. He guided us through love, humor, and a true appreciation of one another. This night, we knew how truly blessed we were.

Daily Prayer Request - that the team would be able to enjoy the relaxation of the end of the trip without jumping ahead to the priorities that await us at home.

Feeling freshly showered and rested, we were off to church!
Feeling freshly showered and rested, we were off to church!
Joseph's home church is located about 45 minutes north of Añasco in Aguadilla.
Joseph's home church is located about 45 minutes north of Añasco in Aguadilla.
The pastor of Iglesia Misión Vida invited Joseph up to talk a bit about our group. Joe & Teresa Brooks were even able to speak for about 5 minutes on why this trip has been so impactful for them.
The pastor of Iglesia Misión Vida invited Joseph up to talk a bit about our group. Joe & Teresa Brooks were even able to speak for about 5 minutes on why this trip has been so impactful for them.
The entire 2 and a 1/2 hour service was beautiful. It was full of worship (some of the songs were familiar), testimony, prayer, and some powerful words from the Lord.
The entire 2 and a 1/2 hour service was beautiful. It was full of worship (some of the songs were familiar), testimony, prayer, and some powerful words from the Lord.
Jack James and Joseph felt it was more fun to try and bump the other swans than to simply enjoy a leisurely pedal around the lagoon.
Jack James and Joseph felt it was more fun to try and bump the other swans than to simply enjoy a leisurely pedal around the lagoon.
Just a little father-son-swan bonding time for Michael & Elijah Dekker.
Just a little father-son-swan bonding time for Michael & Elijah Dekker.
Father/daughter duo, Dan & Leah Morse, were so thankful to be able to return to Puerto Rico together again.
Father/daughter duo, Dan & Leah Morse, were so thankful to be able to return to Puerto Rico together again.
The hot sun made it necessary for the group to indulge in some delicious ice cream after lunch. Their favorite flavor? Parcha Colada (passion fruit).
The hot sun made it necessary for the group to indulge in some delicious ice cream after lunch. Their favorite flavor? Parcha Colada (passion fruit).
Enjoying some shade in Aguadilla's town square.
Enjoying some shade in Aguadilla's town square.
The Board President of Somos Gente, Orlando, gave a heartfelt and emotional presentation while thanking the PBF team for coming.
The Board President of Somos Gente, Orlando, gave a heartfelt and emotional presentation while thanking the PBF team for coming.
If Sarah Layman had not shared her heart for Somos Gente, and for the people of Puerto Rico, we might not have come here this year. The Board members were eager to thank her.
If Sarah Layman had not shared her heart for Somos Gente, and for the people of Puerto Rico, we might not have come here this year. The Board members were eager to thank her.
Dan Morse's vision of how to execute the projects we did, and the preparation he put in ahead of time, made this good work possible.
Dan Morse's vision of how to execute the projects we did, and the preparation he put in ahead of time, made this good work possible.

Day 5

Four days - just FOUR DAYS - is what it took to complete the projects we came here to complete! The team decided, again, to forego any free time to be able to push through and meet our own personal goals. Today brought so much satisfaction, fatigue, and thankfulness. Even despite the downpours that passed through the late afternoon and evening, our team sacrificed their comfort (and clothes!) to do what we came to do. God blessed our efforts by providing us with infinite patience, lots of laughter, and a restful sleep at the end.

Daily Prayer Request - that our hearts and minds would be able to process all that we've seen and done in a way that would allow us to convey to friends & family just how faithful God showed Himself to be.

The "before" photo of the chicken coop expansion - it was a completely empty area that needed to be filled.
The "before" photo of the chicken coop expansion - it was a completely empty area that needed to be filled.
This is a view of the new coop from the outside looking in. This was all designed and built by our team members!
This is a view of the new coop from the outside looking in. This was all designed and built by our team members!
Everything is all prepared inside the coop for the "teen" hens to live here.
Everything is all prepared inside the coop for the "teen" hens to live here.
The amazing chicken coop team braved the intermittent downpours to work to the end...and then promptly disposed of their muddy clothes.
The amazing chicken coop team braved the intermittent downpours to work to the end...and then promptly disposed of their muddy clothes.
The "before" photo of the tech room - it needed new flooring, trim, paint & desks.
The "before" photo of the tech room - it needed new flooring, trim, paint & desks.
What a difference! This room will be used by local community members, and will provide a comfortable place to stay connected with others.
What a difference! This room will be used by local community members, and will provide a comfortable place to stay connected with others.
As Teresa Brooks stood back to admire her hard work, Sarah Layman gave her a taste of what it will be like when people come to enjoy the space.
As Teresa Brooks stood back to admire her hard work, Sarah Layman gave her a taste of what it will be like when people come to enjoy the space.
Joe Brooks posed with pride before he hammered the final nail into the tech desks.
Joe Brooks posed with pride before he hammered the final nail into the tech desks.
The "before" photo of the large room remodel - the end goal was to have 4 separate rooms to be used as temporary housing.
The "before" photo of the large room remodel - the end goal was to have 4 separate rooms to be used as temporary housing.
The inside of one of the four new rooms. It's painted, has a new ceiling and lights, and is ready for bunk beds.
The inside of one of the four new rooms. It's painted, has a new ceiling and lights, and is ready for bunk beds.
When the rooms were created, the team also included small hallways so that each room has its own individual entrance.
When the rooms were created, the team also included small hallways so that each room has its own individual entrance.
John Doornink, Tess Doornink and Val Williamson even had some time left over, once the rooms were done, to organize supplies in the next big room that needs to be divided (maybe next year!).
John Doornink, Tess Doornink and Val Williamson even had some time left over, once the rooms were done, to organize supplies in the next big room that needs to be divided (maybe next year!).

DAY 4

Today was equal parts friendship and fortitude. Our team of 16 separate individuals worked together as if they were one single unit. When one person was drilling, another was measuring. When one was caulking, another was painting. When one was cooking, another was cleaning. When one needed grace, another was ready & willing to extend it. It was a really beautiful dynamic to watch and experience. In addition, we were all of the same mind when it came to deciding on whether or not to push through our breaks and continue to accomplish as much as possible. We had a "family meeting" around 2:00 in the afternoon, and the consensus was to PRESS ON! God's blessings rained down upon both Somos Gente and our PBF team today. It can best be described in Ephesians 3:20 - "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us"

Daily Prayer Request - that, as the projects are nearing completion, the team members would be able to find the healthy balance between pushing through and still taking care of themselves.

Zach Layman and John Doornink kept smiles on their faces while pushing through to finish the door frames in the new rooms.
Zach Layman and John Doornink kept smiles on their faces while pushing through to finish the door frames in the new rooms.
Elijah Dekker worked hard to get the metal flashing up onto the roof of the chicken coop.
Elijah Dekker worked hard to get the metal flashing up onto the roof of the chicken coop.
"Little" friends like this one like to hang around the work sites from time to time.
"Little" friends like this one like to hang around the work sites from time to time.
Joseph brought some of the group back to the local church we visited on Tuesday to tackle some painting they needed done.
Joseph brought some of the group back to the local church we visited on Tuesday to tackle some painting they needed done.
Nathan Reese ended up painting alongside the 3 girls so much, we started calling their team "Nathan & the Girl Gang"!
Nathan Reese ended up painting alongside the 3 girls so much, we started calling their team "Nathan & the Girl Gang"!
It quickly became apparent that Nathan Reese had his work cut out for him when it came to motivating his fellow team members.
It quickly became apparent that Nathan Reese had his work cut out for him when it came to motivating his fellow team members.
The church members were so thankful for the work our team did, some of them came to prepare and serve a special lunch for the crew.
The church members were so thankful for the work our team did, some of them came to prepare and serve a special lunch for the crew.
Either Val Williamson is REALLY funny, or Tess Doornink is REALLY tired and loopy at this stage of the game.
Either Val Williamson is REALLY funny, or Tess Doornink is REALLY tired and loopy at this stage of the game.
Even though we were all tired, we had a "family meeting" and decided to forego the afternoon break and push through until dinner to make some additional headway on our projects (but not before a quick cat nap for some).
Even though we were all tired, we had a "family meeting" and decided to forego the afternoon break and push through until dinner to make some additional headway on our projects (but not before a quick cat nap for some).
It was Puerto Rico Night in the dining hall! The team, along with some Board Members & volunteers, feasted on Arroz con Habichuelas, Mofongo, Ensalada de Papa, and Chicharrones de Pollo.
It was Puerto Rico Night in the dining hall! The team, along with some Board Members & volunteers, feasted on Arroz con Habichuelas, Mofongo, Ensalada de Papa, and Chicharrones de Pollo.
Our hosts even decorated the dining hall for us to get us in the Puerto Rican spirit.
Our hosts even decorated the dining hall for us to get us in the Puerto Rican spirit.
Joseph and his fiancé, Glorymar, thanked us all for being here.
Joseph and his fiancé, Glorymar, thanked us all for being here.

Day 3

Some people say the second day of work on a mission trip is the hardest - you're out of adrenaline, back to the grind, and still getting used to a bed that's not your own. Our team confessed that they felt that at times today, but God gave us all strength to take the hard with the fun, and push through to be able to do great things. So much progress was made on all of the projects, and bonds between team members were strengthened as we worked, sweat, and laughed our way through it all. We ended the day in the neighboring town of Rincón to enjoy dinner out and to do some sightseeing and shopping in the market. What an adventure this has all been already!

Daily Prayer Request - that the ability to get needed last-minute supplies at various stores would be easy & efficient, despite the language barrier.

Elijah Dekker was our fearless roofer of the chicken coop today.
Elijah Dekker was our fearless roofer of the chicken coop today.
How many high school girls does it take to mix cement? Apparently three - 1 to do the work, and 2 to stand by and watch!
How many high school girls does it take to mix cement? Apparently three - 1 to do the work, and 2 to stand by and watch!
Jack James' height and long arms made him the perfect team member to screw in the high beams.
Jack James' height and long arms made him the perfect team member to screw in the high beams.
Want to know why Michelle Morse and Sarah Layman don't appear in many photos? They have been hard at work behind the kitchen counter (and behind the cameras) preparing delicious & nutritious breakfasts and lunches for the team each day.
Want to know why Michelle Morse and Sarah Layman don't appear in many photos? They have been hard at work behind the kitchen counter (and behind the cameras) preparing delicious & nutritious breakfasts and lunches for the team each day.
Val Williamson and Tess Doornink were the dream team when it came to installing new ceiling tiles and lights..
Val Williamson and Tess Doornink were the dream team when it came to installing new ceiling tiles and lights..
Joseph took some of the team down to a beach in Rincón to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine along with a beautiful sunset.
Joseph took some of the team down to a beach in Rincón to enjoy authentic Puerto Rican cuisine along with a beautiful sunset.
Jack James and Michelle Morse were so excited to get to shop in the local Rincón market (their faces just have unique ways of showing it).
Jack James and Michelle Morse were so excited to get to shop in the local Rincón market (their faces just have unique ways of showing it).
The WHOLE group together (Zach Layman arrived today!) down at the Rincón market.
The WHOLE group together (Zach Layman arrived today!) down at the Rincón market.
This is one of the reasons why multi-generational mission trips are so fun! Where else would you be able to end the evening with a friendly game of volleyball, all ages & skill levels welcome?!
This is one of the reasons why multi-generational mission trips are so fun! Where else would you be able to end the evening with a friendly game of volleyball, all ages & skill levels welcome?!

Day 2

It is hard to put into words how incredible today was. Our team approached our projects with enthusiasm and energy. The heat only seemed to propel us to do more, rather than sit back and wish it was just a tad cooler. Having been able to plan the projects ahead of time, and have the supplies delivered before our arrival, was such a gift. It allowed us all to maximize our time and efforts and accomplish MUCH more than we ever thought possible! The latter part of the day was spent enjoying the beach, working a couple of hours more in the cooler temperatures, and finally gathering to do devotions, download from the day, and pray. God was in our midst every single step of the way - you couldn't help but feel His presence. What a joy it is serving in this capacity!

Daily Prayer Request - that the Lord would fill us all with HIS joy, HIS patience, and HIS perspective.

Project "Tech Transformation" - before floors could be laid in the new technology center, some calculations needed to be written down on a paper plate (the only paper Teresa Brooks could find).
Project "Tech Transformation" - before floors could be laid in the new technology center, some calculations needed to be written down on a paper plate (the only paper Teresa Brooks could find).
Laying flooring is not for the weak! Val Williamson and Teresa Brooks' knees were feeling it by bedtime that evening.
Laying flooring is not for the weak! Val Williamson and Teresa Brooks' knees were feeling it by bedtime that evening.
Project "Beat the Heat" - the new A/C units in the living quarters are obviously working well (according to Marlee Jernigan)!
Project "Beat the Heat" - the new A/C units in the living quarters are obviously working well (according to Marlee Jernigan)!
Project "Chicken Challenge" - this project team wanted to endear themselves to the chickens before they started coop construction.
Project "Chicken Challenge" - this project team wanted to endear themselves to the chickens before they started coop construction.
Elijah Dekker, Marlee Jernigan, Leah Morse & Addy Leaf worked hard mixing concrete and cutting out milk crates to be used as chicken beds.
Elijah Dekker, Marlee Jernigan, Leah Morse & Addy Leaf worked hard mixing concrete and cutting out milk crates to be used as chicken beds.
Leah Morse struggled to figure out the correct way to eat a fresh mango during a break.
Leah Morse struggled to figure out the correct way to eat a fresh mango during a break.
Project "Room Remodel" - the beginning stages of dividing one huge room into 4 smaller rooms to be used as future living quarters.
Project "Room Remodel" - the beginning stages of dividing one huge room into 4 smaller rooms to be used as future living quarters.
When you have to bring 40 sheets of plywood up two flights of stairs, it's all hands on deck.
When you have to bring 40 sheets of plywood up two flights of stairs, it's all hands on deck.
Tess Doornink was a pro at nailing down into concrete by the end of the day.
Tess Doornink was a pro at nailing down into concrete by the end of the day.
Joseph was proudly showing one of his Board Members what was done in just one day!
Joseph was proudly showing one of his Board Members what was done in just one day!
After a full day's work, our team decided a little cool down at the beach was needed.
After a full day's work, our team decided a little cool down at the beach was needed.
The Caribbean water was the perfect temperature - cold enough to cool down, yet warm enough to be able to endlessly float and relax.
The Caribbean water was the perfect temperature - cold enough to cool down, yet warm enough to be able to endlessly float and relax.
Our delicious dinner for the evening - spaghetti, salad, and hand-made tostones (mashed & twice-fried plantains).
Our delicious dinner for the evening - spaghetti, salad, and hand-made tostones (mashed & twice-fried plantains).
The highlight of the meal was the homemade "helado de maiz y crema con cinnamon" - sweet corn ice cream with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. The entire team went back for seconds!
The highlight of the meal was the homemade "helado de maiz y crema con cinnamon" - sweet corn ice cream with a sprinkling of cinnamon on top. The entire team went back for seconds!
A beautiful sunset sky to end the day.
A beautiful sunset sky to end the day.

Day 1

Today was an EXCITING day! This was the day we had been planning for, praying for, and anxiously waiting for. Our team (all except one member, who is joining us in a couple of days) all landed and came together in Puerto Rico! Once our team was picked up by Michelle and Sarah at the airport in San Juan, we made the 3 hour drive to the other side of the island. Destination - Añasco! We arrived around 5:00 PM, sleepy and excited to finally be at Somos Gente. After a quick unpacking and change of clothes, we ate a delicious dinner of beans, rice, stew and plantains. Soon after, we headed out to a local church, where we were able to experience a lovely service of worship and prayer. We even got to see one of our own team members, Addy Leaf, muster the courage to translate for our benefit. We all fell into bed that night tired, content, and anxious to get started on our work projects the next morning.

Daily Prayer Request - that the team members remain completely free from any sickness or sun-induced fatigue.

The Puerto Rican flag is a popular sight on buildings and signs. This is the front of the main Somos Gente building.
The Puerto Rican flag is a popular sight on buildings and signs. This is the front of the main Somos Gente building.
After our group unpacked, we met in the dining hall to eat dinner before heading off to church for the evening.
After our group unpacked, we met in the dining hall to eat dinner before heading off to church for the evening.
Some of the local residents of Añasco volunteer at Somos Gente by preparing dinners for the groups that come. Their food is delicious!
Some of the local residents of Añasco volunteer at Somos Gente by preparing dinners for the groups that come. Their food is delicious!
We were welcomed guests at Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal of Añasco. It was beautiful to see the church body there praising God together in Spanish.
We were welcomed guests at Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal of Añasco. It was beautiful to see the church body there praising God together in Spanish.
Addy Leaf, our only bilingual team member, was asked to translate for some of the service. We were all so proud of her!
Addy Leaf, our only bilingual team member, was asked to translate for some of the service. We were all so proud of her!
Dan Morse, our team leader, was asked to share a bit about why PBF is so excited to be a part of this Puerto Rican community.
Dan Morse, our team leader, was asked to share a bit about why PBF is so excited to be a part of this Puerto Rican community.

Pre-arrival

The majority of the team is headed out tonight on long, red-eye flights. They will arrive into San Juan, Puerto Rico at around 12:45 PM tomorrow. Sarah and Michelle will be anxiously waiting to greet them all!

Daily Prayer Request - that all of the team members have the ability to get some sleep on the way.

While the team in Kitsap is packing up to leave, Sarah and Michelle are planning meals for the upcoming week and buying all the groceries in Puerto Rico.
While the team in Kitsap is packing up to leave, Sarah and Michelle are planning meals for the upcoming week and buying all the groceries in Puerto Rico.
Here is one carpool load packed up and ready to go. Don't they all look bright-eyed and excited?! *Note: the cute mini-missionary is not going along. He's just dreaming of the day when he'll get the chance to serve with the team. 
Here is one carpool load packed up and ready to go. Don't they all look bright-eyed and excited?! *Note: the cute mini-missionary is not going along. He's just dreaming of the day when he'll get the chance to serve with the team. 
Early Arrivals - Sarah and Michelle hit the ground a couple of days early to gather team supplies and vans to pick up the team from the airport.
Early Arrivals - Sarah and Michelle hit the ground a couple of days early to gather team supplies and vans to pick up the team from the airport.
Sunday, March 23 - The team is commissioned and ready to go!
Sunday, March 23 - The team is commissioned and ready to go!