Hey All,
The students are just bedding down after a great day here in Mexico. This morning, we had an opportunity to take a tour of the Back2Back campus as well as a tour of Matt and Julie Coopers home and the recently completed medical center. We've had a chance to be a part of the construction of that building and it was great to see it up and running, complete with two medical exam rooms, two dental exam areas, and a digital patient record system which I hear is really advanced, even for hospitals back in the states. From there, we headed to church which, according to about 50% of the students, was the highlight of the day. Hopefully my pictures will upload so you can see for yourself the building and the experience, but it was a beautiful church at the top of a hill with a top notch worship team who sang back and forth in spanish and in english. The message was also translated in english and I think all of the students were touched deeply by that experience of worshipping next to people in a different language but singing to the same God. It was fantastic! After church, we had lunch with all the visiting teams and the children from Casa Hogar Douglas. Then we hoped on two separate busses for our afternoon project. Jonathan, Rachel, and Katie's group headed to a children's home named Imperio De Amor (Empire of love...I think) where they did a variety of things including cleaning their kitchen, building new shelves and organizing a storage closet, collecting water to use on the property from a not so nearby river, and of course, playing with the kids. I personally wasn't there but from all accounts, it was a great day. I hear there were some shenanigans involving jumping into some large barrels of water, but I'll let the students tell the story when they get back. Kara, Steph, and my (Jeff) group headed to a children's home named Monantial De Amor (Natural Spring of Love) to help pour a concrete wall behind the building to helpful solve some erosion problems that the building's foundation has been dealing with. The students worked and worked and never once complained or asked "when are we leaving?" I can tell that this blog is getting way to long, but just let me close in saying that the students are KILLING IT!!! Great attitudes, working heard, uniting with each other, and they're excited for the rest of the week. John, Kara, and D.C. arrived safely around 9:30p.m. We'll check in tomorrow! Enjoy the pictures!
-Jeff
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Day One in Photo's
Enjoy! My two cents: This team is amazing and I can't wait to see the attitude and excitement they bring to our first day of work down here tomorrow. If it's anything like what I've come to expect from GSM students...the folks down here better be prepared. Good things are comin!
-Jeff
We've Arrived!
Yes, it's true... we've made it safe and sound. Our travels could not have gone any more smooth. As we landed in Monterrey, we were welcomed with 102 degree weather at 7:00 in the evening. Needless to say, it is going to be a beautifully toasty week and we couldn't be more thrilled.
Currently, as I type, everyone is in their dorms unpacking and getting settled. We had a great evening session and time of worship. The excitement level is at its peak as everyone looks ahead to this week and what God has in store.
Please feel free to leave your comments and words of encouragement as we will be reading them to the team each night. We will make sure to keep you up to date (via the blog) every day with pictures and a summary of the daily happenings. Although the distance apart may be difficult, we've asked the students to put away their cell phones for the week. This will help them stay focused on what God has for each of them. Thank you for understanding.
And with that, we're off... please be praying. We're ready to serve like crazy and watch God work.
Steph
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
DC's Letter Regarding Mexico Health Concerns
Here is a copy of DC's letter written to all parents/students going on the trip regarding all the recent news regarding Mexico and the swine flu. You should have received one of these via e-mail but just in case you didn't, here it is!
"Dear Parent,
You are receiving this letter because you are the parent of a high school student who is attending our Mexic09 Mission Trip with Granger Community Church. I wanted to take a moment and inform you of where we stand regarding the trip to Mexico.
I’m sure most of you have already heard how H1N1 Flu (“the Swine Flu”) has affected Mexico and the U.S. I just want to take a moment to weigh-in on what this means for our trip at the end of July.
This isn't something that I'm taking lightly. I understand the implications, while at the same time believe that this isn't something that is outside the hands of God. So with much prayer and conversation, at this point, we are going to continue with our current plan of action. We will continue to closely monitor the situation from all angles (in-house leadership, National News, Mexico News, and Back2Back on-site news). If in the end we need to cancel the trip, we will do just that with no regrets. I've never been interested in putting any of our students or staff in danger and this situation is no different. We love what we get to do and I'm not willing to risk anyone's safety for the sake of a camp, service opportunity or mission experience.
I’ve had many conversations over the last four weeks about this situation and the implications that are involved. Here’s the latest national communication from those who are spending hundreds of hours on diagnosing it and giving advice as to what we should do as of 5-12-09.
•Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitan, declared that the severity of the Swine Flu is no stronger than the regular seasonal flu. Click on the link below to read more from the article ‘Swine Flu No Worse than Regular Flu’:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/04/swine.flu.main/index.html?iref=newssearch
•The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that they are not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. The WHO noted that “limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community. Scientific research based on mathematical modeling shows that restricting travel would be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, validate this.” Read more from their Web site:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/travel/en/index.html
•According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 flu is effectively treated with anti-viral drugs. “This novel (H1N1) influenza virus is sensitive (susceptible) to the neuraminidase inhibitor anti-viral medications, Zanamivir and Oseltamivir.” Read more from the CDC Web site on treatment and exposure risk: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm
•The Back2Back staff in Mexico has been provided up to date health information regarding transmission and screening of flu symptoms. The staff is closely monitoring mission guests and children at the homes and at present there have not been any cases among Back2Back staff members, mission guests or the children we serve. Monterrey is a city of six million and has been very aggressive with its approach to prevention of this flu. Visit the CDC Web site to read more about keeping yourself protected: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
•Back2Back is committed to the health and safety of all mission guests. Our Mexico campus is located within 10 minutes of a leading area hospital. Additionally, Back2Back Mexico has an Emergency Response & Preparedness Program for all medical emergencies including the flu.
I hope this information helps and sheds some more light on the situation. It’s been very helpful for me and the GSM team. We thank you for trusting us with your students and know that we will do everything in our power to keep them safe and help them have a great mission experience. We are committed to excellence and helping your student take their next step!
If you have any further questions please contact us at 574.243.3500.
Sincerely,
DC Curry
Director of Student Ministry
"Dear Parent,
You are receiving this letter because you are the parent of a high school student who is attending our Mexic09 Mission Trip with Granger Community Church. I wanted to take a moment and inform you of where we stand regarding the trip to Mexico.
I’m sure most of you have already heard how H1N1 Flu (“the Swine Flu”) has affected Mexico and the U.S. I just want to take a moment to weigh-in on what this means for our trip at the end of July.
This isn't something that I'm taking lightly. I understand the implications, while at the same time believe that this isn't something that is outside the hands of God. So with much prayer and conversation, at this point, we are going to continue with our current plan of action. We will continue to closely monitor the situation from all angles (in-house leadership, National News, Mexico News, and Back2Back on-site news). If in the end we need to cancel the trip, we will do just that with no regrets. I've never been interested in putting any of our students or staff in danger and this situation is no different. We love what we get to do and I'm not willing to risk anyone's safety for the sake of a camp, service opportunity or mission experience.
I’ve had many conversations over the last four weeks about this situation and the implications that are involved. Here’s the latest national communication from those who are spending hundreds of hours on diagnosing it and giving advice as to what we should do as of 5-12-09.
•Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitan, declared that the severity of the Swine Flu is no stronger than the regular seasonal flu. Click on the link below to read more from the article ‘Swine Flu No Worse than Regular Flu’:
http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/05/04/swine.flu.main/index.html?iref=newssearch
•The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that they are not recommending travel restrictions related to the outbreak of the influenza A (H1N1) virus. The WHO noted that “limiting travel and imposing travel restrictions would have very little effect on stopping the virus from spreading, but would be highly disruptive to the global community. Scientific research based on mathematical modeling shows that restricting travel would be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease. Historical records of previous influenza pandemics, as well as experience with SARS, validate this.” Read more from their Web site:
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/frequently_asked_questions/travel/en/index.html
•According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the H1N1 flu is effectively treated with anti-viral drugs. “This novel (H1N1) influenza virus is sensitive (susceptible) to the neuraminidase inhibitor anti-viral medications, Zanamivir and Oseltamivir.” Read more from the CDC Web site on treatment and exposure risk: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/recommendations.htm
•The Back2Back staff in Mexico has been provided up to date health information regarding transmission and screening of flu symptoms. The staff is closely monitoring mission guests and children at the homes and at present there have not been any cases among Back2Back staff members, mission guests or the children we serve. Monterrey is a city of six million and has been very aggressive with its approach to prevention of this flu. Visit the CDC Web site to read more about keeping yourself protected: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
•Back2Back is committed to the health and safety of all mission guests. Our Mexico campus is located within 10 minutes of a leading area hospital. Additionally, Back2Back Mexico has an Emergency Response & Preparedness Program for all medical emergencies including the flu.
I hope this information helps and sheds some more light on the situation. It’s been very helpful for me and the GSM team. We thank you for trusting us with your students and know that we will do everything in our power to keep them safe and help them have a great mission experience. We are committed to excellence and helping your student take their next step!
If you have any further questions please contact us at 574.243.3500.
Sincerely,
DC Curry
Director of Student Ministry
MEXIC09 Team Workday THIS SATURDAY!
Hey team, hard to believe it but it's already time for our next team meeting! The first team meeting that is officially in summer! yahoo for school being over, ey?
This Saturday we'll all be meeting at GCC by 9 am and we'll be heading over to Elkhart to partner alongside Ted Bryant and Greenlockers to continue the amazing effort to get new and gently used school supply leftovers to those who really need it and potentially even getting some of this down to Monterrey with us!
We'll be back to the church by 4 pm and we'll have lunch covered. Come in work clothes as some of the work may get a little messy and we'll have your latest updates for finances as well as some fun new stuff that we'll be doing as a team over the next few weeks!
OH, and bring a scale if you can! Yep, just a regular household scale! The more we have, the better!
See you on Saturday!
This Saturday we'll all be meeting at GCC by 9 am and we'll be heading over to Elkhart to partner alongside Ted Bryant and Greenlockers to continue the amazing effort to get new and gently used school supply leftovers to those who really need it and potentially even getting some of this down to Monterrey with us!
We'll be back to the church by 4 pm and we'll have lunch covered. Come in work clothes as some of the work may get a little messy and we'll have your latest updates for finances as well as some fun new stuff that we'll be doing as a team over the next few weeks!
OH, and bring a scale if you can! Yep, just a regular household scale! The more we have, the better!
See you on Saturday!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Team Meeting Tomorrow!
Hey team, we just wanted to remind you that the next MANDATORY team meeting is tomorrow night, Thursday, April 23, from 6:30-8:30 pm at GCC. We've only got 2 hours together so make sure to be on time and to bring your journals/folders.
We'll give you your financial update tomorrow so you can know if you're at the 25% required yet or not. If not you'll have a few days to bring in the difference so don't worry about bringing it tomorrow, unless you really want to :)
We just had the MOVE09 team meeting on Monday and it was great spending some more time together with them and we're pumped to be with all of you tomorrow! See ya then!
We'll give you your financial update tomorrow so you can know if you're at the 25% required yet or not. If not you'll have a few days to bring in the difference so don't worry about bringing it tomorrow, unless you really want to :)
We just had the MOVE09 team meeting on Monday and it was great spending some more time together with them and we're pumped to be with all of you tomorrow! See ya then!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
MEXIC09 Support Raising Opportunity!
HEY MEXIC09 TEAM!!!! We've got a work opportunity for anyone around this week during Spring Break! Thursday, April 9 we'll meet at church at 12:30 pm, carpool to the place we'll be working, work from 1-5 and be back at church by 5:30. $50 will go directly towards your account! All you'll need to bring is work gloves and be ready to work hard outside!
There's only room for 10 students and 2 adult leaders. You need to call me ASAP if you can do it! First to RSVP are in! Call my cell 276-0297.
I've gotten a majority of support letters and support is already coming in on those! Great job! If I don't have your letter by the end of spring break, expect a phone call!
There's only room for 10 students and 2 adult leaders. You need to call me ASAP if you can do it! First to RSVP are in! Call my cell 276-0297.
I've gotten a majority of support letters and support is already coming in on those! Great job! If I don't have your letter by the end of spring break, expect a phone call!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)