Pre-Construction Stage has begun...

PRE-CONSTRUCTION OF ORPHANAGE/YOUTH PROGRAM!!!

The Enfoque Ciudad Team and the architect

A couple of weeks ago we started the pre-construction.  The 4 oldest youth at the orphanage (Christian, Chuy, Nestor, Edgar) are working on the construction project as assistants to the construction workers.  They absolutely love being out on the land and being part of the construction project.

It has been a lot of fun to get to know the youth better.  The weekend before they started construction, we took the kids to Tonala (the construction site).  We showed them the different bus routes and how to get to the land every day.  We walked around the marketplace (tianguis) to show the kids the little town.  Then I took the kids to our favorite breakfast restaurant in Tonala to celebrate their new job!  It was a very long day.  But I absolutely loved every moment of it.  I still remember what one of the youth said: "I will never forget this day."

 Edgar, Nestor, Christian

These 4 youth have really taught me a lot.  We've been packing them breakfast and lunch every day for work.  I remember getting home that weekend before they started work and I was absolutely worn out and exhausted.  Tania and I left the house at 8am and didn't return until late that evening: a day full of traffic, buses, shopping, planning a healthy menu, budgets, etc.  I've learned that everything in Mexico takes about 5 times longer than it does in the US! haha :)


That Sunday night before they started work I had them over at my house to show them the plan.  We gave them a map with bus routes, their new lunch boxes + backpacks with breakfast and lunch, a little note of encouragement with a Bible verse, construction helmets, water bottles, socks + underwear.  They were so stoked.  Their smiles, joy and excitement really reminded me why we're here serving in Mexico: to see their lives transformed by Jesus.

In construction we are currently working on the following 3 steps:

1. Excavate 50 2-meter deep holes in the ground below the street to build a contention wall.
2. Cement in 50 reinforced steel bar (rebar) castles for the construction of the contention wall.
3. Build 110 m2 (55-meter length, 2 meter height) rustic red-brick + concrete contention wall.

Edgar and Nestor at work!

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

We are truly excited to be starting construction.  It is such a blessing to be able to serve here in Mexico.  Please consider giving a one-time donation to our construction project.

1. via Credit Card Donation:  www.enfoqueciudad.org/give
2. via Paper Check: Enfoque Ciudad 1802 Lima Dr San Luis Obispo, CA 93405  

Lunch Time!

Christian at work!

ELECTIONS IN MEXICO
As most of you have heard the Mexico presidential elections happened on July 1st.  Unfortunately there has been a lot of corruption and vote-buying involved.  Please be praying for the future of Mexico as it enters into this transition.  Read more about the elections:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jBUZHsuGgE
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2012/07/03/accusations-grow-vote-buying-mexico-election/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18758321

BEAUTIFUL MEXICO
Also, I wanted to share this video with you about Mexico.  It is a beautiful work of art showing a different side of Mexico most of you haven't seen.

Thank you.  I could not be here serving in Mexico without a dedicated team of friends and supporters at home.  Thank you for being such an important part of our team.