Overnight, due to a heavy rain storm, we were out of power for a couple of hours, but thankfully it was toward the later part of the evening so we were able to call it a night. As we woke up in the morning, we were able to witness a beautiful sunrise as we began our day.
The morning started off with a hearty breakfast of eggs and “mangu” which is mashed plantains with butter! After a hearty breakfast, we walked a half-kilometer to the Crucero Community Center to get a tour of the space, the hope and plan for a Community Bakery, and Kimberley’s heart and vision for ministry there. Afterwards, we were able to walk up and down the main road of the community as we heard a bit more of the ministry context in Crucero. We were also able to spend some time at a “colmado,” which is like a storefront with a gentleman by the name of Emiliano and pray for him! There are so many needs! And a lack of resources… :(
We then made our way back to the Crucero Community Center where we split into teams! One team stayed behind to begin working on the conventional oven: cleaning, sanding, painting! Another team went back to our villa to help wash the dishes and baking pans in preparation for the Community Bakery.
During our lunch break, Mel and Carlos drove into the city to pick up wood and supplies for the shelves we are hoping to build. After lunch, Elisa, Donnamarie and Mary went to the local elementary school to lead a special hygiene presentation and give care packages for the students that they met. Everyone else went all hands on deck at the Community Center. Now unfortunately, we had multiple rainstorms that came through which caused a power outage. (Power supply is weak here). So we unfortunately, couldn’t get work done on the shelves with the power tools. But by the grace of God, we were able to live into a spirit of collaboration where we were able to pivot and focus on cleaning down, painting, and prepping the conventional oven.
By 4:00pm, we were able to call it a day, and came back home to the villa to wash up and rest up for the night. It was there where we were able to also spend some intentional time with Kimberley to hear more about the blessings and trials and tribulations that she has been through.
After an incredible dinner, by Josie, Kim’s sister-in-law, we ended our night with a time of worship and sharing together. Please continue to keep us in your prayers! We have A LOT on our plate tomorrow! :)
