Still Praying

Hey everyone, I made it back safe. Just enjoying my sunday with my family, aunt kathy, Brian my cousin and Aunt Carol. It has been a good day and I am going to play Golf with the boys later. I have so much on my mind right now, and I am still praying about what I want to blog about. I will update tonight! Thank you all again!
Much Love
Adam

Housten Airport

Sitting here in Housten eating an UNOs pizza with Lauren, Sarah, and Susan. Just hanging out until our next flight into dayton at 7:30. Had a great morning, many sad goodbyes, but I am excited to see what God has for me here at home this school year. We had a great Inturn night out, and we showed the video I put together for the summer. I am working on uploading it so you all can see. I have many thoughts, and feelings that I want to tell you all about. I will update tomorrow! Glad to be half way there, Thank you all for everything and for supporting me.

Much Love

Adam

July 29

Today we went to douglas, and did a little concrete, and painting. I worked on the roof with Darren, and we added a new drainage system on the roof. The water was coming over the dorns and making a muddy mess out front, so we added PVC piping to divert the water to one side. Now that we got it all hooked up, I hear its not supossed to rain for 2 weeks. haha. This is good though. Hopfully this place will have time to dry a bit! Tomorrow we have our last Intern Meeting, and last outing. We are going out to Presa de la boca, which is the big lake on the way to Caderayta. and we are renting a big boat to hang out on and salsa dance. It will be fun!! I am sad to be leaving, but I am excited to see what God is going to do in Heart this semester at school. This summer has been very different in many good ways, and God has used that to work in so many people, including me. It has been an amazing summer, and I have made so many new friends. I am anxious to build more into those friendships, and see what all God has to offer in our hearts.

One more day

Adam

July 28

Yesterday I went to Rio 3 with Jim, and we served the people a meal. In the afternoon, we poured some concrete, and also painted in the bathrooms. Since the hurricane, the bathrooms have taken a beating, so we cleaned them up, and put a fresh coat of paint on the walls. I worked on the Water tanks. Uncle Tim Geiger, Uncle Tim Gellenbeck and dad kinda came up with a new filtration idea, and Uncle Tim Geiger developed it, and then Built it back in Cincy. He mailed it last Friday, and I hooked it up yesterday. It workes great!! The people havnt had any clean water in a while, and since the hurricane the city water has been shut off in the church. But it came back on, and the filters are all hooked up. Thanks uncle Tim! We always take the group for a walk through the community when we get there, and it was great to see more houses being built, and more people working outside. The city is still giving out jobs to help clean up around the city, so it is good that the people are able to work and make some money for there family.

Yesterday as soon as we pulled up, Tonio ran out and gave me a hug. "Adan Adan" he calls me. He always walks with us when we take the groups around. I put him up on my shoulders and we walk and he sings. He is a cutie. I didnt really have the physical streagth yeasterday to carry him, just cause Ive been sick, but out of no where God gave me the spiritual streagth to carry him, and run around with him. When ever he is on my shoulders he always plays with my cross. and he tells me "Cristo es mi Hermono". Which means Christ is my Brother! Today he asked me if he could have my cross, so I put him down, took it off from my neck, and put it around his. He smiled from ear to ear, and I could see even more now than ever that God has a hugh plan for this little Boy.

I told him goodbye, and that I was leaving to go back to cincinnati on Saturday. I got a Big hug, and he ran off to show his friends his new Cross. I will miss him, but knowing that God is working in his little, yet big Heart, makes me smile, and remember that he is a Child of God, and God will not let him Go. He has taught me so much and through him I have learned what it it means to be a true child of God!

I am feeling Better today!! Thank you all for the prayers! Things are coming back together on the property. I am going to take a video later today and show you all the changes we are meking to help with the water flow, and flooding.

Adam

July 27

Yesterday we took the Del Norte Kids to Kidzania. They had such a great time, Juanita had a smile on her face all day! I hung out with Christian, he is only 2, and is such a cutie. He has big brown eyes. We mostly stayed upstairs by the bouncy room and the ball room. he had a fun day but I think I was more warn out. haha. This was the last time I get to see these kids before I leave. I am going to miss them sooo much, but I know that God will bring me back! It was tough to say goodbye to Juanita, but I got a big hug, and a big kiss on the cheek haha. I will miss her!!! Today we are going to Rio 3 with Jim. I have had a bit of a stomach ache the past 2 days, so I am hoping that it doesnt effect me today. I am feeling a bit better, just trying not to over doit!!! Praying for Physical Stregnth from the Big man. Also The sun is out today, so praying that the People in the Rios can have a good day of work with the dry day.

Adam

July 26

Happy Birthday Grandma Geiger!!!!! Today I was off. I slept in and it felt great to relax a bit!!! I talked with Craig, Worship Leader, and great Friend, for about an hour today. It was great to talk to him, and hang out. We have some really good conversations, and I love to hear his persective. We talked alot today about spiritual guidence and what it truly means to surrender everything to God,.... and Live like children. God has been putting some amazing things on my heart these past weeks.

I went to dinner tonight with steve, my discipler, and we ate at Carls Junior. so good!! It was good to hang out with him, and talk about this summer, and what all God has been doing here.

Tonight KC, Sammy, Caroline and I went to douglas, and gave the little kids baths, and watched Ice age 3 with them. They loved it and I did to. I am cherishing every moment with them right now. They were very good tonight and David fell asleep in my arms. I hated leaving tonight, but I know God will bring me back soon!!!! After we got back, the inturns all watched Heavy weights!!! It was definatly a party!!!! BUDDY. That was for you Grandma!! haha. Becka surprised me with Tacos Fede, to!! I am helping her with her fundraising video, so she got me Fede. I was pretty excited. It is real good!!! Tomorrow we take the Del Norte Kids to Kidzania!

Adam 

July 25

 Happer Birthday Mom and Grandma Geiger!!!! Today I went to Del Norte. We poured a massive amount of concrete in the area where the playset is. We got most of it done, but ran out of mixo, the sand and gravel mix we put in the concrete. When its all done, we are going to put turf down so it is softer for the kids. I tied rebar on thop of the wall, so we can pour the last beam across the side half. The footers we stared two weeks ago with SJN are done. and filled. we started on a new footer hole today, but we are going through the side walk, so it is a little more difficult. 

It rained all day today. mostly drizlled, but on the way home it began to pour and the streets flooded again. The river coming into our neighborhood was up high again, and the main bridge was under water. I was haveing flash backs to the hurricane. Because the water table is so high due to the hurricane, any rain we get now floods everything. the rivers havnt had the chance to die down and the rain is suppossed to come all week. Praying for a safe week, and that we dont have any more damge at the Rios. Also please keep the people in your prayers, as most of them are still homeless, and are in the rain.

Here is a video of the Bridge coming into our neighborhood today.

Adam

Bridge Video

Last Saturday!

It is hard to believe that this was our last saturday of the summer. I cant believe 8 weeks has gone by so fast. well 7. I am excited to see what God will do this week, and all he has to offer me when I get home. We had 3 groups come today. only 47 people total. Small end, but God has got big Plans!!!! Del Norte and Douglas kids came today for a pool party. Juanita had a great time. she smiled the whole day! We had hamburgers for dinner. of course she tried to shove the whole thing into her mouth as usual. haha. Her brother Victor is my buddy to. I always give him my Chacauates, which are peanuts, lol. He is a big fan!!

On thursday we took Del Norte, MdA and Douglas to BiaParca, which is a safari. It was so cool. The animals come right up to the bus, and stick there heads in. The camels are freaky. They eat the paper cup with the food haha. The kids loved it, and laughed at the camels eating the cups. Juanita was a bit freaked out but she warmed up after a while. 

My Birthday went great. Friday I heard happy birthday from the interns all day!! Then for our intern outing we went to see a movie. It was a great time spending the day with all my friends down here. We had a little salsa party when we got back! Fun times!

 I love the del Norte kids soo much. they bring light in my day, and just completely fill me spiritually. There smiles and joy are so wonderful, and I love just spending time with them, and goofing around!! Thank you God for blessing all my little buddys!!

Adam

Why is it raining????

Well the sun has been out and the good ole Mexico heat is ever so great. soooo...why is it raining???? haha no idea. It has been pouring for about an hoir now, but is starting to let up. the sun is still out so heres hoping to a rainbow. The past few days have been great. the internent has been out, so sorry I coulnt blog. but Monday we went to del Norte and got so much work done! We poured cement in 2 footer holes, and laid the Miya for the playground base. The group worked really hard, and have been great all we. This morning we did a huge concrete pour at Douglas and they did awesome! There were 2 girls though that I think didnt make any gravel in the trumpo haha. I think I got more in my mouth haha! They did great though!We had a pool party with the kids back here in the afternoon. They enjoyed getting away for a few hours.

Yesterday was my day off. I helped Becca, staff/stinter here at B2B, with here fundraising video. In the evening Gabo and I got take Juanita out for her birthday. She had an absolute blast! We took her to the mall, and she ate pizza hut. She got to ride the carosel and the train. She was so happy. It was great to see her smiling and having a great time. I thank you God for allowing this joy in her Heart, and I hope that she continues to smile ever so brightly!

So As its raining, I walk out of the office, and right over the Building is a rainbow. Wow God you amaze me more and more each day!! As God has been showing me how much this hurricane was truly his Love for us, I am blown away at his beauty in all this. My friend Cassie told me the other day "as much disaster and trouble as the hurricane brought, i believe it brought plenty more BEAUTY than disaster because we have a beautiful God working things together for and in our favor." It is soo true. If we choose to look at the bad in situations, than we fail to see Gods Love and Mercy in that same situation. Seeing that rainbow today, in the pouring rain, with Sun shining on the mountains, was truly I sign from God. In Matthew 5:45 he says " He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain down on the rightious and unrightious." And in Genesis 9:13 he says to Noah "I have sent my Rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covent between me and the earth. When ever I bring clouds over the earth, and the rainbow appears, you shall remember the covenant between me and you." Today God showed me that the true pot of Gold at the end of the rainbow, is not money. its not possesions, or a house. Its not my cell phone, or my car, or even my dry clothes. But it is the Shelter of his Heart over my life, and yours. If we truly Hunger for him, his Love will come into our Hearts through each and every color of that rainbow. And wow!...... isnt it Beautiful! 

I ask that you keep one of our staff members in your prayers. JJ and Mandy Lail are house parents for 6 of our teens here on campus. They have 2 kids adopted from columbia, and are the sweetest cutest kids ever. Last week JJ found out that he has cancer in his jaw. they left on Saturday to go back to cincinnati. He has surgery on Friday, but mandy said that his pain is increasing due to the tumor hitting multiple nerves. They are guessing a couple months of recovery, and are not sure what all will happen. he is supposesd to go through radiation after the surgery. As I look back on my own testimony, I see you all and the power of your faith in our God. This is what got me through, and the power of prayer is so great and strong. God has brought them to this situation for a reason. We may not know why at this time, but we have to trust God in this, and pray for his guidence in JJ and Mandy.

Thank you all

Adam

Last couple days

Hey everyone, sorry its been a few days. Things have been absolutly crazy around here. We had 4 groups arrive yesterday, and we had Monitiel, VdJ and Bethesda here for a pool party. The kids loved all the group members. We had a cookout, and made Pollo Hambergers, which is chicken. It is pretty good, especially with some melted queso, chedder chesse. ooooh its good.

Anyways today we took a group from Sacred Heart from Indiana, to Rio 3. A lot has been going on out there. The area is still a mess, but the homes are really starting to sprout up. Families are getting back on there feet, and surprisingly the Government is helping out alot. Today they had a couple medical teams there helping people, and all this week sanitaion crews have been cleaning up garbage and mud of the streets. The River has gone down alot, and people are crossing again saftly, but the water is still extremly polluted, and many of the people and kids are getting sick. So today and last week, we have been taking PURE packets that were donated by P&G and filtering water for them to drink. Most of the people there make there living by picking up garbage, so many have been getting alot because the city is a mess. Thety have there little horse and buggy and go around and get garbage. They may only recieve 50 pesos, like 5 bucks, but its money, and they dont have to pay for gas, lol. God has really been presant there thse past couple weeks, and I know I keep telling you all this, it just amazes me the Spirit in the people there. They are enjoying there life, and accepting what is in front of them. They are true children of Christ!

As we got back to our proerty today, something was different. There wasnt water running through the property anymore. Ever since the Hurricane we have had septic overflow of the mountain coming up through the ground. Its been stinky and nasty. But today the water slowed up and stoped, and the ground began to dry up. yay!!! It still stinks a bit, but no more sinkholes, and water control!!

Great day, and Im excited to see what God has instore for me tomorrow!

Adam

June 14 and 15

Yesterday we went to Rio 3 and did alot of outreach. We took a walk through the area and it was very eye opening for the group. We took and passed out CABI clothes to all the ladies. they were loving it. There is a building next to the church that B2B is going to rent, to do outreach, and it also has appartments in it, so we are thinking of letting Olga, the Director of the church, and her famliy live there.  The group painted the front of the buliding, and cleaned up some of the inside. The Uncle Tims and I worked on the water system there, and came up with a new filtration sytem for the two tanks. It was a great day, and we ate Pollo Loco, soo good. The Rio is still amess though. The distruction and smells are just horrible, and only getting worse. But the smiles of the people are ever so bright. Just walking through the area, you see people enjoying there life, and not worring about what they have lost.It always amazes me how little these people have and how much joy and Faith they have because of that. I got to hang out with Tonio again. He was the light in my day!

Today we took the kids from Moniteil and VDJ Bowling and then to get Ice Cream. It was a crazy day, but we all fun with our little buddies.

This week has been awesome to spend with my family and friends. I am sad to see them go tomorrow, But I know God has got great plans for them when they step of that plane Tomorrow Night!! Please pray for safe travels home tomorrow.

Isaiah 6:8

Adam

Pics

July 12

Yesterday we went back to del Norte and did a tone of work. We continued to did footer holes, and also laid some concrete. Uncle Tim Geiger worked with Mauricio, one of our staff members, and they did maintenence on all the AC units at the home. Uncle Tim Gellenbeck worked with Sarah and Julia on the playground somemore. They got the roof frame done, and ready for the sheet metal. Laura found a lawnmower and of course was all over cutting the grass. she has fun. The mower they had looked like one of those toy ones. It plugged in. I kept waiting for bubbles to come out the top. PJ, Trisha, and Ben helped with the footer holes, and Sarah helped paint a Property wall behind the Auditorium. Betsy was the all around ladie she helped everywhere. Mary Joe was sick again, but she went out today, and was feeling better.

Today is my day off. I was going to go with the group today, but decided to stay because I am pretty wooped, and needed some rest. They went to Villa de Juarez today which is out by the airport. B2B recently just purchased a new property for the home. The home has 3 location, including a boys and girls home. The idea is to renovate the property and move all the kids to the one site.

So I have been reading the book crazy Love. It is written by Frances Chan, and is such a great book, you all should read it!! But today I was reading in the chapter called profile of the obbsessed. and One of the quotes was talking about our sins, and how many times we try and dumb down our sins when we ask for forgivness. The quote says, "People who are obsessed are raw with God; they do not attempt to mask the ugliness of their sins or their faliures. Obsessed people don't put a show on for God; He is their place, where they can be at peace." and I think why do I try and and act like my sins wernt all that bad, or change slighty what I did to make it sound better. God already knows what I did! so why are do I try to cover it up, or make it sound different.

I have been learning alot latley about Gods grace for me. Grace is something that God gives not for any reason except his undenying Love he has for each of us. No matter what we do God still loves us. We should Love God the exact same way as well. Gods grace is so great, and it shows us the passion and pursuit that God has for our Hearts. God is always there to pick us up, and he is always there to tell us, I told you so. He is always there cheering us on in difficult situations. I think the biggest thing I am trying to say is that, God Loves you, and will always always be there by your side. He wants to help you in every aspect of your life, and he cares so much about us that he sent his one and only son to Die on a Cross for Us. I challenge you, Just as God has been challenging me, to open up your heart and allow God to pour into you. He wants you to come to him in your need, and your struggles. He even wants to hear your sins, no matter how bad you think they may be. Trust in him, and you will never go Hungry.

This week the sun has been out, and the warm weather is back. The mountains are ever so beautiful, and the birds are chirping. As great as this is, the situations at the Rios are still very bad. now that the heat is back, the smell of the grabage, and the sewage there is getting worse and worse. we are afraid that sicknesses may break out and desease because of the bad water and unsanitary conditions. I ask for your continued prayers and blessings upon all these people, and all those who are struggling in these situations. 

Adam 

PICS 

July 11

Today we went to Del Norte, and had an awesome day! Mom, Uncle Tim Geiger and Laura poured Concrete, and Uncle Tim Gellenbeck, Sarah and Julia Helped work on the Play set we are working on there. Dad and Pj Helped my Dig Footer holes for the wall we are putting in. Mary Jo got sick this morning and stayed Back with Betsey, But she is doing alot better now! It was great to see everyone all working hard and working together today. This morning at Church, Our Mexican worship leader asked everyone to to some moves to the songs. I looked at some of there faces, and they were like, "Really" lol. But they all did it and It was great to see them all worshiping our God. The spirit totally came into there Hearts today, and tonight at debrief, the stories and images that God placed in there Hearts will forever change them. I am very excited for the rest of this week and to see how God will work in them even more. Forgot to steal dads pictures so I will upload those tomorrow and show you all. Miss you Lynn!!
Blessings
Adam

Matthew 7:24-27
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SJN Arrives

Today we did alot of cleanup around the campus for the groups. Mom and Dad, Both uncle Tims, Sarah, and the rest of the SJN gang all arrived today around 3. we had a poopl party with Imperio de Amor and Bethany, a new home that Back2Back in lookiing into to partnering with. The kids here are really great and are well behaved. This evening we had salchichas for dinner, and then had an awesome worship with Craig. It is great to see my family and friends here, and I am excited to work with them this week, and grow spiritually with them as well. Here are a couple pics dad gave me. Mom and Trisha gave Hep A shots to the Teens and staff on campus today and also the Kids and encargadas from Douglas. Heres a pic of Mom and Xavier.

Adam

Understanding God

This past week we have experienced many difficulties, and challenges. The things I have seen and experineced at the places we serve I cant even fully explain. Last tuesday the rain started, and didnt top until sunday. We have had thunderstorms and flooding all week. The Hurricane hit us Thursday night last week, and as you could see from the video the damage that we had on our property was pretty ad. This weekend we went out to the rios where we serve, and i was in shock at what I saw. The river 50 yards wider, the ground 10 feet lower, and not a single house or remnent visable. 2 days ago we walked down to a house where we know 2 ladies ived. The house is made of cinder block, and was still standing, but was full of 4 feet of mud. One of the ladies is 80 years old, and she lives with her daughter who is 61yrs old and her daughters husband. They are both missing a leg due to circulation, and are in wheel chairs. The house is only 15x10ft wide. They barly made it out before the river rose. We walked down to the house because one of the ladies left her passport and visa there, so we went to try and find it. After 2 hours of digging through the mud and sludge in the house we still hadnt found them. We searched every inch, and couldnt find it.

Out front they had an old minivan that didnt run. It was also stuck in 4 feet of mud. They wanted to get it out and sell it so that they could get money to build a new home closer to the road and away from the river. so we started digging, and got the tires and side uncovered. There was still mud under the car that we couldnt get though, so we asked a guy that was using a backhoe if he could help us. after serveral faid attemps and some good laughs, we finally got it out. Unfortunatly my camera died and I didnt get a video of us pulling it out, but here is one of the failed attemps haha.

After we got the car out, I was behind the house looking at the river, and the had been a little boy that was hanging out with us all day. His name was Antonio, but we called him Tonio. He is always at the church and loves to help us out pouring concrete and digging. He is only about 6 years old, and has a good little Heart. Anyway he was hanging out with me, and all of the sudden he said, "hey come here lets swing." and I looked at where he was pointing, and say an old swing set buried in the mud, and it was on a slant. My first thought was are you kiding me? lol. and he said again, Come on "Vamos", which means "lets go". and he went over to the swing set and unrolled the swing down and started to swing. he only went like a foot, but he didnt care. After a minute he said, "Vamos Adan" and he got out of swing and unrolled the other swing down for me. And I think of the Heart of tis little 6 year old. having nothing, and yet he still wants to give. This past weekend I was reading a Verse in Matthew, 18:3, and it states "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." .....And I thought of this verse as little Tonio asked me to swing with him. And the verse just clicked in my head. Here is this little child, who could care less about the broken swingset he was on, or the wet cloths he was in, or even that he no longer had a home. His heart was full of Joy. and I feel that this is what God wants us to feel like. He doesnt want us to worry about what to do next, or how to do it. But he does want us to enjoy what is right in front of us. As we get older we get smarter, well some of us, and we begin to feel as though we can take control of our lives. Planning things out, schedules about tomorrow or next week. But God says why plan something that you cant control. As a child our minds dont think this way. We are clueless to many things, and we dont have control. Our mindset is to find the Joy in things, that are right before our eyes. And God says if you continue to look to the future, you will miss what I have to offer you right now. We are Gods Children, and he wants us to act and be his children. But we cant do that unless we completley understand how to not just be a child, but a child of God. He loves us sooo much, and all he wants us to do is Love him Back, and Follow in is Sons Name. I challenge you to see where you may need to losen up a bit, and swing on the swings with Tonio and I.

I have enjoyed this past week even though it has been crazy and the devestation I have seen is very bad. I have grown in my fellowship not Just with the other inturns but also with the staff. Latly I have trying to turn my perspective around, and truly realize God in the worst situtions. Now I havnt a clue what the Big Mans plans are, but I think as a true believer and follower, that even when we may feel down or sorrowful, and ask God why, that we must realize that he has a plan in all this. I have seen familys homeless, in wet cloths, sleeping in raw sewage, and on dirt and mud. I have seen destruction and hurt, and pain. I have seen starvation, and neglect. But I have also seen families growing closer together. I have seen more community in the people. I have seen the men coming to church for the first time. I have seen people who dont even know Christ asking, "who is this God, and why does he care about me. I have seen God in the hearts and eyes of the people when we ask, if they need something. I see God in the strange look I get when I ask " Can I pray for you?" And I see God in the Kids even when they sneek back in line to snag another hotdog. God is in Everyone, and is everywhere. Even in the destruction of of this storm God says, I love you, and I will take care of you. For God who has the whole plan, the whole map of my life, your life, and everyone elses life drawn out, he says, "trust me , I know what Im doing up here."

The other night all the inturns were praying about the storm and the people in the Rios. And I was thinking of a song that Kim Walker sings called "How he Loves". and the lyrics say that Gods Love is like a hurricane and I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of his wind and mercy.  and that verse just stands out to me. If we have our full trust and Faith in God, this Hurricane can never and will never ripp us out of the ground. Now it may make us sway a bit, but the root of our faith, my faith and your faith has to be completly solid in the Ground, in order for us to understand Gods purpose in all this. We will never know Gods plan, but we must plant our selves deep into his Love and mercy and accept all that he has to offer, and truly experience the Joy of him in each and every day.

This week Our church comes St. John Nuemann. I am exciteced to see my parents and my uncles and Cousin and also our church comunity. I am very anxious to see how God is going to work in there Hearts, and I am anxious to share my passion for minisrty and my Love for these kids with them. I ask that you please keep this group in your thoughts and Prayers. God I pray that you completely overwelm this group with you Love and that you show them How to become a true child of Christ.

I wish you all a great weekend

Much Love

Adam

Video Clips from Rio 3

One more Video clip