First day with the full crew and sad news

We completed our first day with our (almost) full crew. The medical team had their first day of their clinic. They treated 26 dental patients, dispensed 126 glasses and treated 105 medical patients. The best news is that everyone received their Steps to Christ (thanks to Elena Perez) and was invited to the meetings. People were genuinely excited about the meetings that started tonight.

Our usual morning prayer before we start our day

We completed the fourth course on the church and started the 5th. We moved a little slowly today, but that is because we had a lot of new team members that have never worked construction before. We will move more quickly tomorrow.

The church at the end of the first day with a (nearly) full team

We pray that our remaining three team members arrive safely tomorrow. We have arrangements worked out for their transportation.

I received some terrible news at 11:48 Chile time today. My phone can make but not receive calls. Rachael had emailed me, but couldn't call me. I finally got her text message to call her urgently. That is never a good sign. So, I went into the tool shed to call her and she was crying and told me I needed to be in a good place and to sit down (also never a good sign). Expecting the worst, I did and she told me that her father, John Mutchler, had died of a heart attack this morning. I am very glad that I was in the shed because I am not ashamed to say that I completely lost it. I haven't cried so much since my grandparents funerals.

John H. W. Mutchler (1944-2008)

John was a devoted father to my wife, Rachael, and her brother (and my friend) JJ. John was a wonderful pastor, good friend and most importantly, a true warrior for God and always wanted to share the news about his best friend, Jesus.

John Garofalo hapened to be in the shed at the same time getting his lunch out of the cooler and clearly knew I was in distress and that something was terribly wrong. I will always thank him for being there-he didn't even know what was wrong, but held his arm around me while I cried my guts out for Rachael's loss and for my loss of a great father inlaw and a greater friend and person.

I would have never expected to hear the news of John's death in a shack in Chile thousands of miles away from Rachael. I will miss John terribly. He was a great father to Rachael and JJ (her brother). I will eternally thank him for raising my best friend, Rachael, and instilling in her a deep love for God and a passion for sports! John was our pastor for years and our families were together a lot. He knew that I cared for Rachael and did everything he could to get us together. He often said that if he could have picked anyone for Rachael, it would have been me.
The shack where I heard about John's passing. Not sure why I took this picture, but it seemed appropriate.

I loved the fact that John was the one that performed Rachael and my wedding ceremony. I will also remember the summer of my senior year in college where John and I played a lot of golf and he would give me tips on how to win Rachael's heart.

John at our wedding. It was a wonderful to have him perform the ceremony

I am sad that he never got a chance to see the Lions in the super bowl. I could sit and watch sports with John for hours and we would often talk about his teams on the phone.

The thing that I am saddest about is that he won't be able to finish the work that God had put before him with his new church in Weatherford. After being out of the ministry for years, he had recently accepted a call as a lay pastor in Weatherford and had found his place.

God truly is amazing and has a plan for all of this. Now we all know the real reasons why Rachael wasn't supposed to be with us in Chile. I am blessed with a tremendously perceptive and spiritually aware wife. She had never felt at peace with her role on the Chile trip and didn't feel like she was supposed to be here. She had some other ministries and people she is working with in Houston that she is working with that are her passion. When she found out she had some skin cancer that needed to be removed, that was the final call from God saying "you aren't supposed to be on this trip". Now we know why and we praise God for his leading.

I am finding blessings in this from the support of the team members here. John Garofalo and Michelle Battistone were a real support to me in the tool shack and I thank them for that. Claudell had a beautiful prayer for Rachael, me and her family at worship tonight that I will treasure. Leigh also had some wonderful things to say about God's leading and I thank everyone else on the trip for their kind words and encouragement.

We don't know details on the service yet. I will most likely head back early, but probably not till construction is complete. Keep the group in your prayers along with Rachael and her family.

UPDATE: John's funeral services were held on Wednesday the 19th. It was attended by friends, family and his co-workers from two different city emergency services departments. What a beautiful service and celebration of life and remembrance of John and what he meant to so many people. I honestly believe it was the longest memorial service I have ever attended. So many people wanted an opportunity to say a few words about what John meant to them and / or how he impacted their lives. John led many people to Christ. His life serves as a reminder to me that we may be the only Jesus some people ever see.

While the service was very tough emotionally for me (seeing my friend buried and moreso, seeing Rachael and her brother struggle with their emotions over the loss of their father), it was very uplifting because if reinforces that God is in control of everything. Most importantly, John is at rest in Christ and will arise with the rest of the faithful on that glorious morning with Jesus returns.

We still don't have internet, so no pics till we return.

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Second group arrival in cabrero

After an adventure in customs for dr dewar, the second team arrived safely to the hotel.

The team arrived and everyone helped get their luggage settled in. We then had another great meal and we had our organizational meeting before our work day tomorrow.

Of course, the Uno games started in earnest after the meetings and all the donated materials were separated. We are all looking forward to our first day with an almost complete team.

Our last 3 team members (gracie, jo and geneva) will depart miami tomorrow and have a maranatha employee help get them to the train station. They will take a train to chillan and Roger will pick them up there. Keep them in your prayers.

We still don't have internet service, so no pictures yet!
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Sabbath at the school

We are on our way back to the hotel after a nice Sabbath worship with the church members. After a great semon by pastor Tito, we went with the church members and passed out flyers inviting the town to the clinic and evangelistic meetings.

Pastor Ivan and his wife

Pastor Tito preaching at the school

The church at worship in the school

We had a bit of an adventure waiting for our bus driver. We couldn't find him for about 30 minutes so Tito started up the bus (after Eric shimmied through the window!) And was ready to drive away. Luckily the driver showed up.

The rest of our group made it to the Santiago airport safely. Ed Dewar had a bit of an adventure with getting his dental equipment out of customs. We had to pay a small fine, but they are safely on the bus to the hotel.

Gracie Ramia, Jo Ramia and Geneva Maccallum didn't make it to miami in time for the flight. We are working on how to get them to us on sunday or monday. Keep them in your prayers!

After we got back from the church, a group of us walked about 10 minutes to this wonderful waterfall in the area.

The hotel had two ostritches. Later in the week, Bobby threatened to make an ostritch burger. I'm not sure if he was joking.

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Answered prayers

We had worship tonight after a very tasty dinner. We talked about how God has been leading up to this point and that he is in control.

One of the things we turned over to him was transportation. We have not been able to find transportation for the vening meetings and vbs. Our bus wants to charge us double to take us back in the evening and we aren't able to do that.

So, we put it to prayer. About 30 minutes after we got done praying, one of the elders from the church came by and said he got a promotion and his company gave him a truck to use and would we be able to use his car to transport the 5 people we need to in his car! What a direct and swift answer to prayer! So we are doing a little celebrating tonight! This is great news and eases one of our ongoing concerns.
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Day one construction update

We had an advance team of 9 on the construction site (with pastor tito for about 5 hours). We got one and a half courses done. We had to learn a few new tricks so that made for a slow start. Once we have our full team on sunday, we should be in great shape!

The church as we found it when we arrived. The crew had the first course of block laid out and cut for us!

One of the new tricks - we had to soak each brick before we laid it. The brick soaked up a lot of water.

Gino and me laying the ceremonial first brick.

After our first day of work

I got the dirtiest award because I had to run the brick saw. I am covered in red dust. Fairly ridiculous looking.

Me covered with red dust.

We have a great team and God blessed us with a wonderful Maranatha crew.

We are headed back to the hotel for a much needed shower and dinner.

The beautiful sunset at the hotel
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At rest in Salto del Laja

Well, we are in Salto del Laja at our hotel. After a long day, we made it! The cabinas are great and we had a good meal and a much needed shower. We are ready for a full day tomorrow.

My uncle Roger and his wife Ellie made it in around 9:45 along with Darrell Hardy, Maranatha construction superintendent. Roger and Ellie will be with us all week.

The internet is not up yet, but should be tomorrow. Hopefully Glenns wireless router will work with it.

For those leaving tomorrow, bring bug spray. I would also recommend bringing soap and shampoo as the supplies they give are very small! If you can also bring your hardhat. They may give us a hard time (the local authorities) as it is code to wear head protection.

Decorated hardhats. I think the best one is the one on the bottom left.

Please exchange your money at the airport as there will not be a convient place to do so before you get here. You shouldn't need much, if any, spending money till you get to the excursions in chillan.

The Lord is good and we are all safe and sound. We look forward to a productive day tomorrow!

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In Chillan

We made it to Chillan to pick up the water, bread and coordinate with Elena Perez. She is very helpful and we have our water and dispensers. We are on our way to get more water and to the hotel.

Taking our luggage to the bus in Santiago


Team on the bus



Playing Uno in the bus

A few things to keep in mind for the group on friday: exchange your money at the airport. Also, when you exit customs after getting your luggage, go out to the right.
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Safely in Santiago

We all made it safely to Santiago. Gino and Claudell made it about an hour before us and Mell, Michelle and Lovely made it last night.

After we all made it through security with no incident (praise the Lord!) We are now on our bus to Salto del Laja.
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On the way to Miami

Our advance team is on the plane to Miami for the first leg of our trip. All of us from Houston are on the plane safely.

Our Atlanta contingent ran into a snag. They were supposed to take a plane from Atlanta and meet us in Miami where we sould all fly to Santiago as a group. Well, their flight was going to be delayed so much that American Airlines put them on the direct flight to Santiago on Delta. They will get there an hour before us and wait for us there. (Personally, I think that American put them on the Delta flight because the gate agent in Houston told me that the Miami-Santiago flight was oversold by 5 seats. Moving them to Delta saves them two of those 5!).

More updates on our travel day later.
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El Jefe Calvo

To avoid the inevitable questions and let everyone know wny I did it, yes, I am now bald. Tito shaved my head last night in advance of our trip today.

One of Rachael and my good friends, Clayton Blehm, was recently diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He just started an aggresive chemotherapy treatment. As a result, he is going to lose his hair. To show him support, a few of his friends have decided to make a visible show of solidarity by shaving their heads as well.

For those at the West Houston Church that know Clayton and his wife Angela and want to support them, you can find out more at Angela's blog at http://thepaintedhouse.blogspot.com. They are incredible people, have a wonderful family and great friends. Please lift them up in your prayers as God is truly leading them and need all the support they can get from us.

So, everytime you see a picture of my bald head on this blog, please say a prayer for Clayton.

Signed,

El Jefe calvo.

Last Minute Changes

One quick update. We have some changes to our team members. Hector Casillas is in Argentina on business and is unable to get back in time for the trip. Guy Legan was able to rearrange his schedule to be with us on the trip.

Rachael Hatch is unable to make the trip due to an unscheduled (minor) surgery and other commitments in Houston that she feels led to fulfill. Jenny Montoya was able to rearrange her schedule and go on the trip in Rachael's place.

Our prayers are with both Hector and Rachael as I know their prayers are with the group.

March 2008 Mission Trip information

We are getting ready for our mission trip to Cabrero, Chile. The advance team leaves on March 5th and arrives the morning of the 6th. The remainder of the group will leave on March 7th and arrive the morning of the 8th.

Our group will be starting construction on Friday the 7th with the advance team. The remainder of the group will work on the job site and start the medical mission on Sunday the 9th. Pastor Tito will be conducting an evangelistic series in the evening.

Please keep the team in your prayers and check back here daily for updates. We will do our best to post every day and (hopefully) post pictures.

Thanks!

Our group consists of:
Tito Charneco
Leigh Majer
Chelsea Cole
Bobby Battistone
Michelle Battistone
Michelle Bobbitt
Hector Casillas
Edison Dewar
Jason Garofalo
John Garofalo
Eric Griffin
Greg Hatch
Rachael Hatch
Andrea James
Mariela Lajara
Geneva McCallum
Esther Murray
Mark Murray
Mell Ombiga
Gail Oveissy
Ellie Oveissy
Glenn Pringle
Gracie Ramia
Joanna Ramia
Renee Schirra
Ernie Schirra
Thelma Slater
Danae Spencer
David Spencer Jr.
Claudell Wilson
Danielle Wolff
Gino Wolff
Ray Wolff
Meron Wollie

Made it to houston

We are finally home. We should have pictures this week and info to the group and need to start getting commitments soon so we know how many we have for the trip. Thanks for all the prayers!!
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The cat's out of the bag

We arrived safely in atlanta. The "whole row" concept worked flawlessly. this is a good thing to remember for future flights! We both slept well for quite a bit of the flight. It was freezing again, so I wore my fleece jacket throughout and was fine.

After the tiny breakfast on the plane, we got off the plane. After a long wait at passport control, we breezed through customs (the joy of not having any checked luggage-clearly not an option for the mission trip however).

In Atlanta, you then have to go back through a security check to get to your next gate. A guard waved us to the last line which was short. We were standing there with our bags ready to go. through the machine when we heard a piercing scream. We looked through the screening area in our line and a man and a woman were struggling on the ground. Our immediate thought was that there was a huge incident with a damaged bag or that someone was just generally freaking out.

Well, it was none of those - it was WAY better. A couple had brought their cat with them on the trip to the US. For those that don't know, you have to take the cat out of the carrier and hand carry through the machine while the bag goes through the xray (apparently not a good idea for Fluffy to get exposed to xrays!). Well, apparently the cat (let's call him Diablo) had enough with being in a stuffy bag for who knows how many hours and wasn't having any part of going back in.

Dude and girl were struggling to put Diablo back in. The scream (multiple and repeated at great volume) was from dude because Diablo was clawing and scratching the mess out of him.

After much struggle and screaming (and probably cursing) and one time where I thought the cat was free and ready to continue its (short) reign of terror on the greater atlanta airport area, they got it back in.

Not a picture of the real Diablo, but a good approximation - equally as scary. We didn't think that either the TSA security nor the people would appreciate their picture being taken - besides, we were so shocked....

Dude was bleeded from multiple Diablo wounds and blood was on the floor. So, they shut the security line down and had us move to the next one over (which, to the TSAjs credit they opened immediately). This allowed us to observe the ongoing saga.

Dude (and girl-she had some collateral damage as well) were cleaning their wounds. The couple were speaking Hebrew according to Tito, so we didn't know what they were saying during the fight. However, after research, Tito and I have pieced the coversation together for your enjoyment:

Diablo: screw you guys, I'm not getting into that stinky bag again. Here, see how you like this (chomp)

Dude: Ow! Your stupid cat bit me! Control him, woman, and get the foul feline back in the bag where it belongs.

Girl: come on snookums-get in the bag for mommy.

Diablo: snookums, huh? My real mommy wouldn't make me get in the bag. I didn't want to come on the trip anyway. Here's a little bite and scratch for both of your this time (chomp and slash)

Dude: (screams like a little girl). If you don't help me get this cat in the bag, I will strangle it right here in front of all of these witnesses. I told you not to bring the cat in the first place!

Girl: let's argue later - just get the cat in the bag.

Dude: (screaming uncontrollably by this time) I have shoved your stupid cat into the bag. I should have zipped his tail in there like I wanted. It would have served him right. Once I get the blood off of me, you are on your own. (To the tsa agent). Do you have any bactine? Or some guaze? Maybe some morphine? (Stalks off angrily)

Well, there you have it. A first hand account (cut me some slack-we have been travelling for a long time and my mind is a little warped).

Dude did stalk off and leave the girl with the cat after he wiped himself free of blood. Tito and I think that the cat is toast as soon as they get to their destination.

We had no further incidents and are on the plane to houston.

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Planes, trains and automobiles........and subways

We are sitting on the plane in santiago waiting for takeoff. We made it safely yo santiago on the train, albeit with quite a bit of noise on the train-a lot of families.

Lots of mountains in Chile. This is the best shot of one I could get from the train.

We arrived at the train station and took the subway to a bus station. We didn't even know that Santiago had a subway! It was quick and clean and no problem. At the subway stop, we caught a bus to the airport with no problem.

The airport checkin was quick with no problems. Security was quick as well.

For those that won't get enough shopping during the trip, there we're plenty of shopping of options in the terminal after going through to the gates. For those that are missing home, they even had a starbucks (for Danielle) and a dunkin donuts!

Tito went to the counter right before we were to board and asked how full the flight was and it is abou 50 percent full. So, he asked if we could get each get one of the empty rows so we could stretch out. The agent did and said he blocked the other seats so no one could sit next to us. Here's hoping that he did!!

One last annoying item: after you give them your boarding card and head down the jetway, THEN they go through your carry on luggage and check for items. And, apparently depending on the person, take your water away!! I had just bought two bottles of (expensive) water and the guy confiscated them. However, the gal didn't take Titos. Very annoying.

Well, another 10 hours and we'll be in Atlanta if all goes well.

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The long and winding road

We have started our long journey back to Houston. We had a very productive morning and the University.

We had breakfast at the cafeteria in the university (bringing back memories of academy and college-not all pleasant....). We then met Elena in her office and discussed the transportation options. She had great ideas and put calls into a few providers. I emailed her (from an office there) exactly what we needed and what dates. She already sent to the provider before we left.

The beautiful University of Chile campus

We also discussed excursion options. We think we know what we will do, but we need to get pricing, which she is doing as we speak. We think everyone will be happy with the location.

We then got a tour of the campus and spent some time with the pastor.

We had to leave to catch the train in Chillan, so the pastor took us into town. We stoped by a supermarket to get food for the train and then stopped by the artisan market to look at that. Time permitting, we will stop there to do some shopping in March.

We now have 4.5 hours on the train and then a wait for the plane.

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Chilling in Chillan

We arrived in chillan and were greeted by Magdiel's parents, Juan and Elena. They were as nice as could be. They had just arrived from driving for 22 hours (!!) straight from Argentina!!! And they came to pick us up!

They took us to the university and showed us around. They then brought us toshere we are staying, a guest house. This place is awesome-better than a hotel. Unbeknown to us, they had been to the store before and proceeded to bring food into the house for us to eat tonight. We couldn't believe it.

Living room in the guest house

We talked about what we had accomplished and what we needed to do. They wanted to know what time we wanted to meet tonight to work on things and we suggested that we just met in the morning because they had to be tired from driving. So, they did and we meet at 7:30 am.

Tito and I saw some of the students playing basketball in their new gym, so Tito and I went and played for about 2.5 hours to get some exercise. And yes, I still have all my toenails left!

We had a great day and will be sad to leave Chile tomorrow. I am sure that God will lead tomorrow for the transportation and excursion as he has for everything else.

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Leaving cabrero

We had a very productive day in Cabrero and Salto del Laja. After we had another breakfast of bread, we walked around the hotel and saw what they had. Nice, but too expensive and doesn't have the restaurant facilities we need.

One good thing at the hotel we stayed at is that they had a nice, small house for Gino and Claudell to stay in

We met Juan Vera at 10 am and went to the next hotel option. We think that this is the one! It is a new facility and they will work with us to cook the food and we would have the entire facility to ourselves in March.

Outside of the three large cabins.

Sitting area in the large cabins

Upstairs bathroom in the large cabins

Downstairs bedroom in the large cabins

Outside view of the five small cabins

Bedroom in the small cabins

Sitting area in the small cabins

Kitchen area

Meeting room where we will eat our meals, worship and play games in the evening

And, yes, it even has a pool in the middle!

After we left, the owner of that place took us to another hotel he owns. It was nice, but doesn't have a way for us to eat.

We went to two other places that were nice but they didn't have everything the first one did. Once we return to the states, we will check again with the owner to confirm in writing and put a deposit down. We feel good about it.

Juan then took us to his home for lunch with his family. A great meal with his kids. We sat and talked for a bit while his son got ready to go. He is in medical school in Concepcion. We left to take him to the bus station.


Juan Vera and his family

We didn't have much left to do in cabrero tomorrow other than take pictures of one more option for the evangelism and medical. The pastor will do that in the morning and email to us.

The only outstanding items are the buses back and forth from the job site for the week. We have contact info and the pastor will continue to work.

We decided to head to Chillan to visit with Magdiel's mother, Elena, at the university. She has been so helpful thus far and she will have some thoughts on transportation and on excursions. We are sitting on a bus right now to Chillan to see her. She just got back from vacation and is still willing to met us at the bus terminal!!

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Feliz Sabado!!

We had a great Sabbath with the Cabrero congregation. After a cold night, we walked to the pastors house and had breakfast with him and his wife. We walked to church for Sabbath school.

Pastor Caesar Montecinos and his wife Danitza

They are meeting in a house and it was standing room only today. Tito found out on the way to church that he was preaching so he spent sabbath school getting prepared!

Church members at worship

After the church service we went to the local school and had lunch with the church members. The head deacon is the principal of the school so we had access. We thought we might be able to use it for the medical mission but school is in session so that isn't an option.

After we ate, the church members wanted to know more about how things will work so we spent a while talking about the construction, medical mission and evangelism. They seem eager to help and wanted to know what they could do to prepare.

Church members at lunch before our meeting

After we wrapped up, we went by a couple of town halls that we might be able to use for the evangelism and medical mission. One that we saw would be perfect for medical, but a little small for evangelism. We will see the other on monday.

The Centro Cultural, where we think we will have the meetings and medical mission. We couldn't get in while we are there, but should have pictures soon.

We then went to the pastors house to relax and talk before the evening service. After walking back to the church, we had the evening service. It was run by the youth and was great.

The only town that has hotels large enough for our group is Salto del Laja. That is where we are staying tonight. One of the church members drove us here and dropped us off.

It is very nice and will fit all of us and has a meeting room. It is also expensive and doesn't have (at least that we can see) kitchen facilities we can use.

Tito and walked to a store again to get dinner. On our way back we saw some cabins that looked promising so we stopped in. One place has some options that we are going to check into tomorrow after scoping a couple of other options out.

If we are supposed to mission in Chile next year, it will work itself out tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers.

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Arrival in cabrero

We arrived safely (finally) in Cabrero 24 hours after we left Houston. We were greeted by the head deacon at the bus terminal. We dropped our bags at the hotel and went to see one of the church members about transportation.

We saw the bus and discussed prices. They were a little high so we got the info and left to go see the plot of land for the church.




Pastor Montecinos discussing how the new church will affect Cabrero

The church is on a lot with three concrete walls surrounding it. We will be tight on the sides and will have about 6 feet maximum on either side, so prepare yourselves! The church members already built a shed for the tools. They are supposed to put a temporary bathroom there for us to use during construction.

Church property from the back looking towards the street. Our power will come from the power pole on the right hand side.

Church property from the road. The church built the shed in the back - we hope it isn't too close to the new church.

After that we went back to the bus terminal to check on more transportation options. We got a couple of names and should know more on Sunday but it was promising.

We went back to the hotel and said goodbye to the pastor and head deacon. Tito and I went to the supermarket to get something for dinner. Let me tell you, it was fine dining. We had sandwiches with jelly from a bag, mayonaise from a bag and other assorted treats. We have pictures of the food to share. Quite a treat.

Tito making his sandwiches.

Our gourmet spread of food. Notice the jelly in a bag on the lower right. Very classy....

The very disturbing yellow mayonnaise from a bag.

We will go to the pastors house in the morning for breakfast and go to church from there.

The room was so cold, Tito had to put his hat on and wrapped the towel around him

It has been a good, but very long day. The Lord has blessed and we have acomplished a lot.

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