Watermelons and empanadas
Hola! It’s Jane Ward and Ali Sharpe! Today we woke up early, some of us even earlier to go for a morning run. All of us were very hungry and enjoyed the breakfast of mini pancakes. After the morning devotionals, we began to split into groups for different projects. Some went to finish painting one of the classrooms, and others helped John to clean the vehicles and prepare them for the journey back to Roanoke. We helped to bring old computer parts down from the storage in the attic, and then we went on to finish up making the toiletry kits, making over 200 just today. We all learned to work together as we made a big assembly line, filling the bags with assorted items including; shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, bug spray, laundry detergents, and many more items. We prepared the kits for the migrant workers, and we later got to hand them out to them at the fields where they work.
(Photo: Unloading the bus at the farm)
(Photo: Organizing the bags for the men to get)
We passed fields of melons, strawberries, blueberries, and peppers. When we arrived, we immediately saw how appreciative all the workers were. After handing out the bags, the sunny day soon turned into a scary storm, and rushed us to the bus.
After a well deserved lunch break, we got the opportunity to talk to Javier and Rosalva, two of the employees of Beth-El. They each told their life stories, which both consisted of working in the fields during their childhood.
(Photo: Javier and Rosalva share their stories with the group)
Their speeches were very powerful, and their stories tugged at each of our hearts because of the struggles they have faced throughout their lives to be where they are today. Our friend Andres, a young boy whose mom worked at Beth-El, lifted our spirits during the stories with his youthful point of view and funny comments. Later in the day, we learned about different farming techniques at the research farm at the University of Florida’s education center.
(Photo: At the UF research farm) Once we arrived back at Beth-El, we took a trip to the famous “LA Tienda Mexicana” to get some Spanish candy and ice cream to cool off. When we got back, we quickly rushed to the shower. We were sad that it was our last time showering in the “Shampoo Salon.”
(Photo: Our favorite afternoon spot!) After everyone was squeaky clean, we got ready for dinner. We were all very thankful that we had such a flexible cook to accommodate the cooking for our large group. Tonight’s meal was one of the tastiest; a homemade empanada with beans and pasta salad. For desert, we got a sweet treat of cupcakes filled with ice cream.
(Photo: Diana, our cook for the week) After dinner, we sadly began to pack our bags, load the bus, and get ready for the long trip back to Roanoke. During our last evening devotionals as a group, we all shared what we thought God wanted us to take with us back home from the mission trip. The adults one by one began to wash each of the youth’s feet, saying a prayer into each of their ears, reminding them that God loves them.
We gathered together to end our last devotional with communion. We thought to ourselves how much will miss Wimauma, Florida, the wonderful sunsets, the Beth-El Missionary, the thankful people of the community, the smiling faces of the children, and the friendships we made with all those around us. Even though the trip is coming to a close, we will always keep the memories and friendships close to our heats.
(Photo: Unloading the bus at the farm)
(Photo: Organizing the bags for the men to get)
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