What a privilege to be able to write on this infamous blog! Just reading over the last two weeks worth of posts makes us realise how much has been achieved…
As I (Gwen) type, the team are winging their way home to Northern Ireland. It’s been an emotional day (ok, I write for myself and maybe for some others too?!). It started early with taking Captain JC to the airport, where he was to try and get to New Zealand by himself, via Argentina - a feat deemed tricky for him by some!! Four of the lads (including his own son) and I saw him off.
The first airport trip of the day
Then it was back home, where we found the rest of the team getting packed up…but there was also another important job to be done. The Tree of Life, which has been painted during the last couple of weeks, saw spring coming and the first leaves appeared.
Leaving their mark forever
The Tree of Life
God gives life, and life in all it’s fullness. Our desire is to see this tree grow and grow, with the hands of those who have been a part of the vision here in Sumumpaya. Every time we walk in to the Centre, this is the sight that meets us, so we will always be reminded not only of lots of wonderful people, but also of God’s promise for this barrio…
And then the time came, to all pile in to the car (and Angel’s truck again!) and make the second airport trip of the day. Many people from La Corona came too, which made it all extra special! This team has really had an impact on people and that was evident from start to finish. After doing all the checking in and making sure every form was filled in and tax paid, then it was time to go through, but not before one last team photo.
Ready for home
I hate goodbyes, but I guess I’ve had to get used to them, given that this missionary life is full of them! But that doesn’t make it any easier…so it was then time to give the final hugs and wave…and we decided to stay until the bitter end.
Just to prove they've left!...
And then it was up, up and away.
Bye bye
So, what else can we say? Thank you team. We have had such an unbelievably amazing 2 weeks with you, which will never be forgotton. And thank you families, and High Street Presbyterian Church, for lending these wonderful friends to us for 2 weeks. You are ALL part of the team, even if they were the hands and feet that actually walked here in Sumumpaya. You have all been the ones that have made this happen, and your prayers have been invaluable. And now, as the team of 13 have gone, the four of us are still here, but so much the better for the last 2 weeks. We have been loved and encouraged, we have laughed and cried and, above all, we have felt God at work. To Him be all the praise and glory…
Until next time,
Just us
God Bless you – Dios les bendiga – love Marcos, Gwen, Sara and Eva xxxx
Hi there
I know Susie and Tim from Grosvenor in Dublin. It’s been a blessing to follow the blog.
Feels like it’s not the end of the story but is only the beginning
With love in Christ, Annmarie xx
Hi Team
Just to say that we have really enjoyed the Blog and indeed have been moved to tears following your visit to Bolivia and how God has used you all in His work. May He bless you all as you try and wind down and go back to your “normal” life again.
Glad you are back safely in Heathrow and hope the remaining trip goes without a hitch!
With our best wishes
David and Hilary
We got back to terra firma last night after a fabulous week of sailing off the Cornish and Devon coasts. Glad to say we were able to follow the blog via mobile phone even while sailing, such are the wonders of modern technology.
Glad to know the team landed back safely in Belfast earlier tonight after the long journey home. Trustimg it won’t be too long before the Captain arrives safely in New Zealand.
Thank, Gwen, for your ‘final note’ – a fitting end to two wonderfl weeks. We know how hard it is to say goodbye and see good friends leave. We do pray that you will continue to be encouraged in your work and that the hand prints on the Tree of Life will indeed be a daily reminder not just of a good two weeks with the High St Team but of God’s promises and the assurance of His continued blessing and provision.
Gooodnight to you all and God bless.
With our love – N&A
It’s been great to follow the blog and get a window on your work Gwen. I am so pleased that everyone worked so well together – and it was great that you had such wonderful company over these past 2 weeks. At times I really felt that I was also there with you! Love to you, Marcos and the girls. As the team arriive home . . just remember that our love and prayers will always be with you. Love Patricia x
Hi Team, Glad to hear you all made it home safely. I too had a great send off but I was sorry to miss leaving with the team. My flight from Buenos Aires was 13 1/2 hrs I managed to sleep for 10 hrs. so have had almost a normal day here in Auckland I expect to crash tomorrow. Janet is in good form and welcomed me at the airport saying ‘you couldn’t miss me could you!’ Thanks again to all of you for making the trip so special. Blessings John (Captain Kiwi)
Thanks for the last post Gwen…and all the comments that follow. Susie has soaked the arms of her dressing gown with tears while reading them!
Thanks to all on the team for being such a great family to travel with, and praise God for His generosity and faithfulness.
love Tim Susie and Jonah xxx
What a wonderful two weeks, can’t believe how quickly it went by. Thanks Gwen and Marcus for writing the last post and for waiting to see us off, it meant a lot to us, especially knowing how busy your lives are.
God Bless, Kerry