Day #1

Greetings and salutations!
After a safe arrival in Los Cabos and a magnificent van ride through the mountains, we arrived just in La Paz just in time to receive room assignments and eat delicious tacos.  The rumors are true, they are more delicious than anything Chicago-land has attempted to create.  Extra thanks go to all of the parents who saved us by driving our crew to O'Hare at four in the morning!
"La Paz, Day Numero Uno" started early this morning.  Actually, the rooster got started first, then our day started.  After a delicious breakfast of assorted breads, fruits, and cereals, we collected our work gear and lots of water and headed towards the El Camino Ranch.  Upon arrival, we walked around the grounds as Peter Gatto described everything that needed to be done.  Shortly thereafter, we split into groups and began work.  My team, composed of many awesome "hombres", started in the garden.  Once you've gardened in Mexico, anything else is a breeze.  From there, our group leader Frank led us to a water pipe in need of some adjustment.  We dug a trench, broke up bricks, cut pipe, modified connectors, and ultimately convinced running water to end up in the horse's agua bucket.  That bucket holds a lot of water. 
After drinking more water, it was about noon'ish and we prepared to rest.  However, because the Lord was in our team chemistry, we wanted to keep working, even in the Mexican sun!  So, we drank more water, grabbed our picks and shovels and began the arduous task of removing a palm tree stump from the rock-like dirt.  As we dug out the roots, the tree began to loosen, and soon we took turns kicking the stump.  When it was at its weakest, a crew of our football players tackled the tree and took it down to the ground.  Then Frank hooked it up to his van, and pulled it away.  Success.
Lunch, the pool, and devotions followed during the hot hours of the day.  We're currently working our way through Acts, and are learning many new, fascinating things about how to work better in a Christian group.  Then, we met the youth group of La Paz De Christo (the church we're working with), played "icebreaking" games, and proceeded to eat together.  Nothing brings together people more than food and fellowship!  After the "carne" had settled a bit, we had a time of worship en espanol y en inglas, culminating in three students sharing their testimonies. Great, powerful stories our friends, new and old, have!
As we prepare for bed, we have tomorrow to look forward to.  We will be attending La Paz de Christo at the 11AM service and then enjoying the rest of the day with the Gatto family and excellent Christian fellowship. 
Thus, bedtime has arrived!  Buenos noches, Joshua Heise