tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85489633202203744142024-03-12T16:16:40.867-07:00Builders of HopeTed Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-27431209518535126012018-08-16T07:23:00.000-07:002018-08-16T07:29:47.535-07:00Roof Tops and BreezesIt has been a very different trip for us. Very often we are in the desert, with little shade and hot sun. This year we have been working in the area of "Cumbres," which is just off the Pacific Ocean. We are up on a hill and have a wonderful vista of the ocean. All day there are welcomed breezes. This is very helpful as that since Monday we have been working on the roof, getting it ready for the pouring of the cement layer.<br />
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It can be a hot job, but with that welcome breeze from the ocean, and the ability to look out a beautiful scene makes it doable. All while working a large speaker is pumping out music of the great <a href="https://youtu.be/ZsAUOjgwJXs">Vicente Fernandez</a>, or just the well known Mariachi music. Of course, there is a healthy mix of current American hits. All this makes the tedious job of wiring this rebar together more bearable.<br />
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Each day we are treated to great food by the women of the area, who are helping as part of their commitment to getting one of the next houses. We have had a chicken mole, the most wonderfully spiced chicken BBQ, and a chicken caesar salad. Usually, each main course has rice, beans, and tortillas with it. The juice is real fruit juice made with melons, cucumbers or other fruits. A welcome refreshment after the work on the roof. <br />
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When we finished our work we headed out to the 'border' to experience the border and the wall as Mexican's experience it. It always strikes me as strange, because the Mexican side is full of life, music, laughter, and all the joy of any beach town. The US side is just empty, silent and desert life.<br />
The Mexican side of the wall is painted with pictures of hope and happiness. The US side is just rusted. <br />
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Last night a large group of participants headed out for a professional soccer game and others went to the orphanage to play with the children. On a sad note, the orphanage run by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart has closed. There were some financial problems we have been told. We pray the girls are in a good spot.<br />
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The other group we have been with has been doing similar work at another site, (with the breeze). Today all 40 of us head off to there to begin the roof pour. We will pour that roof today. Tomorrow we will head back to Cumbres and pour that roof. With that our week will close.<br />
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If the internet is good I'll post how today went. Thanks for your prayers and support.Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-86039284000138440032018-08-14T07:42:00.002-07:002018-08-14T07:42:34.216-07:00It begins!The internet has been a bit sketchy here so this is the first day I have been able to post. All arrived on Saturday with few flight problems. We picked everyone up and headed toward the Mexican border which only is about a half hour from the airport. This year we had no inspections at the Mexican customs and sped right down to the Posada. <br />
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The <a href="http://esperanzaint.org/laposada/">Posada</a> is a large volunteer center built by <a href="http://esperanzaint.org/">Esperanza</a> which can hold up to 80 Volunteers. We knew we were joining about 10 Volunteers from Seattle who come from Trinity Lutheran Church, but we were also met by 20 High School students from Davis, CA. They were scheduled to go to Honduras, but because of the violence there, their trip was canceled. It is a group of young people who have been in a Spanish immersion program since kindergarten. This trip was another step in that education process. Nice young people and hard workers. Another surprise was that (Dr) Marcel Tam met us. He was a college student 17 years ago when I first took a group from LIU to build houses here. <br />
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We settled in on Saturday and got to know the larger team a bit. On Sunday we headed to a small church just down the street. After Mass, we loaded up the van and headed to Puerto Nuevo which is a little fishing village about half hour away. Some of the group went shopping and another group headed to a restaurant looking out onto the ocean for fish tacos. It was a wise choice. Our final day of relaxing ended.<br />
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Yesterday, Monday, began with a large meeting of the whole group with the director of volunteers who spoke to us of our work, safety and many things we needed to know. We loaded up the Vans and headed out to our work areas. The "Shrine" portion of the group headed south to a very remote piece of land on a mountain that overlooked the Pacific Ocean. I will get pictures today! Being close to the ocean provided us with a beautiful view and wonderful breeze. It was hot and so we appreciated the breeze.<br />
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We were met by "Louis" who owned the land and currently lives in his broken down trailer. He complains that it is very hot in his little mobile home. Louis had been a truck driver in the US and knew of the Providence-Boston area. The walls of the building already up and our work was to prepare the roof for a 'pour.' The roofs are cement also but before the cement can be poured (buckets of cement lifted to the roof one by one) forms have to be made to hold the cement in. That is our work for the next few days. Our work is more exacting than hard. We value Andrew Sanchez, part of our group who comes with amazing carpentry skills.<br />
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Here are a few pictures of our first days. <br />
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<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-24723478130955655802018-08-10T08:35:00.000-07:002018-08-10T08:35:45.324-07:002018 Pilgrims of Hope Project about to beginTen hearty east coast builders will be arriving tomorrow at San Diego airport and then the drive to Tijuana. Everyone is excited. We will join about 10 others from the West Coast. We expect another great week. Please pray for us!<br />
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Follow us here.!Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-62297297266747202662017-08-22T08:29:00.004-07:002017-08-22T08:29:38.934-07:00Clean, My Own Bed and the AftermathMost of us are back, with most of the cement washed off and have had a good night sleep in our own beds. Friday and Saturday were eventful days in very different ways.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_zNZBbfgrQ/WZxMW-W4xsI/AAAAAAAABVY/zuQcUUkywhAzScLsmzI98kGU303jmxCdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9_zNZBbfgrQ/WZxMW-W4xsI/AAAAAAAABVY/zuQcUUkywhAzScLsmzI98kGU303jmxCdQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0279.jpg" width="320" /></a><b>Friday morning</b>, before we left for the work site, Eduardo, the head of volunteers rounded us up for a debriefing regarding our total experience but most especially our experience at the border. He wanted to know what we thought of the wall (it has been up for years in Tijuana) and did we think Mexican people were dangerous. Both Mexicans and US citizens all agreed good border security is a good thing. The Mexican people don't want our drug dealers, our violent criminals or problematic people any more than we want theirs. Everyone agreed border security is important, yet standing on the Mexican side made many of us wonder about the level of fear in the US at this time. We all wondered how to fix our broken immigration system rather than build more walls.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g53fKHHYMqY/WZxNeoWFHuI/AAAAAAAABVk/rpkRYPZEgf88LBREPzekvofYVAwb1Z48wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g53fKHHYMqY/WZxNeoWFHuI/AAAAAAAABVk/rpkRYPZEgf88LBREPzekvofYVAwb1Z48wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0471.JPG" width="320" /></a>After this very deep conversation, we headed to our final work site in the Puerto Nuevo area. We set up the cement mixer, put about 8 people on the roof while the rest of us lined up to shovel sand or gravel. Others formed the famous bucket line to pass cement from the ground to the roof. Others formed a line to catch the empty buckets coming from the roof and prepare them to be refilled with cement. For the next 4 hours, with water breaks, we made cement and passed bucket after bucket to the roof. In total, we passed 50 tons of cement. The final putt-putt of the cement mixer as it was shut off signaled our week of work was over.<br />
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All during this work, we could smell the great food being prepared by the family who is receiving the home. We could smell steak, tortillas, and beans being cooked. If we walked by the kitchen we could see juices being prepared which would quench our dry mouths after the work. The cement mixer stopped and were invited to the feast. There we laughed and joked with our hosts as we enjoyed the goodness of being together. We communicated with smiles and nods. When finished we gathered with the family. The family, again and again, expressed their thanks through floods of tears. The familiar "Mi Casa su Casa" (My house is your house) was heard again and again. Our group expressed words of thanks and what an honor it was to work on their house. Inside jokes were exchanged and then hug after hug. We loaded up the vans and the week had ended.<br />
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We arrived back at the Posada and was treated to breakfast for dinner. We cleaned the Posada and prepared ourselves for an early morning departure.<br />
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Saturday morning: 5 AM came quickly. We scurried around and packed last minute items, re-checked our passports. The vans were loaded and we headed back. There was little traffic on the road and within an hour we were all back in the USA. We drove another 10 minutes and stopped at Auntie Emma's pancake house and had a great final meal together. With time to kill before people flew home, we stopped at Coronado Island. Some went swimming, others toured and still others just sat with coffee and watched the ocean, with plenty of memories to sort through.<br />
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The 2017 Pilgrimage of Hope to Mexico was completed.<br />
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We thank everyone who supported us.Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-79373075176825672452017-08-18T07:07:00.003-07:002017-08-18T07:07:43.796-07:00Fish Tacos, More Cement and Orphans<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lunch in Puerto Nuevo (photo Samantha Delabruere)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roof Preparation (Photo by Christie Cardinale)</td></tr>
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Another bright and beautiful day greeted us yesterday. After breakfast, we packed up the vans and headed to our work sites. Again a large group went to Puerto Nuevo and another more inland. Both groups picked up from where they left off. Puerto Nuevo continued putting up a foundation and cementing it in, and the in-land group continued roof preparations. <br />
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Today we all go inland to pour the roof. I was lucky enough to be at the Puerto Nuevo site which had wonderful sea breezes all day. The whole local community gathered to help, and by 3 PM we were finished and headed back to the Posada. Everyone was tired but happy.<br />
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We arrived back to the Posada showered up and could either go to the orphanage or hang out. There were only 11 girls at the Orphanage this week because many are at camp before school starts next week. Christie Cardinale brought pictures from six years ago. Sadly she met a girl she met six years ago who has not been adopted but the little girl was excited to think someone remembered six years later.<br />
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Today we bring to a close our week here in Tijuana. Our memories will be as bright and warm as the sun that blazed above us. Here are some pictures taken by Dick Crawford from Montana, part of the "East-West" team. We thank Dick for letting us use his picture.<br />
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<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-63545394318362468112017-08-17T07:10:00.000-07:002017-08-17T07:10:54.893-07:00Cement, Cement and Ocean Views<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Kxp1vUE5Q/WZWec-M8ztI/AAAAAAAABTQ/ceDIF1W0uHEsRnPgKoTeCdV2cMIqv4MBQCLcBGAs/s1600/20914255_10155046237836748_7010464546089779869_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5Kxp1vUE5Q/WZWec-M8ztI/AAAAAAAABTQ/ceDIF1W0uHEsRnPgKoTeCdV2cMIqv4MBQCLcBGAs/s320/20914255_10155046237836748_7010464546089779869_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>Yesterday we split into two groups once again. Most of the group went to a house down near Puerto Nuevo, where we could see the ocean and benefit from the ocean breezes. It was beautiful. The family cried as nearly 30 of us emerged from vans. (Remember we are with other groups, nearly 60 in all.) We did the final work for the foundation. The far corner of the foundation is about 7 feet deep. We passed concrete blocks for the foundation for about an hour or so, prepared the re-bar supports and did some final sand work. The morning was full.<br />
The breeze made the work comfortable and the beauty of the place and the goodness of the people made it even easier.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from Paul McGininity</td></tr>
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The family was busy setting up about 10 small tables with umbrellas for us. We broke for lunch and sat for a wonderful meal looking out at the Pacific ocean. The laughter was rich and English, Spanish and Spanglish wafted over the table. We all agreed we had just experienced a bit of heaven. With all the hatred in the world currently, it seemed that this was a sign of the kingdom of God breaking in. I think we all left knowing what Jesus meant when he said "The Kingdom of God is in your midst."<br />
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An ice cream wagon came by and to end our little break from the work, many of us enjoyed cool, refreshing popsicles or ice cream sandwiches. We all looked like little children enjoying the surprise visit of the ice cream truck.<br />
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The after brought us a the loud putt,putt, putt of cement mixer. For the next 2 hours 20 bags of cement was mixed, scooped into buckets, passed from hand to hand and finally poured into the foundation blocks. It was hard work but the hard work of so many made it go easily. Of course when we got a break many would break out into a little dance with music from huge speaker Eduardo brought.<br />
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We finished our work and then headed to Casa del Migrante, which is a center run by the Scallibrini Fathers which cares for the migrants of the world. Most of the people in the Center have been deported from the US. We were given an orientation and then ate with the residents of center. There were currently about 100 people living in the center, all planning their next steps. They talked wistfully of their wives and children back in the states. Others resigned to the fact that getting back is going to be hard and will do their best to make a living here in Mexico. Most of our participants agreed it was the most significant part of the trip. (later today I'll get some pictures up of our visit.)<br />
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We head out soon to our work site, so I need to get going!<br />
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<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-45703863941210403022017-08-16T07:11:00.003-07:002017-08-16T07:11:38.801-07:00Walls up: Roof Preparation<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrTIfZ5cEDM/WZRSiKdqr5I/AAAAAAAABS4/hU7mMDB2wLQGMtiq01b18OBwGFh2yG5hgCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/20863611_10155564043143373_6003884564934137162_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrTIfZ5cEDM/WZRSiKdqr5I/AAAAAAAABS4/hU7mMDB2wLQGMtiq01b18OBwGFh2yG5hgCK4BGAYYCw/s320/20863611_10155564043143373_6003884564934137162_o.jpg" width="177" /></a>Yesterday, we once again split into two groups and both groups did prep work for walls and roofs. The day was cooler than Monday which was a blessing. I'm not sure how hot it was yesterday, but in my memory, it was one of the hottest days we ever worked here. We appreciated cloud cover yesterday. As beautiful as it all is with bright blue skies, bright blue skies say HOT.<br />
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Part of the group did more excavating and getting the foundation for the house set. That will mean cement today. The group will be larger there because of all the demands of mixing cement, carrying it and finally pouring it. The extra help will be welcomed.<br />
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The other group prepared a roof. When we arrived four walls were up. We moved lumber in and put down plywood and underpinning, which will hold the cement roof until it cures. Today that group will make beams and 're-bar' supports. We will pour that roof on Friday. That can demand up to 120 tons of cement moved one-half bucket at a time. The prep work is crucial so that it goes smoothly.<br />
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After the day's work, we headed to the 'border' where the now famous wall has been in place for years.Actually, it's two or three walls depending on where you stand. It is about 15 feet high, and the second wall a mostly strong chain link fence perhaps another 100 feet in. The people have painted the wall on the Mexican side with messages about how it feels to be behind such a wall. The Mexican side of the wall hosts a large beach village. Much like any beach town, there is much activity. Kids swimming, families walking the board walk, eateries, and places for kids to play games. The US side there is 'nothing.' The beach is empty, there are just dirt roads, some grass and the border patrol going up and down. It is sad.<br />
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We returned to the vans, and for a while it's quiet as our workers let the experience sink in. Some people slept on the way back, but slowly the energy returns and we had a pizza party. People relaxed and then headed to bed. The crowd is gathering now for breakfast and soon we'll head out for day three.Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-1781810695066890582017-08-15T08:42:00.001-07:002017-08-15T08:42:31.905-07:00Digging, Blocks and BaseballAfter a morning orientation with our Esperanza representative, Eduardo, we were split into two groups and headed to our work sites. I will have to get a report from the other group but I do know that both groups did digging and setting of blocks for the foundation. Yesterday was particularly hot. Much warmer than usual, but with plenty of water breaks we all survived. We were greeted by the family receiving the house. Presently they are living in something most of us would not store our lawn more in, but for them, it protected them wind, heat, cold and rain. In about one month they will have a much larger brick home. The family of a little boy and mom and dad will now be safe from the elements.<br />
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It was a long day. We rushed home because we were had a chance to go the baseball playoffs, we cleaned up and headed to Toros Stadium to watch them win 6 to 3. Mexican baseball is a very different experience where these as much entertainment going on in the stands as there is on the field.<br />
Although tired, everyone had a great time. We are finishing breakfast and heading off to more work today. Thankfully it is cloudy and a bit misty today which should make work easier.<br />
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Here are some highlights'<br />
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Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-69961910390451290362017-08-14T06:47:00.001-07:002017-08-14T07:01:43.960-07:00<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VKDPW1kqWMA/WZGs0l2oJ6I/AAAAAAAABQA/6tQ2UQ6knfoaJlDfulTpxhis4mEQNJhVACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VKDPW1kqWMA/WZGs0l2oJ6I/AAAAAAAABQA/6tQ2UQ6knfoaJlDfulTpxhis4mEQNJhVACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1507.JPG" width="320" /></a>Yesterday we spent the day soaking in a bit of Mexican culture. We started with Mass at the little chapel run by Esperanza's good friend Fr. Jaime. He welcomed us warmly and gave a one minute synopsis of his homily in English. He talked about how Christ extended the hand of tenderness to Peter caught in a stormy sea and saved him. He said, we here at Esperanza, do the same things. We extend the hand of mercy and save many from the storms of a live in poverty. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyTo8StxS6k/WZGsxRGoZRI/AAAAAAAABP8/azkM4l1iHv0NnhoCCeKvW37isGUwvKvUQCLcBGAs/s1600/BD5CB637-30C1-4B5A-B6EA-09AF77CCA85D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyTo8StxS6k/WZGsxRGoZRI/AAAAAAAABP8/azkM4l1iHv0NnhoCCeKvW37isGUwvKvUQCLcBGAs/s320/BD5CB637-30C1-4B5A-B6EA-09AF77CCA85D.jpg" width="320" /></a>We returned to the Posada, relaxed, Many of us are still catching up on our sleep from the time change, and then headed to Puerto Nuevo, for a bit of shopping and exploring this little fishing village. We were delayed because of the annual bike rally, which attracts thousands, yes thousands of motorcyclists, but once in the village, we enjoyed fish tacos and other goodies. Some of the group headed to the cultural center and others back to the Posada. </div>
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We had a great dinner of chicken, potatoes, and salad, with a cake to celebrate Fr. Ted's 40th Anniversary of 1st Vows. It was a grand celebration.</div>
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We now wait for "Eduardo" the head technician to join us for an orientation and then off to the work site. It is now 6:45 AM here and people are beginning to move.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grvYw9b7sTc/WZGsxHk_qSI/AAAAAAAABP4/wHvrqO0_W2Yza4cn2JgldayEXspAfb-wwCLcBGAs/s1600/2A3B08B4-646E-4CF6-BC20-AE44A212480B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-grvYw9b7sTc/WZGsxHk_qSI/AAAAAAAABP4/wHvrqO0_W2Yza4cn2JgldayEXspAfb-wwCLcBGAs/s320/2A3B08B4-646E-4CF6-BC20-AE44A212480B.jpg" width="320" /></a>Morning prayer today says: Happy are those who dwell in the house of the Lord...as they pass through the Bitter Valley, they will make it a place of springs." (Ps 84) We hope that our presence will make some the burden of life a bit lighter. Off to the work site!</div>
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Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-61840348960276539742017-08-12T07:12:00.001-07:002017-08-12T07:12:17.347-07:00Everyone arrives today and we'll join folks from the West Coast. The group is called "The East-West Group." Please pray for us. We'll do our best to blog here and keep you up to date on what is happening. Here is the list of those going so you can pray for us by name. (Sorry last name first) <br />
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt; width: 65pt;" width="65">Van Orsouw</td>
<td style="width: 65pt;" width="65">Ashley</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">DeLaBruere</td>
<td>Stephanie</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Delabruere</td>
<td>Samantha</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Maureen</td>
<td>Isbister</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Cardinale</td>
<td>Christie</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Bugaj</td>
<td>Janine</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Briana</td>
<td>Bowdish</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Curran</td>
<td>Brittany</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Rufo</td>
<td>John</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Rufo</td>
<td>Gina</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Mazo</td>
<td>Catalina</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Cuellar</td>
<td>Alex</td>
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<td height="15" style="height: 15.0pt;">Edmund</td>
<td>Stanley </td></tr>
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Brown Fr. Ted</div>
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Keep Checking!</div>
Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-9634933702466316982017-07-15T12:21:00.003-07:002017-07-15T12:21:59.642-07:002017 Trip is doing it's prep work!The second group sponsored by the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette is in the final month of preparation to head to La Gloria, BC, Mexico to build houses for those in need of human, dignified housing.<br />
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From August 12-19, fifteen people will be digging, mixing cement, and laying brick under the bright Mexican sun. We go to bring the Good News of Christ, which is that in God's eyes everyone is valued and has dignity.<br />
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Although its not our group, this is what a typical week looks like!<br />
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You can also follow us at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pilgrimsofhope">www.facebook.com/pilgrimsofhope</a></div>
<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-69741152893557246722016-08-08T21:03:00.000-07:002016-08-08T21:03:42.113-07:00Pilgrims of HopeWe arrived safely on Saturday, and as we got to the Posada, the skies cleared. The place where we stay (The Posada) is beautiful. It is a very comfortable volunteer center. We met the rest of the members of what is called the "East-West" team. There are 18 people in total. Seven are with us, and 8 from the Seattle area and 3 from Montana. The group is warm, friendly and full of fun. Although not explicitly Catholic, all members have come before with other Catholic groups. We have gelled quickly. <br />
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Sunday we went to Mass at the local parish (in Spanish of course) but Father Jaime welcomed us graciously. We wanted around the flea market, grabbed bite to eat and then headed out to Puerto Nuevo which is a beautiful little fishing village. We did some shopping and managed to get out before 2000 (yes 2000) motor cycles arrived. We came back had a great pasta dinner, cooked by our own Grant Haley. Evening went and morning came, the first day. We hit the beds and were ready for our first day of work. More to come on that.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_T7chE6AGXE/V6lUnUQzg7I/AAAAAAAAA_o/CG7MUMegP0stjB3KLHsWrYzy8zO6C3PlACK4B/s1600/DSCN2781.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_T7chE6AGXE/V6lUnUQzg7I/AAAAAAAAA_o/CG7MUMegP0stjB3KLHsWrYzy8zO6C3PlACK4B/s320/DSCN2781.JPG" width="320" /></a>Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-43644176117766451842016-08-04T05:05:00.002-07:002016-08-04T05:05:50.841-07:00Change of team Change of NameAlthough Father Ted has been transferred to Attleboro, "Team Esperanza" still continues.<br />
Since we are from La Salette Shrine we are now Pilgrims of Hope.<br />
A small 'founding team' has been formed and will be heading to Mexico on Saturday for a week of house building. You can learn about what we are doing here:<br />
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It is an intergenerational team: different ages with different experiences.<br />
Those going are:<br />
-Grant Haley<br />
-Mary Petersen<br />
-John Rufo<br />
-Gina Rufo<br />
-Stephanie DeLaBruere<br />
-Samantha DeLaBruere<br />
-Fr. Ted Brown, ms<br />
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You can also follow us at: https://www.facebook.com/pilgrimsofhope/<br />
You can see pictures and reflections there.<br />
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<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-6602678042420801862015-06-02T07:06:00.001-07:002015-06-04T16:37:22.052-07:00"Off The Border" by Kim Corona and Sharon Sextus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The 2015 Builders of Hope have safely arrived to Tijuana, Mexico on Sunday the 31st. Everyone arrived separately at the airport. We quickly greeted each other and made our way to the border. We took a bus to the Santa Fe Trolley Station and caught the trolley to border. In comparison to NY, San Diego is diverse. As we got closer to the border there was a significant change in the surroundings. The closer we got, the conditions were worse.<br />
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Once we arrived at the border we went through Mexican Customs, which was an intriguing experience. As we went through the gate, we were told to push a button. If the light was green we could pass through with no inspection, if it was red we would be searched. The light was green for each of us and we passed through without even having to show identification.<br />
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We are staying at <i>The Posada, </i>in La Gloria, just south of Tijuana. The grounds and campus are beautiful with many forms of native plants growing as well as a flowing fountain in the center of the campus.<br />
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Monday was our first day of work. We arrived to a beautiful landscape with a view of the Pacific Ocean in the distance. It provided a bit of a breeze, as there were no trees. The current house of Paola (and her three children) is located at a higher elevation. We are to build an addition to their small home giving them "dignified human housing." Our first task was to take up the old floor which was approximately 10 x 12 ft. We were able to finish by lunch time (sooner than the Esperanza staff expected). This would allow us to begin to dig the foundation trenches after lunch.<br />
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Paola and her friends prepared a delicious lunch for us. We had pasta salad, frijoles (beans), flavored rice milk and tamales. <i>Muy deliciouso!</i><br />
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After lunch we began to dig the trenches to create the foundation of the home. This is back breaking work and was very tiring under the bright blue Mexican sky, with the hot sun beating down on us. This is only day one, but seeing Paola's family's reactions to our hard work and dedication motivates us to keep going for the rest of the week to come.<br />
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<i><br /></i>Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-25256860771665319002015-05-31T21:08:00.000-07:002015-05-31T21:09:34.850-07:00Safe ArrivalBy 12 noon today all "Builders of Hope" arrived. We left the airport around 1pm, took the 922 bus, and then the Trolley and by 1:50 we were at the border. We walked across and found our way through customs. No one was stopped! Yay. By 2:30 the Esperanza bus met us and we arrived at the Posada. Dinner, Mass and relaxation. Work begins at 8 am. Most have headed to bed. Watch for our postings!<br />
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photo by Sharon Sextus.</div>
Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-2166038607718055002015-05-26T13:41:00.002-07:002015-05-26T13:44:04.781-07:00Builders of Hope 2015 Ready to Take Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In just a few days another group from LIU Post Newman Community will be heading off to make a difference in a Tijuana neighborhood. Fourteen members and friends will be lifting cement buckets, shoveling gravel, digging foundations and playing with the kids. This is trip number 15! Over these years we have worked on 32 homes, 1 school and 1 community center. We've delighted the children at a local orphanage, given encouragement to a few elderly couples and hope to a family who had resigned themselves to living in a nailed together home of old doors and few boards.<br />
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Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost, where we prayed "Come Holy Spirit, Renew the face of the earth." How does it get renewed? When people let the Spirit in and then do what they can. We like to say Newman is renewing the face of the earth 250 square feet at a time. We work with God to make the world a better place.<br />
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We hope to have a blog up every day beginning June 1. Sometimes the internet is sketchy or our days are long. Watch for us though. Something will be up almost every day!<br />
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Also you can catch your pictures and videos at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/2015buildersofhope">https://www.facebook.com/2015buildersofhope</a><br />
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Watch us work, pray for us and pray for the people we are serving! Newman for Good!<br />
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Want to email us words of encouragement? Leave a note here or on the FB page and we'll read them at dinner each night!<br />
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Thanks for all the support!<br />
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<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-37615045786727559252014-06-01T09:49:00.001-07:002014-06-01T09:49:23.274-07:00Bucket Scrapes, Cement Burns and Burning Hearts of Love.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILLWrQgsukU/U4tSu2W8ksI/AAAAAAAAAkE/FF2G66-VtyA/s1600/DSCN0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILLWrQgsukU/U4tSu2W8ksI/AAAAAAAAAkE/FF2G66-VtyA/s1600/DSCN0765.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The retaining wall and foundation completed.</td></tr>
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Friday was our last day on the work site. It was true when Fr. Ted said 'these next few days will fly by." Providence High School students from Burbank, CA, joined us making today a memorable day. We all worked extra hard to finalize the last step before the concrete floor could be poured. It was such an amazing experience where we started on Monday with just digging a trench, to building up a nine foot high retaining walls, laying a brick foundation and now seeing first hand what we did as a team. We helped make a family's dream come true. Helping that dream come true made this mission trip worth it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melly, on the right in white, thank Miguel and Stanley.</td></tr>
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Melly, (the mother of the family) and her family welcomed us with open hearts on the day we arrived and worked with us with giving arms. They embraced us with smiles and and hugs. All of us became part of her reality, a home to call her own. As we said our farewells, emotions were conveyed and Melly expressed to us how she hoped to expand her family because of her having own sturdy, safe home. <br />
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It truly amazes me year after year how <a href="http://esperanzaint.org/">Esperanza International</a> does such wonderful job to create sustainable communities. I can say I return for the uneven tan lines, the cement burns, or the brick scratches, but in the reality I've returned eight times in the past seven years because of a piece of my heart stays with the people, the cause and the '<i>fundacion.' </i>We can't forget to thank Eduardo, Roberto, and Rigo (engineers) for permitting us to work along side them. Esperanza is a beautiful organization and I take with me more than words can express.<br />
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I've learned that the Holy Spirit is renewing the face of earth, sometimes 240 square feet, at a time, and for that I am ever grateful.<br />
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With faith and unity all things are possible.<br />
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<i>Con mucho carino,</i><br />
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Aida Vera and Paolo Mancuso<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melly's Son, a friend and Miguel play with race toys we<br />
brought.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2014 Builders of Hope! Job Well Done!</td></tr>
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Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-88446465860548238352014-05-30T06:49:00.000-07:002014-05-30T06:49:13.241-07:00Work Hard..Play HarderThursday was our fourth day on the work site. It is os amazing how we started from the bottom and we have what you see here.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Team standing on what will be the new floor.</td></tr>
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We finally see change and improvement with the foundation completed. Melly and Luis (Mother and son who will get the house) seem to get more excited each day: which makes us feel so great and pumped to work even harder. We look forward to working hard, pouring the floor on Friday.<br />
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Later in the afternoon the Pioneers from LIU Post and the Pioneers from Providence High School in California had night out on th the town to watch a baseball game. We happily cheered the <i>Tijuana Toros. </i>Our excitement went over the roof with: trying to catchy t-shirts from the mascots, Stanley Edmund dancing in front of the whole stadium (and on the large screen) loud noise makers and great music, all with good friends.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christina and this boy both dived for this shirt. The boy won,<br />but Christina was a good sport about it.</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2UrhrV4ioo/U4iJ639-WeI/AAAAAAAAAjo/Kiags-imOOA/s1600/DSCN0779.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M2UrhrV4ioo/U4iJ639-WeI/AAAAAAAAAjo/Kiags-imOOA/s1600/DSCN0779.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca, Amanda, Oda and Silje on the big screen.</td></tr>
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Tijuana it is bittersweet that we only have a day left. This is a great city-the people of Tijuana have our hearts.<br />
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<i>-Con Carino Lisette Millan and Nadia Hernandez</i></div>
Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-14074902854678189092014-05-28T22:36:00.000-07:002014-05-29T06:56:05.212-07:00Minute by Minute with the Builders of Hope/Hump Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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7:13 AM. Good Morning Everyone! Today is Wednesday which means we are officially halfway through our trip (happy hump day). It also means that this is the third day we have the "pleasure" of listening to Fr. Ted's Wake Up playlist. If you would like to experience the "joy" of this playlist for yourself, I invite you to go on youtube and look up the Lazy Town Wake Up Song (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG4GKZPNDt0">Lazy Town Wake Up</a>)...then play it at 7 am.<br />
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7:50 AM. I am currently eating a blueberry muffin the size of a small house (carbs = energy!!!). At this point in our trip, we have all become painfully aware of muscles we didn't even know we had, ESPECIALLY in our lower backs. If any of you back home are offering free massages, we would all be interested. Thanks.<br />
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5:31 PM. I apologize for the huge time gap. I meant to bring paper to the worksite, but I forgot...per usual. Public Service Announcement. We just finished the 1000 piece puzzle that we started on Sunday! It's a huge deal. (There are about 8 pieces missing - I suspect they were eaten by the vacuum, but we are staying positive.<br />
We got back from the worksite about an hour ago. This message is coming to you after a 30 minute long shower. The minutes were distributed as follows: 1 minute of water and 29 minutes of scrubbing cement off of my arms and legs only to give up eventually. I still have cement on my elbows...<br />
So today was another day of hard work, stomach-pain inducing laughter and delicious food (no seriously, todays lunch was sooooo good!!!!)<br />
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After the work day, Eduardo drove us to the US/Mexico border where many people have crossed over illegally. Back in the 80s (I think) there used to be an area called "Friendship Park" where Mexican Americans could reunite with their families. Today, the whole park is on the Mexican side of the border. Across the fence on the US side, there is a whole lot of nothing with the exception of a few ominous looking helicopters.<br />
For me, the park induced some mixed emotions. It is such a beautiful place on the Mexican side. The fence is painted with bright colors, the beach is filled with people, the water sparkles and the air smells like homemade churros. It is the kind of idyllic place where you can't help but feel joy. At the same time<br />
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however, it is also a place where a great number of people have died crossing. The fence separates families and marks a stunningly visible rift in the distribution of wealth. Upon closer inspection, the bright colors and paintings on the fence contain emotional and moving sentiments. One quote in particular struck me. It read: "Boundaries and borders and are temporary, but family is forever."<br />
7:01 PM I am so full. We Just had a pasta dinner...and started another puzzle.<br />
9:58 PM I am exhausted!!! Good Night! (Oh, and in case you were wondering...the puzzle isn't going so well.)<br />
<i> by Laurie Murray</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Hump Day</i><br />
Well, here we are, halfway point. The point where the nights are much shorter, and the days seem kinda endless. Each day it takes a little more time to get up and its usually accompanied with some groans; aside from the groans and zombie-like faces on the ride to the worksite the experience is very rewarding. Each day we are reminded why we came and why we need to do what we are doing this. this house not only provides the family a roof over their heads but also provides an unconditional love and gratitude from complete stranger. We met the family only a few days ago and they have given us so much love.<br />
We worked on the house today and it is absolutely crazy that we did so much. I am severely sore everywhere and had sand and concrete in places sand and concrete shouldn't go... regardless the three servings of food the family we were working with gave me absolutely made all the struggles worth it. Their smiles and laughs makes all the hard work pay off.<br />
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As we concluded our day, tired and dirty we headed to border. Words cannot describe the desolate feeling one feels when such a beautiful beach is destroyed because there is a "wall" that runs through the middle of it. Song lyrics, book quotes and thoughtful reflections decorate the wall that separate dreams from reality. That wall symbolizes to me the lack of care we have to those who need the most. This wall has destroyed families, lives and dreams. George Harrison once said "With every mistake we must surely be learning." Every time I see something that separates us from our own race and care for humanity I feel that we are very far from learning our lesson.<br />
This hump day has been the hard climb to the halfway point and also the emotional climb to learn that there is suffering beyond our borders. There is a world out there that needs help. The lesson needs to be learned.<br />
<i> by David Armas Molina</i><br />
<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-18909904536152520622014-05-28T07:03:00.001-07:002014-05-28T07:03:12.501-07:00Bright Sun, Hard Work and Children's Smiles.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday began
with Tijuana’s bright desert sun shining upon our backs while we mixed cement
and put up a 6 foot wall. Unlike yesterday where we finished digging a
foundation, today was a bit more exciting for me. Watching the looks on the
faces of all the first timers on the trip as we put up the walls as if they
were play with LEGO. It was great to see how much we’ve accomplished in just 2
days of being here and working together as a team.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Walls Go Up!</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although the Sun
was a little out of control which is unusual for this time of year (usually
it’s cloudy all morning) most of us got a tan I think that will last us the
entire summer. Watching everyone work together as one, along with members <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>of the community helping to build this new
home for this family is truly admirable to me. I also admire the fact that language
is not a barrier, although the families do not speak English through there
smiles, laughter and hospitality, we knew of their true concern for us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered with cement but still have a great spirit!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">After a full day
of mixing cement and building a wall we visited an orphanage run by the Sisters
of Sacred Heart right here in Tijuana. This was my fourth time visiting this
orphanage and I must say every year the visit gets a lot more emotional because
of the fact that year after year when I walk in the orphanage the girls
actually remember me. Although I only get to see them once a year I got to see
some grew from little girls to now high school students. It’s sad to see how
throughout these years no one has cared to adopt these girls and probably won’t.
But year after year I am always impressed how great the Sisters take care of
these girls and how smart the girls are. Very often this visit to the orphanage
is the highlight to the week and many of us do not want to leave nor don’t the
children want us to go.</span></div>
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Doesn’t get any
better than this, building a home for a family in need and putting smiles on
the faces of children! Today was a good day.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> <i> -Miguel Montalvo</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">For more pictures check us out on Facebook at</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LIUPostbuildersofhope">https://www.facebook.com/LIUPostbuildersofhope</a></i></span></div>
Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-17766756635403370462014-05-26T20:34:00.000-07:002014-05-26T20:35:32.209-07:00A Foundation for the Week<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0t1i0lwKFNA/U4QFF6PNExI/AAAAAAAAAf4/ROwi3V3C2-0/s1600/DSCN0520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0t1i0lwKFNA/U4QFF6PNExI/AAAAAAAAAf4/ROwi3V3C2-0/s1600/DSCN0520.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The walk to the Taco Stand was as as simple as<br />
our crossing the border into Mexico</td></tr>
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Upon arrival yesterday, many of us were expecting a full search of our luggage, showing of passports, and a dangerous environment. We were surprisingly underwhelmed. We went through a turnstile and we saw a sign that said "Welcome to Mexico." From there, it was just like walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. Once we got to the other side of the bridge, a customs official asked us to push a button, and it was green which meant we did not need to be searched and we could just enter Mexico. We were picked up by the Esperanza staff immediately upon arrival in Mexico. We were driven to The Posada where we will be staying. Since we were all pretty hungry after the day's travels, we decided to go to the local Tacqueria and had some delicious tacos! We got back and had Mass and we settled in for the night.<br />
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Today, we were all pretty excited to begin working on the house, so most of us woke up before the alarm. We had breakfast and got ourselves together, and then Eduardo, the volunteer coordinator and head technician of Esperanza International, came to give us a brief orientation. He asked us why we decided to go on this trip, and listened intently to every answer. He then gave us a brief rundown of our duties and what to expect at the work site. He also gave us a brief synopsis of how families are chosen to receive a house. After that, we then collected our supplies and got on the bus to go to the worksite.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C0UIlS2PqI/U4QGlk_3leI/AAAAAAAAAgE/kmARTAw0Rj4/s1600/DSCN0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C0UIlS2PqI/U4QGlk_3leI/AAAAAAAAAgE/kmARTAw0Rj4/s1600/DSCN0544.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebecca and Amanda working on reinforcement bar.</td></tr>
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When we arrived at the site, we became acquainted with the family receiving the house and other local volunteers. Then, the fun began. Our tasks ranged from cutting and bending rebar, passing buckets filled with sand or cement, jackhammering, and manually making cement. Today, we built the foundation, not only for the house, but for the work ethic of the week.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i18LBbzzFDo/U4QG5q1y-RI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/JJLauIyHaqM/s1600/DSCN0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i18LBbzzFDo/U4QG5q1y-RI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/JJLauIyHaqM/s1600/DSCN0552.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miguel Montalvo with one of the children.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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While doing these tasks, one of the volunteers momentarily got lightheaded from adjusting to this new environment. The family was very welcoming and hospitable. Their Mexican hospitality promptly returned the volunteer to the worksite within 15 minutes, and worked the rest of the day without a problem.<br />
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Covered in dirt, sand, and cement, we cleaned up our supplies and returned to the bus to go back to the posada. Evening came, and we ended our day with a traditional Memorial Day BBQ. Though we are tired and our muscles are aching, we are still excited for the work to come!<br />
<br />
<i> -Written by Rebecca Phillips and Amanda Kelly</i>Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-39390556313558288852014-05-19T14:03:00.001-07:002014-05-19T14:05:51.190-07:002014 Mission Trip about to begin!Our team, fifteen strong, is busy these days getting the items from the packing list and any last minute paper work done. Once again members of the LIU Post Catholic Community and some friends will be heading to Tijuana, BC, Mexico to build dignified human housing for the good people of the <i>colonias </i>of that area. We are excited! It is always a challenging week, but a heart warming one.<br />
Please pray for us here. If you wish to send good wishes, send them to: <a href="mailto:ted.brown@liu.edu">ted.brown@liu.edu</a><br />
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We'll be digging, mixing cement, making bricks, visiting an orphanage and experiencing the Mexico/US border as a Mexican person would. For some it will be their first view of the Pacific ocean.<br />
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We look forward to being with the fine people of the community. It's always an adventure!<br />
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<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-23650522714170104462013-06-02T13:20:00.001-07:002013-06-02T21:30:14.101-07:00SWEAT, TEARS AND SMILESYesterday was a hectic morning, trying to get our act together to leave the Posada and head back to the USA and so there was little time to blog. Watch over the next few days and many participants will be adding their reflections of the total experience. <br />
<br />
Friday was an emotional day. Some of the crew left early to continue making blocks at Norma's house while the rest of us headed to Ofilia's house to build the walls. Shortly after noon we finished building the walls on the house and were ready to celebrate with the family that with in a month, Ofilia's family will move in.<br />
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The family set up a long board, set chairs around it, and we had the first meal in the 'new house', although there was no roof.<br />
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A delicious steak BBQ was prepared with rice and beans. The favorite of course was the chicken mole. (Mo-lay). A wonderful sauce with a chocolate base. It was amazing. Children ran around excited to see the progress.<span id="goog_608670879"></span><br />
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After lunch we circled up and said our good byes. Everyone was touched by the hospitality of the people and their hard work. We thanked them and we were told we always had a home to stay in if we came to Mexico, because it was our house also. I have the sense they meant it. Hugs went around and we hopped into the bus for what would be the most emotional part of the trip. We headed to Luz's home, which we built two years ago. Early in the week we heard she had breast cancer.<br />
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On arrival I hoped out of the bus and Luz came out, thinner and with shorter hair. We both broke out into tears when we saw each other. A tight hug communicated all that needed to be said. After a few short private moments, the rest of the crew came into the house we built and Luz explained her situation and that she needs another operation, but is not strong enough now. She is very aware that each day is a delay the allows more cancer to grow. She told us she doesn't want to die, but if God calls her home she is ready. All of us where overwhelmed by her strong faith.<br />
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I asked if she wanted the 'sacrament of the sick' and with out hesitation she said yes. Not having any oil I asked if she had cooking oil, and a bottle of olive oil appeared. I blessed the oil, and began the sacrament. We all laid hands on her in silence..but tears were in everyone's eyes. I could barely get through the ritual. At the end of the ritual and the "Our Father" was said in both English and Spanish.<br />
Tears were flowing during the prayer. Somehow we collected ourselves, said our goodbyes and headed to the border to experience the 'WALL" as an Mexican experiences it. <br />
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At the wall there was much silence.<br />
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There are many protests to the wall written on it. Eduardo reminded us that the wall is not Mexico's biggest problem, but helping build an economy where people will want to stay in Mexico is. It is always a place of mixed emotions, as a citizen of the USA, we understand the need for secure boarders, but we also know of the longings of the Mexican people to give their children the best life possible. As Eduardo keeps saying, the border is a complicated issue, with no simple solution.<br />
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After the time of contemplation of the border a few brave souls joined hands, and threw themselves into the Pacific Ocean at the beach that is at the border.<br />
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After the sadness and solemness that we experienced laughter was needed. Once in it was hard to take get them out. The bus ride was full of dancing and fun. We relaxed at the Posada, walked into town for some ice cream, and enjoyed our last night with Esperanza.<br />
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Saturday we packed, cleaned and headed to the border. We left at 10 AM and crossed into the US about 1 PM. It was good to be home. We got on the trolley with different groups getting off at different spots depending on their plans. We said each time, "this is it..see you in NY."<br />
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Well it wasn't it. Later that evening we all met up at Lulu's Cafe in down town San Diego. I got cheers as I walked into the Hookah bar and saw our gang at a long table with two hookah stands and everyone puffing away. Finally a few hours later we finally departed. Early this morning (Sunday) I hear my phone 'ding' with the first text message saying, 'we are home.' A few more came in from the 'red-eye fliers.'<br />
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With that the 2013 Builders of Hope Experience ended, but hearts, minds and souls were full.<br />
<br />Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-6659740523950930802013-05-31T07:36:00.000-07:002013-05-31T08:02:26.464-07:00CEMENT, LAUGHTER AND A BAPTISM<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday we went to two different work sites for work. One group went back to Norma's house and another group met Ofelia and her family. At her house we continued to dig a trench in her backyard, laid bricks (building the walls of the home) and tied steel reinforcement bar (re-bar) into the cement.</div>
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It was a hard day with sore muscles, but with continued energy from the uplifting orphanage experience and the support of friends we pushed through the pain. </div>
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We exemplified true team work and cooperation. We formed a line where we passed buckets of cement to one another. When someone saw me struggle they were quick to help, and visa versa. If someone needed help, I would be there to jump in. It was team work at it's finest. </div>
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Between that and our line of brick-passing, cultures, language and other barriers were broken down and everyone was there to help each other. We were there for the same reason, <i>to build a house...a home..a better world. </i>Not to mention that in the process, Father Ted got 'Baptized' while washing the cement off the buckets. I couldn't help but get FT with a bucket of cold water. </div>
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Smiles and team work made day 4 another rewarding one. We can't believe how fast it is going.</div>
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After work we went to Eduardo's friend's restaurant the "Ana del Mar" in Puerto Nuevo. Before dinner we went shopping in the quaint fishing village. </div>
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Many shop owners were trying to draw us into their restaurant with their 'promo's but we ate at the Ana del Mar beause it is supporting a local business. Warm Mexican hospitality was present from the owners Antonio and Ana, not to mention the DELICIOUS food.</div>
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A fun night of laughs and full bellies left us for a final day hard work.</div>
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PS MY DOG HAS FLEAS...<br />
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Kr<i>istin Legge and Takuya Yamasaki</i></div>
Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8548963320220374414.post-67190041632570081982013-05-30T07:51:00.003-07:002013-05-30T07:51:53.151-07:00CAREFULLY RINSING MY TOOTHBRUSHHi Everyone!<br />
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Yesterday, Wednesday, was HUMP DAY! We have officially made it half way through our trip. I don't think any of us are too happy about it though. We are having such a grate time here, it is hard to think about leaving.<br />
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We started the day bright and early as usual. I was struggling to brush my teeth with bottled water when I heard Miguel mumble something about a 'clinic.' I quickly decided that my toothbrush was rinsed well enough so I ran out to the meeting room to ask about the clinic. I was very excited when Father Ted told us we would be visiting the <b>"Esperanza Clinic"</b> this morning.<br />
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We boarded the bus at 8:45 am. About 3 upbeat Spanish songs later we arrived at the clinic. We were greeted by a very friendly faced nun (Sister Silvia) who welcomed us and gave us a tour. The clinic was built to serve the people living on a huge landfill. She explained that many of the residents there get sick from living so close to all that garbage.<br />
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After the tour she brought us out back to show us a view of the whole town. When she told us that the people lived on a garbage dump I didn't realize how serious she was . There mountains of scrap metal, tires and plastic that seemed to go on forever. The houses were scattered atop mounds of trash.<br />
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I think what surprised me more than the conditions that the people were living in was that they were living at all. We only met about three members of the community for a brief moment but they seemed truly happy we were there. When we first stepped out to the back Sister Silvia ran to the edge of the hill and yelled "Toni!" A man came out and walked up a steep hill to us. His face was wrinkled but his eyes were warm . When he shook my hand I could feel the callouses from years of working hard. He looked up at me and smiled with the most beautiful, genuine smile. From a dental perspective, his smile left quite a lot to be desired, but there was something about it that was so human, and that was what made it beautiful.<br />
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I think what surprised me the most was throughout this whole trip is how much joy and pride the people find in their homes. We come and see the conditions that the people live in and we feel terrible about the level of poverty, but they still live dignified lives. It's amazing to see them working to help one another. Every day three young boys from the neighborhood come and work as hard as we do to help their neighbor.<br />
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It shows us what real community is. It's a lesson well learned.<br />
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<i>Laurie Murray.</i>Ted Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13182133747340695869noreply@blogger.com3