Dia Dos de Consuelo

Today was especially important because we created a more personal connection to a family in Consuelo. We had the amazing opportunity to create and instal a concrete floor in one of the community houses. This process of mixing and pouring was new and difficult for many of us, but nevertheless, life-changing. Seeing the effect of something so simple, that most of us take for granted, improve the standard of living for a group of people was breathtaking. It was amazing to see the difference that was observed by only pouring the first half of the house! For most of us, it made us feel as though we are not only developing relationships, but that were were building a long term effect on the community. As a group we were content in being able to serve the people in the community not only in a spiritual way, but also in a physical way. This allowed us as the youth ministry to put to practice what we've been taught constantly in church which is to go out, find the need, and serve.

It was amazing to see how the community, even the kids, participated in making this floor project happen! It was truly an integration of the local community, our team and the community of the IBCC church. Just to see the family so happy and to glance at the cemented floor rather than the dirt floor which they had to endure for as long as they could remember made us want to keep going! We all wished we did not have to stop there but to keep pouring concrete floors for other families in need. This was very impactful for each one of us. Arturo invited the family to continue to stay connected and invited then to church as a part of the family.

We continued the day by painting a huge building that is now owned by IBCC. This was significant because they are in the process of developing and remodelling the building for community purposes. For example, once a month there will be a service held in conjunction with several other churched in Counselo. Again, the purpose is to promote community and cooperation between several churches.

After the painting process we headed back to our hotel for a surprise water balloon fight!!! I think many of us would agree that this was one of the highlights of the day! It was us against the other workers who helped us pour the concrete. Splashes of water would burst all over the parking lot, and buckets of water were poured onto us by the other team. Although the other team would disagree, I think we won the battle. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!