Thoughts from Randy

Had devotions in the morning led by Kyle about bricks made without straw.  It was an encouraging message and what better person to encourage along with scripture than Kyle.  We also found that for the 2^nd day in a row, a staff member of the Oasis had lost a loved one. Josh lost his grandfather in Hong Kong.  This, along with the loss of Doug’s brother has been tough but  both are encouraged knowing the faith of these men will bring them to a more joyous place.   Doug was able to find a flight back to the states to be with family and attend the funeral in Duluth, MN.  We headed off to Zapote and the bouncy hour and half drive.  Along the way we picked up another one of the girls from the Independence house to help work with us. If you are unaware of the Independence house, this is for the older girls.  They must request and earn the privilege to live in this house to continue a training, work or school program to help them become independent and able to live on their own versus going back to where they most often encountered the abuse.  Going back home may put them right back to why they came to the Oasis in the first place. This allows these girls a better chance to obtain what the Oasis is all about.  We are now well into our routines and got right to work and on time today without any issues getting there.  It was hot and muggy but everyone is healthy and pulling their load.  This may have been our most efficient day and getting much of what is needed near completion.  Only one more classroom needs to be painted. Lisa did an outstanding job on a mural which should be posted.  The electricians are doing great and should be able to complete their tasks by tomorrow.   The tile job may be the only one we will not be able to do both rooms but should have one of the two rooms completed.  This has been the most fatiguing day so far, but also the most effective.  The evening devotion was led by Dan (GQ MAN) who really did a nice job with some various verses on encouragement and joy.   After that we had a time of reflection sharing what we have seen God doing. Many of the team shared the impact the girls have had on them, with their desire to share their favorite verses with us, another hug or just a smile. We have no doubt that this is a place that is of God and for God and these very special girls.  It was mentioned how over just a few years we are able to see specific girls who are maturing in their lives and walk with God.  It is so true - James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: “to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  We thank each of you for praying and taking the time to read the work of our Lord in this Oasis for these girls.  Blessings to each of you and thanks.