Day 4 in Birzai.

[B-Man]

Success was the theme today. The wonders of foam and liquid glue
never cease to amaze. The Pagalba Centras has 2 new walls and once
the drywall was hung, the first coat of mud went on in record time.
Matt, Ben and myself were able to hustle back to the church long
enough to finish the sanding that required a spotter holding the
ladder and a rodeo clown to break our fall if we stumbled. It went
quickly and the sanding of the stairwells is looking good. We still
think it will be a miracle if it gets painted before the next team,
but hey with God on our side, why should we expect anything less. I
was especially glad we made it back in time to see the young girls
that were helping with the sanding, cleanup and then a friendly game
of frisbee with the younger members of our crew out back. Their
joyful smiles brought renewed energy and relief from sore muscles.
We had hoped to get a second coat on back at the center before dinner,
but the moisture in the air from the rains today did not allow that.
Perhaps by morning. Instead we made it to the bookstore one more time
to take a closer look at their selections. While there, I grabbed
another box of sidewalk chalk for Armondas, as we used his all up.
Pastor Joe did devotions and we all shared examples of how the Lord
was evident in our works today and how we have to come to realize that
if something does not get done the way we want, that God may have a
different plan. Perhaps, the completion of one project is intended
for the skills present in another team. We are simply required to do
the best with what God has given us, He takes care of the rest.
We enjoyed another authentic dish tonight. It is called Čeburekai.
(che-boo-rehk-eye) A scoop of minced veggies and mushrooms inside
breading and then fried. After dinner, we were honored to join
Kristina, one of our hosts, at her job at a local orphanage. We were
greeted by several happy smiling young children. Many of the children
were still away at summer camp, but some would be returning later in
the evening. We all wanted to take them home with us right then, but
took great comfort in the terrific care and loving environment that
they were in. Given the conditions we always hear about, I was so
happy and relieved to see the safe and healthy environment these
children have to live in. I was told that it is mostly in part to the
gifts of one very caring local factory owner that has taken a personal
interest in these children.
This was my first good opportunity to break out the gift my very
insightful wife supplied me with, glow in the dark wristbands. Wow,
who knew what that would start. As soon as the first one lit up, the
children were out of control. Ok, it was just the boys. The girls
were perfect ladies and let me place them on their wrists as if it
were a gift of fine jewelry. Their awe and amazement was a marvelous
sight to see. I wish I could have gotten some photos, but I was too
busy filling requests. I left a handful more with Kristina when she
asked for some for the children that would return this evening.
Gladly. As we left, my team members let me know they got it all on
film and video. Unfortunately, they can not share their immediately,
so watch this post after we return.
It is 11:30 pm and we have lots more work to do in the morning.
Iki Pasimatymo,
Broderick

[Blair Babcock]

I seem to remember that sticky foam was of great use on the windows on the
2005 trip. I guess that stuff is the duct tape of adhesives.

God can do wonderful things with our abilities and inventions if we listen
and use the brain he gave us to use! Good thinking.

Blair Babcock