Amor

34North - Amor

Note: For viewing the pictures, start at the bottom of the page for chronological order.

I can easily say no one was ready for what we were to encounter.
34North from Ocean Hills set out to serve others, and that is what they
did. The group spent five days living on a dirt field in Tijuana and
building a house for a family in need.

Below you will find a quick journal of the elements of the trip. I
strongly encourage you to ask questions and be at Ocean Hills on Sunday
July 4th for a trip review.

On a personal note, I was extremely proud of each and every person
involved with this effort. They showed maturity and strength of
character far beyond their years.

As a group, I believe every person is looking forward to making the same
trip next year.

If you have any questions about the trip, please contact the fearless
leader, Matt Mills, at Ocean Hills.

It was an honor being a part of such a team,

Sincerely,

Steve Schapansky

Contact

Matthew S. Mills
Pastor to Students and Families
Ocean Hills Covenant Church
w-805-965-9283
c-805-689-6026
www.oceanhills.org

Note: This webpage was put together quickly for the enjoyment of the students and their families. The content does not reflect the ideals or professionalism of any associated companies or groups. The overall intent is simply to showcase the efforts of a few heros. Please enjoy.

Another great picture. Project completed, relationships still growing.

Again, the family and the group. Hopefully we can frame this picture and send a copy to the family. Let steve@globaldestination.com know if you want to take charge of that project.

Reasons number 3 on why cameras don't always work.... User.

Completion. It was humbling to be an answer to a families prayers. Personal note: I am extremely honored to be a part of a team so willing to give unselfishly and unrelentlessly. The impact they made will remain for generations.

A view of the main road into town.. and if you look closely, a beautiful woman!

The neighbors. Conditions are obviosly poor. The opportunity to make an impression and to help a brother is huge.

"I was amazed at how much they appreciate the small things in life."

Amazing amount of work! These guys are truly amazing men!

Final touches.

The inside. Small, but extremely appreciated!

Nearing the end. Window is place.

A closeup on the campground. It's hard to see the swimming pool and slide, but they are there.. trust me. Camper... who brings a camper? It's all about the tents!

A look at our home base. We were grouped together with churches from all around the states. Our site is the one at the bottom of the picture with the red and blue coverings. Notice the other groups had large tarps and even campers.... We could have brought those but thought they might just get in the way. We also ate dirt and bugs just to prove a point. Actually, we loved the opportunity to serve in any conditions and are planning on going back next year already!

Matt up on the ladder pulling the chicken wire tight. We're still not sure why we had to protect the house from so many chickens, but we did it anyway.

The house included two windows and two external doors.

The front door.

Still in process. Coming together.

Substantial efforts were made to keep the walls straight and firm.

Chicken wire was nailed to the house for strength and also used as an adhesive for the stucko.

Paper was pulled and nailed to the house for insulation and protection against the weather.

Starting the wiring (building strength into the walls).

Lunch Break.

Putting on the roof.

Lunch Break....

Tight spaces.

Third wall.

Coming together.

Celine and the family kids. Relationships being built faster than walls.

Forming the walls.

Ochito.

The wall is UP!

Making plans.

Ready for action.

First look at the "toilet." Having to re-think the days activities.

Red necks and a beatiful woman. Check her out... Blue top.. sweatshirt around waist... What a hottie! Cute.. Very Cute. I love that woman! (Rumor has it that woman and guy posting pictures are married)

Foundation completed.. walls ready to put in place.

The family we had an opportunity to serve. Jose and Patricia.

Some hammers aren't meant to be swung too hard!

Fashion Reports: Nice Hats. Look for the Women's Gardening Hat in stores near you.

Mr. TJ 2005..... Here we come!

Setting fashion standards and pushing the bar on mixture settings.

Again.. the shovel girls. Personal note: I would put Bridget and Faith up again any guy in the next years Shovel Gravel Competitions. These girls ROCK.

Still mixing and pouring.

Caught while trying to scribble his name in the wet concrete.... our fearless leader!

Still mixing. After pouring the concrete was leveled and smoothed by hand as well.

The foundation concrete was mixed and poured by hand. Mixture is everything. EVERYTHING!

We were all amazed how well Celine could hammer....... imagine how well she could do if she turned the hammer around!

Getting deeper into the action.

First thing Bill did was measure. If Bill wasn't there, that could have easily been our first mistake. God provided when Bill showed up.

Making plans for the rocks...No power tools could be used. A lot of shoveling. These were the "Best of Class" shovel women.

Our first look at the site. The house in the back was home for about 7 people... No door. No bathroom. No rooms. Not a lot. Definitely no shower, playstation, frig, or oven.