Note to Self!

Never wear pants with metal snaps to the airport again!

Pictures

Hey everybody who has not sent me a copy of their pictures in digital format, please don't forget. I will make everybody a cd with all of the pictures from the trip as soon as I get them!
Thanks
CWJ

Happy Campers!

The Mobile Crew

Here is a shot of the crew leaving from Mobile right after we got checked in. Notice George is already in the horizontal position!

One Day at a Time!

Well we all made it back safely, or semi-safely anyway. There was lots more sickness before we got back, but as yet nothing seems to serious. Paul was really having a lot of problems after coming home, but one of his cousins, who happens to be a pediatrician, suggested eating yogurt (with live cultures) and drinking buttermilk (yuk!). Since he was at the point he would try anything, he went and bought out WalMart's yogurt supply. After downing about 4 cartons, he rports improvements, but still not normal. I say all of this so that if there are more folks suffering, maybe they can try it!

I am going to start posting pictures from each day on the Blitz. Starting with the day we left. Just sort of highlights from the trip. I will not get them all at once, but rather when I get the chance (did I mention I had 28 messages left on my machine at work, that is an all time high).

Oh, yeah, all most forgot to mention that Jessica called from Divide late Saturday to report that she and "Honey Love" are expecting their first child together! Congratulations!!!!

God Bless!
CWJ

Belize City. . . Here we come!

Well, the Sand Hill and Hattieville teams are packed up and ready to go. We were just blessed with one of the best meals ever put before us and are eternally grateful to Mrs. Gloria, Mrs. Pat, Mrs. Lisa, and Mrs. Clemmy. Mrs. Gloria hates cooking, but did so just for Wesley. We are currently waiting for the San Lazaro crew, which could take a while since Mrs. Martha is with them! We have had a very blessed week but we are ready to get home. Thanks for all your prayer and support and we will see you soon!

Megan Update

Here's another post that Tanya made this afternoon to Megan's site...

Megan came off the ventilator and had the tube removed a couple hours ago. She has done well breathing on her own. She's awake a lot more now, but is happier without the tube in her throat. She's down to Tylenol with codene for pain control. She's still hurting some, but that is to be expected. She knows me and Jarod and fusses when the nurse comes near her. I guess she learns fast.

She is having other issues, that are still under control, but being carefully monitored. Both her heart rate and blood pressure are elevated, but it could be because of pain. The swelling started bad today, but that is also expected. She is very puffy, but is being given Lasix to get rid of the extra fluid. She is having a lot of congestion, especially in her left lung, so they're suctioning it out (not fun) and doing respiratory therapy to prevent pneumonia. Her temperature started rising more this morning, but it's coming back down now.

The chest tubes are running pretty clear now (no blood) and the fluid is slowing which is another good sign. The PCCU doctor said she is doing really good for 1 day post op. We're so relieved that it went well.

Cole got to see her a few minutes ago. He wanted to kiss her foot, then told the nurse about Megan's boo-boo. He said, "Megnie's sick, but she'll be all better soon." He handled seeing the tubes and IVs really well. He's such a good big brother. He's in heaven right now because both sets of grandparents are at his beck and call.

We're so grateful to all of you for your outpouring of love. My Dad met another mother here who has been here alone with her child for 52 days. I can't imagine. Yesterday we had 4 grandparents, my brother and his wife, and our pastor and his wife here, not to mention all of you who were here in spirit. My cup runneth over.....

Love to all - Jarod, Tanya, Cole, and Megan Hope

Megan Update

Below are 2 posts that Tanya made to Megan's site last night and this morning. Sounds like from Abbie that there are some amazing things happening there and in Nashville. Wow, isn't God so amazing.

Sending many thoughts and prayers to all of you there and thanks for the ones that all of you are sending to Nashville.
Cotrena

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26, 2006 08:21 AM, CDT
Megan had a great night! The cardiologist just came by and his words were, "Perfect!". I asked him if he though the timing was right for her surgery and he replied with another, "Perfect!". Perfect timing is what is what I have prayed for specifically since I first found out about this second surgery. Isn't God good?

She was running a fever after surgery, but that stayed down overnight. They layed her on a cooling blanket that brought it down nicely and have controlled it with Tylenol.

She's in a great deal of pain, of course, but she's been able to go longer and longer without pain medication. They're hoping to pull her off the ventilator this morning. She is waking between doses and seems to recognize us, but is very upset, so she gets more pain medicine and goes back to sleep. She'll probably be a lot happier once they get the breathing tube out of her throat.

We are rejoicing in her progress. Thanks to each of you for your many prayers. Know that it's helping each of us!!!!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2006 10:15 PM, CDT
As I write tonight I am overwhelmed with thankfulness. Each of you had a huge part in today with your prayers for Megan. I was AMAZED when I saw her tonight. I didn't realize just how bad she looked last time until I saw how good she looked this time. She is starting to wake up, but is being kept sedated for pain. She's only on 2 IVs, the last time there were 18. Her color is so pink. Her nailbeds aren't blue anymore!!!! I'm praising God for his handiwork and thanking him for the wonderful doctors and nurses caring for her. We are so blessed. The next few days are still critical, but we are so relieved to be on this side of surgery. Still a ways to go, but this was a major step. She kept her prayer blanket made by Mrs. Betsy Supancik with her during surgery, and she is blanketed with prayer by all of you now.

We got into Ronald McDonald House tonight. The Andrews are staying with Cole there tonight and my parents are in a hotel. Cole did great today and we hope to let him see Megan tomorrow. Yesterday when we got to her preop appt. he announced "This is Megnie. She has a big boo-boo on her heart that's getting fixed and it's going to hurt real bad." The ever caring big brother.

Thanks again for EVERYTHING. Keep the prayers going - God's definitely hearing and healing!!!

Love to all, Jarod, Tanya, Cole, and Megan Hope

Megan Update

I just talked to Ms. Debbie (Jarod's mom), and she had just gotten to see Megan. She said she looks really good; nothing like the last time. Thanks to everyone that has said prayers for her today.

Cotrena

Megan Update

Just got word from Nashville, the surgery is over and Megan is doing really well. The cardiologist had came out and talked to Jarod and Tanya. He told them that the surgery went really well. The surgeon had just came out and said that they were able to do everything that they had wanted to do and that he was very pleased. Her oxygen saturation level was 100% (which is what normal is). Now is the wait and see process. They will have to let her body heal and get regualted. Prayers have definitely been the power source today.

They would transfer Megan up to PICU. After she got settled there, Jarod and Tanya could see her. Tanya anticipated that this should take about an hour or so.

Thanks so much to everyone for all of their prayers. I know I appreciate them for my beautiful little neice, and her parents even more so than me.

Cotrena

Just another day in Paradise

Just checked on the Progresso team, and Richard wanted me to pass on that it was both he and Adam in the canoe yesterday. They rowed over to visit with a man and discuss Maya stuff. Then last night they looked up and this man had rowed across the lagoon and then rode a bicyle into Progresso (about 2 miles) to make it to the revival service. They also reported that they had about 80 yesterday and 70 today in VBS. Also spoke with Adam and he reports that the whole team has decided that they will go back to Progresso, so that nobody will have to "suffer" like they have. Yeah, right. First timer Charles from Brookhaven is reported to have hit the ground running, and has been given the official thumbs up from the rest of the team. Charles (CJ) is alright!

We are now waiting on the Hattieville team to make is back. Joel, Robert, and Larry were going to be in charge of the service there today and they had huge plans. I can't wait to hear about it. They were all like jumping beans before they left here this morning, couldn't wait to get started.

The Sand Hill VBS held special prayer for Megan this morning. Abbie went over to take pictures and everyone there wanted to know how Megan was holding up! They had about 120 kids today, up from yesterday.

Won't be able to report on SL/APR for another hour or so, but I will let you know when I can. They reported a great day yesterday!

I have decided that the refrigerator is "the debil". It keeps having these crashes. Messy, messy. Just a little blood though.

Abbie sends her thanks out to everybody for their prayers! Keep it up! Only 3 or 4 more hours to go!

Thankful to be in his service!
CWJ

Megan Update

Tanya called with another update: Everything is still going really they are in the process of repairing the VSD (which is the hole in the heart). They have her on the by pass machine. They still have to replace the shunt and enlarge the pulmonary arteries (not sure if this is 1 or more than 1, sorry, I just don't have any medical sense). She still has a long way to go, but thankfully, she is doing so well.

Cotrena

Blitz Blog

Just got another call from Tanya. She said she talked to one of the nurses. The nurse said that everything was going just wonderful right now. It was one of the smoothest surgeries that they had seen. They planned on taking their time so it would be another 3-4 hours before they were done.

Megan Update

Tanya just called and said that they made the incision about 10 minutes ago. It took them a while to get the IV's started because of veins. But they did say that she went to sleep very peacefully. They are going to give them updates in another 1-2 hours.

From Bro. Mark

Good morning! The day has begun with fried bacon, scrambled eggs, grits, and homemade biscuits. Sounds Belizean, huh? Carol is doing an incredible job both as coordinator and our personal chef.

We have been blessed in the services. God has moved and people have responded. Just last night, a woman rededicated her life to the Lord. Continue to pray for the entire effort here.

Our burden this morning is for Megan Andrews. We have bathed this next surgery in prayer and are trusting God for a miracle. We continue to lift up Tonya and Jarrod and the entire Andrews/Cole Clans. Peace be with you all during this uncertain time but know that "God is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can ever imagine".

Blitz Blog

Just heard from Tanya, they have just taken Megan back. They had given her some medicine to make her loopy, and she was. Tanya said that they would let them know something in 1 hour - 1.5 hours after they got the IV's in; at this point they would start the procedure. It should take around 5-6 hours. I will post every time I get an update.

Cotrena

Day One of VBS

God is good . . . All the time! We have had an amazing day here in Belize. The first day of Bible School in both Sand Hill and Hattieville went very smoothly. There were about 100 kids and adults in Sand Hill and about 50 kids in Hattieville. The Hattieville crew had a run in with two "T-Rex's" (will post pictures later) and Larry sabotaged the refrigerator with some misplaced Cokes. Carol has the wounds to prove it (sorry no pictures). We checked in on the other teams and all said their first day was a blessing also. When we called to check on the team in Progresso Richard couldn't be reached because he was in a canoe out on the water. Sounds like they're really suffering for Christ out that way! We appreciate all the prayers and also the comments being posted on the blog. It's nice to know that you are all keeping us in your thoughts and that we can keep you informed as things happen. We are trying to get pictures posted.

Love in Christ,
Abbie, Tiffany, Larry Wayne, Windham and Joel

Megan Update

Wanted to let everyone know that Megan's surgery was moved up from 12:30 to 7:45 on Tuesday morning. I will post an update as soon as I hear from Nashville.

Cotrena

Sunday Morning

Sand Hill Zion MP Church was full this morning. Both Hattieville and Sand Hill VBS Teams attended Sunday School and worship service at Zion this morning. Bro. Claudio brought a wonderful message about listening to God. To quote Florene, "He put the hay down where the goats can get it." One of the most wonderful things about services here is the messages get straight to the heart of the matter. No skirting any issues just good, tough, Bible preaching!

I spoke with the Progresso crowd this afternoon and they are all well. There have been some difficulties with communications there and at San Lazaro/August Pine Ridge. Richard told me to tell Vicki that he is fine. The accomodations are good, but not with air conditioning as advertised. The Progresso church is very young and struggling and the team is having a little trouble with the language barrier, but he thought that they would have things worked out before morning.

Haven't seen the SL/APR group today, but they were all there yesterday at the youth rally. They have been having some Belizean adventures out that way. Roads ware washed badly in places and the van could not make it through some areas. I'll have to let them tell the story, it is a good one!

I hope to get some pictures up tonight. Nate I will pass your message on to Jami this evening when we get back. I am glad to see your comments. Everyone, please let us hear from you! Pray hard tonight as classes start tomorrow!

In His Service,
CWJ

All Accounted

Bro.Mark finally arrived exausted but glad to be here.

Flight Delay!

Claudio and I arrive just in time to get Bro. Mark and he is going to be at least and hour late! Since Claudio also works at the weather Bureau in Belize, right next to the airport, we are now waiting for Mark in the air conditioned air of the weather bureau.

Speaking of weather, we keep hearing reports of rain at home, but I know that can't be true. It quit raining at home back in February some time. I am sure that is some of the problem with the delay.

Headed for the Youth Rally!

The first van load just took off from Sand Hill for the Youth Rally in Guinea Grass. Wesley, Joel, Abbie, and I are waiting to ride the bus with the church people. We thought it was unfortunate that Sand Hill did not get the word that the time had been changed, but turns out that it is God's hand working in our favor. Bro. Mark must have missed his connection in Houston as he was not on the plane this morning, instead he will be arriving at 3:15. Since the bus is not leaving from here until 3:00 pm, some of the team members will be able to ride with them and we will be able to go get Mark. We do not have enough space in the vehicles here to accomodate everybody at once.

I am glad to have just a little down time to get my thoughts together, as questions are coming at me from all directions. I have some stories to tell already, but I want to wait until I can get the pictures with them. I don't have them in the computer yet, but I will soon.

I will post when we get back from the rally so that I can update you on the rest of the team. Everybody here is ok now, Paul had to fight off Montezuma, but I think he has him beat back for now.

God Bless!
CWJ

Mississippi Crew

The Mississippi Crew is alive and well for those of you who are wondering. It has been an amazing experience thus far and we look forward to what the Lord has in store for us as we seek His will and purpose for the people of Belize. I know God is going to move in our hearts as He has given us a wonderful opportunity to work for His Kingdom. Pray for us as we do the Lord's work. We miss everyone back home, and look forward to seeing you all soon.

Fight The Good Fight,
Rev. Robert C. Andrews (Vicksburg)

We Made it!

We finally got an internet connection! Sorry it took so long! Everybody has landed safely except Bro. Mark and he will be coming in the morning.

It is raining. We left the Sahara and landed in three feet of water here! Claudio assures us that this abnormal. Water is everywhere, so bring your waders Bro. Mark.

San Lazaro crowd waded through knee deep water to get in the school, but they are all doing well. Adam, John, and Jake ended up sleeping in the van so they did not have to brave the water. The Progresso Bunch is staying there again tonight, but moving on to Progresso tomorrow. They will be staying at a place called Fantasy Point. You can look it up at www.fantasypointprogresso.com. Contact information is on that site. The number for the mission house in San Lazaro is 011-323-7029.

We have been having some trouble with the phone in Sand Hill, but it does work and you can call us at 011-225-5066 if you need to. Everyone at Sand Hill is also thriving.

We had our fun day trip already today and it was wonderful as usual. Claudio, the pastor at Sand Hill, was able to get off work and go with us for the first time ever! The barrier reef here in Belize is the second largest in the world and the first timers were awed, frankly the old timers were, too.

This connection is dial up so I don't need to overload the Belizian phone system. I will post pictures as soon as I can get a faster connection.

God Bless!
CWJ

VBS Excitement

Met with the Mississippi contingent yesterday in preparations for next week's VBS. Everybody is excited and ready to go! Some last minute changes have produced a big surprise for the folks in San Lazaro! I know they will all be excited about the surprise.

Back home folks check the site often next week for updates! Feel free to comment on the updates, as it will be the least expensive route to comminicate with those staying in Belize.

Last but not least! Please don't forget to pray for the VBS effort and the safety of those traveling.

Almost forgot. Meagan Andrews of Huntsville (grand-daughter of Jimmy and Debbie) will be having heart surgery next Tuesday. Keep them all on the top of your prayer list and check here for hourly updates from the family on Tuesday!

God Bless!

Crafting Party!

Recently we had a huge crafting party at Springfield to get ready for the Blitz that will be here before we know it. The party kicked off around 6:30 pm with sandwiches and chips and quickly turned in to work! There were about 15 folks who showed up to help and we finished everything a little after midnight with only one Wal Mart run in the middle.




Here is a shot of Nemo, Brownie Boy, Red, and Dabba getting foam pieces ready to decorate bags at VBS. They settled in to this job after separating and counting @ 3000 crayons.















In between all the counting and foam these four took a break to admire the lights of the disco ball. Notice the spots on the wall behind them. That is the Jakinator lounging with all the other slackers.









The tissue table got a little wild at times during the night. Starting in the front going clockwise we have TWT (The Wild Thing) (she's not going on the trip), Cack, Dubya, Hair Dresser, Nemo, Jebbie Dean and Nurse Joy!








Careful Babbie that thing will cut you! BamaBlitz stacks and counts while Babbie handles all the dangerous stuff.










DCL carefully arranges the loot for each village, so we can get it packed up correctly.











Here is a close up shot of one of our crafts. Hairdresser took care of the artwork and the wings are what Babbie is cutting on above.











This is what all the tissue table was about! It looks so easy, but getting prepared for over 1200 of them is a little daunting.











El Grande Gringo just getting some rest after his Wal Mart run.

Thank you notes!

Thank you Pleasant Grove MP Church (Clanton, AL) for the $150 donation to the Blitz!

Divide Memorial near Monticello, MS, we are so grateful for both of your recent donations. I understand that the money collected for offering at VBS there resulted in the $200 donation and a later love offering produced a $400 gift.

Thank you all so much for your kindness. Every cent is certainly appreciated more than you can know!

THANKS!!!!

Donations Anyone?

We are under two weeks from lift off and the finances are looking bleak! The general cost of the effort outside of travel and lodging cost for participants is @$9000. Thus far we have recieved @$450 in donations. Up to $3000 has been pledged, but has not been received yet. As you can see there is a big gap left to cover. So anyone out there listening. Please, Please, Please pass the word that donations are needed to help this Blitz be financially solvent!

Passport Numbers

I need everyone's passport number ASAP for insurance purposes. If you have not sent this information to me yet, please forward it immediately!

Thanks