Oh, dear... We did not have an idea of what we were getting ourselves into when we accepted this challenge. Visits to different hardware stores, lumber places, bargaining prices, getting quotes from electric and plumbing professionals, dealing with architects, engineers, etc. Only by God's grace, we have survived so far. What an adventure!

Last time we wrote, we shared about our first mission group (from IN) and the convention (in Panguipulli). We told you next in line were the construction teams. Well, they came and they left, and guess what? The permits have not yet been approved. Bureaucracy has gotten in the way of construction, yet God is more powerful than any government and allowed for both groups to accomplish their part of their task. Thanks to those of you who responded to the prayer call sent between both groups by Adlin Quiles, our Prayer & Communications Advocate.

On Saturday, January 28th, Rolando Saez (San Carlos' pastor), Danielita, and yours truly, took sail to Santiago in the "furgon" (the van). We spent the night at Mama Olguita's in San Bernardo. The next morning, we were joined at the airport by Jorge Poblete, a young Chilean friend, who would join the Discovery Team from the States in this first lap of the construction project in San Carlos. The Discovery Team, led by our own Herb Rogers (PA), also included David Grisham (KS), George & Joan Grey (ME), and Joan Link (WI). They all enjoyed the love and care from the San Carlos' church, stayed in their homes, ate their food, and worked really hard all through their stay. A full schedule awaited them each day with construction tasks at hand (for the men) and visitation and VBS preparation (for the women). The second week the women participated in the VBS with more than 30 kids from the community. Katy Espinoza, another young Chilean friend, joined us from Santiago for this week of VBS.

This team was our "construction trial team" as this was our first construction project. We learned a lot from Herb, David, and George; and Jorge and other locals were able to bond with each other and learn from each other different construction techniques. One local that took to heart to learn from his mentor, was Victor; a 15 year old youngster who worked hard and learned from Herb the art of construction. At the end of their stay, Herb handed Victor down his working gloves. The Discovery Team left on Saturday, February 11th. Since the furgon had "died on us" during their stay, the team had the opportunity to ride the train to Santiago, an enjoyable experience they will always remember.

Something that stood out with both groups, was the participation of the women, youngsters, and even children from the church and the community. The local men were working during daytime (in their regular jobs), yet came after work and continued working in the construction until late at night, taking advantage of the summer daylight. During the day, we had the children, the young and the women cleaning, giving water, working on the diggings or making cages. It was a community effort.

The second group was the original group. Harry Rittenhouse came with Maurice Smith, both from Ohio, on Sunday, February 19th. Danielita and yours truly picked them up at the airport and took them back to San Carlos by train. Harry was the man we had met at Springdale Baptist Church and had offered to come help build the church. What a blessing to have both Harry and Maurice with us! They had worked together in many countries yet this was a different experience for them. This time they were able to stay in the neighborhood with the San Carlos people, had lunch with a different family each day, tasted a different Chilean meal each day, and enjoyed the freedom to walk around the neighborhood as a local. One of their favorite treats was their snack break, where they pampered their taste buds to juicy Chilean fruits! Saturday, March 4th, we had to say farewell to them at the airport. It was the end of our first hosting season on this first portion of our second term in Chile.

With each of these groups' participants we were able to "build a temple of friendship", like Herb taught us. They came not only to work but to bond with the people. They were all open to being vulnerable and to share from their hearts. They were received with open arms and hearts by the San Carlos community and felt the warmth of those with whom they were in touch throughout their stay. It was hard to part with them, but they left a lasting gift; friendship. They also left part of themselves in the history of this church, a church that will never be the same after living with their American Baptist brothers and sisters who came to embody 1 Chronicles 28:20-21 with them.

There is still a lot of work to be done to complete this construction project. The resources have been available as we need them and when we are touching bottom, more resources have come our way for the next phase. You can still participate in this project with your prayers, love, and gifts.

This time since December 29th till March 4th has been intense, full of lessons, exciting and challenging days, and we are grateful for each of you who kept us in your prayers. We are also grateful for those of you who have already sent in your gifts to help under gird this construction project in San Carlos. More work and resources are needed and we trust the Lord to continue to provide until the project is completed.

Now, as the church in San Carlos continues the project, we will take some time to sit back as a family (from March 15-31) to relax, reconnect away from these hectic months that are behind us, and reenergize for the months ahead. A full schedule awaits us (literally until end of August) as we embark in a visitation process to Mision Chilena churches to learn how can we best share with them the theological education they need to equip their leadership locally through workshops. Many will be blessed and we will grow in the process.

In the midst of these hectic months, our family continued to have its own challenges. We have had a hard time staying in touch with Carlos' sisters and brother since their mother died last September. Titi Marina (aunt from Mayra's mom's side) is ill with Alzheimer's and other complications. Mayra's dad just had angioplasty Thursday morning and Mayra's mom is recovering from sinusitis while enjoying her grandchildren's love. Our children continue to grow and learn and have been very active throughout the construction process and as they've enjoyed their Abuelita Hilda's care and company.

Thanks for making it possible for us to be your ambassadors in Chile. Your love, prayers, and support enables us to share God's love to those around us in many different ways. Your partnership is vital to our being here and we covet your continued friendship as the months ahead unfold with new chapters of this adventure we share.

With love and appreciation,

Mayra for the Bonillas