Day 1

Brandie and I made it to the airport, after sending the kids with Grandma and Grandpa, in plenty of time to catch our 5:15 flight. Brandie got to experience the "heightened security measures" at San Antonio International Airport, with its special glass room and handheld wands.

The flight to El Paso was good. We landed on time, and jumped in the rental truck to head for the hotel. It took us some work to find the hotel. It seems like there is a La Quinta on every corner of Interstate 10 in El Paso.

After we checked in, and got settled, we had the privilege of having dinner with Mario Gonzales, who works with Buckner's ministry to the Colonias. He's been with Buckner for only two months, but we were very impressed with him. He was able to show us pictures of the work that has already begun on the Fort Hancock church. In just three days, the crew, under the direction of Brian Hill from First Baptist Church in Levelland, has completed the framing, siding, windows, and much of the roof of the new church building. He told us that tomorrow's focus is the completion of the roof and beginning the electrical wiring. Amazing progress for three days!

After a fantastic visit with Mario, we came back to our hotel and met with Dorothy Foster. Dorothy is a member of the Coordinating Council for CBF Texas, and serves as the mission's prayer coordinator. We talked about logistics, then came to our hotel room and prayed together with her and Jessica, a student at The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (and outstanding travel partner for Dorothy). We are always blessed to have Dorothy and Jessica with us.

Tomorrow, we'll head out to Fort Hancock at about 10:00 and see the progress on the church building there. Most of our group will be arriving tomorrow afternoon, and we get to meet together with them all at the Fort Hancock Elementary School tomorrow evening. I can't wait to meet everyone.

For our prayer intercessors, here are some things to pray for...

1. Safe travel for those who are on the road.
2. Peace and discernment for all of us, as we determine what the most important needs are, and seek to meet them.
3. The health of all the workers, especially Brandie.
4. Single-mindedness among all of the volunteers.

We love you all, and thank you for praying for us...

Grace and Peace,
Ken Noles