Words can't describe

I have been milling over in my mind what all I wanted to write and can't quite put it into words. One blog wouldn't be enough, so I will try to decribe the trip in a few blogs.

Amy and I had a great time and would recommend to anyone to go on a short term trip. Ours was so meaningful and yet we had such a good time, almost vacation like. We helped out at Project Abraham for 4 days, doing light construction work and working with the kids at the daycare and orphanage 2 mornings. We went on a "feeding" at Christ in the City, in San Jose. This trip has left an indelible print in my mind of the hungry and hurting. I cried as I saw women abused and scarred, with little hope. The hungry children running to our bus to get food. Smiling faces on some of the kids, living in filth. Sad, hollow faces on some of the kids who have endured who knows what.
We worshipped with the church at the project twice, amazing is all I can say. I loved it and can see me going back. It is the first time I have even considered doing something full time. Not anytime soon, but I am at least open to it now. Whatever God wants of me.

days

They are home and we have been to chicago and back... Cubs won 11-4. Mark Derosa hit a grand slam.. it was awesome.

Ive really enjoyed talking about Costa Rica with Tia and Amy. God is alive and active not just here in America.

I hope you all are looking forward to hearing about their trip because they have some truly incredible stories.

joe

We are home

Got home safely. More to come soon.

day 7 and 8 (weekend)

We have had a good couple of days. We ate well and everyone actually had a shower.

I resealed the driveway with blacktop and I have blisters with a sore back.

We went to the Hauser's last night for their daughter Lucy 3rd birthday party. They had every type of ice cream and topping you could want... it was yummy. They had a bounce house and a badminton net set up. The kids (+ haley) had a great time.

Today the 4 bennetts (counting Haley) put on a "talent show" for the neighborhood. They went door to door and invited all of the neighbors for the 5pm show. They ended up having 8 people present. Sold concessions for a quarter which consisted of cheeze its and lemonade. I thought Tia would have enjoyed it a lot.

Church last night was good. They are focusing on Evangelism to match the opening of their new auditorium. It was good to hear stories of life change and redemption. We serve a God who is alive and active.

We (Tia and I) love to hear stories of God's grace in people's lives not the least of which our own.

They return tomorrow... YEAH!!!!!

God Bless,
joe

Day 6

Bittersweet day. Tia and Amy bought a phone card to call home. They called while I was at work so I missed it, then they called again and we actually got to talk for about 15 minutes. Wonderful conversation.

I cried.

Not sure why.... I miss her but we have been doing fine....but if you dont know this about me... whenever there is a "hallmark" commercial... I am shedding a tear. So I can get choked up pretty easily.

I think it was the combination of seeing God at work in my wife and my daughter and missing them. Not that I am a big tough guy but I do like to think I provide protection for my family. Well when they are in Costa Rica I have turn that duty over to my Savior.

So I am off downstairs to play WII... our neighbor Haley who is basically a member of the bennett (7) clan brought hers over for us all to enjoy.

God bless all and pray for me, my wife and our family if you think of it.
thanks
Joe

day 5

Wendy's.... yep.... even though the documentary "super size me" was enlightening.... we dominated Wendy's for dinner.

then we spent $50 bucks at Kroger. Bread, doughnuts, milk, cookies (double stuff oreos variety..yumm), yogurt, waffles, and birthday cards... Queen B's birthday is next wednesday. Debated on the chili cheese corn chips........ but they didnt make the cut.

Kids are worn out! In bed and lights out by 9pm. That is typical for the school year but usually closer to 9:30 or 10 during the summer.

One thing about being a single parent....I am in need of conversation that does not consist of what we are having for dinner or what is off limits for snacks. Thanks to our friend Linda for taking Andrew to the park and then back to her house today I was able to get a few hours worth of uninterrupted work done. It was enjoyable!

4 days left.. they return on Monday evening around 6:38 *Smile*

joe

day 4

great day with only ONE meltdown and it wasnt by me.

breakfast, lunch(for andrew only) and dinner(chicken parmesian from a box, left over ceasar salad and green beans) were all served on time.

Annie started crying about 8pm and didnt stop till about 9:30. She misses her mom and no matter how much Dad loves on her... its not the same. She whimpered all the way before, during and after taking a shower.... Chalk it up to missing her mom and being extra tired.

As we try to resemble the cleaver family(sarcasm!)...aaron so wanted to MOCK his younger sister for crying as she was getting out of the shower and into her jammies.....I said, "go tell her you miss your mom too and it will be ok." so he did and Annie shouted, "I DONT CARE!!!!"... for those of you that know Annie she can scream with the best of them. Aaron felt he should have went ahead and mocked her... Probably would have gotten a similar response....aaahhhh the joys of parenting.

We took a bike ride to cool creek park. Still finding it to be refreshing and rewarding. And thankfully.....not life threatening.

I completed my task list from yesterday with one exception... the front door springy thingy. I know I know.. I only had 3 things on the list..... well 2 were accomplished... .667 a very respectable batting average no matter what level you are playing. *SMILE*

joe