Team Maryland -

 Mancusos family (Rob along with his wife Amy, and kids Thomas and Meredith)



Lohr family (Bob, Zack, and Kristen)

We were blessed with a team from Maryland March 16-22nd. (Sorry for the delay on this post).

Our family looks forward to teams when they come but this one is extra special. Rob has become such a good friend to our family and my kids love reuniting with Meredith whom we claim as one of ours while she is here. She is glued to my girls when she is here and really after 7 kids whats one more? We enjoyed meeting Thomas and Amy Mancuso for our first time as well Kristen and Zach Lorh. There is something however to be said when Christians come together it's like we already have been friends.

This team also blessed us with gifts from the states. Peanut butter, chocolate chips, cookies and candy. They also gave a widow whom the team worked with before a new Bible in large print. A missionary partner here also got a new leather Bible he has been wishing for. The neighbor girl received a new dresses, and shirts were given to the guys that work with us. The team brings more than monetary gifts. They bring friendship that these people are excited to have established with them over there many visits. That is a valuable thing!

This team came ready to work! They worked daily in the hot sun building a shed for our filter mold, tools and materials to be stored properly.  The rainy season is coming and we need to keep the materials dry. The team provided the funds for the shed which is a blessing. We also made two complete filters, and we will be finishing 8 more with the funds they brought. Kristen Lohr, a physician's assistant, went to the local school here and taught classes to the older kids about nutrition and sexually transmitted diseases . The local radio station also hosted her, with Alicia as her translator, to talk about how to make community better and the importance of the filters. Our girls, Tara and Amy made the meals. This was a lot of work but we enjoyed their time cooking and bonding with Amy. The physical work creates big appetites, Zack Lohr made sure no food was wasted.

The week went by too fast! Memories were made and friendships were increased. We are thankful to have this time to spend together and our hearts look forward to their return visits.

The team! Ariels, Lohrs, and Mancusos!

The girls with Meredith!