Here we go again!

Back for a fourth year to Santa Maria! The team is a bit smaller this year than previous trips, but we have many returning veterans as well as a few new faces.

Our fearless leader:
Chris Freisheim. Chris has been to Santa Maria more times than I can remember. He speaks Spanish almost as well as a native speaker now, and he knows the countryside and towns. Comfortable driving on the roads as well as in the small crowded streets, he will be going down ahead of the team to get supplies and prepare everything for our arrival.

Our members:
Ellen and Butch Bodenheimer. This is Ellen's second year and she will be heading up VBS. Pray for her :-) Butch has been to Nicaragua many times as part of his softball team ministry, but this is the first time in Santa Maria, and also the first time he'll be there in the summer. He actually thinks his clothes will dry. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Butch is running the men's Bible study and has some great ideas for getting the guys to talk/think.

Mayo Dunn, Quartermaster. Mayo has come up with some really cool gadgets each year that make things SO much more comfortable. For instance, last year she brought net "tents" that cover the food while we're waiting to sit down for dinner. The year before it was camp lanterns -- indispensable when electricity is on usually about 2 days out of 7. A very valuable member of our team.

Ron Fell Jr, Lead Musician. This is Ron's first year and we are blessed to have him along. Ron teaches music in Trenton, so he is well acquainted with the Hispanic culture. He and Mayo are cooking up some accompaniment for our songs. Not sure yet which if his instruments he'll be bringing along. Pretty good guess it won't be an electric guitar, although we did buy amps for Verbo church last year. It will be great to have some real music instead of all of us trying to find a pitch we can all hit.

Deb Freisheim, Banker. Third year for Deb. A self-described "worker bee", Deb just pitches in and does whatever needs doing. She is also one of the shoppers for VBS supplies, and the team banker. If you think that's easy, try figuring out how much money US you need to get your clothes washed if it costs 1 "cord" (Nica money) per article and you have 6 articles and the exchange rate is 19 cords per US dollar, or sometimes it's 18 cords ... well, you get the picture.

Dick Palmer. A veteran, Dick says this trip is his swan song; he's going down to say good-bye. We'll see. Santa Maria gets under your skin.

Nathan Rudolph. Game organizer, Nica heartthrob, and all-around great guy. He will be leading the VBS outdoor games.

Lynn Rudolph. First timer. Lynn will be helping with VBS too, and anything else that needs done. She's been planning lessons, shopping. Bet she thinks she's already worked pretty hard at this. Surprise.

Members in absentia are Bruce and Sandy Buckley who will be serving as home-base liaison for the team. Any questions, or if you need to get in touch with team members and you don't know where to start, call us (215-872-5821 -- Sandy; 267-992-2193 -- Bruce).

Finally, and certainly not least, St. John's. You all have been extremely and generously supportive of our team and our mission. From monetary donations to the bake sale organized by Judy Palmer and Rosemary Trojan, and especially to St. John's prayer warriors, none of this would be possible without you. We love you all.