Follow the story of our February 2010 mission trip in Cozumel. Meet the people who participated and those whom we helped.

1. Friends of Cozumel Mission Trip Feb. 2010

2. Friends of Cozumel—an informal network of families and friends, donors and volunteers. We share an interest in helping families in need as well as the community of Cozumel, Mexico. http://FriendsofCozumel.com

3. The Feb. 2010 mission group included volunteers from Neb, Iowa and Texas as well as locals who live in Cozumel.

4. Many people go on mission trips with the anticipation of doing something for someone else. We soon realized we were the ones receiving the blessing.

5. Our projects helped: Vida Abudante church, ICAT English students, CAM school for children w/ disabilities, NUAFA daycare and Jose’s family.

6. From construction, to cooking and making schedules, our volunteers were ready and willing to use their talents.

7. And when we didn’t have the usual resources and tools we take for granted in the U.S.…

8. …we simply had to get a bit more creative. That’s a way of life in Cozumel.

9. The church project helpeda congregation that has no building. They meet in an empty lot with structures on either side. A donated metal roof protects them from the sun and rain. The floor is packed earth.

10. Our group constructed a platform altar for Vida Abudante worship services.

11. Is music the universal language? We hoped so. After a quick rehearsal in our condo kitchen, we provided music at Vida Abudante’s first service with their new worship platform.

12. The Vida Abudante congregation loved the new worship platform. The sent blessings to our U.S. congregations. Pastor Mariela accepts, our donation of their first communion challis.

13. Bible Blessings October 2008 – New ministry to get bibles to Cozumel Feb. 2009–100 adult bibles purchased April 2009 – 200 adult bibles purchased June 2009 – 100 children’s bibles purchased Oct. 2009 – 300 adult bibles purchased Feb. 2010 – 65 children’s bibles ordered Total Bibles purchased and donated – 765 Total Funds donated for bibles— $4035

14. ICAT is a school that teaches English to people hoping to get better jobs. Our volunteers talked with students to help them feel more comfortable as they learn to speak English. Talking with a native English speaker was scary, but fun for the students.

15. CAMis a school for children with disabilities. We constructed several therapy aids for their use.

16. Vanesa is a CAM student success story. 2008—only mobile when in her stroller. 2009—she had to share this donation of a child-sized walker with another child. 2010—her first steps without a walker using the parallel bars we built.

17. Jose’s family -- 14 siblings and cousins plus 8 adults who share living quarters. There is no plumbing. They draw water from a well in buckets but were thrilled to get a sink that drains outside.

18. Jose’s family gotnew toothbrushes from Dr. Julie Marshall of St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Lincoln. She was assisted by 12-year old Blanca.

19. 15-year old Jose is making progress. For years he lived in a dark room in a bed or plastic chair. Jose can now sit in his chair that we made last Oct. In Feb., we added a foot rest since he now has the coordination to use it.

20. Jose’s family is so proud of their new screened in kitchen, table and shelves, all constructed by volunteers.

22. Jose’s family showed us that it doesn’t take much to change lives, reach hearts and share Christ’s love.

23. NUAFA’smission is to prevent family problems and help them realize their potential. Children are too often the victims of poverty or abuse.

24. NUAFAhad a fiesta to celebrate Jonathan’s birthday thanks to our donation of a pinata.

25. Previous donations to NUAFA have provided job training for women, facility improvement, supplies and food for the day care.

26. We sold used clothing donations at our Gran Bazar to raise funds for future projects—and give access to affordable clothing to those in need. A young shopper models her “new” clothes.

27. Want to help? • donate: --job training supplies: sewing hair & nail care cooking --school supplies --Spanish Bibles --Sunday School materials • volunteer for future mission trips • carry donations to Cozumel in your luggage • contribute money

28. Thank you to everyone who contributes to our continued efforts. Learn more at: http://friendsofcozumel.com