Sioux Falls Native Ryan McKnights is off to the NFL!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Celebrate Mission Trip Day 5
I don't have much from Day 5 and that's probably because I felt sick all day. John and I spent most of the day laying on the church pews. It had to be those peppers!
Wednesday was mostly spent painting the rest of the sanctuary and painting the children's room. Scott finished fixing the roof where the hole was and my dad and Al worked on the electric stuff in the kitchen. We had to work harder in the afternoon, because we needed to get the sanctuary completely done, because a funeral was happening there Thursday.
We also had some fun and brought the Big Red to San Rafael. I had an idea of painting an N on the bright red door, and then my dad said to tape it off. So Lacey and Faye did the artistic part and made it look sweet and even put a ~ on it. It looked awesome when it was done! Lacey, Raul, my dad and I are all Huskers fans. Not to mention that Pastor Keith and a lot of people at Celebrate are Huskers fans. Eliud was also wearing his huskers hat that day! Below are a some pictures. Don't worry, we painted over it.
Wednesday was mostly spent painting the rest of the sanctuary and painting the children's room. Scott finished fixing the roof where the hole was and my dad and Al worked on the electric stuff in the kitchen. We had to work harder in the afternoon, because we needed to get the sanctuary completely done, because a funeral was happening there Thursday.
We also had some fun and brought the Big Red to San Rafael. I had an idea of painting an N on the bright red door, and then my dad said to tape it off. So Lacey and Faye did the artistic part and made it look sweet and even put a ~ on it. It looked awesome when it was done! Lacey, Raul, my dad and I are all Huskers fans. Not to mention that Pastor Keith and a lot of people at Celebrate are Huskers fans. Eliud was also wearing his huskers hat that day! Below are a some pictures. Don't worry, we painted over it.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Celebrate Mexico Day 4
Tuesday was a great day for our team. Everyone worked really hard and we got a lot of stuff done. Scot and John completely finished the roof, while Al, my dad and I worked on electric stuff all day. The others started priming the walls for painting. The way the electricity stuff is set up down there is very crazy. Most of the buildings are hot-wired straight from the power lines, which is scary to have that much voltage running straight to the church. We put in three new lights in the kitchen along with two new outlets. We put three lights to the walkway out the bathroom and connected that so the bathroom and walkway lights turn on the same time. We also put new lights in the children's room. We also hooked the wires up so they weren't hanging everywhere and it looked nicer. Eventually we were able to get the electric guy in town to cut the unsafe wire that came from the light pole.
Dad putting lights up in the kitchen.
Al working on the walkway lights.
That night we went to the same taco stand again. It was really good food, until John, Raul and I decided to each try a "pepper from the mountain". It was one of the hottest things I've ever had. The next day both John and I really regretted it. I also tried gizzard for the first time, that night because Faye ordered a gizzard taco. It actually tasted pretty good. So I don't know if it was that or the pepper that left me sick the next day.
They look like cherries.
I didn't feel like smiling after eating it.
Some of us standing in front of the taco stand.
Mission Day 3
Monday was our first day of work on the church. Scott and John got a great start on the roof, patching up the holes. There was one spot in the church where the tree deposits weighed down the roof so much that it finally put a huge hole all the way through to the ground. It made a mess, but they were able to fix it before rain came
Raul, Eliud, Faye and Al drove to Saltillo, Monday, to get more supplies for the church. They got a lot of paint and electrical supplies.
I was able to spend a lot of time with the kids Monday. I taught them some American football. You could really see how the kids looked up to us. They would always want to hang around us or would wait patiently until we were done working to play soccer or football. The children don't know that they have probably affected our lives more than we affected theirs.
The coolest thing to happen that day was the rain. San Rafael hadn't gotten rain in 10 months and the day before we got there it rained a little for the first time. Then it decided to rain every day we were there. It was crazy because I remember sitting in one of our pre-trip meetings and someone said the best think we could do is bring them rain. It was awesome to see God work in such a miraculous way!
Scott sticking his head through the roof. When he called my name I thought God was calling me!
The pile of stuff that fell through the hole.
I was able to spend a lot of time with the kids Monday. I taught them some American football. You could really see how the kids looked up to us. They would always want to hang around us or would wait patiently until we were done working to play soccer or football. The children don't know that they have probably affected our lives more than we affected theirs.
Alfredo and Juan kicking the football.
Me bicep-curling Alfredo!
One of the rain showers.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Mexico Day 2
We then left for San Rafael in the morning. When we got there we checked out the church and then at night went to their Sunday night service. It was an awesome experience to be able to see how other people worship God. The service went pretty long, but it was still really neat. the one problem is that we couldn't understand much of it. Eliud played his keyboard and Raul sang during the service. It was awesome to see the people all about God. You could really tell that what Eliud and his church are doing down in San Rafael is definitely working.
The main band during the service were a group of guys who didn't sing or play any instruments about three months ago. Eliud helped them get started and now you would've thought they'd played their whole lives! They were great!
It doesn't matter how or in what language you praise God, what matters is that you praise him.
Mission Trip Day 1
Well we are back in the U.S and it sure feels good. Over the next few days, I will post different stuff from our trip. I plan on doing it day by day, so this one is Day 1. I obviously won't write everything from each day, just major things that stuck out.
Last Saturday was going well until we were sitting in the Monterrey airport waiting for Team 3. We got an e-mail from them saying that were stuck in Mexico City and that their flight to Monterrey didn't exist. That was something we didn't expect. We decided that when Eliud and Freddy got there we would go find a hotel, because we didn't want to travel in the dark to San Rafael. So we waited for more information from Team 3. At one point they said had thought that they couldn't fly in until Monday and would have to wait in Mexico City for two days. After three hours, they were finally able to get the airline to print fake tickets with random seat numbers so they could at least get on the plane. Luckily they got on, found three open seats and then the plane took off. They flew in at about 11:30 that night. Also, luckily we stayed at a hotel, because we found out the next morning that there were two major shootings in Monterrey that night.
An interesting start to the trip!
The Hotel we stayed at in Monterrey
Friday, July 15, 2011
Last Night In the US
Well it's finally here. Tomorrow morning at 7:45 we will be taking off for Mexico. It's hard to believe that it's already here. I honestly can't quite wrap my head around the fact that I'll be in San Rafael less than 24 hours from now. I am very excited for the trip, although I'm not quite sure what all to expect. This is my first mission trip and I hope it's not my last. I am planning on being pretty easy-going on the trip and just letting whatever happens, happen. I'm not too worried about much, because I feel God will lead us to what we need to do and help us accomplish more than we ever thought possible.
One thing you should know is that we aren't planning on having any contact with the U.S. while we are down there. I'm not too worried about that, because it will be nice to get away from everything for awhile and just focus on the mission at hand. They say NO news is good news for the trip. So if you don't here from us, that's a good thing. I wish I could be here to watch the U.S. Women's Soccer World Cup game. I sure hope they win! Yet, I pry won't know until at least a week later.
Please keep us in your prayers the next week. I am taking a journal with me and will be sure to write plenty of blog posts when I get back. Take care and GO USA!!
One thing you should know is that we aren't planning on having any contact with the U.S. while we are down there. I'm not too worried about that, because it will be nice to get away from everything for awhile and just focus on the mission at hand. They say NO news is good news for the trip. So if you don't here from us, that's a good thing. I wish I could be here to watch the U.S. Women's Soccer World Cup game. I sure hope they win! Yet, I pry won't know until at least a week later.
Please keep us in your prayers the next week. I am taking a journal with me and will be sure to write plenty of blog posts when I get back. Take care and GO USA!!
KELOLAND.com | Storm Ready To Take On Tri Cities Fever
KELOLAND.com | Storm Ready To Take On Tri Cities Fever
The Sioux Falls Storm are in the IFL Championship and will take on the Tri Cities Fever tomorrow night!
KELOLAND.com | ISA Reaches $1 Million Mark For New Facility
KELOLAND.com ISA Reaches $1 Million Mark For New Facility
An update on the Ice Sports Association as they are raising money for a new Ice Facility.
An update on the Ice Sports Association as they are raising money for a new Ice Facility.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Getting Ready For Mexico
So I figured those of you that read this blog, wouldn't mind an actual post again! I haven't done one of those for awhile. It's crazy to think that in less than a week I will be out of the U.S. and be working in the 100+ degree weather. Although this time has come up fast, I am becoming even more eager to take off.
We had our last meeting, together as a group, last Saturday. I really felt the energy from the group as we are all getting more and more excited. I will tell you, that although this is a construction trip, one of the things that I'm most excited for is seeing all the kids. I have no idea what all to expect, but I think that seeing them and spending time with them is going to be the highlight of the trip. I plan on bringing a soccer ball, as well as a football, with me. Hopefully I can teach them a little of the American version!
We fly out early Saturday morning. I believe we make a pit stop in Dallas then head to Monterrey. We will land there and then drive to San Rafael. We most likely won't have any contact with the U.S. once we get there, just maybe to say that we arrived safely. So no news, is good news that week.
Well, the anticipation is sure building and I can't wait to see what happens! Keep us in your prayers these next two weeks and I will be sure to post all about it when we get back!
We had our last meeting, together as a group, last Saturday. I really felt the energy from the group as we are all getting more and more excited. I will tell you, that although this is a construction trip, one of the things that I'm most excited for is seeing all the kids. I have no idea what all to expect, but I think that seeing them and spending time with them is going to be the highlight of the trip. I plan on bringing a soccer ball, as well as a football, with me. Hopefully I can teach them a little of the American version!
We fly out early Saturday morning. I believe we make a pit stop in Dallas then head to Monterrey. We will land there and then drive to San Rafael. We most likely won't have any contact with the U.S. once we get there, just maybe to say that we arrived safely. So no news, is good news that week.
Well, the anticipation is sure building and I can't wait to see what happens! Keep us in your prayers these next two weeks and I will be sure to post all about it when we get back!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
KELOLAND.com | Mehlhaff Teaching Youngsters, Waiting For Lockout To End
KELOLAND.com | Mehlhaff Teaching Youngsters, Waiting For Lockout To End
Spent time with Aberdeen native Taylor Mehlhaff today as he was in town for his kicking camp.
Spent time with Aberdeen native Taylor Mehlhaff today as he was in town for his kicking camp.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
KELOLAND.com | Ringneck Softball Brings In Teams From All Over
KELOLAND.com | Ringneck Softball Brings In Teams From All Over
My Sunday package on the Ringneck Softball Tournament in Sioux Falls. Check it out!
My Sunday package on the Ringneck Softball Tournament in Sioux Falls. Check it out!
Saturday, July 2, 2011
KELOLAND.com | Storm O-Line Chases Championship Dream
KELOLAND.com | Storm O-Line Chases Championship Dream
My most recent story for my internship. The Sioux Falls Storm offensive line is gaining some recognition in the playoffs. It's a fun story with some great interviews so check it out and comment on what you think!
My most recent story for my internship. The Sioux Falls Storm offensive line is gaining some recognition in the playoffs. It's a fun story with some great interviews so check it out and comment on what you think!
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