Post submitted by Sandy Lakey
Yesterday was our team’s first work day, and, interestingly, the days leading up to today were in some ways more challenging than the work itself. So, in the spirit of “awards season”, here are some team members who truly deserve a medal or trophy or something shiny for their dedication to the cause:
The “Every Journey Begins with A Single Step” Award goes to Mark, who tried to leave Bismarck on Friday, and had more travel trials than anyone should have to endure, finally arriving in San Salvador on Sunday night. The trip would not be the same without hard working Marco, so we were all glad to see him this morning.
The “Give The Lady A Hand” Award goes to Ginger, who broke her hand in several places two weeks ago, yet still came on the trip and is working as hard as anyone.
The “You Can Have The Clothes Off My Back” Award goes to Sandy B, whose luggage was misplaced in Denver, and has yet to be found. She has borrowed as needed from other team members, and carried on with incredible grace.
The “Here We Go Again” Award goes to the 13 teammates who have been on multiple Thrivent Builds trips to El Salvador, especially our fearless leaders, Rita and Kai.
The “There’s A First Time for Everything” Award goes to the four teammates who are making their first Thrivent Builds trip to El Salvador, all of whom have jumped in with open hands and open hearts.
Our work today included all the things that are done on the first day at a new build site in El Salvador; clearing the site, digging the foundation, wiring rebar together, and moving tons of dirt, sand and rock one bucket at a time. Tomorrow we will break into two teams so we can work on another house. The Habitat El Salvador staff are, as usual, taking wonderful care of us.
We send all of our love to our families and friends back home!
About Bishop Craig Schweitzer
The Rev. Craig Schweitzer, of Bismarck, was elected as bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod on July 17, 2020, in the first-ever digital Synod Assembly. A historic event, Schweitzer is the first bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to be elected in an online assembly.
Bishop Craig Schweitzer began serving the Western North Dakota Synod-ELCA on September 1, 2020. He has always seen himself as an easy-going person who seeks to daily discover anew how God is present in his life and the world in which he lives and serves.
Prior to service in the Office of Bishop of the Western North Dakota Synod, Bishop Craig served at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Bismarck, ND as Music and Worship Minister (lay staff from 2002-2010), Associate Pastor (2010-2014), and Senior Pastor (2014-2020). Beyond his service in the church, he has an eclectic background that is a diverse collection of musical, educational, and business experiences ranging from live concert production and promotion to recording studios and live performance to music education.
Throughout all of his professional and personal experiences, the Apostle Paul’s words to the church in Rome have been a guiding light that has kept him grounded in whatever work God was calling him into – “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7)
Bishop Craig is a graduate of the University of Mary in Bismarck with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and a Master of Science in Strategic Leadership. He also holds a certificate degree in Theological Education for Emerging Ministries (TEEM) from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, CA. He was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament on September 16, 2010.
Outside of his life as Bishop, Bishop Craig enjoys reading, all music, a little golf, a cold beverage with friends, and intentional times of quiet. And, of course, spending time with his wife Wendy and their adult twin daughters Ilia and Taegan.
View all posts by Bishop Craig Schweitzer
Bishop Craig Schweitzer 
February 4th, 2014 at 5:07 pm
Buenos días mis amigos,
Deseo que podría haber venido a lo largo, quizás la próxima vez.
Sigue haciendo un gran trabajo!
Bendiciones para un día maravilloso
~Michelle Butterfass : )
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February 4th, 2014 at 9:46 pm
The best “shiny” reward for you challenged travelers is the beautiful sun which you all so deserve! May the Lord “shine” on you all and your beautiful Salvadoran friends–just use sunscreen & hats! May you be blessed w/ lasting friendships & memories. K&D Moenck
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