Capstone Missions

Another great October Mission Trip!

2009-10-28T05:01:00.000-07:00

We had a really terrific trip. There were 13 missionaries, including three new people. Travel was trouble free and relatively quick. The new screening at the Mexican border is up and running but only delayed us a few minutes. All three vehicles were pulled over into the secondary screening area, but we got through without inspection. Our biggest challenge was not having a fluent Spanish speaker with us, be we managed to muddle through.

St. Joe's: The children all seem to be doing well. We especially noticed that Diana has really come out of her shell. She has also changed her name back to her birth name or baptismal name (I'm not sure which) and goes by Mary Angelica. The rest of the kids seem to be well and are really growing. We once again measured for kitchen cabinets, and Dave A. volunteered to get them cut here and ready for installation, (except still flat) and we'll take them down on the next trip if we get the money. There were just a few very small projects there that Marvin M. took care of.

Verdad y Vida: We were in for a shock the day after our arrival when we went over there and found all new nuns in residence. Marvin, Colleen C. and Susan N. fixed some serious plumbing problems in both the boys' and girls' bathrooms that included the purchase of new toilets and a couple new cabinet/sink combinations. The plumbing was significant, but fortunately Colleen's expert skills came through and got the job done. They also replaced a couple of windows. The new Madre is Fabiola who was extremely personable and helpful and Colleen and Susan were great representatives for Capstone. Later in the week Colleen and Teresa P. were able to assist Madre with some computer issues so really endeared themselves.

Hacienda de la Inmaculada: The bulk of our crew spent the week there. We built a big roof overhang over the laundry clotheslines to protect the clean clothes from the sun and rain. The front entry got painted, which was really needed and pleased Madre a lot. We thought we were going to do some bathroom work, but there were several other workers there and they took over that project after Steve E. spent some time with his head in the toilet(s), getting them installed. Wiring was done for the future installation of the refrigeration unit. We also did lots of laundry (in pathetic "automatic" machines)and played with the kids as much as work would allow. We were able to do a walk through to look at future projects and get them prioritized. There are currently about 70 children there, and still not nearly enough adults. One bright light is that a Kinder teacher comes daily and takes several of the preschoolers to the attached classroom for instruction. They even wore uniforms!

Rusty G. and Deb M. went to see a gentleman who is paraplegic and needing assistance. We heard about him through an email inquiry. Unfortunately he mainly needs money, but also seemed to need a couple of Gringo listeners for the better part of an hour. He lived in the U.S. for quite awhile, so his English was great. We made some suggestions on ways for him to get some assistance, and we'll follow up in a few weeks. By the way, he told us there is an orphanage a couple of blocks from his place with about 60 children....

Thank you for your prayers and support.

Basque Feast raised $11,000

2009-09-22T08:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you to all the helped in the Basque Feast in some way. Capstone is truly blessed. Over $11,000 was raised.

Fall Conference Display

2009-09-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Thank you to those that stopped and said hello this weekend at Fall Conference.

Recognize anyone on the display?

2010 Trip dates

2009-08-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

January 9-16, 2010 (BSU*)
March 13-20, 2010 (CSI, UI*)
March 20-27, 2010 (ISU*)
June 5-12, 2010 (Cottonwood youth)
October 23-30, 2010

*priority goes to college students on college trips, but those interested are placed on a waiting list.

Passport is necessary.
Trip fee is currently $400.
For more information contact trips@capstonemissions.org

Great Reunion!

2009-07-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all those that made the drive.
Dar and Tom were great hosts (thank you!).
The canyon is their backyard!

TV Interviews

2009-07-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

Rusty, Carol, and Debby we were interviewed via telephone on Catholic TV.
The interview is here: http://www.catholictv.com/shows/default.aspx?seriesID=72&videoID=129.
Our portion starts around 4:30.

Rusty and Debby went to Pocatello for a LIVE interview on KPVI News 6.
View it here: http://www.kpvi.com/global/category.asp?c=169274&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=94836&topVideoCatNoB=167746&topVideoCatNoC=169238&topVideoCatNoD=169239&topVideoCatNoE=169240&clipId=3960906&topVideoCatNo=94836&autoStart=true

Let us know if you have an idea for another media opportunity at info@capstonemissions.org.

Reunion July 19th at 2 p.m.

2009-07-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

Join Capstone Missions for some fun, food, and fellowship in Twin Falls- no tool belts or passports required!

You are invited to the Capstone Missions
Annual Summer Reunion in the Magic Valley
Sunday, July 19th at 2 p.m.
3228 Meadow Ridge Lane, Twin Falls
Please bring a potluck dish to share.

Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Capstone gear will be there to purchase.

Hope to see you there!

ATTENTION ALBERTSON'S SHOPPERS:

2009-06-15T19:17:00.000-07:00

Capstone Missions has been approved to receive contributions from Albertsons through their Community Partners program! Capstone supporters can now link their Albertsons Preferred Card to our organization and Albertsons will contribute a percentage of each supporter's eligible monthly purchases to Capstones. Our Community Partners ID# is 49001020182. You can easily link your card online by visiting www.albertsons.com/cp

Thank you for your support!

Next trip is October 17-24

2009-06-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Join us October 17-24.

Trip fee is $400.

A passport will be needed, so start the process now!

For more information email trips@capstonemissions.org.

May trip successful

2009-06-03T08:38:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
We had a great trip last week, with 9 participants. Four were CSI students and Spanish speakers, so they all had a blast with the kids and were endlessly helpful to those of us who are monolingual. We also had record times both going there and coming back. It's so easy with just 2 vehicles, and (mostly) compliant people!

St. Joseph's
For the most part, the kids seem to be doing well. Sr. Monserrat opened up quite a bit about Adriana's departure (Adriana turned 18 and left the home), and needless to say, she is very upset about it. She was concerned that those who support her (us) might be judging her and finding her inadequate as a mother. I hope I was able to reassure her that there was no judgment on our part, and we are 100% supportive of her efforts.

We did paint the bathrooms in the girls' dorm, and moved a light fixture out of the dining room.

Hacienda
At Hacienda de la Inmaculada, we built more shelves. Shocking! There is a large room that has been used as a study room that Madre wants to turn into a library. We were also able to clean out some junk from the room. They don't want to throw out anything, so we did! Most of the stuff that we thought they'd never use was put out on the street, and was snapped up in seconds. We also fixed the drywall on the ceiling of their small chapel. Next time, we'll finish it, paint and tile the room.

There are a lot of changes there. An engineer is redoing all the electrical and installing fans. The girls' bathroom is completed, along with the washing sinks in the dining room. Also, the metal fence in the dining room has been removed and the room painted. The engineer thinks he has things mostly organized to do the refrigeration unit. There are 70 children there right now.

There were 3 young women there helping out for the week, and 2 of them helped us on Friday with our final work on the study/library. There was also a new woman working there, and we'll pray she stays.

There is progress being made there, but the amount of junk and dirt makes it almost impossible to stay on top of things. The laundry issue remains a challenge, and there still aren't nearly enough adults.

Deb

Trip is on!

2009-05-19T10:11:00.001-07:00

Praise Jesus! The C.D.C. lifted the travel ban to Mexico.
We are leaving Saturday morning May 23 and staying until May 30.

We have a great group attending.
Pray for us and those we serve!

June trip rescheduled to May 23-30

2009-04-02T16:24:00.001-07:00

Our June trip was rescheduled to May 23-30th.
The trip fee is $400.

If you have any questions or need an application, please contact 208-733-1187 or trips@capstonemissions.org.

These trips are life changing. Don't miss your opportunity.

March Mission Trip a success

2009-03-26T07:58:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

We had a fantastic trip, due in no small part to all the prayers offered for us, and our guardian angels. We're always so thankful for how smoothly the trips go, and this one was no exception.

One dark spot, though, is that Adrianna has left St. Joe's. We didn't get many details, but she has moved out and is living with her brother. I don't know anything about him or his circumstances, but as I understand it, she has quit school and is basically on her own. It was awful not seeing her there and we all need to pray for her, Sr. Monserrat and all the kids.

The rest of the kids all seem to be doing very well, and had a great time playing with the team and talking to our three Spanish speaking students from CSI. Benjamin asked me on Friday evening if they were going to get to do a "project" that night! Sr. Monserrat might not have liked our mess in January, but I guess the kids really liked it, so we'll have to plan some sort of craft or project for each of our trips.

We did some patching in the girls' dorm and painted both rooms; one light pink, and the other light lavender. Sr. Monserrat didn't care what color we painted, so the little girls gave their opinions and that's what we went with. On the next trip we'll paint the bathrooms, which needed some plaster work and weren't dry enough to paint before we left. The floor in the new side of the dorm will need replacing down the road. It was installed by Tijuana workers, who don't know how to work with linoleum, and is cracking.

At Hacienda de la Inmaculada we built and installed more shelving on the girls' side. We also did some mold repair in the ceiling of the boys' bathroom, and had a little time to play with the kids. There is another group there right now, building a classroom, computer room, and small library space for the school. It's the culmination of a thesis by a student from Woodbury College. While working on it, he decided to try to raise the money to actually do the project, and is partnered with Corazon de Vida on getting it completed. We met the guy (Chris) and he wants to continue his involvement with the Hacienda once the project is completed.

There continue to be many challenges there, but we saw some minor improvements in discipline and cleanliness, although there's still a long way to go! We saw George from Corazon on Tuesday, and he said they've been awarded a grant for a psychologist to spend 2 days a week there for 16 weeks. The person will work with the adults on discipline and parenting skills, as well as with the children. George is hopeful the grant will be renewed after the initial 16 weeks.

There seems to be increased interest in other groups helping out, which is desperately needed.

At Verdad y Vida we tiled a newly built small room, and built some shelves for it. The room will be used by the schoolchildren for homework. There was a 2 day old infant and his 13 year old mother there, and we got a chance to coo over her new little one. There are so many challenging issues there as well, and we're glad we can continue to help them out.

We didn't have any safety issues, although when we went to the Artisan's market on Friday afternoon there were a ton of TJ police vehicles heading to one particular area, and many others driving around the vicinity. However, all was calm at the market; otherwise we would have just turned around. We only saw a couple truck loads of Federales (also Friday afternoon), which is a real decrease over previous trips.

Thanks for all your prayers!
Deb

Crab Feast Fun

2009-02-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all that helped to make this event such a huge success.
Receipts are still coming in, but we are around $25,000 (which is a record!).

Feast Raffle Tickets

2009-02-13T05:25:00.000-08:00

The Crab Feast is SOLD OUT. Thanks be to God.

You can still participate by purchasing a raffle ticket.

Tickets are $30 each or 4 for $100.

Odds of winning are 1 in 50. Only 300 tickets will be sold. The winner will be chosen the night of the Crab Feast through a reverse drawing. The last ticket drawn wins the first prize, the second to the last the second prize, the third the third prize. Smaller prizes are awarded through the night for the first ticket drawn, 100th, and 200th ticket.

1st Prize: 42" Panasonic 1080 P Plasma HDTV
2nd Prize: Nintendo Wii with game pkg.
3rd Prize: Nikon Coolpix S560 Digital Camera Kit

Email info@capstonemissions.org to get your ticket today!

Passports needed after June 1, 2009

2009-02-12T06:07:00.000-08:00

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. See the Department of Homeland Security's GetYouHome.gov for more information on the changing travel requirement

Adopted Patron Saint of Capstone

2009-02-08T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today is St. Jerome Emiliani's Feast Day. (February 8th)

Many may not know this, we adopted Saint Jerome Emiliani for Capstone's Patron Saint.

We chose St. Jerome Emiliani because he is the patron saint of orphans and taking his namesake, Capstone Missions began in Jerome, Idaho.

For more information about St. Jerome: http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=61

Prayer:
Saint Jerome Emiliani, watch over all children who are abandoned or unloved. Give us the courage to show them God's love through our care. Help us to lose the chains that keep us from living the life God intended for us. AMEN

Saint Jerome Emiliani, pray for us.

HAPPY FEAST DAY!

Hacienda Bedding Project

2009-01-27T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ten new bunks were installed in the girls dorm. Seven of the old beds were relocated to the new boys dorm and finally gave them the chance to sleep on a true bed instead of the floor. We plan to setup 24 more beds soon.

Thank you St. Edward's Parish for funding the new bedding and bunks.

4th Annual Crab Feast

2009-01-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

4th Annual Crab Feast at St. Jerome's.

Saturday February 21, 2009
5:30 p.m. Wine and Cheese Social
6 - 7 p.m. Dinner
7 - 9 p.m. Decadent Dessert, Raffle, Live and Silent Auction

Dinner tickets are $35
Raffle tickets are $30 each or 4 for $100. Prizes are a flat screen tv, Wii, and a digital camera. (Need not be present to win.)

Tickets are available by contacting Colleen at 324-4257 or Debby at 733-1187.
Table reservations can be made by contacting Dar at dar@capstonemissions.org.
Tickets are selling fast, so contact us today!

Auction items are needed. Donated items or money to purchase items would be appreciated.
If you have a cabin, time share, yacht, airplane, special talent or hobby that you are willing to donate;
please contact Debby at debby@capstonemissions.org or 733-1187.

Thanks for your past support and we look forward to seeing you at the Feast!

January pictures

2009-01-21T12:53:00.001-08:00

First trip of 2009 a success

2009-01-21T12:43:00.000-08:00

January 2009 Trip Summary

There were a total of 18 of us on the trip.

St. Joseph's

Everyone seems to be doing well. The children were bright eyed and thrilled to have our large group there to play with them. Sr. Monserrat is more relaxed each time we go down , and loved the hearty appetites of our group!

The only job we did there was to repair a leak from the girls' shower. We'll need to repair some sheetrock on the next trip, and the whole dorm area needs a good coat of paint.

We had the kids do a craft project that we can auction at the Crab Feast. It was chaotic and tons of fun, and the kids liked it. Bid high when you see them!

The Trip
We borrowed two vehicles, a suburban from Terri, and Jim Paxton's truck. Both worked really well for our purposes. We did blow a tire on the 'burb in the middle of Nevada, but thanks to Bill and Scott Henscheid, it was fixed quickly and didn't delay us much. We opted not to replace the tire in Las Vegas since the spare was a "real" tire, and the spares for all other vehicles were the same size.

Marvin got a little boo boo on his truck pulling into the driveway (and another vehicle) at Cuki's. Once again, Scott came to our rescue and found the parts needed to repair it and got the truck in for an alignment. Manuel Castro helped him, and it went more smoothly than we ever could have hoped.

Verdad y Vida
We finished the tiling job in the nuns' sleeping quarters, and Sr. Veronica showed us a bunch of other jobs needing done; mostly tiling. Marvin headed up the crew there, and had 4 people working there most of the week.

Cuki says that donations are drying up and far fewer groups are coming down to help out.

Hacienda de la Inmaculada
First, the bad news; Srs. Lily and Berneice left the week before, saying it was too difficult. George says that there are 2 Mennonite missionaries who spent a year there awhile ago who are interested in possibly coming back. The toddlers have been released into the general population, and I'm not sure how they will fare. There were some kids playing with toys occasionally, but we saw lots of games (in English!) with parts everywhere and the kids having no idea how to play anything - and no one to show them how. I witnessed the most interesting game of chess I've ever seen!

Our presumed job there changed on Sunday when we went to look things over. Instead of starting on a nursery expansion, Madre wanted us to build more shelves - lots of shelves - some like the ones we built in October, and some with doors that could be locked.
We built 6 sets of shelves for the boys' clothing room, 3 tall shelves with doors for the large entry hall, and put about 8 sets of doors on shelves by the back exit to the laundry area. Naturally, all needed painting, so if people didn't have another job, they were kept busy painting.
They would like us to repeat the shelves on the girls' side in March.

One of the things that Julietta (probably Madre's first officer) loved the most is that we purchased padlocks keyed the same for all the doors we built. They have tons of padlocks in the place and they all need different keys, so she was thrilled.

We also painted the second room of the boys' dorm, installed a light and fan, safely capped off expose wires, and fixed the entry doorway to it.

The beds in the other boys' dorm room are bolted to the floor and walls, so we decided we should wait until the new beds are installed before painting in there. The bunk beds and bedding should all be in by the end of the month, and George has a crew ready to do down and help put it all together. I'm sure he'll send pictures.

Safety
We didn't have any problems other than overtaking a group of Federales ,who stopped right in front of us to arrest someone. Naturally, Rusty remained calm and in control while Manuel and I debated diving to the floor of the truck while emitting a few girly shrieks.

George got 4 prepaid cell phones for us that we picked up at the Hacienda. They were absolutely invaluable, and while we didn't use them for safety reasons, they really saved us a lot of time when getting materials.

Ripples
We hope we started several ripples of aid in Tijuana on this trip. The high school students weren't back in school yet, so we took Griselda ( Olga's goddaughter, who goes by 'Grees') to work with us for 2 days. She was very moved by what she saw, and wants to get her youth group involved at the Hacienda. Manuel Castro also came with us a couple of days, and also wants his youth group to get involved. He wasn't aware that places like that existed in Tijuana. Dr. Moses Castro also came to the Hacienda one day and examined several of the children and prescribed meds. Moses wants to go back there to work again! Also, although I didn't talk to him, Theresa said that Alejandro, who works with a TV station, wants to put out public service announcements in Tijuana asking for aid for the Hacienda. I gave him the contact information.
Theresa and Cuki had a wonderful dinner and fiesta for us on Friday night in Cuki's carport and patio. We had an excellent dinner and a little dancing, which Theresa and Manuel led.

New Construction Coordinator!!!
We are thrilled and optimistic that we have someone who not only was excellent at leading the Hacienda construction crew, but is very interested in continuing to make trips to Tijuana. This is such a gift to us - he's outstanding, both as a carpenter and as an individual and it will be a huge relief for Marvin. More on this later when we have had a chance to follow up.

Thanks to all the prayers offered for us, we had good roads there and back, and a really great week, with only minimal bumps and cuts. Thank you for all the prayer support!

Deb

Our Catholic TV Interview

2008-11-20T07:23:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, November 18 we had the privilege of speaking with Fr. Reed and Jay on Catholic TV. Rusty, Debby, and I gathered in Twin Falls for the telephone interview. It was so much fun and went way too fast! There was so much more we wanted to say.

Special thanks to Bonnie at Catholic TV. Hopefully she will invite us back! You can send comments to the show for viewer mail to thisistheday@catholictv.org

Watch the interview here: http://www.catholictv.org/WhatsToWatch/Detail.aspx?seriesID=72

P.S.-

I was surprised when they asked about my husband's podcast, it caught me off guard. I was focused on talking about Capstone! I should have done a better plug and a shout out to all his fans. So here it is: his podcast is called "Into the Deep"and their blog is at http://deepcast.blogspot.com/ and it is an affliate of SQPN.com . I am so proud of those guys and it is an excellent podcast. So check it out!

Some trip pictures

2008-11-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Our group.
Thank you for your work in helping the poor!

Aimee with Madre Virginia. Founder of Hacienda de la Inmaculada.

Troy building the stairs for a much needed fire exit at Hacienda.

Troy and Marvin modeling their work.
Now Hacienda has a fire exit to the dorm.

Building much needed shade at Hacienda.

Bob under cover.

Our group with some of the kids at Hacienda

Painting at our beloved St. Joseph's

We're baaaaaaack

2008-10-26T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hola folks,

Thanks for all your prayers for a successful trip. It was. Debby and Marvin led another very successful mission trip with a few outstanding new members and we old heads, Bob and Aimee Fritsch, Betty, Marvin, Deb and I.

Our first foray to the new orphanage was outstanding, but there is still much to be done, so we are looking forward to the BSU trip in Jan.

Thanks to Jim Paxton for the use of his truck again. I’m personally very attached to the XM radio and air conditioning, which often is lacking in the other vehicles.

Cheers,

Rusty

2009 Trip Dates Announced

2008-10-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

January 10-17 (BSU)
March 14-21
May 30-June 6
October 17-24

Mark your calendars and join us for one of these life changing trips!

Contact Deb@capstonemissions.org or call 208-733-1187

New mixer

2008-10-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a generous donation we are now the new owners of a cement mixer.
This will help us achieve so much more work while in Tijuana.
Rusty is modeling the new vs. old method.

Basque Feast Fun

2008-10-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all the attended, donated, prayed, ate, and helped.

We raised over $10, 000 for our mission.

We are looking forward to next year.

Special thanks to the Basque Center and Leku Ona for their generosity in helping to create a "Basque Feast".

Next up:
CRAB FEAST
February 21st, 2009
St. Jerome's Parish Hall

Hope to see you there!

1st Annual Boise Basque Feast

2008-09-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

CAPSTONE MISSIONS
1st Annual

BASQUE FEAST
and Benefit Auction

Saturday, October 4th, 2008

Wine & Cheese Social starts at 5:30 pm
Dinner 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Decadent Dessert. Live & Silent Auction 7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Basque Center- 601 Grove Street- Boise, Idaho

Dinner
Featuring Chef Ramon from Leku Ona!!!
Includes pork loin, paella, red potatoes, salad, fresh bread
Wine, and other beverages (two included with ticket)
Decadent Dessert Auction

Tickets
$35.00 per person
Invite your friends and make an evening out of it!
Table reservations are available

To purchase tickets or donate an auction item contact:
Carol Brown at 658-4491
Molly Bullock at 938-5909
Teresa Patrick at 939-5811

Back to School Shopping

2008-08-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

Remember to do all of your online back to school shopping via GoodShop at stores like Old Navy, Apple, Staples, Target, WalMart, the Gap and others!

And, remind your school administrators to spread the word about GoodSearch to all of the faculty, students, and parents.

Just go to goodshop.com and select Capstone Missions

Updates on Tijuana

2008-07-22T13:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent articles on Tijuana if interested:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2008/07/tijuana-reflect.html

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gqnRmYvc3yMoVRMHBZ01cQkneXdgD922DUA00

Please join us as we continue to pray for the poor in Tijuana that we serve.

Reunion

2008-07-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

Please join us for our annual Magic Valley Reunion.

Sunday, August 3rd.
Home of Reed and Colleen Crozier

Special guest are Ralph and Theresa May from Peru.

Dental Check-Up

2008-05-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Corazon da Vida escorted two dental hygienists to St. Joseph's. They checked and cleaned the teeth of about 8 of the children. All children were educated on the importance of dental care and Montserrat said she will make sure they do a better job. Here are photos of the day:

http://s259.photobucket.com/albums/hh308/cdvkids/May%2011%20San%20Jose%20Dental/

May trip cancelled

2008-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

It is with great sadness that our May trip has been canceled.

Our close contacts in Tijuana have warned us that the situation is too dangerous due to a rash of recent kidnappings and drug related gun violence.

Please join us in praying for the people of Tijuana, especially those whom we serve.

Our next scheduled mission trip is in October. Please pray that we will be able to attend and continue to accomplish our mission of building better futures for the orphans and poor in Tijuana.

Thank you for your continued support.

Feast Photos

2008-02-21T21:30:00.000-08:00

Feast a success!!!

2008-02-11T07:52:00.001-08:00

We raised over $21,000! This is such wonderful news and we are humbled, grateful and amazed for the way God blesses this ministry. Thanks seems insufficient to say to “ALL” who helped in any way even if it was by your prayers if you couldn’t attend. We cannot accomplish this alone but through the power of an unselfish, servant minded team and generous donors, we pulled it off!

Thank you!

Trip Poem

2008-02-10T11:50:00.000-08:00

Becky is a repeat trip attendee and a Boise State student. Thank you Becky for sharing your insights.

TJ to Home
by Becky Hilton

The nail you just stepped on,
appreciate the fact that you can walk through your living room barefoot.

The wall that just wobbled when you leaned against it,
appreciate the support your home brings you.

The empty door frame you just walked through,
appreciate the ability you have to close a door.

The tarp roof you just lifted,
appreciate that you can go home to get out of the rain.

The boarded up window you cant see through,
appreciate the sun beaming into your front room.

The razor wire and broken-glass walls you walk next to,
appreciate the safety you feel behind a locked door.

The night time gun shots, the morning smog, the impoverished hunt for survival,
appreciate the fact that you will be going home.

January trip pictures

2008-01-28T09:24:00.000-08:00

BSU Trip Synopsis

2008-01-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hola folks,

We had another good trip to TJ last week. There were 19 total in the group, with 8 repeaters including Emily, Marvin and me. As usual, the BSU crowd were an excellent group, and although it was tough without Deb or Chuck along, we managed to accomplish quite a bit. We also got leads on several future projects. We had two good Spanish speakers, and that was a Godsend.

On Sunday we met with Fr. David Bustamente who showed us leaky areas on the Holy Rosary Chapel roof. We put 3-4 people on that project under the leadership of Scott Henscheid and they had it repaired in 1/1/2 days. That crew also constructed another small roof over the outside clothes washing area for the Missionaries of Charity at the Contemplative House.

Marvin and a crew of two tiled Olga's shower room throughout the week.

At Verdad y Vida, a large crew tiled the lower level of the nun's living quarters and put OSB down on the upper portion, so it can be tiled on the March trip. Jess Beumeler and Mandi Sargent were the straw bosses on that one.

Near the Seminary and a block from Olga's, we met Sandra Gonzales whose second story had recently burned. She needed a roof to keep the rain out. After Marvin secured the structure on Monday, a large crew spent the rest of the week installing a new roof for her. We did nothing to the second story walls which need complete repair, but at least she has a good roof now.

At St. Joe's we accomplished several small projects including installing a new washing machine for Sr. Monserrat. Carmenia had put $500 in Sr. Monserrat's account for the machine, so Marvin went with her to purchase the one she wanted and then put it in. We took the old machine out to Maria's house. A couple of the guys did a complete inventory of the storage shed which will be a great help in tracking tools and supplies in the future. The Van Ness sisters replaced all the broken or missing tiles in the girl's dorm. The repair tiles do not perfectly match the original, so we will probably need to re-do the whole room at some future time, but the repair job looks great for now.

We also replaced the wiring and a $40 bulb in Teresa Castro's outside patio.

Latham's two vans and Marvin's new truck were perfect for the trip. The weather cooperated all week--no rain in TJ or snow in Nevada.

Rusty

2008 Mission Trip dates Announced

2008-01-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

January 12-19 Boise State University/ St. Paul's
March 8-15 University of Idaho/ St. Augustine's
May 17-24 Open Trip
October 18-25 Open Trip

Contact Debby, our trip coordinator, at 208-733-1187 or deb@capstonemissions.org

Trip fee is currently $400 which includes lodging, some food, transportation, and materials used on your trip.

October trip pictures

2007-11-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

2007-11-20T10:54:00.001-08:00

October 2007 Mission Trip

If there’s one thing we’ve learned on Capstone Mission trips, it’s that flexibility and the ability to multi-task are our best friends. The October trip was no different, as 11 almost-over the-hill adults and 1 enthusiastic teenager made the long trek to Tijuana to tackle several jobs we had already committed to. Our first priority is always St. Joseph’s, and this trip found the place dripping with jobs. And that’s literally. There was a leak in the laundry room, the kitchen, a bathroom, and most distressing, a sewer leak on the hillside below the girls’ dorm. This proved to be the most troublesome, as it required digging through the brick wall in the neighbor’s garage and first locating the leak, then repairing it and filling in the newly dug tunnel and opening. All of this required much dirt removal, many plumbing parts, two trips to a tire shop for rubber inner tubing, and some involuntary “splashing”. Thanks to Marvin Makay’s professional expertise and supervision, all water was draining into the appropriate plumbing fixtures only when we were done.

Another of our other work sites was Olga’s. Many of you may be familiar with her situation. Her home burned down last December in a bad neighborhood fire, and Carmiña has been slowly raising the money to rebuild her place. We poured the cement floor on the March trip, prepped a bathroom in June, and were able to tile and install plumbing in that bathroom on this trip. Although it’s a tiny space, it looked great with the light rose colored tile on the wall and white tiled floor. Through the generosity of Good Shepherd parish in Driggs we were able to purchase a hot water heater for her. Although the rest of the house is not finished, they are living in a small room at the front of the property and will be able to enjoy running water, a flush toilet, AND hot showers.

Our third work site was Verdad y Vida, another familiar location to many. This home shelters approximately 20 single moms and their children, helping them get on their feet. It’s run by 3 very devoted, loving nuns and we’ve done many projects there on the last few trips. Their chapel is a very important part of their home and it was in real need of a “makeover”. In June we prepped the floor for tile, anticipating laying it on this trip. The most difficult part of the job was getting the very heavy dura rock up the winding stairs and into the chapel. Fortunately, we were able to find a couple of (younger), stronger men to help. Everyone quickly found their niche and the work proceeded with the usual Tijuana efficiency, that is, get supplies, get instruction from Marvin, go for more or different supplies, attempt the job, get different tools, correction and more instruction from Marvin, another Home Depot run, and eventually success! Not only did we get the chapel and sacristy tiled, but we were also able to give the rooms a fresh coat of paint and wash the windows and window shades. What a beautiful worship space we were able to provide, and we’re looking forward to celebrating mass there on a future trip. Of course our time at Verdad y Vida wouldn’t be complete without the curiosity and “help” from the children, lots of warm smiles and hugs, and the delicious sit-down lunches served each day!

Each member of the team worked hard and contributed to the overall effort and although tired at the end of the week we treasured our time together and the time we spent with our friends both old and new in Tijuana.

Golf Scramble another success

2007-10-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

We raised $6500 on our 3rd Annual Golf Scramble
Thanks to all the donated, prayed, and played.

We had a record 10 teams and approximately 80 people at the BBQ following.
Despite the tight constraints of the clubhouse, fun was had by all.

Congratulations to the winner of the mountain bike raffle, an avid mountain biker. God is good!
Thanks to all that bought a ticket.

Reunion a success!

2007-08-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

On August 5th about 40 people gathered at Deb's house for our annual Magic Valley Capstone Reunion. We were celebrating 10 years of mission trip experiences. This year's special treat was a visit from Ralph and Theresa May, Comboni Missionaries from Peru. Thanks to all the joined us.

Idaho State trip in the Idaho Catholic Register

2007-05-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

DIOCESAN NEWSPAPER

LOCAL NEWS

St. John’s group, ISU, does alternative spring break trip in Mexico

By Jennifer Seaich For the ICR POCATELLO — Students from the Saint John’s Catholic Student Center at Idaho State University, Pocatello, spent their Spring break in Tijuana, Mexico, participating in an alternative spring break trip with Capstone Missions in Jerome.

The Saint John’s van, a donated 1997 Plymouth Voyager with badly peeling paint and 150,000 miles, caravanned with trucks from Capstone, planning stops for gas and bathroom breaks by walky-talky on the 16-hour drive through Nevada and Southern California.

While many spring break road trips with friends culminate with parties, shopping, and sight-seeing, the students of Saint John’s repaired walls, painted many dorm rooms and laid a tile floor for a children’s play room at Verdad y Vida, a shelter for single mothers, many victims of incest, as well as laying the foundation for a house that had burned down in a Colonia and painting several rooms at the St Joseph’s Orphanage for disabled children. The orphanage was the home base where most of the missioners stayed, all the women in one dorm room with six tiny beds and an air mattress.

“I am so proud of these students and their willingness to sacrifice their own spring breaks to help others,” said Campus Minister Jennifer Seaich. “Our church teaches us that we can not love Jesus without loving our neighbor as he commanded, and they (the students) lived that all this week. These experiences are why campus ministry is so essential to the future of the church. I cannot wait to see what these students will do in the future.”

In the midst of all they accomplished, the students found time for fun. One night after dinner, the children at St Joseph’s brought out their music and held a dance, and all of the visitors joined in, even when it was time for the chicken dance or the Macarena. There were also basketball games with the children at the orphanage and the shelter. The students let the kids, eager for attention, climb on them and played games of chase with them.

Most of the time was spent in hard work though, and at the end of every long day, the spring break work crews returned to the orphanage dirty; covered in paint, grout, or concrete, exhausted hungry; and happy to compare stories.

Saint John’s Student Elysia Lora said “I really enjoyed this trip because I saw life in a whole new way, and I learned to appreciate the many blessings we have. St. Johns group did a great job, and we had a blast getting to know our new friends and religious leaders in Tijuana, Mexico. I thank the groups St. Joseph’s and Verdad y Vida for their generosity and hospitality.”

Capstone Missions is a group of Idaho Lay Catholics that builds and improves houses with volunteer labor and provides direct financial support to key ministries in Tijuana, Mexico. The organization partners with other Catholics ministering in Tijuana in the spirit of Mother Teresa and Dorothy Day in providing the needs of the most impoverished. One of the goals is to provide cross-cultural service opportunities for volunteers, especially young adults. For more information on future trips see the website:

www.capstonemissions.org or contact Debby Miciak, Twin Falls, 733-1187.

Looks like the CapstoneTeam in Tijuana

2007-05-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

I had to laugh when I saw this picture. It looks like the Capstone team in TJ.

This picture is real - not doctored in any way - and was taken by a Transportation Supervisor for a company that delivers building materials for 84 Lumber. When he saw it in the parking lot of IHOP, he went to buy a camera to take pictures.

The car is still running, as can be witnessed by the exhaust.

The driver finally came back after the police were called, and was found crouched behind the rear of the car, attempting to cut the twine around the load! Luckily, the police stopped him and had the load removed

The materials were loaded at Home Depot. Their store manager said they made the customer sign a waiver.

While the plywood and 2X4's are fairly obvious, what you can't see is the back seat, which contains -- are you ready for this? -- 10 bags of concrete @ 80 lbs. each.

They estimated the load weight at 3000 lbs. Both back tires exploded, the wheels bent and the back shocks were driven through the floorboard.

Reunited!

2007-01-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

We had a small but dedicated group at the January 20 reunion. We shared food and stories.
Carol and Emily found an old VHS tape showing one of the first trips to Tijuana. It is amazing how much St. Joseph's has been transformed and how the children have grown. Our next reunion will be in Twin Falls this summer. Please consider joining us.

Boise Reunion

2007-01-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

Please join us Saturday, January 20th at St. Paul's for a potluck reunion.
The potluck will be from 5-7 p.m.
Hope to see you there!

Tickets, tickets, raffle tickets

2007-01-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

Win a Casio Digital Camera

Consider purchasing a raffle ticket for your chance to win a Casio Exilim EX-Z1000 10.1 MP

Technical details:

10.1-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 18 x 24-inch prints
3x Anti Shake optical zoom; large 2.8-inch wide-format LCD monitor
Zoom Continuous Shutter mode allows the user to compare a wide-angle and a telephoto shot in same display and take both simultaneously
High-sensitivity shooting mode, up to a maximum of ISO 3200
Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by one lithium ion battery (included)
Additional 2GB memory card

Drawing is Friday, February 2nd

Need not be present to win!

Ticket Available by email info@capstonemissions.org

$10 Each or 6/ $50

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT

St. Joseph’s Home for Disabled Children in Tijuana, Mexico

Crab Feast Date Announced!

2006-12-07T07:35:00.000-08:00

Come join us for our 2nd Annual Crab Feast and Auction at St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Jerome on February 2nd, 2007. Cocktail hour begins at 6 pm and dinner starts at 7 pm. The evening will be filled with great food, a raffle, and silent auction, all to support a great cause. Tickets are $35 adults, $20 kids 14 & under, Kids under 6 eat FREE! To purchase tickets, contact Molly at molly@capstonemissions.org or they will be available at the door.

Ways you can help Capstone Missions: Spread the word, come to the dinner, bring a friend, purchase and/or sell raffle tickets, or donate an auction item, bake a special dessert for the dessert auction. Please contact Rusty at rusty@capstonemissions.org to donate auction items.

SEE YOU AT THE FEAST!

2006-12-01T07:41:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Reasons for

Capstone Alternative Gift-Giving

10. You will avoid Sprawl-Mart’s holiday sounds of screaming children and battery-powered “ho-ho-ho’s.”

9. The recipient-in-need probably won’t whine about hating your gift and wanting a Robot Dog instead.

8. Your grown children will appreciate not having more kitchen appliances to make room for in the pantry.

7. If you MUST drive by the mall, you can just scoff at those battling for parking.

6. You won’t send your relatives into a diabetic coma with yet another box of chocolates.

5. You won’t have to worry about whether your in-laws are displaying your Christmas gift only when you’re around to see it.

4. Grandpa won’t groan, “Not another necktie!”

3. You save on wrapping paper, which accounts for 3-10 extra bags of trash over the holidays!

2. Santa’s elves (and/or other outsourced slave laborers) will be grateful that you spared them the extra work.

And the number one reason for alternative gift-giving . . .

1. Nobody with a conscience is going to demand a refund.

Contact Carol at carol@capstonemissions.org for gift giving options.

Winter Reunion

2006-11-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

Join us Saturday January 20th, 2007 from 5-7 pm for a reunion potluck.
We will share stories, eat, and reminisce about past trips at St. Paul's in Boise.
Feel free to invite those interested in attending a future trip.
See you there!

“Friend-raising” Fun

2006-11-02T06:35:00.000-08:00

The ghosts, goblins, Supermen, and Peter Pan’s all gathered at Nana’s house to celebrate Halloween and Peyton Rossi’s 6^th birthday on October 28. Peyton decided to have a “friend-raising” party this year and have his friends bring gifts for the children of St. Joseph’s instead of gifts for himself. The party was hosted by Shannon (Nana) and Tom Barnes, Marion and Randy Woods, and Landis and Allen Rossi. After purchasing a silent action item to The Costume Shop at the 2^nd Annual Capstone Missions golf tournament, Shannon and Marion decided to put their winnings back into Capstones and throw a Halloween/Birthday Party to raise more money for Capstones. The party was filled with fun and games for the kids and wonderful food catered by Carrabba’s Italian Grill owner Allen Rossi. A booth with information about Capstones was available for guests to learn more about the organization and the children of St. Josephs. Reed Crozier took some extra time at the party to share some personal experiences at the orphanage with the guests. The party was a huge success, raising over $500 and numerous books, art supplies, and blankets for the children. The group plan to make the event a yearly affair.

Capstone Missions would like to thank the Barnes’, Woods’, and Rossi’s, and the Valetine's for their generosity.

Submitted by Molly Bullock

Thank you for your support

2006-09-25T10:42:00.000-07:00

We were able to raise $5,200 for the children of St. Joseph's.
Thank you to all that prayed, purchased a raffle ticket, donated auction items, or supported us in some quiet way. Thank you to all the golfers that played.

Listed below are the business sponsors. Please take the time to supprt these businesses that took the time to generously support Capstone Missions:

A-1 Plumbing
All star painting
BizPrint
CHF
Carrabbas
Countrywide Home Loans Kellie Allen Team
Crusty's Pizza
Developmental Concepts
Electrical Contractors of Idaho, Inc.
Emily VanNess Century 21
Gina Lujack Century 21 Golden West Realty
Metro Direct Realty
Molly and Guy Bullock
Pioneer Seed- Reed Crozier
Ron and Deb Miciak
Snake River Pool and Spa
The Hair Company
The Pool and Game Table Store
Westside Drive In
White Tail Club

Scramble Pictures

2006-09-18T05:35:00.000-07:00

Tournament champions!

The food

Highest scoring team
Our first Knights of Columbus team from Weiser
Farthest travelers from Jerome
The auction
Thanks for the memories!

Scramble a success

2006-09-17T10:31:00.000-07:00

September 16th was dreary with spots of rain, but inside the clubhouse of Eagle Hills, much fun was to be had.

We had our 2nd annual scramble, raffle, and auction.

For those die hard golfers that went out into the elements, thank you!

Pictures and more information is pending.

Great reunion!

2006-07-31T08:50:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at the reunion.

We had about 20 people come to Dierkes Lake. Reed manned the grill and Marvin was the first to taste test everything for the group. Everyone brought GREAT food. Baby Ben particularly enjoyed the hotdog buns and stealing his first cupcake. "Mmmm sugar!"

Marvin's grandkids enjoyed their time in the lake. "The water was great!" to quote Br. Selby after his swim. The Shoshone Falls down the road were beautiful, having a nice amount of water crossing over them for this time of year.

The winner for the longest distance traveled goes to Connie and her husband for driving four hours to attend.

The weather was nice with a slight breeze. A nice break from the 100+ temperatures we have been experiencing.

Thanks to all that came!

Hope to see you again at the golf scramble on September 16th or on the next mission trip October 21-28th.

By popular demand . . .

2006-07-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Capstone Missions now has t-shirts and hats.
The shirts come in a variety of sizes.

They are $15 each.
The will be available at reunions, trips, or by contacting me at 658-4491.

Top Ten Reasons not to miss the reunion

2006-07-25T14:51:00.000-07:00

by Eric Adolfson

10. The only tortillas you'll see are the ones you bring yourself.

9. It doesn't take 17+ hours in a cramped and stinking van to get there.

8. Well, there's the company.

7. The "Dictatoria " will let you pay your respects.

6. Carol promises not to ask anyone for "a favor”. (maybe)

5. Rusty won't make anyone "count off" except for how many hamburgers they want.

4. You too can try to get in front of Marvin in the chow line.

3. Toilet paper will go in the toilet.

2. The only chickens around will be on the grill.

1. Come on! It will be a picnic.

Join us for the reunion!

2006-07-24T16:14:00.000-07:00

Capstone Reunion!!

Come reminisce
and have some fun.

1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 30th
Dierkes Lake
in the Snake River Canyon~ Twin Falls

Please bring a potluck dish based on the following schedule by last name:

A to D side dish
E to H vegetable or salad
I to M chips
N to Q beverages
R to Z dessert

The Capstone board will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and tableware.

Bring your trip photos, bring your friends, bring your recreational gear, and
$3 to park your car.

Any questions, please contact, Carol at carol@capstonemissions.org or 208-658-4491

________________________________________
To reach Dierkes Lake from I-84, take exit 173 and drive into Twin Falls.
Once across the Perrine Bridge you are on Blue Lakes Blvd.
Proceed on Blue Lakes Blvd to its intersection with Falls Ave and then turn left.
Proceed on Falls Ave for about 3 miles and then turn left on Champlin Rd.
Proceed on Champlin Rd to the Shoshone Falls/ Dierkes Lake Park Complex where you will be charged $3 per car.

Times News Feature Story

2006-07-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

The Times News did a feature story on the last Capstone Mission trip.
Please consider joining us on the next life changing trip, October 21st - 28th.
Below is the link to the Times News article:

http://www.magicvalley.com/articles/2006/07/08/weeklyfeatures_saturday/features_saturday.1.txt

Trip Fee Increase

2006-06-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, rising gas prices have forced us to increase the trip fee.
We desire for all the trips to be self- sustaining. To break even, we have calculated that the trip fee needs to be $350.

For those that desire to attend a mission trip but can not afford the trip fee, we plan to have fundraising efforts to assist you in covering the fee.

June trip a success!

2006-06-08T10:46:00.000-07:00

This mission trip included 16 participants and was very successful. We were able to build a simple one room home for an elderly couple, Thomas and Martina. Thomas has terminal cancer, and for whatever time he has left will live in a clean, dry comfortable home with wheelchair access to the street, and windows to look out on their lovely hillside views. We were also able to pour the foundation for a new bathroom for them and their extended family, which will include a shower, sink and toilet with hot and cold running water. The water heater will be provided by the family. Currently, they have a toilet only and use a bucket of water to flush it. Our first project on the October trip will be to finish the bathroom, and build a ramp and stairs from the front door of the house to the side yard so that Martina can access the bathroom and water supply without having to go through the gate. You might need to see the pictures to understand it!

The children at St. Joseph's are doing well, happy and enjoying the summer.

June trip photos

2006-06-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

Team Tijuana

2006-06-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

Pictured are the people that help to make the mission trips such a success.

From Left to Right:

Deb Miciak- Capstone Trip Coordinator. Deb coordinates the who, what, when, and where for those attending a mission trip. Her calmness and care helps volunteers to have a wonderful mission trip experience.

Marvin Makay- Capstone Construction Supervisor. Marvin is a professional builder out of Twin Falls, Idaho. He has the amazing ability of teaching volunteers with no construction experience to productively build safely and competently. Capstone projects are known throughout the colonias for their quality and durability.

Carmiña Morfin- Founder of "Friends of the Poor" based out of San Diego. Carmiña weekly visits the poor colonias in Tijuana. She assists Capstone Missions in selecting those in most need of our help.

October Mission trip Dates

2006-06-01T14:11:00.000-07:00

Capstone Missions invites you to our next mission trip October 21^st-28th. We encourage anyone that feels called to work and live with the poor in Tijuana for a week to come and participate. Trip expense is waived if your vehicle is used as transportation on the trip. If you are interested, please contact Deb Miciak at 208-733-1187 or deb@capstonemissions.org.

Magic Valley Reunion

2006-05-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

Supporters and Trip Alumni of Capstone Missions are invited to come together for a reunion picnic on Sunday, July 30^th at Dierkes Lake in Twin Falls. Come reminisce and view the pictures from the June 2006 trip. Please bring a potluck dish to share and any trip photos you want to share. Feel free to invite those interested in attending future trips. For more information and any questions contact Carol at 658-4491

Buena Suerte!

2006-05-26T06:30:00.000-07:00

We have 16 missionaries leaving for Tijuana for a mission trip May 26- June 3.
Please pray for their safety as they travel, for the poor that they will help, and for strength and endurance for the many hours of physical labor ahead of them.

What's in a name. . .

2006-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

Capstone Missions continues to grow and learn.

In the process of growing, we have changed the title of Coordinator to Executive Director. The reasoning behind this decision is that in the world of non-profits, the title of Executive Director is better understood than a Coordinator.

Same job, new name.

Scramble planning meetings

2006-05-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

We are off to a great start!

Our first scramble meeting had six in attendance.
We have a plan, a date, and much work ahead of us.

We are planning to have our meetings once a month.
Our next meeting is Wednesday, June 7th at 6 pm at St. Paul's.
Join us!

For those of you interested, the scramble is September 16th at 8 am at Eagle Hills.
For registration and/or sponsorship information contact info@capstonemissions.org.

Scramble Date Set

2006-04-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

2nd Annual Capstone Golf Scramble

Saturday, September 16th
Eagle Hills
Registration at 8 a.m.
Shot gun start 8:30 am

For registration or sponsorship information contact info@capstonemissions.org

Always learning and growing . . .

2006-04-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Capstone Missions in cooperation with the Idaho Nonprofit Development Center, recently hosted a presentation in Twin Falls on a new program called the Standards for Excellence. The presentation helped to introduce other Magic Valley nonprofits to the IDNC, a nonprofit organization helping to strengthen and promote Idaho’s nonprofit sector. The Standards for Excellence program is a voluntary, self-help program developed by nonprofits, for nonprofits. It is a national initiative providing eight Guiding Principals and 55 Standards in the areas of governance, financial systems, personnel practices, fundraising activities, public affairs and more. While at the presentation, the Capstone Mission Board of Directors and a dozen other local nonprofits learned about how to ensure their nonprofit is operating in a highly ethical & accountable manner and how to build the organizational capacity and infrastructure. This new knowledge will help our board to develop to be the best . Go team!

Let's Get the Ball Rolling!

2006-04-20T05:34:00.000-07:00

It is time to prepare for our 2nd Annual Golf Scramble.

Our Magic Valley counterparts have challenged the Treasure Valley group to raise even more than last year. We will accept that challenge!

Our first planning meeting will be May 3rd 6:00 pm at St.Paul's Student Center Game Room.

Contact Carol@capstonemissions.org for information or if you have some suggestions.

Five spaces left

2006-04-20T05:06:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in the Mission Trip at the end of May, now if the time to turn in those applications.

Contact deb@capstonemissions.org for more information.

Brother Selby resigns from the Board

2006-04-19T20:19:00.000-07:00

Brother Selby Coffman, after 3.5 years of service to the Capstone Board, has resigned from the Capstone Board of Directors.

Selby is a Benedictine Monk at the Monastery of the Ascension in Jerome. His valuable time is needed at the Monastery to help lead retreats.

Selby's leadership has helped to develop Capstones since our inception. He has served terms as Secretary and President of the Board.

He will be truly missed at the meetings, but never further than a phone call away to offer his advice. Thank you Selby for your service toward building a better future to Tijuana's Orphans and Poor!

Visit us at the KC Convention

2006-04-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

We are able to have a display at the annual Idaho Knights of Columbus Convention at the end of April.

Many Idaho Councils pledge monthly to support the children at St. Joseph's. Please pray that additional support comes from this endeavor.

Our board president and fellow Knight, Rusty Gideon, is leading this effort. If you are at the convention, stop by and say "Hi".

Mission Trip Experience on the News.

2006-03-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

Check out the following Seven's Hero. You may recognize a few of the images.
http://www.ktvb.com/s/VideoPlayer/showVideo.php?vidId=57253&catId=323

Hire Me!

2006-03-15T06:58:00.000-08:00

Our Capstone booth needs to be put to work. If you have an event in which we could display this booth, please let us know. Capstone also has a speakers bureau. If you would like to hear more about our mission at your next meeting, please contact info@capstonemissions.org.

Get your applications in!

2006-03-11T16:01:00.000-08:00

The feast generated a lot of interest in the upcoming mission trip, May 27th to June 3rd. The work is labor intensive, but life changing. If you are interested, download an application from the website under "trips" and send it along with a $50 deposit to reserve your spot.

The $300 trip expense is waived if your vehicle is used as transportation on the trip. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Deb Miciak at 208-733-1187 or deb@capstonemissions.org.

Feast Receipts are in!

2006-03-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

From Colleen, VP of board and Feast chair:
To the best of my knowledge, the net proceeds for the Crab Feast are $13,258.72

What a great team effort! God is good and certainly blessed our mission abundantly!

Feast Photos

2006-03-07T08:31:00.000-08:00

Fall Golf Scramble

2006-03-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Keep in the back of your mind the second annual Capstone Golf Scramble and Silent Auction this September in Boise. We are in the planning stages. If you are a golfer, get your team of four together for this fun filled scramble format.

Business owners: we are always looking for hole sponsors and for silent auction items. If you are interested, contact info@capstonemissions.org. More details coming . . .

Capstone Missions planning second mission trip of 2006.

2006-03-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

Capstone Missions invites you to our next mission trip May 27th to June 3rd. We encourage anyone that feels called to work and live with the poor in Tijuana for a week to come and participate. Trip expense is waived if your vehicle is used as transportation on the trip. If you are interested, please contact Deb Miciak at 208-733-1187 or deb@capstonemissions.org.

Our first Crab Feast was a huge success!

2006-03-05T22:45:00.000-08:00

We raised over $10,000 for the children of St. Joseph’s. Thank you to those that came to eat, donated and/or purchased auction items. Also all those that helped to serve to make the evening such a huge success. We could not have done it without you! God is good and we are thankful for your generosity.

Reflecting, remembering, and refried beans?

2006-02-12T16:27:00.000-08:00

Supporters and Trip Alumni of Capstone Missions had the opportunity to come together for a reunion potluck on February 11th. About 32 people participated in the fun event at St. Paul’s in Boise. It was great to reminisce and view the pictures from the January 2006 BSU trip. Below is Brother Selby playing his harp.

St. Paul's 2006 Trip Photo

2006-01-16T08:18:00.000-08:00

St. Joseph’s Home for Children - by Rusty Gideon

2006-01-12T16:05:00.000-08:00

The news from St. Joseph’s continues to be very positive. We have made one administrative trip and two Capstone Missions trips to Tijuana since our last Newsletter; each time the outlook seems brighter. What strikes team members on every trip is the reality that St. Joseph’s is truly a “home,” not just an orphanage. Sisters Maria Elena and Monserrat are rearing these thirteen children in a home, not an institution. The growth and development of the children is proof of the love found there.

The buildings and grounds of St. Joseph’s visibly improve with each visit. Between our Mission trips and occasional contractor work hired by Sr Maria Elena, it is hard to tell that St. Joseph’s is the same place we first saw several years ago. The recent trips found us painting inside and out, improving some plumbing and woodwork. Next on Sr. Maria Elena’s agenda is to redo linoleum floors and begin further painting in the upstairs rooms. Taking care of all those kids is still a 25-hour-a-day job for the Sisters, but the living conditions are no longer a major concern.

Two of the younger boys are in public school. The others attend Catholic schools. Evening around St. Joseph’s find the Sisters devoting as much time as possible to assisting with homework and creating an atmosphere conducive to quiet study. They know that education is the real key to these kids’ futures. Somehow, they find time to drive several of the children to ballet and karate classes, as well. It reminds us of the crammed evenings US soccer moms endure back home. All in all, Capstone is exceedingly proud to support a home that is devoted to the well being of a group of children who would have had almost no chance of a decent future without the dedication of these two wonderful Sisters.

Great news for the New Year!

2006-01-04T10:41:00.000-08:00

In December Bob Fritsch and Chuck Skoro approached a man who has been very generous with other charities in the past and asked him to consider a donation to Capstone Missions. He asked about the mission of the organization and the sorts of needs we had. He also talked about recent changes in the federal tax law that made it advantageous for him to donate before December 31, 2005. He asked for an assurance that if he donated to the organization we would not reduce our efforts to raise money for St. Joseph's. Before he left the meeting he assured Bob and Chuck that he would be making a sizable donation; he just needed to check with his wife. On Christmas Eve after Mass he handed Chuck a check for $40,000. At its upcoming retreat, the board will discuss how to use the donation best.

Board Comings and Goings by Br. Selby Coffman

2005-12-28T07:52:00.000-08:00

Capstone has a truly phenomenal Board of Directors; eleven dedicated volunteers, each regularly committing substantial volunteer time and financial support to make Capstone go. We are part of a larger network of returned Mission volunteers and supporters who are equally important to our ministry. Despite our varied backgrounds, we work together with a remarkable sense of harmony and shared purpose.

Dar Wagner of Twin Falls, one of the original Board members, is stepping down from the Board. She has been Vice President of the Board. Dar has served Capstone in a number of ways, including three mission trips to Tijuana, a variety of fundraising efforts, web site work, maintenance of our mailing list, and newsletter layout. She has graciously agreed to continue with the latter two, and to help in other ways also. Many thanks, Dar!

We welcome new board members Molly Bullock and Eric Adolfson. Both have been dedicated participants in the blooming group of Boise Capstone supporters that Carol Brown, Capstone Coordinator, and others have so ably brought together.

Molly is part of the total Crozier family Capstone effort (Reed, Colleen, Patrick and Katie have all been down to Tijuana numerous times and helped out on many fronts). Molly works for Hewlett Packard in Boise. She arranged to have their corporate funds match individual donations from HP employees. She has been very active with fundraising and publicity as well. She and her husband Guy are expecting their first child in the near future.

Eric Adolfson is a veteran Missions trip volunteer, having gone on eight trips to lend his carpentry expertise. An avid outdoorsman, Eric has worked for City Planning in Caldwell and for the Bureau of Land Management. He and his wife Kari are also expecting; a second child to join their two-year-old, Caleb.

I am stepping down as Capstone President of the Board, though I will remain on Board. It has been a real joy to work with such a passionate, involved, and yet highly collaborative and flexible group of people. There is no doubt that Capstone will continue to develop and increase our ability to serve Christ as He appears in the poorest of the poor in Tijuana and in the children of St. Joseph’s Home.