Power of a Picture

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, if that is the case, our family holds a book's worth of memories. As I sort through over a thousand pictures, I am amazed at the stories they hold. Even more precious than the memories are the hopes, dreams and prayers they represent.

Before our trip, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and encouragement our family received. As we traveled, we knew we were surrounded by prayer and support. Coming home has been even more precious.

As we look back, we are in awe of how smoothly the trip went. 32 people were brought together and we worked with amazing unity. The team was generally healthy, no injuries were suffered. The 70 hour (round trip) drive with 10 children went quite smoothly. Border crossings and military checkpoints were no problem. Every goal we set out to accomplish was met and every person impacted to some level by this trip. At every turn, we could see God at work. When the team pulled into Ensenada, we stopped at a grocery store. A pastor from a local mission that we were to visit was there. It was more than being at the right place at the right time. Never under estimate the power of prayer.

Throughout our trip, people were praying and God was taking care of us far beyond what we will ever understand. Little details, like being done the house early, freed up some men to assist the church with digging a grave (not sure how it would have been done without the extra help). Even having a nurse present to administer the last few injections to a lady dying of cancer, as hard as it was, provided an opportunity to share God's love and compassion. By themselves, these (and many more) details may seem insignificant, but together, they are a good reminder of how God's timing is perfect and how prayer can make a difference.

So, back to the pictures, what makes them so special? These pictures are a reminder. As I look over the pictures, I am reminded of how powerful a dream can be. I am also reminded that the impact of this trip to Mexico goes way beyond our family. The power of an impacted life can make a world of difference. These pictures are also a good reminder to pray--pray for the people we met, pray for an opportunity to return & pray for those seeds that were planted.

Since returning home we've witnessed more answers to prayer. The lady from the women's shelter who wanted to leave? The day after we left, she decided she wanted to stay and get some help. We will continue to pray that the cycle of pain and abuse will end here and that her and her children will experience the healing they need. The mission we stayed with was in need of a truck. The one that carried equipment to and from the work sight was failing fast-worn out, even by Mexico standards (now that's BAD). Today we received word that a truck was donated!

We rejoice in answered prayer! God is at work and Mexico will not be forgotten.

Now . . . back to sorting more of these pictures . . .

The Power of a Goal

It's been over a week since we've left Mexico and the memories only grow more precious to our family. Mornings are strangely quiet as we wake up to radio music instead of the chorus of rooster crows (usually beginning at 5 am). Settling into routine has been challenging since returning--the incredible momentum we had as a team is now diminished since we've achieved our goal, built a house, made an impact. . . and now returned home.

In some ways it's hard to believe that we've saved for 3 years, traveled 7000 km with 5 kids and been to Mexico . . . we did what we set out to do. Thankfully I don't feel a huge let down like I thought might happen, instead, the passion of what shifted in our hearts is fanning something deeper in all of us.

I have to brag a bit about our team. Our common bond was homeschooling, some were cousins, some good friends, but overall, the 32 people on the team were not incredibly close before the trip, but once there, the connection went deep. Within 24 hours of the team being brought together, the bond formed quickly. We were here with a common purpose and a vision to make a difference for God. When sickness plagued the different members of the team, the loss was felt.

Highlights for many were our evening team meetings where we shared what stood out as significant in our day. We were able to build up and encourage each other, challenge each other spiritually, have fun together and accomplish so much in a week. (Hmm, sounds a bit like what God wants in the church, doesn't it?)

So what brought such incredible unity? We were from different churches, different school boards and all different ages. What drew us together was a common goal, to serve together in Mexico--build a house, love the kids, and serve where needed. It was incredible to see how God used each of our skills, gifts and strengths. By the end of the week, we felt like we had received so much more than we gave, because of joy that comes with serving!

Again, the question is now what? What's our next goal? Well, our hope and dream is to build off of what God has already done. . . there's been a distinct shift in our hearts. Let's not get so caught up in our own world, when there's so much need in the world around us. Our pastor has been speaking about how to be rich (not necessarily with finances, but with all God has given us to share) . . . how timely! We come home with a reminder that we are rich indeed. Our hope and prayer is that God will use us where we are to make a difference for Him!

We are Home now, so Where do we Go from Here!

Ah, there's truly no place like home! According to my calculations, we had over 70 hours of driving (that's to and from Vicente Guerrero, not driving around while we were there). Of that time, we had 1 hour of rain and 20 minutes of slush . . . we are so thankful for safe driving conditions;)

Settling in and unpacking has been a bit surreal, my heart is still in Mexico. Here, I am overwhelmed by all we have--so many luxuries we take for granted (heat, running water, a clean house, space . . . and an abundance of stuff--though that may not necessarily be a luxury).

As I gaze around our home, I can't help but think of the family in the Mexico who are in the home the team built. They went from a tiny home with 2 beds to a "spacious" dwelling about the size of my living room.

Vicente Guerrero is in the San Quinten Valley--a rich valley known for producing fruits and vegetables. Fields and greenhouses stretch for miles. Cucumbers, strawberries, cilantro, snow peas, beans and countless other fruits and veggies are grown. These fields are tended by workers hired for just a few dollars a day. Many come from either the mainland or southern Mexico, so they are known as migrant workers (even though they may spend their entire life in the same location). They are generally looked down upon as a lower class.

The family we built for are one of these families. The grandmother is blind in one eye, so on top of being a recognizable migrant worker, she has a physical handicap that makes it even more challenging to get work. She looks much older than her 58 years . . . yet she has taken on the role of caregiver for her 2 granddaughters (3 & 8).

I guess it is a rarity to build a house where the existing dwelling is actually on the same property. We had the privilege of working with the family, seeing their present home, spending time with them and understanding the enormity of the house we were building. Talk about eye opening.

So, the question our family has been asking each other is "now what?". For years, we've been gearing up for this trip, and now that it's done, we need to let the sights, memories and lessons settle deep in our hearts. As we look at pictures, talk about highlights and miss those who've impacted lives, we need to recognize that life here needs to carry on. The suitcases are unpacked, laundry caught up and the initial shock is wearing off, now, back to reality.

What is our reality? Our family has come back with a different perspective. Needs are being weighed our with wants and the Christmas wish list drastically shortened as we realize how blessed we truly are. The goal of being a missions-focused family is in it's early stages and not yet met, no, we are just getting started . . . so, we are back to building our missions fund, setting up chairs and saving for the next adventure God has for us!

There's a Shift

Way back before we left for Mexico, I remember my kids saying that they anticipated that the most challenging part of the mission trip would be the change in them individually when they got back, especially magnified with Christmas just around the corner. I appreciated their realistic insight, and I agree 100%. I realized that there has been that shift in me, as well.

I recognize that a mission trip can drastically shift your perspective and that you can return feeling quite angry at the culture we live in. My intent isn't to blast anyone, but to share my opinion. . .

One contrast that I recognize has been of that towards authority (police and military). In Mexico, military stops are very frequent and once you get over the fact that they are casually toting machine guns, wearing full masks and overall, very intimidating, you need to remember that they are stopping and searching vehicles looking for the drug lords, smugglers, etc. for our safety. When we crossed the border, there was one more checkpoint, this time by the US border patrol. They were looking for illegal immigrants and were shocked that we had driven in Mexico (they said it was incredibly dangerous). While the first few mexican checkpoints were scary (warnings of the dangers to tourists flashed through my head) the reassurance of God's ultimate protection surrounded me.

There was a distinct cultural difference once we crossed the border. It was beyond the houses, roads and litter, the shift went from needs to excessive. This was magnified even more when we went off the highway and drove "The Strip" in Las Vegas. Perhaps at another time it wouldn't be so repulsive to me, or maybe not . . . I was reminded of the old west, where the stores would put up huge, fancy fronts to hide the simple shacks behind. It was a disguise or even deception, more for show then practicality.

As we drove past the flashing lights, stores with everything, huge shows and plenty of people, I couldn't help but thing about the blue, tarped, shelter that housed Carmela and her family. The shelter was only big enough for 2 filthy mattresses, nothing else. The house we built looked like a palace next to it, yet it would be considered a garden shed to most in Canada. Contrasts.

I think the hardest thing to wrap my mind around right now is the fact that it is Christmas in just a few weeks. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas, it's probably my most favourite time of the year, but was has thrown me is the jump from a poverty-stricken neighbourhood, to Christmas commercials focusing on getting all the "stuff".

I am not about to throw out the celebrating of Christ's birth, but I am praying for clear wisdom on how to keep Christmas a meaningful celebration without being consumed (or jaded) by the materialism. Even shopping has shifted this year as I found simple treasures in Mexico--each with a story behind them.

At this point, we are all beyond exhausted and just ready to be home. We are planning on not jumping into life quickly, but instead, taking a few days to meditate on and process all we learned. Our deepest prayer is that the lessons learned would take root deep in our hearts and not be choked out by unnecessary distractions.

Reflections of a Great Trip

Back to US soil and I can't get Mexico out of my mind. It's crazy how I had too much to think about before the trip, so I didn't sleep, I was so pumped traveling that sleep didn't come easily, too much to process while there in Mexico and now, so much to share, I still am not sleeping! Oh well, I know sleep will come--eventually (another prayer request??)

As or family drove through the mountains and valleys of the Baja, we were able to talk about some of our highlights. Over the next few days, I will share some of them with you.

This trip had everything I had hoped for. I wanted a place where our entire family could go--and we got that, even though we weren't together all the time, we all got to share in this experience--no one was left behind. It was hard work, eye opening, uncomfortable, sacrificial and a great introduction to how much of the world lives. This experience provided us with a good opportunity to step away from the excessive culture we live in and evaluate what truly is important.

I am finally getting sleepy, so I will quickly share with you one highlight from each family member:

Kim--the joy of using a drama from Bible School to connect with so many people (Chocolate Box).

Renae--seeing how the puppets we brought were used so many times to minister from preschooler to the elderly.

Nathan--seeing how much we truly have and how little we really need.

Abigail--making such an impact on the daycare kids, that when she walks in the dining room they ALL start chanting her name!

Naomi--finding out how easy it is to build a house and change a family's life.

Joel--how playing with kids who don't speak English can be just as much fun as in Canada.

Ethan--preschool in Mexico is just like preschool in Canada--he just fit right in and loved the kids!

Tomorrow, we head north, crossing Hoover Dam & stopping at Saint George, Utah. We are looking forward to being home soon!

Mission Trip Wrap Up

Tender tummies, aching backs, sore throats, and exhaustion are a common bond connecting our team. Aside from a puppet show in church, our work is done.

Connections that go beyond language have been knit. Friendships have been formed and dreams of a return trip are now hidden in many hearts.

We are in awe of what can be accomplished by group effort in under a week. In a week we: built a house, dug a grave, played with children, fed over 150, performed 7 puppet plays, encouraged seniors, ministered in a drug and alcohol rehab meeting, handed out food and clothing, prayed for people, taught new skills and hopefully made a difference.

In return, we've learned new skills, made many friends, been blessed beyond measure, had our perspectives shifted, hearts broken and hopefully our lives changed forever.

Please pray for our team as we travel home this week. Also, please pray that the seeds planted in our hearts would bear fruit in the coming weeks, months and years. Thank you for all your prayers, support and encouragement!

A Busy Day to End an Incredible Week

As days go, this was another busy one (perhaps the busiest?). Early this morning a group headed back to the job site to finish the last of the house (landscaping and interior painting). A second group picked up and built bunk beds for the little girls in the home we built.

Others stayed and found clothes for the family, gifts to distribute to the daycare kids, and sorted clothes off the needy people who come to "Welcome Home". Everyone met at 11:30 for the home dedication. It was an emotional time for all involved. For the team, what an amazing feeling to see a beautiful house standing on a once barren hill. For the family, they were overwhelmed and thankful. Our prayer is that this will be a life changing moment that God will use in their lives. After the ceremony, the family was left to take in their new home.

We all rushed back and cleared off the work trucks and cleaned up for lunch. A few of the strongest men left again to dig a grave. A lady from the church had been battling cancer and she passed away last night. The family couldn't afford to pay for the burial expenses so the team is helping however possible.

Immediately following lunch, we gave the daycare children gifts from Canada. this is where it hit us that we are leaving soon.

A large group of us headed to the market for authentic Mexican products. In under an hour I finished my Christmas shopping (just don't tell my family:)

We rushed back for a quick trip to a senior's home where the teens performed some puppet songs (which were thoroughly enjoyed). We hurried back for a quick bite before heading to a men's drug and alcohol rehab meeting. Kim revived an old drama (Chocolate Box) with a new twist and did amazing sharing with the men and the teens did another puppet show (that makes 6 this trip).

It is hitting the team that we are leaving soon. The time has been life changing, overwhelming and amazing and we hope that the memories and lessons learned will stay with us for a long time.