First, I want to say thank you to all of you who prayed that the swine flu would stay at bay, the borders would stay open and our trip would be a blessing to us and those we visited. Each and every one of those prayers was answered. THANK YOU!!!
The whole reason for this trip was the orphanage in Magdalena, Mexico (Casa Vida Y Esperanza - CVE). We drove ~26 hrs over the course of 2 1/2 days to get there. During the 3 days we were there we met and played with the kids, talked and fellowshipped with the servant-hearted staff, ate some great Mexican food, shared the Lucas story, did a few very basic jobs to help out, and basically experienced life in "the House of Life and Hope." They have an amazing mission to reach not only the children who live there, but the entire community around them.Sunday was really an eye-opening day. We got on a school bus at 8:30 and drove into Magdalena. We
stopped at home after home and picked up people who wanted to come to church. We drove through some very poor neighborhoods and watched children, teens and adults coming out of small block houses, or smaller metal shacks. We picked up Christian Sisters, children who were excited to come to Sunday School, and many who are searching. Andrew and I were blown away as we drove down little winding streets and saw homes that Bill Schick had helped bring running water to, or built an addition onto. And with "Buenos Dias" , kisses and smiles, the bus filled up. We arrived at church just a little before 10. (FYI - the picture at the left was not taken from the bus, I didn't feel pictures were appropriate, but I took it later as we traveled back home).After singing together (in Spanish of course - I tried, but I'm pretty sure I saw some girls giggling in front of me), the kids went to Sunday School (also in Spanish), Andrew stayed in the sanctuary for the men's devotional and I went to the lunchroom to give the devotion to the women. About that - Saturday afternoon Nicole Knobloch asked if I would be willin
g to give my testimony, I said ok and then later that night I asked, "About how long do I need to plan to speak?" "About half an hour," was her reply. Let me tell you, a half hour is a really long time to speak (even with translation time cutting into it). Thankfully, God provided and afterward I was able to spend some time talking to a few of the women, listening to their stories, sometimes in English, sometimes with someone to translate. One woman's son was nearly killed in an accident. She came to CVE for help with medical bills and not only did she find help, but she found Jesus and I am humbled to call her my sister in Christ. I heard several stories like hers. Many of the women have not yet come to Christ, but you can see God working on their hearts. It was such a tremendous blessing to speak with these women.The rest of ou
r time there we got to take part in birthday celebrations, do a couple little jobs around the orphanage and play with the kids. Lucas was able to follow through on his desire and give his money to Seth Gerber (accountant for CVE) who handled the gift with real appreciation and grace. I hope this experience leaves a real imprint on Lucas' young heart to keep dreaming big dreams for God. Our trip was definitely not a typical "work team" experience. Work teams are a fantastic opportunity to focus energy on a specific task to benefit others and I'm thankful to have been on one in the past. However, what we experienced was more, I think, what real mission work is all about...the every day. Every day the staff at CVE get up and decide to serve God in the laundry, discipline, cooking, hugging, cleaning, fixing and loving. They serve in the every day - and I had to think - can the same be said of me? That's my goal.Romans 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
