I'm posting way early today because tonight we are staying with a family in the community. Jimmy and I will be at one house and Lauren and Chelsea at another. Thank God Jimmy speaks pretty good Spanish.
So today we led a community Bible lesson for the kids. There were about 20 kids. One of the biggest cultural differences is how friendly all the kids are. They just come up and hug you, and when they leave they say good bye and give you a hug. Most of them say good bye in English. It's so cute. So we focused on the creation story in Genesis, and they had the kids plant seeds. Earlier this week we build a small raised bed to start an organic garden. Not only will the kids be able to watch the seeds grow, but the food can be used to feed them at lunch time. It was a great morning.
This afternoon we went to the secundo, which is essentially a flee market. You could find just about anything there. I had pork tacos for lunch. The shave the meat fresh off the spit. Have I mentioned I love the food. Jimmy decided he wanted some comfort food, so he got a pizza. It started promising. The lady rolled the dough, and grated the cheese fresh then put the pizza in a oven in the back of a van. When I say oven, I mean like the gas oven you have in your kitchen. It's amazing how simple things can be, and still be affective. The final product was awful. Apparently pizza sauce is not a Mexican specialty. I guess we should have been tipped off by the bottles of ketchup on the table. That's right folks...ketchup on pizza.
So we're back at the community center taking a break before dinner and leaving for our home-stay.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Day 4: Whoa!!! Too hard to put into words!
The day started way too early, but not because of our schedule. I never sleep very well, but when you need to write a sermon to prepare the next evening sleep just doesn't happen. So I was up before the rooster crowed...litterally. The rooster crows every morning starting around 5:00.
We went downtown to Ensenada this afternoon. Ensenada is a beautiful port city where cruise ships dock. Tourism and fishing are the biggest industries so their is plenty to do, with lots of shops and nice restaurants. We ate at a cool restaurant that roasted chicken on an open fire. 1/2 a chicken and fries for $8.50. The food was awesome (I may have mentioned that in a previous blog).
Then we went to Javier's church. When we arrived their were lots of people standing in the dark because the church wasn't open yet. Yes on a Friday night people were waiting outside to get into a place and it wasn't a night club...it was a church. The church was large based on the other churches we've attended since we've been here. They had about half of the church completed and were in the process of finishing the other half. The church had an amazing band, which played for about an hour, and while they did several people were dancing and every body clapps to the music. Then Jimmy and Lauren sang. They are incredibly talented and sounded great (not a shocker there). Then Chelsea gave a testimonial, or what we refer to as her call story. Then it was my turn to preach. Javier has challenged us all week, by putting us in positions we may not put ourselves in. An example being preaching at his church to about 75-100 people. I thought I might be a little nervous but actually I felt pretty good. JJ read my sermon earlier in the day and was very reseptive to the message. Abby was my translator. In case I didn't say in an earlier blog, Abby, JJ and Javier are all with Lantern Hill.
I preached my sermon in English and Abby translated. It was harder than I expected to find the appropriate rythem of preaching and pausing for translation, but I think it went pretty well. It is difficult to carry the emotion of the sermon through the pauses, but Abby was awesome at conveying the emotion in Spanish. The worship experience was much different, the congregation will give you affirmations of amen, and haleluia during the sermon. As most if not all of you know I am an emotional person. So toward the begining of my sermon I got a couple amens, which almost brought me to tears. For me it was affirmation that I had connected with people of a different culture, not to mention Lutherans don't talk while you preach. I was pretty sure I'd cry at the end of my sermon, and I almost did, but I was able to keep myself together. I really enjoy preaching in general, but this was one I will NEVER forget.
Below is the manuscripted I preached from. The (...'s) are there for pauses for Abby to translate, and I'm too tired to edit them out.
This has been an amazing experience, and I'm having a blast. My only regret is that Camden and Christina are not here. I miss them and love them terribly. Next time they will be here, and yes there will be a next time.
We went downtown to Ensenada this afternoon. Ensenada is a beautiful port city where cruise ships dock. Tourism and fishing are the biggest industries so their is plenty to do, with lots of shops and nice restaurants. We ate at a cool restaurant that roasted chicken on an open fire. 1/2 a chicken and fries for $8.50. The food was awesome (I may have mentioned that in a previous blog).
Then we went to Javier's church. When we arrived their were lots of people standing in the dark because the church wasn't open yet. Yes on a Friday night people were waiting outside to get into a place and it wasn't a night club...it was a church. The church was large based on the other churches we've attended since we've been here. They had about half of the church completed and were in the process of finishing the other half. The church had an amazing band, which played for about an hour, and while they did several people were dancing and every body clapps to the music. Then Jimmy and Lauren sang. They are incredibly talented and sounded great (not a shocker there). Then Chelsea gave a testimonial, or what we refer to as her call story. Then it was my turn to preach. Javier has challenged us all week, by putting us in positions we may not put ourselves in. An example being preaching at his church to about 75-100 people. I thought I might be a little nervous but actually I felt pretty good. JJ read my sermon earlier in the day and was very reseptive to the message. Abby was my translator. In case I didn't say in an earlier blog, Abby, JJ and Javier are all with Lantern Hill.
I preached my sermon in English and Abby translated. It was harder than I expected to find the appropriate rythem of preaching and pausing for translation, but I think it went pretty well. It is difficult to carry the emotion of the sermon through the pauses, but Abby was awesome at conveying the emotion in Spanish. The worship experience was much different, the congregation will give you affirmations of amen, and haleluia during the sermon. As most if not all of you know I am an emotional person. So toward the begining of my sermon I got a couple amens, which almost brought me to tears. For me it was affirmation that I had connected with people of a different culture, not to mention Lutherans don't talk while you preach. I was pretty sure I'd cry at the end of my sermon, and I almost did, but I was able to keep myself together. I really enjoy preaching in general, but this was one I will NEVER forget.
Below is the manuscripted I preached from. The (...'s) are there for pauses for Abby to translate, and I'm too tired to edit them out.
Mark 12: 28-34
We are different…I am American…You are Mexican…We are different…Our skin is a different color…Our eyes are a different color…We are different…We do not worship the same…At my church we rarely clap during songs…we are different.
This is my first time in Mexico…and all I heard before I got here…was we are different. Some people in my country…think it is ok to have a fence between our countries…because we are different. On the plane to get here…I wondered what was so different about us. Now I know what is so different. NOTHING…nothing is different about us. We don’t look the same…we don’t speak the same language…we don’t listen to the same music…the food is different…BUT WE ARE NOT DIFFERENT. We are the same.
In the book of Genesis…it says we are created in the image of God. It does not say…Americans are created in the image of God….it does not say…Mexicans are created in the image of God…we are ALL created in the image of God.
We are the same. The longer I am here…the more I can see…we are the same. Last night…I went with my friends…to a different church. And I was reminded…how much we are the same. I saw a young couple…maybe 20 or 25 years old. You could tell they were in love...by the way they looked at each other. Young couples… have the same look in their eyes…no matter where they are from. And I realized we are the same…God created us that way. Love, and hate…happiness and sadness…joy and pain…they are the same in any culture. They are the same across the world.
In our reading today…we are told…love the Lord your God…with all your heart…with all your soul…and with all your mind and with all your strength. That is not always easy. We have families…and jobs…and kids to raise. We are not perfect…we all sin…we all fall short…of what God asks of us. No matter how hard we try…we are not perfect. But do you know…what is the most beautiful thing? God still loves us…God loves us even though we fail. God gave his only son…Jesus died on the cross…for the forgiveness of our sins. God sees no race…no culture. Jesus died on the cross…for you and for me. Jesus death and resurrection…happened a long time ago. But the Holy Spirit is with us today. The Holy Spirit fills us…with love and grace…every day. For that I am thankful. I will never…be able to repay God…for all of my debts. But I will thank…and praise him every day.
I know that every day…every night…every moment…every second the Holy Spirit walks with me. And he walks with you too.
We are also told in our reading today…to love our neighbor as our self. Who is our neighbor? Is it the person…that lives next to you? Is it the person…who is sitting beside you now? Is it a person you work with? Or…is our neighbor from a different town…a different city…or a different country?
YES YES YES YES YES YES
Your neighbor is all of these. And we are called by God…to love each and every one them. I do not mean…to love them…like the young couple I talked about before. I mean to care for them…to help them when they need help. To really care…about the people we meet. That is what God wants us to do.
Sometimes we are so busy…we ask…How are you doing…and we don’t even listen to the answer. Loving your neighbor…is not only being nice. Loving your neighbor…is listening…loving your neighbor…is caring about them. Loving your neighbor…is doing what you can to help.
The light of Christ…shines in us. It is up to us…to shine that light in the darkness. The darkness of people…who do not know Christ. The darkness…of your neighbor in need. The darkness…of a neighborhood in need. The darkness…of the world in need. It is our job…to shine the light of Christ…in Mexico…in the United States…and around the world.
We are the light…and the Holy Spirit…is the electricity…that fuels our lights. When we worship and pray…our lights get re-charged. So we can spread the light…and the love of God…to everyone we meet. No matter how different…they may seem.
But prayer…should not just happen in church. Prayer needs to be part of our day…then our light will stay bright. When we open our hearts to the Lord…God tells us…where to shine our light.
Each of our lights…may shine in different places…but we are all carrying the same light. The light of Christ.
We are all different. But we are all the same…we are all children of God…we are all brothers and sisters in Christ…sharing the light.
When I go home in a few days…I will leave with my friends…and I will be leaving… new friends here in Mexico. But my light will shine…even brighter…because I will take your light with me…wherever I go. Together we can light the world. Amen
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 3: Let their be light!!
Today I ended up at the one store in the states, that I refuse to shop at...Home Depot. On one hand it was really the first bit of American culture since I've been here, unless you count the Coke that was purchased at a little Mexican store, but that was in glass bottles and made with real sugar so I say that doesn't count. On the other hand, I hate Home Depot. I guess that was my confessional moment. Javier hates working with electricity, so I'm wiring lights in what will eventually be the new all purpose room in the community center. So we went to home depot for supplies. We ran out of time today so I'm hoping I can finish before we leave, but if not they have a nice head start on the project.
This evening we went to our second church service in 3 days. Getting there was an ADVENTURE. I will never ever ever ever complain about our roads. Steep hills are bad, dirt roads are bad, big gullies in the roads are bad. Combine all three and you have yourself an adventure. It was as close as I'll ever get to bull riding, and I'm OK with that. Today was a "short" service. It was only two hours. Yep two hours of church understanding 1 out of every 20 words if I was lucky was challenging. Apparently they like to put people on the spot here, since we were asked to sing a song. Y'all know how well I sing and how much I like doing it. The sermon was great. He was extremely passionate, and apparently very funny. Everyone else laughed serval times. Then after the sermon the pastor dropped some lady, Benny Hinn style. When Priscilla (more about her in a minute) walked in she said, "There's a lady laying on the floor." That was our thought too, but we couldn't get away with saying it out loud. It's great to be a kid. After the service the pastor, and her two sons, and a girlfriend came back for dinner. We had molay (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). Molay is pulled pork in a chocolate chili sauce. It wasn't a sweet chocolate sauce so I'm guessing more like our baking cocoa. It was awesome...have I mentioned I love the food!!!
So Priscilla is a nine year old teen ager, as she puts it. That little girl has more spunk and attitude than anyone I know. She is hilarious and she loves the Orioles. When she found out I had a son she asked how old. I said twelve and she wrinkled her nose in disappointment. She was hoping more like 9, but when I told her she was really a teenager felt much better. So I showed her a picture of Camden, and she said, "Hubba hubba!" Yeah she's got spunk. She was our translator at dinner she speaks awesome English and Spanish. What a wonderful little girl, I wish I could bring her home.
So the lesson or lessons taken from today...You can feel the presence of God in song and worship no matter what language. The look in the eyes of a couple in love is universally recognizable, and down here...they like to put people on the spot. Before we left for church tonight Javier asked me if I would be willing to preach at his church tomorrow. This is the "long" service!!! Like three hours!!! I sure hope they don't expect me to fill it with a sermon. I am honored to have been asked. When I asked how long he replied 20-40 minutes. If I include time for the interpreter I think I can hit that range. The bad news is we are leaving the site tomorrow morning and won't be back until after the church service. Which means the sermon needs to be written tonight. So if you're one inclined to pray, please do. If you're not, please do it anyway.
God Bless
This evening we went to our second church service in 3 days. Getting there was an ADVENTURE. I will never ever ever ever complain about our roads. Steep hills are bad, dirt roads are bad, big gullies in the roads are bad. Combine all three and you have yourself an adventure. It was as close as I'll ever get to bull riding, and I'm OK with that. Today was a "short" service. It was only two hours. Yep two hours of church understanding 1 out of every 20 words if I was lucky was challenging. Apparently they like to put people on the spot here, since we were asked to sing a song. Y'all know how well I sing and how much I like doing it. The sermon was great. He was extremely passionate, and apparently very funny. Everyone else laughed serval times. Then after the sermon the pastor dropped some lady, Benny Hinn style. When Priscilla (more about her in a minute) walked in she said, "There's a lady laying on the floor." That was our thought too, but we couldn't get away with saying it out loud. It's great to be a kid. After the service the pastor, and her two sons, and a girlfriend came back for dinner. We had molay (I'm sure I spelled that wrong). Molay is pulled pork in a chocolate chili sauce. It wasn't a sweet chocolate sauce so I'm guessing more like our baking cocoa. It was awesome...have I mentioned I love the food!!!
So Priscilla is a nine year old teen ager, as she puts it. That little girl has more spunk and attitude than anyone I know. She is hilarious and she loves the Orioles. When she found out I had a son she asked how old. I said twelve and she wrinkled her nose in disappointment. She was hoping more like 9, but when I told her she was really a teenager felt much better. So I showed her a picture of Camden, and she said, "Hubba hubba!" Yeah she's got spunk. She was our translator at dinner she speaks awesome English and Spanish. What a wonderful little girl, I wish I could bring her home.
So the lesson or lessons taken from today...You can feel the presence of God in song and worship no matter what language. The look in the eyes of a couple in love is universally recognizable, and down here...they like to put people on the spot. Before we left for church tonight Javier asked me if I would be willing to preach at his church tomorrow. This is the "long" service!!! Like three hours!!! I sure hope they don't expect me to fill it with a sermon. I am honored to have been asked. When I asked how long he replied 20-40 minutes. If I include time for the interpreter I think I can hit that range. The bad news is we are leaving the site tomorrow morning and won't be back until after the church service. Which means the sermon needs to be written tonight. So if you're one inclined to pray, please do. If you're not, please do it anyway.
God Bless
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day 2: Too tired for a catchy title
Today was our first full day in Mexico. Unfortunitely my body is still on Eastern Standard Time, so I woke up at my normal time, which makes it REALLY early here. We started the day with an awesome breakfast. I can't remember what is was called but it was essentially scrambled eggs mixed with a spicy sausage with beans in a tortilla. The food is awesome.
I should note that we did have running water today, although I haven't made it to the shower yet. I know what you're thinking...but i'm not the only one. I know what you're thinking...and not it doesn't smell bad in here. But I will be showering tomorrow.
We started the day with a tour of the community we are staying in. It's incredible the negative affects a government can have, and I'm not talking about Washington D.C. This community has been here for about 15 years and the governement has done basically nothing. No drainage, no garbage pick up, nothing!!! Well unless you count them re-grating the road every two years. That's right when election time comes, they re-grate the main roads, both of them. Mighty sporty of them considering many of the roads become impassible to most cars because of the ruts that wind their way through the street, and eventually fill with trash. There is little place to put trash, so rather than clutter the house, it gets put outside somewhere. Some of it gets burnt and some of it gets taken to the dump, and some gets eaten by the dogs that roam around. It is difficult to tell which animals are pets and which are strays. Many seem to be in poor health. Needless to say taking the dog to the groomer is way down on their priority list. Javier (one of our hosts) calls the people of this area the working poor.
Today we hosted some children for English lessons. The kids go to school for 4 hours a day, either morning or afternoon. Here at Lantern Hill they try to supplement that education. Today we had a morning, and an afternoon group here for English lessons. Two boys walked 45 minutes to get here for the English lessons, then had to walk back to school. When they got to school it was closed because the teachers didn't show up because they weren't getting paid. That's a pretty good indication of how important education is to the Mexican government. I didn't help with the English lesson, I helped in the kitchen instead. I fried tortillas for potato tacos and made soup. I had no clue what I was doing with the soup but it turned out really well.
After the kids left we did some project work here at the community center. Two computers were donated prior to our arrival, so we began to build a desk for them and some shelving. It sounds like we will finish that tomorrow, and I'll be wiring some lights in the unfinished all purpose room. The kids are so friendly and sweet it is awesome, how many kids give you a hug as they leave and thank you for making them lunch.
This evening we were supposed to go to another church service, but JJ from Lantern Hill tore some legaments in his ankle as we were leaving. That changed our plans and we missed the church service, but I don't think anybody minded. It allowed us a little extra rest and some great fellowship. Sometimes language isn't a barrier at all.
I have no clue what our plan is for tomorrow but I'm sure it will be interesting and rewarding. Every second here reminds me of how blessed I really am. I am blessed to live in a country we often complain about, and I am blessed to have a wonderful family who I was able to Skype with tonight. It was great to see their faces and hear their voices, but it also make you want to be home cuddled up on the sofa. I'm certain God has a plan for me on this trip I just haven't figured it all out yet.
So many things go through your head as you walk around these streets. All you want to do is help and sometimes it's hard to know where to start.
I should note that we did have running water today, although I haven't made it to the shower yet. I know what you're thinking...but i'm not the only one. I know what you're thinking...and not it doesn't smell bad in here. But I will be showering tomorrow.
We started the day with a tour of the community we are staying in. It's incredible the negative affects a government can have, and I'm not talking about Washington D.C. This community has been here for about 15 years and the governement has done basically nothing. No drainage, no garbage pick up, nothing!!! Well unless you count them re-grating the road every two years. That's right when election time comes, they re-grate the main roads, both of them. Mighty sporty of them considering many of the roads become impassible to most cars because of the ruts that wind their way through the street, and eventually fill with trash. There is little place to put trash, so rather than clutter the house, it gets put outside somewhere. Some of it gets burnt and some of it gets taken to the dump, and some gets eaten by the dogs that roam around. It is difficult to tell which animals are pets and which are strays. Many seem to be in poor health. Needless to say taking the dog to the groomer is way down on their priority list. Javier (one of our hosts) calls the people of this area the working poor.
Today we hosted some children for English lessons. The kids go to school for 4 hours a day, either morning or afternoon. Here at Lantern Hill they try to supplement that education. Today we had a morning, and an afternoon group here for English lessons. Two boys walked 45 minutes to get here for the English lessons, then had to walk back to school. When they got to school it was closed because the teachers didn't show up because they weren't getting paid. That's a pretty good indication of how important education is to the Mexican government. I didn't help with the English lesson, I helped in the kitchen instead. I fried tortillas for potato tacos and made soup. I had no clue what I was doing with the soup but it turned out really well.
After the kids left we did some project work here at the community center. Two computers were donated prior to our arrival, so we began to build a desk for them and some shelving. It sounds like we will finish that tomorrow, and I'll be wiring some lights in the unfinished all purpose room. The kids are so friendly and sweet it is awesome, how many kids give you a hug as they leave and thank you for making them lunch.
This evening we were supposed to go to another church service, but JJ from Lantern Hill tore some legaments in his ankle as we were leaving. That changed our plans and we missed the church service, but I don't think anybody minded. It allowed us a little extra rest and some great fellowship. Sometimes language isn't a barrier at all.
I have no clue what our plan is for tomorrow but I'm sure it will be interesting and rewarding. Every second here reminds me of how blessed I really am. I am blessed to live in a country we often complain about, and I am blessed to have a wonderful family who I was able to Skype with tonight. It was great to see their faces and hear their voices, but it also make you want to be home cuddled up on the sofa. I'm certain God has a plan for me on this trip I just haven't figured it all out yet.
So many things go through your head as you walk around these streets. All you want to do is help and sometimes it's hard to know where to start.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Day 1 "Where there is darkness
Well day one is officially in the books. All that lies ahead is some sleep, we'll see how that goes. I'm not real sure how to organize and structure this blog stuff, so I'll take it in chronological order.
The travel time was long but not nearly as bad as expected. Flying into both Salt Lake City, surrounded by snow capped mountains, and San Diego along the Pacific Ocean were breath taking. However, they paled in comparison to numerous points along our drive from Tijuana to Ensenada.
While that was the beauty you also saw the harsh realities of an impoverished nation. Place most of us wouldn't consider living in. Place that many wouldn't call inhabitable, but that is not reality here. It was baffling to see high-rise resort hotels being built next to "shacks". Although due to the housing market claps (yes they had one too) many home and hotel constructions were stopped leaving large unfinished structures next to these tiny "shacks".
The part of Ensenada that we are staying has one maybe two paved roads and is set in the dusty hills. The roads to us would seem impassable, but none the less traffic moves, not that there is much of it. It's hard to describe a town like this by American standards, we really don't have anything like it. I remember a scene from Bad Boys where Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are racing a Hummer through homes down a hillside. That's sort of what this town is like.
The home we are staying in is very nice by Ensenada standards but many I imagine would be uncomfortable. It feels safe and everyone was extremely hospitable!!! We had no running water tonight so no showers and toilet flushing is by buckets gathered outside. Hopefully the water issue will be resolved sooner rather than later. Tomorrow I were going on a mini walking tour of town.
Tonight we went to a worship service at a drug rehab facility/group. Lauren preached a beautiful sermon, which was translated for the men, and Jimmy picked the guitar masterfully to lead a few songs. Electricity is scarce so we were led down some poorly lit hall ways into a room that was moderately lit. But Jesus brings light into the darkness, and tonight that dimly lit room was a glow with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
When we arrive back at our house for the week we had a dinner consisting of fish tacos. First time for me, but it likely won't be my last...yum!!!
All is well, hopefully I'll have a chance to post tomorrow.
God Bless
The travel time was long but not nearly as bad as expected. Flying into both Salt Lake City, surrounded by snow capped mountains, and San Diego along the Pacific Ocean were breath taking. However, they paled in comparison to numerous points along our drive from Tijuana to Ensenada.
While that was the beauty you also saw the harsh realities of an impoverished nation. Place most of us wouldn't consider living in. Place that many wouldn't call inhabitable, but that is not reality here. It was baffling to see high-rise resort hotels being built next to "shacks". Although due to the housing market claps (yes they had one too) many home and hotel constructions were stopped leaving large unfinished structures next to these tiny "shacks".
The part of Ensenada that we are staying has one maybe two paved roads and is set in the dusty hills. The roads to us would seem impassable, but none the less traffic moves, not that there is much of it. It's hard to describe a town like this by American standards, we really don't have anything like it. I remember a scene from Bad Boys where Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are racing a Hummer through homes down a hillside. That's sort of what this town is like.
The home we are staying in is very nice by Ensenada standards but many I imagine would be uncomfortable. It feels safe and everyone was extremely hospitable!!! We had no running water tonight so no showers and toilet flushing is by buckets gathered outside. Hopefully the water issue will be resolved sooner rather than later. Tomorrow I were going on a mini walking tour of town.
Tonight we went to a worship service at a drug rehab facility/group. Lauren preached a beautiful sermon, which was translated for the men, and Jimmy picked the guitar masterfully to lead a few songs. Electricity is scarce so we were led down some poorly lit hall ways into a room that was moderately lit. But Jesus brings light into the darkness, and tonight that dimly lit room was a glow with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
When we arrive back at our house for the week we had a dinner consisting of fish tacos. First time for me, but it likely won't be my last...yum!!!
All is well, hopefully I'll have a chance to post tomorrow.
God Bless
We're on our way!!!
As the plane bounces around at about 15,000 feet I can't help but reflect on the bumps in my life that somehow led me to this mission trip to Mexico and Seminary for that matter. I would have never imagined any of this.
Just to highlight the changes, Camden's mother returned from Mexico yesterday, and I'm leaving today. Funny how things work. Needless, to say the mission for our trips are vastly different. I'm going to experience a new culture and to serve in some way those who are so much less fortunate. I'm sure her trip involved beaches and umbrella clad frozen drinks. At one point in my life I was much more likely to grab a glass than a Bible or hammer to help those in need. As I said...I never would have imagined.
I'm anxious for this experience...not a nervous anxiousness, but an excitement. I've seen pictures of the community we are going to serve, and it's safe to say the point will be driven home once I arrive. I live a privledged life. I'm not wealthy by American standards, but where I am headed, I would be wealthy indeed.
My laptop battery is losing steam, so I'll post later.
Love ya all & God Bless
Chad
Just to highlight the changes, Camden's mother returned from Mexico yesterday, and I'm leaving today. Funny how things work. Needless, to say the mission for our trips are vastly different. I'm going to experience a new culture and to serve in some way those who are so much less fortunate. I'm sure her trip involved beaches and umbrella clad frozen drinks. At one point in my life I was much more likely to grab a glass than a Bible or hammer to help those in need. As I said...I never would have imagined.
I'm anxious for this experience...not a nervous anxiousness, but an excitement. I've seen pictures of the community we are going to serve, and it's safe to say the point will be driven home once I arrive. I live a privledged life. I'm not wealthy by American standards, but where I am headed, I would be wealthy indeed.
My laptop battery is losing steam, so I'll post later.
Love ya all & God Bless
Chad
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Welcome
So I'm just a few days away from a mission trip to Mexico, so I thought I would start a blog and attempt to blog during my trip.
This blog in the future will likely cover topics such as, religion, and sports such as baseball and hockey. Who knows what else this might cover being that I'm just getting started.
Time will tell.
Peace
This blog in the future will likely cover topics such as, religion, and sports such as baseball and hockey. Who knows what else this might cover being that I'm just getting started.
Time will tell.
Peace
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