Outreach
Imagine: beautiful green mountains, trees blossoming with oranges, bananas, and apples, random cascading waterfalls, clear rivers that are clean enough to cleanse your body, and people who would sleep on hard wood floors so that you can sleep in there beds for the night. This was the reality of Huitzitzilingo. This beautiful small pueblo, home of the languages of Spanish and Náhuatl, revealed a new way of living to my American mindset. Our team of 30 trekked from Pachuca to Huitzitzilingo around the gorgeous green curvy roads. Here, we had the opportunity to do dramas at the town centro, teach basketball technique to young mothers, listen to people’s struggles, laugh over spilled crumbs on the floor ( I was offered a fresh donut and accidentally crumbled it all over the floor… you can about imagine), and enjoy God’s creation of natural rivers and skyscraping cliffs. It was a beautiful area with a different way of living. The pace of life is much more relaxed. People take time to chat while sitting in lawn chairs outside their small, simple homes. The streets are lined with dogs that have become pets to the whole city. On Saturdays, a market ventures into the city, where a variety of things are sold ranging from gigantic watermelon to small colorful hair ties. Prices are cheap, but conversation is rich. God taught me something new about his world and how each part is so different. One afternoon we ventured up the rugged green mountains to a calm serene area on the top of the mountain. Here, we had the opportunity to worship our Lord through creation. We sang out to God and asked Him to bless the city. I pray that He is and will continue to because I know was blessed through the experience. Thank you God for different cultures.
miércoles, 14 de mayo de 2008
jueves, 10 de abril de 2008
Tecate
April 9, 2008, today is the 9th day of our extreme travels through Mexico. Currently, we are residing in Tecate, the home of the Tecate beer factory. Here, us wild ywamers have had the opportunity to minister to people inside and outside the city through our wacky dramas with flamboyant clown outfits, our personal real life stories, and our help making a new base feel like an actual home. The Tecate residents have a spark of friendliness in their eyes, but the group that has engulfed my heart the most is the children.
The children are vibrant, young, and playful. Today, our group went to an all boys ranch orphanage where we had the opportunity to perform our dramas and spend time with the little young men. They were all very grateful for the time spent jumping rope, kicking a soccer ball around, and simply laughing together. I jump roped with the boys and played tag with one special boy named Jose. He was quick on his feet and we laughed tons because it was as if a turtle was chasing a gazelle. He was fast! When we had to say our goodbyes, Jose gave me a big hug, the kind that warms your heart. Even though it was hard to communicate vocally, God still formed a relationship between the little 9 year old boy and me. I have so much to learn from this little young man. He has the reflection of joy in his big brown eyes even though his parents left him long ago. My prayer for Jose and the rest of the young men in the boy’s ranch is for people to regularly visit and spend time with them. God is working.
Thus far, outreach has stretched the dwelling of my heart and showed me some of the needs of the Mexican people. The people of Mexico are beautiful, yet there is continual corruption, lack of ownership, and poverty. Our group’s goal is to be a light in these dark places and to demonstrate God’s love through knowing Him and making Him known. I have so much to learn and God is continually molding me into His likeness. I hesitate, fight, and question Him sometimes, actually many times, but know that ultimately He is the reason for my existence and the only way for people to find satisfaction. God is working.
The children are vibrant, young, and playful. Today, our group went to an all boys ranch orphanage where we had the opportunity to perform our dramas and spend time with the little young men. They were all very grateful for the time spent jumping rope, kicking a soccer ball around, and simply laughing together. I jump roped with the boys and played tag with one special boy named Jose. He was quick on his feet and we laughed tons because it was as if a turtle was chasing a gazelle. He was fast! When we had to say our goodbyes, Jose gave me a big hug, the kind that warms your heart. Even though it was hard to communicate vocally, God still formed a relationship between the little 9 year old boy and me. I have so much to learn from this little young man. He has the reflection of joy in his big brown eyes even though his parents left him long ago. My prayer for Jose and the rest of the young men in the boy’s ranch is for people to regularly visit and spend time with them. God is working.
Thus far, outreach has stretched the dwelling of my heart and showed me some of the needs of the Mexican people. The people of Mexico are beautiful, yet there is continual corruption, lack of ownership, and poverty. Our group’s goal is to be a light in these dark places and to demonstrate God’s love through knowing Him and making Him known. I have so much to learn and God is continually molding me into His likeness. I hesitate, fight, and question Him sometimes, actually many times, but know that ultimately He is the reason for my existence and the only way for people to find satisfaction. God is working.
viernes, 14 de marzo de 2008
Random thought of the day
Where do we find our identity? Is it in people, achievements, occupations, or status? I believe when we accept Jesus as our Savior a new sense of identity is unleashed. This identity is Jesus. We are a new creation, but the question is what do we do with that new creation? Do we sit on it and go on with our everyday motions or do we continue to seek His voice in our daily lives? I know in my own life it's easy for me to become passive about my faith and fall into religiousity rather than that relationship God seeks with each one of us. Our identity is in Him, yet many times we see ourselves in a different light. Our self-image, the way we see ourselves, can get in the way of what God really has in store for us. We have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. How awesome is that? We have the power to see miracles happen for God's glory. I am striving for my self-image to become more like the image God has for me rather than what I see in myself. His plans are far greater. I believe that we make this life more complicated than necessary. God commands us to love Him and love people, yet many times we get so wrapped up in other things that these 2 commandments are lost. I want to find my identity in Him and am continueing to strive for the simplicity that He offers. May we open up our caccoon of chaos and fly into a life of simplicity in Jesus.
Bajio
Bajio is a ministry within the redlight district of Ensenada. We venture out to the streets and hand out hot chocolate and hot soup and chat with the people on the street and listen to their stories. Many of the people in this part of the city are heavily in to drugs, alcohol, prostitution, etc... Luckily, God has a plan for all of our lives and I believe that our role is to love the unlovely and to show Christ in a place that is deeply lost in hopelessness. One man that I consistantly chat with is named Rueben. He comes every Friday with his dog Chocolate and stands by our table and helps with picking up garbage. He practices Spanish with me and has been a blessing in my life.
Many of the people trapped within this lifestyle are looking to escape, but seem to be so bogged down by guilt and shame that it's hard to pull themselves out of the hole. Our team provides a bit of hope and we hope to show the message of Jesus Christ. It is a humbling experience.
Many of the people trapped within this lifestyle are looking to escape, but seem to be so bogged down by guilt and shame that it's hard to pull themselves out of the hole. Our team provides a bit of hope and we hope to show the message of Jesus Christ. It is a humbling experience.
jueves, 28 de febrero de 2008
NIKO
NIKO (Overcomer)
February 25 was the beginning of my YWAM camping experience in the beautiful hillside of Mexico. This four day long journey was a stretching and humbling experience with memorable and teaching God moments.
I had a stellar team which included our leader Miss Sarvia Nino and other teammate included, Matt (the lone male), Jen, Casey, and I. We were a joyful, determined, and crazy fun team. We meshed well and laughed often. I believe much of the laughter was directed at me since I fell 10 different times on the hard Mexican soil. Luckily, God protected me and I always sprout back up on my feet with laughter! Thanks God! J
Before we embarked on our trip, each person was given a list of items they could bring. Things that didn’t make the list were: toothpaste, soap, deodorant, pillow, tent, extra blankets, etc… Our list was very limited to what we absolutely needed. Also, at the beginning of our hiking adventure, each team was given a ration of food that would last them the whole week. This included 6 cans of baked beans, a box of cereal, a box of crackers, sardines, peanut butter, trail mix, and gatorade mixture. Also, we needed to carry our backpack with all our belongings everywhere we went! How would I make it? Luckily, God provided and we had exactly what we needed through the trip. Thanks God for providing.
Our schedule was determined before we arrived, but we were not allowed to know anything until we achieved our goal. One of our first goals was to hike to our next location to camp out for the night. Easy enough, right? Well, we accidently went the wrong direction for 1 hour in the wrong direction! Our team ended up hiking to a garbage dump. We finally realized we were going the wrong way and hiked back up the hills to our destination. Our trip that was supposed to last 1 ½ hours lasted closer to 3 hours, but our team remained positive and continued to encourage one another throughout the whole trip. Thanks God for keeping us positive.
Each night we would sleep under the clear night sky filled with stars with solely a mat and sleeping bag. This time was perfect opportunity for me to talk to God and reflect on the busy day hiking. Although I did get cold at times, this was a beautiful time to appreciate things like solid shelter, warm, comfy beds, and soft pillows.
One other experience that will stay etched in my mind was a night hike across the moonlit landscape of rugged roads and rolling hills. This night was full of mystic fog that sat above the roaring oceanside. It was like a dream of beauty. I felt as if I was a character in one of those movie scenes that are picturesque. It was perfect. Our team made it safely to our next location. Casey, an angelic team member, rolled her ankle, but pressed on the whole way without complaining. She was a huge example for me. She chose joy this beautiful night hiking. Thank you God for positivity and night time mystic hikes.
Other crazy goals our team conquered include: a 5-10 hour day hike, that we accomplished in 4 ½ hours, taking a bath at night time in the freezing powerful ocean, killing and skinning a chicken, team challenges, and more hiking! I was so proud of every one of them. Sarvia, our leader, never once complained even though she had back trouble. She was determined the whole time. Matt, our lone male, had great patience with each one of us since we each had strong personalities. He was a strong member of our team. Jen, who’s laugh is more contagious then the flu, brightened up our journey with encouragement and joy. Casey, even though she twisted her ankle, continually chose joy and graced us with her gentle kindness. Thanks God for teamwork.
Overall, the experience stretched my zeal for knowing my Creator more and what He has for my life. God helped our team to accomplish every goal and protected us from the elements. He showed my the importance of continually having a grateful heart and to fight for joy even when some things may not be the most pleasant. Thanks God for teaching me yet another lesson of what you want for all our lives.
February 25 was the beginning of my YWAM camping experience in the beautiful hillside of Mexico. This four day long journey was a stretching and humbling experience with memorable and teaching God moments.
I had a stellar team which included our leader Miss Sarvia Nino and other teammate included, Matt (the lone male), Jen, Casey, and I. We were a joyful, determined, and crazy fun team. We meshed well and laughed often. I believe much of the laughter was directed at me since I fell 10 different times on the hard Mexican soil. Luckily, God protected me and I always sprout back up on my feet with laughter! Thanks God! J
Before we embarked on our trip, each person was given a list of items they could bring. Things that didn’t make the list were: toothpaste, soap, deodorant, pillow, tent, extra blankets, etc… Our list was very limited to what we absolutely needed. Also, at the beginning of our hiking adventure, each team was given a ration of food that would last them the whole week. This included 6 cans of baked beans, a box of cereal, a box of crackers, sardines, peanut butter, trail mix, and gatorade mixture. Also, we needed to carry our backpack with all our belongings everywhere we went! How would I make it? Luckily, God provided and we had exactly what we needed through the trip. Thanks God for providing.
Our schedule was determined before we arrived, but we were not allowed to know anything until we achieved our goal. One of our first goals was to hike to our next location to camp out for the night. Easy enough, right? Well, we accidently went the wrong direction for 1 hour in the wrong direction! Our team ended up hiking to a garbage dump. We finally realized we were going the wrong way and hiked back up the hills to our destination. Our trip that was supposed to last 1 ½ hours lasted closer to 3 hours, but our team remained positive and continued to encourage one another throughout the whole trip. Thanks God for keeping us positive.
Each night we would sleep under the clear night sky filled with stars with solely a mat and sleeping bag. This time was perfect opportunity for me to talk to God and reflect on the busy day hiking. Although I did get cold at times, this was a beautiful time to appreciate things like solid shelter, warm, comfy beds, and soft pillows.
One other experience that will stay etched in my mind was a night hike across the moonlit landscape of rugged roads and rolling hills. This night was full of mystic fog that sat above the roaring oceanside. It was like a dream of beauty. I felt as if I was a character in one of those movie scenes that are picturesque. It was perfect. Our team made it safely to our next location. Casey, an angelic team member, rolled her ankle, but pressed on the whole way without complaining. She was a huge example for me. She chose joy this beautiful night hiking. Thank you God for positivity and night time mystic hikes.
Other crazy goals our team conquered include: a 5-10 hour day hike, that we accomplished in 4 ½ hours, taking a bath at night time in the freezing powerful ocean, killing and skinning a chicken, team challenges, and more hiking! I was so proud of every one of them. Sarvia, our leader, never once complained even though she had back trouble. She was determined the whole time. Matt, our lone male, had great patience with each one of us since we each had strong personalities. He was a strong member of our team. Jen, who’s laugh is more contagious then the flu, brightened up our journey with encouragement and joy. Casey, even though she twisted her ankle, continually chose joy and graced us with her gentle kindness. Thanks God for teamwork.
Overall, the experience stretched my zeal for knowing my Creator more and what He has for my life. God helped our team to accomplish every goal and protected us from the elements. He showed my the importance of continually having a grateful heart and to fight for joy even when some things may not be the most pleasant. Thanks God for teaching me yet another lesson of what you want for all our lives.
A typical day!
So, many people have been asking me what a typical day of a YWAMER looks like. Well, everyday I arise at 6:27 to the beeping of my unimpressive alarm clock! That noise is so annoying, but I guess it gets the job done. I start my day with a 30 minute workout to turbo jams! :) Then, from 7:00 to 7:30ish I spend time with God through His word, journaling, and prayer. Breakfast begins promptly at 7:30 with fresh muffins, a variety of cereal, cottage cheese(my favorite), and fruit. The rest of the morning consists of speakers from all over the world who cover topics ranging from spiritual warfare to discovering God's dreams for your life. Lunch begins at 12:30 with amazing cooked deliciousness from our amazing chef, Bill. He's amazing! :) Our afternoons change everyday, but they usually consist of work duties (I drive vans to the car wash and do miscellanous stuff around the base with the van crew and our leader, Manual), exercise, local outreach, or small group. Each day is different. Our nights our either free or we have community nights, bajio ministry( Friday nights we go out to the red district and serve food to the homeless and spend time chatting), or Outreach prep ( a time that gets us ready for our last 2 months reaching out to cities around Mexico City). Our weekends are usually filled with duties correlated with Homes of Hope. An awesome ministry which provides homes for people around the city of Ensenada. Teams come in from around the world to help build houses. It's beautiful. Thus far, my days have been busy, but God continues to reveal Himself to me. I hope you enjoyed reading about the typical day of a YWAMer in the first 3 months of the trip. I will write more soon!
domingo, 10 de febrero de 2008
Casas de Esperanza (Homes of Hope)
This weeked our ywam team built a house for a family in Ensenada. The family we built for was beautiful. Their names were Thomas, Guadalupe and their daughter America. I was on the painting crew and rallied up some neighborhood children to come and help. The children were angels. Three specific girls would follow me around and talk spanish with me. Luisa, Jacky, and I can't remember the other girls name blessed my weekend by laughing, smiling, picking me flowers, and taking me to the top of a mountain and showing me their beautiful city. I felt as if I was in a movie sitting atop that huge hill. Mexico is beautiful and these girls were instruments in showing me another one of God's gifts of creation.
I was also extremely blessed by the family. They helped us build and made lunch for our team. They were extremely gracious and everytime I would walk by Guadalupe she would say "Wow, you are so tall." :) I thank God for the experience and am excited to build again this next week!
I was also extremely blessed by the family. They helped us build and made lunch for our team. They were extremely gracious and everytime I would walk by Guadalupe she would say "Wow, you are so tall." :) I thank God for the experience and am excited to build again this next week!
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