Mexico Journal 2008

Jess' journal :D

Friday July 4, 2008. 8:30 PM
Today seemed to take forever…sooo anxious to get going! Right now, we’re on the bus, somewhere past Williamsburg, not quite to Des Moines. So far, we’ve had to stop once already because the weight on the trailer was uneven. That took about a half hour…so, we’re a little off on time. We left church at 7:15 and got 10 minutes before stopping.
Tonight we had to be at church at 6. Announcements, attendance, prayer, then goodbyes.

Well there you go. Just a little excitement. Nearly hit a deer! Thank God that it moved! :D

9:15 First sighting of fireworks! But it just doesn’t really feel like the forth…well, we’re going to Mexico to learn to appreciate everything we have here :)

9:30 Now we’re on our second stop, they’re ‘looking at something’. The fan on the bus, I think.

Saturday July 5 1:30 AM
Can’t sleep…can’t get comfortable. We’re in Kansas. The fan on the bus is dead, today after breakfast they’re going to get that fixed. Kinda disappointed that we’re not going through Colorado anymore…

8:00 AM. McDonalds in Oklahoma City.
We’re getting an extra long breakfast this morning while the bus is being fixed. We had another stop last night for gas at 3. I don’t think I slept at all…but I’ve got my coffee now :D So last night, we traveled through Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma. Lord willing, we’ll make it to Albuquerque tonight. Not much to do at the moment…just sit tight and wait. How long will this take?

10:00 AM still here, sitting outside McDonalds on the side of the road…waving at cars :) Just had a group prayer time for the bus. The repair man is still working on it, he may need to order new parts. But God’s plan is perfect…I can’t wait to see how this works out. How will we get to Mexico?

1:06 PM We are sooo blessed!! Thank God for a cooler morning with a nice breeze and lots of shade at McDonalds. There were plenty of choices around for lunch, and lots to do around. And it wasn’t even raining! :) Now, a church just offered to let us stay in their church- air conditioned, with just about everything we need!

4:45 7 games of mofia later…this place is amazing! So, this trip is now definitely nothing like I’d expected, but actually I really think it’s better. We didn’t have one extremely long ride, just a few not as long ones. Praise God! Getting pizza soon, then hopefully we’ll get our bus back.

6:00 So…remember back to this morning, in front of McDonalds on the side of this street, our entire group joined in prayer for the bus? Okay, so story goes…while we were praying, a church van happened to be driving by. Pastor Tye saw it and he tried to wave it over. Well, because they saw us praying in the large group, they pulled over, found out about our problem, then contacted their youth pastor to get us this church! Prayer works, praise God! So the bus is still being worked on, probably till 8 now…But, at least the bus didn’t over heat and break down on the road…in a way, well, it isn’t the way we had planned, but we really are blessed.

11:00 PM Just had a pow wow…the bus should be ready, hopefully we’ll be on the road by midnight. Some good discussions and prayer time and devos going on. Someone brought it up that maybe God was purposely keeping us out of Colorado to avoid some accident or traffic jam or something. Everyone’s talking about the great bonding going on…yes, this definitely ended up to be a blessing. Praying to be on the road soon and hopefully get some sleep!

Sunday July 6

12:44 AM we’re on the bus :D BEDTIME.

6:00 AM :) I slept at least 4 hours…it was amazing. Finally, I’ve been to Texas, and just now, we crossed into New Mexico. I’m seeing mountains in the distance, the view is just gorgeous.
It really doesn’t bother me that I’ve been wearing the same pair of clothes for 3 days now, without any showers. It’s just preparation for Mexico :)

So…Friday night we left, drove 12 hours, spent 16 hours in Oklahoma City and we have 17 to go…Lord willing, we should be in El Paso by 4-5. Listening to the adults is fun. They’re still discussing yesterday’s events. How the new fan cost $1702. But we have nothing to complain about. The mechanic said the fan was indeed busted, and we would’ve had a breakdown in the middle of a desert. Then, we have to be thankful for the mechanic who came in on a holiday weekend and worked all day and half the night on our bus. He sure didn’t want to be there, but he got it done.

6:50 PM We’re at the church in El Paso now, gonna have a pow wow. So some of us went to the mall and had Subway for dinner. Well, when we got to this church, there were already 2 other youth groups staying there. And this place really isn’t all that big…But God has already worked a few things out and it’s not as complicated as it first seemed. Everything will be okay.

Monday July 7

6:30 AM (crossing the border) Crossing…going over the bridge…praying…can’t get through here it sounds like. Apparently we got the wrong bridge. Getting directions…Now we’re offering the Mexicans money to let us through…
Okay. So we couldn’t cross that bridge cause the scales would’ve broken with our weight. So now we’re back in US, after passing through customs. Now we have to cross on a bridge downtown, which the Casas staff says isn’t so safe. So, we had to unload all the food off the bus. There’s dogs on there right now to make sure it’s ‘clean.’

2:20 PM We made it back safely into Mexico at about 8:30—two and a half hours after we left the church. We were safe driving through though, and made it to the SHOC. It feels wonderful to know we’re staying here for a few days. We arrived, gathered our tools, and back on the bus to go to our worksites. Got there about 10:30 and met our intern, Renee. We started with prayer then unloaded the trailer. I wish I could record everything we did, all the jobs, but there was so much going on and I don’t know half of it. There’s kids running all over the place, and most are very eager to help us out and be around us. Our site isn’t terribly interesting. Right next door is team 24. We had to work at it a bit to make our ground level, but finished right before lunch break.
So right now, We’re back at the SHOC. Had lunch, now it’s ‘siesta’ time. Most people are asleep.

9:10 PM It’s pouring outside at the moment. Thank God for this wonderful shelter to stay in. It was so cool…we loaded the bus to leave the sight, then it started raining. God, you rock!
Today’s weather has been just weird. This afternoon at about 3 we went back to the worksites. All afternoon we made and poured the concrete and some started building walls. I carried large buckets of rocks and sand all afternoon. (We worked until 8 tonight. ) About halfway through the afternoon this major dust storm started. It was quite exciting.

Tuesday, July 8

2:00 PM Wake up call today came at 5, we left the SHOC at 6. The sun rise this morning was spectacular. You can see soo much sky around here. There was also a clear and distinguishable rainbow in the sky.
And it happened again! This morning was beautiful, and right as we were loading the bus to come back for siesta, it started raining! God’s ways are amazing. And He also protected our slab of concrete through last night’s storm!
Today we worked on building the walls, setting up the frame, putting in the windows and the black board stuff.
Because of the rain, it was pretty cool outside today. It felt sooo good. You know, the more I think about it, the more I see that we are sooo incredibly blessed. God is working every little thing out so well for us. Even the bus incident turned out to be a blessing. Coming here is the best possible thing for me this year, I’m so sure of that already. I don’t know if there’s ever been a week like this before where I’ve seen God work in so many ways around me. I mean, He always does, I just don’t always notice. This is bringing me so much closer to Him though!
Got to play with some girls for a bit today. Thank God for the people on our team who speak Spanish, so we can communicate with them! We played ‘tia tara’ with them and by the end, they were singing along with us.
8:45 PM Oh wow. What an amazing, productive day! Yesterday, we worked sooo hard, just like today, except it took all that effort to make a big slab of cement. Today, the entire house frame is up, blackboard and chicken wire, the roof, electricity and so much more is done. It’s so encouraging- God is soo good. At the end of the day, our intern was so happy with us. We joined hands and prayed. At that moment, I felt so happy, and so close to every single team member. Every single one of them is such a blessing, and so encouraging to me.

Wednesday July 9

12:05 Right now, we’re on the worksite eating lunch. We’ve been here since about 7. Lots of drywalling and installation going on. It’s been raining and drizzling all morning. It’s a little humid, but chilly now and then. Just perfect.
One way I saw God at work today. Working through our intern. If she would’ve put the dry wall only 3 inches more to the left*, it would’ve been in the new pond that’s formed from all the rain we’ve gotten. But most of it stayed dry and we won’t have to throw it all out! Praise God!

(a Mexican girl took my journal here and wrote some of her friend’s names in it. It was such a sweet moment :) since she only wrote a few names I won’t add it though…just ask, I’ll show it to you)

4:15 PM So, picking up where I left off, lunch was just short and social. These little boys kept bringing these huge bugs to our meal. Then there were those precious children who played with Charlie’s hair. Yeah, that was pretty much the best lunch ever. :D
After lunch, back to work, I did mostly dry wall. Then, this down pour came and we had to stop to dig trenches. But the way I see it, it really is a blessing. We were able to see what happens when it rains that much, and show the families what to do when it rains. God really does have a perfect plan here.
Today…we didn’t get a siesta because…
When we were coming back, right in front of the SHOC compound, was this big water semi that got stuck in the mud. When they found out that it had just delivered our water to us, we decided to help it out. We all piled on the bus so they could use the bus to pull the trick out of the mud. It took a while, but we did it, Praise God!
We’re about to have a service here at the SHOC with all the other teams that are working—about 300 people will be here. Not sure how I like having to clean everything up and miss siesta…but I’m sure this will be good. God is at work.

I AM SO STINKIN DIRTY AND THAT’S ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT!!!!
Lol

After the service… 7:45
Remember last winter, during the winter retreat, how it was about missions but I wasn’t feeling ‘called’ or excited about it? Well, if the working and seeing God at work hasn’t gotten me excited, (YES it has duh!) this service was exactly what I needed. I’m pretty positive that I want to come back here, maybe live here when I’m older. To see God at work like this every week, all summer, to bless so many beautiful, precious Mexicans…it’s something worth giving your talents, and your life to!
I absolutely love all this. Of course, I’ve only been here 3 days, I’ve only experienced a bit of what it’s like, but it’s all an adventure. It’s all about faith, and trust in God, it’s amazing! My life back home seems so lame!
10:05 PM The interns just gave us their testimonies. Ours is awesome, it’s all still very convincing, they all enjoy their jobs here. They make it sound so fun! I had a blast just listening to them.
Something that stood out to me…”If God closes a door, don’t try to open it. God look for something else.” Thought provoking…
Dinner tonight was the best!! Mexican food! With the most hilarious people ever! :D

Thursday July 10

5:15 PM WE’RE DONE!! Praise Jesus! The house is finished. We finished well—God carried us through. I haven’t fully taken in how big this really is. We built a house in 4 days! It’s beautiful!
Today we were up at 4:30 and left at 5:30 for the worksites. The weather couldn’t have been better. It was cloudy, a little chilly, but no rain. Later in the afternoon, the sun came out…for the first time since Monday.
It was amazing; we worked 11 hours straight, with only some water breaks and lunch, made by one of the Mexicans. Another wonderful Mexican meal!
7:40 Now, we’re on the bus, about to leave Mexico. The dedication was beautiful. We all gathered in the house—our team and the family. Charlie translated the entire service. We prayed to begin, and then some of the team members shared something with the family. We then presented the keys and a Bible to the family. Renee read a Bible verse and said a few things. Then Bryana and the father nailed the Casas Por Cristo plaque on the roof.
We took some group pictures…(no! dos mas! Uno mas! Miguel: no mas! :D) and handed out some house supplies and treats for the kids.
After hundreds of pictures, precious hugs and teary goodbyes, we left the family and loaded the bus. They waved goodbye as we left…oh I left my heart and mind with them…
I can’t believe we’re done. IT WAS TOO SHORT.
I can’t wait to come back. This trip was exactly what I needed. It’s incredible. God, thank you for leading me here…

I get to shower today!!!!!!!!!!! Don’t remember if I’ve already mentioned that…but I’m really excited :D

9:45 Back in Texas now! Made it safely and quickly through customs though waiting in the car line seemed endless.
It’s the best feeling in the world, knowing that because of our youth group, 3 more Mexican families have a good roof over their heads.

Friday July 11

12:05 AM Back at Park Hills church in El Paso, showered, fed and ready for bed. Pizza for dinner…felt odd eating at 12…
7:40 AM Ready to go, we’re having all our parties now…yeah, first the sweeping one, now the lost and found one…
(whole lotta personal stuff here :)
-How thankful I am for dad and Allyson…
-Rereading journal and devo book, seeing how God answered every prayer in the best way possible.
-seeing how much he’s blessed me.
-my life won’t ever be the same blah blah blah…:)

2:50 PM On the road again. Just took a sight seeing stop at the awesome amazing Carlsbad Caverns. At first they were forcing everyone to take the elevator…but a few of us got away with walking down instead. It took about 45 minutes…haha there’s another hour to add to my ‘greatest hours of my life’ :) I’m so glad we got to experience this, and I could still see God at work, blessing me more than imaginable, more than I deserve…oh but I’d still much rather be in Mexico. No doubt.
We ate lunch 750 feet down then rode the elevator back up. On our way to Lubbock, Texas to our hotel!
10:30 PM we’re at our hotel, got here earlier than planned…that’s a first :) it may not be the greatest, but after where we have been, it’s much easier to appreciate this. A real bed! Yes!!

Saturday July 12

11:15 AM Been on the bus since 8. Right now, we’re at a stop in Groom, Texas, having quiet time next to the giant cross and amazing sculptures. The bus ride to here was probably the best yet…it’s a wonderful feeling to be so included and loved by all these people.

9:55 Thank God for this amazing day!! Oh, another great bus ride, listened to Charley all the way here, to Wichita Kansas. Major brain overload! Haha. But today was just a great day. God still continues to bless me so much. God, please bless these people as much as you’re blessing me…thank you so much for giving me them…
Ate dinner at Spangles. I love these people, and am sooo going to miss all this fellowship when I get home.

Sunday July 13

1:05 AM Just finished our team 25 debrief. It was amazing, encouraging, funny...I love this team. I love everything right now. :D
11:25 AM been on the bus since 8…okay truth is, I don’t want to go home. I can’t believe we’re going home! Why am I letting them take me home? We shouldn’t be going home! Ahhhhh

11:30 PM yeah, I’m home now…Oh what a wonderful day. A perfect day. A perfect way to end such a perfect trip.
We stopped for lunch at 1:30. Drove a ton. Got our team shirts. I LOVE CHICKEN WIRE!!
Pulled into the church parking lot right on time. We quickly and impatiently unloaded the bus one last time. Oh, I do love my family…I guess I did miss them a ton :)
After a few minutes of greeting, we went in for the service…(yes I recorded the entire thing, but we won’t go there…)
Got home at 9. Tomorrow I’m running away.
JUAREZ, MEXICO, OR BUST!!!