What a great idea!

This last Sunday 4 of the 12 of us from the Mexico Missions Winter team, went to North Shore Baptist church's Spanish congregations service. It was so amazing to see the different form of worship, within the same walls of the church I have grown up in.

I could immediately see the presence of how cultural differences can show through in worship. The friendly, warm, welcoming environment that we as Americans don't often display. I use these words because that is exactly how we all felt. During the greeting, people walked all around, hugging one another, saying good morning, and peace be with you, and it taking a lot longer then the minute were usually given, because we stay in our pews and only greet those around us. Not that its bad, it's just a different experience.

After the service, we separated into groups all getting to talk with people who are from Mexico, who have been to Mexico, who have had the experience of being the outsider, and what to do, what to look out for, and how to really feel Gods presence in our work. They helped put so much into perspective for us. Like something as simple as bringing a band aid, and bug spray. To not eating from the vendors, to taking only what you expect to leave behind, and the big one, to let God work through us!

WOW.... what an amazing experience. I feel like what we have learned from one Sunday morning with people who share God's love and are filled with joy and thanks for what we are doing, is a step into the direction God has intended for us. We are not going because we have to, but because we are called to.

We are going not with the hope of only helping others, but helping ourselves. I am hoping to grow after this trip. To grow closer to the team, to appreciate what I have, continue learning to acknowledge those around me, and to grow closer to God.
The experience from Sunday has already put all these learning's into play.

Missions Trip to Mexico

God has called me to help others, and that statement should come to no surprise to any of you reading my blog. But what God has called my to do to help others this time, is different from the others. I am going to Oaxaca, Mexico from December 12-22 and I am so excited.
There is a certain act from God that happened the week I was accepted to go on the trip that I would like to share. Believe me or not, its true!

So, I sitting in the library working on an exam, and as usual I procrastinated and took way to many breaks to check facebook, and read e-mails.. when I got the e-mail that $100 of the trip was due 2 days from then.... crap!! How was I going to come up with an extra $100? I have been paying back money from this last semester, so I was broke. So I prayed... I told God that I needed him to help me with this. Help me get the money because I am already skeptical about going, and scared and that if I couldn't come up with the $100 then I would have to cancel. I found out that, that week we were going I could work 2 different weddings, and I need the money so... I needed a sign that I was indeed supposed to go to Mexico.

On my way out and to my next class, I get a phone call from my boss at work, asking me if I wanted to work in 2 days for a few hours doing a private gig... it paid $100 cash!
God sure does answer prayers, and that one was quick, so I stopped worrying, and started fundraising. I am almost all paid for, and the cost of the trip is down from $1000 to $850!!
I am thankful and very excited.
This is the Winter Mexico trip!!
We have started meeting once a week, and so far I love these people. They all have such unique stories, and different ways in which God is working though them... I feel blessed to have met them! Please help pray for our safety and our strength.
I will gladly keep updating my blog about our trip!!