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.