Many days now have passed, and today we built our last house. It was fun and sad at the same time. I had so greatly enjoyed the building process and meeting the families. Day one was by far my favourite, but every day has been a blessing and a wonderful experience. Working with different people and getting to know people I had only seen at church was great. At church, I didn't really know many people, but now, I feel that I can go back with friends.
I think that my favourite part of this journey has been lunch. I'm a very picky eater, and I prayed fervently that I would like the food - and, what do you know? I did! After the first day, I always looked forward to the lunches that the families would make for us. It touched me that they would take their time, money, and resources to feed us, but I appreciated it so incredibly much.
Interacting with the families and trying to communicate was so much fun. It was hard and somewhat exasperating at times, but it was worth it. It was always good when a Spanish-speaker was around, though.
The teachings in the morning were fierce. I can appreciate the fact that the speakers weren't afraid of offending people - they just wanted to speak the truth (like it or not). Sometimes, that's what's best for the audience, because it penetrates the mask and hits the heart. I know it did for me.
The staff has been wonderful as well. They didn't hold themselves aloof or abuse their authority; they stayed on our level and treated us as equals (even though they were in charge because they knew what the heck they were doing). They were all very friendly and patient, but they also wanted to be fast and efficient, and the perfect blend was applied.
Overall, this is almost the end of a wonderful trip. The only thing that I haven't liked - at all - was waking up, but I'd say that's a pretty minor thing that probably doesn't count. Oh, and only being able to take two showers during a week of being filthy, sweating, and working hard. But whatever. It is what it is. Honestly, I wouldn't mind coming back to Mexico. I've learned to appreciate it for what it is.
~ Heather Call
I'm back today from an incredible journey of following the Lord's footsteps on a daily basis while here. Since I haven't been able to build, and He let me know right away not to worry about the "pressure of performance," (Jesus Calling) I have remained open to His assignments each day.
Today, He gave me the opportunity to wash the feet of a number of children for about three hours. I was so focus on each child - each face and each tiny toe - that the time passed without notice. Washing, patting dry, massaging with lotion, offering a smile. One girl had months of ground-in dust and dirt; after her feet were clean and smooth, I washed her face and hands.
I was then called to find and remove the lice in her long, black hair. Hundreds of live bugs and eggs. Brushing, parting, combing. And there she sat in silence, patiently letting me slide the comb down through her scalp, dipping the comb, sliding it through a different part, silently sitting while tears slid down her face.
When the torture was finished, I called over Angelica and Corina to come style her hair with colorful bands and a heart-shaped barrette. When they were done, all I could do to choke back the tears was take her face in my hands and kiss her cheek, then give her a hug, knowing she would go home to a lice-infested bed, and the whole process would begin again. Lord Jesus, cover this girl with your love. Place your arms around her. Heavenly Father, thank you for trusting me with Your will today.
- Susan Fox
Day 5
So much has aready happened this week, and I didn't realize that it's day five until right now. Today I got the oppurtunity to work with Spectrum ministries and give a bunch of ninos a free bath. For some, this is the only bath they'll have until Spectrum comes back NEXT MONTH. My job, along with my friends Will and Tyler, was to wash the ninos feet. This was a humbling experience for both me and the ninos that were being washed. However, for most of the ninos this was not their first time. For me, being in that position at first was like "ehhhhh"
I can't believe that the week is almost over, I don't want to leave. I love it here this is my third missions trip, and I really just feel like this is my calling, being able to help people and tell them about God just makes me happy. I feel like I' home here, and I know I'm going to have a hard time leaving. I've learned so much this trip and God has really worked through me, and I can't wait to find out where he sends me next. ~JoAnna
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