What should I do?

This has been a good few weeks in Mexico.  The groups have gotten plenty of projects done.  Some, like pouring a sidewalk, took about half the time expected and others, like cleaning out a shed are still not complete.  I’m learning that my plans don’t matter.  I may think I know what the day will bring but others have different ideas and in the end it’s God’s plan anyway!  As an example, there were 5 kids in the nursery (cuna) where the youngest are cared for.  Three of the kids were siblings under three and the Mexican National System for Integral Family Development (DIF) arranged for a family member to care for them. Certainly a blessing for the kids but, that left a whole in the caregivers’ lives to have three leave.  God’s provision is perfect, DIF brought 3 others that needed the love provided here when the others were picked up. 

Family Camp was this week.  Three or four miles up the riverbed is a place called the pools.  There are three swimming pools, camping spots, shelters, and a meeting place.  All of the casas (kids and house parents) were there for four days and three nights of church camp.  On Friday, all of the staff was invited out for the final day of swimming, games and a cookout.

This is a chance for these kids to be “normal”, to have a week of the same kind of camp experience you’d want your own kids to have.

One of the most appealing aspects of being on staff is that the administration is willing to change based on the needs of the community.  For instance, there has been a wheelchair shop here for many years.  It has provided much needed mobility for hundreds in a terrain that can be difficult to negotiate even for the surefooted.  A former staff member started a ministry that focuses on the needs of the physically disabled.  That’s all the ministry does and it’s done well.  The mission is in the process of closing the wheelchair shop and the supplies and equipment will go to Eternal Anchor where it can be better utilized.

At one of the recent church services, the preacher talked about Matthew 27:22.  This is when Jesus was brought to Pilate, Pilate offered to release Jesus or Barabbas and the crowd shouted for Barabbas’ release.   Pilate asked them, “What should I do then with Jesus, who is called the Messiah?”  They all answered, “Crucify Him!”  Historically we know what happened but if someone asked you today what you will do with Jesus, how would you answer?  We have a choice to accept the truth of the sacrifice our Lord and His Father made for our sins or to ignore it.

My prayer requests:

• Energy to finish the summer strong.  There are several more weeks full of visitors and I want to do what I can to ensure each one has their “You will never be the same” moment.
• Pray that my heart is broken by the same things that breaks God’s heart and the discernment to know what I can do about it.

Thanks for all of the support you’ve shown me.  Let me know what’s new with you!

Vaya Con Dios