Im now on the flight home with many of your students. I was scheduled to take the red eye tonight with Pastor Scott and some other students and leaders but after a wicked bout with food poisoning, I am now flying over the United States towards our final leg of the trip layover in Cincinnati. Seeing the plane has brought up a surge of emotions I am certain your students are also experiencing. Not only does the plane mean we are leaving our new friends in Ensenada, the homes we have built, and the terrible night of food poisoning (in my case at least), it also means that life in Pittsburgh will restart with family, friends, church, and eventually school.
I am really glad Scott asked me to blog, because as i have blogged and journaled each day (as you students have as well), I will be able to look back and see where God has moved in my life during this trip, where God has brought me from, and maybe even confirm certain aspects of my life and leading in the future. Looking back on this blog and my journal will be a strong confirmation of Gods work in m life.
Some students shared that this trip pushed them out of their comfort zones while others said they felt very comfortable in the mission field and felt God asking them to be open to the idea of missions in the future. Talk with your students, pray with them, and ask them where God moved in their lives. Ask them what they wrote about in their journals. Ask again in a few months, and see what is the same in their lives, what is different, and what has been confirmed by God. We serve an amazing God of mercy. Trust me, I have experienced his mercy today and heard him confirm things in my life that will bless me, my family, and the ministry. I thank you for your students, the way they have blessed me, and for your trust in the Lord to let them experience God in this way in Ensenada.
In Him,
Reed
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Friday, July 8, 2011
More Photos
Check out more of our photos here
We've been building 3 homes this week. We will be done with two of them today. Right now on our lunch break, some of our students are heading back to the center to get ready for VBS while others start working on the 2nd half of the day in construction. We have made so many friends while working and I know that I will truly miss many of these people. I know in my heart, I will spend eternity getting to know them and have hope in our God and his promise of life everlasting. Tonight however, I have a sense that many students will feel that the trip is over. This is not the case. Our trip is not over yet.
A week before the trip, I mentioned the idea of seeing the van (see first post). The van metaphor still holds true. When hiking around the final bend, the van becomes visible. The moment the van becomes visible, you know the trip is over. My challenge to the students is to delay "seeing the van" until as late as possible. There will still be plenty of time to connect with our friends from Mexico tonight, time to connect with each other in San Diego, and time to talk and discuss how Christ has moved in our lives on this trip during the plane ride home. It is important to press on and rely on the strength of our Lord for the rest of our trip in order to listen to the still small voice of God speaking to us on this trip. If we check out too early and see the van, our American way of thinking may side-track us from engaging the people and surroundings God has put us in. Delay "seeing the van". Pray that we would stay fully engaged and that our hearts would be quiet enough to hear God speaking to us.
In Him,
Reed
We've been building 3 homes this week. We will be done with two of them today. Right now on our lunch break, some of our students are heading back to the center to get ready for VBS while others start working on the 2nd half of the day in construction. We have made so many friends while working and I know that I will truly miss many of these people. I know in my heart, I will spend eternity getting to know them and have hope in our God and his promise of life everlasting. Tonight however, I have a sense that many students will feel that the trip is over. This is not the case. Our trip is not over yet.
A week before the trip, I mentioned the idea of seeing the van (see first post). The van metaphor still holds true. When hiking around the final bend, the van becomes visible. The moment the van becomes visible, you know the trip is over. My challenge to the students is to delay "seeing the van" until as late as possible. There will still be plenty of time to connect with our friends from Mexico tonight, time to connect with each other in San Diego, and time to talk and discuss how Christ has moved in our lives on this trip during the plane ride home. It is important to press on and rely on the strength of our Lord for the rest of our trip in order to listen to the still small voice of God speaking to us on this trip. If we check out too early and see the van, our American way of thinking may side-track us from engaging the people and surroundings God has put us in. Delay "seeing the van". Pray that we would stay fully engaged and that our hearts would be quiet enough to hear God speaking to us.
In Him,
Reed
mexico according to jess.
hey everyone! it's jess furman! & i'm here to talk about mexico. which, coincidentally, is probably the same reason why you are reading this blog! woohoo!
well, mexico. wow.
words probably can't even describe this week so far. God is doing so much in Ensenada, and it's so incredible to be able to play a part in His work. plus, the food is amazing. there's this mad taco stand right next to the center where we're staying, and...oh my. let's just say evening taco runs are becoming a nightly thing.
anyways, i'm here to talk about tonight's youth group. we went to pastor Jalil's church tonight to join the teenagers in the area in a night of games, worship, and testimonies. it was awesome. we played rock/paper/scissors, as well as a bunch of minute-to-win-it games. it was so cool because with those games we were able to get past the language barrier and have fun with kids the same age as us. the worship was awesome too, spanish music is probably the most exciting thing ever. it was so fun to dance and jump around with them even though we didn't understand exactly what the songs were saying. but when you realize that you're all worshiping the same God, and the other teenagers love God as much as you do, it's such an incredible time, I loved it.
after the games and worship, we had a chance to share our testimonies, with the help of a translator. Claire, Nathan, and Melissa all shared, and a few mexican kids also did. it was such a great time.
after that, Reed pulled Kaitlyn, Tyler, and myself together to play a song at the end. with absolutely no preparation, we whipped out "hosanna" and rocked it. it was so awesome to see our kids and the mexican kids all worshiping together. after that, it just became a party when Reed and I played "you are good", "unchanging", and "open the eyes of my heart" with the help of the spanish lead singer and drummer. it was so much fun, and so impacting to see our youth group kids interacting and dancing and jumping and singing with their spanish peers. it was really incredible. i can't wait to see what God has in store for the rest of the week !
gloria Dios!
love, Jess.
PS, Rebecca has really great moves. really.
well, mexico. wow.
words probably can't even describe this week so far. God is doing so much in Ensenada, and it's so incredible to be able to play a part in His work. plus, the food is amazing. there's this mad taco stand right next to the center where we're staying, and...oh my. let's just say evening taco runs are becoming a nightly thing.
anyways, i'm here to talk about tonight's youth group. we went to pastor Jalil's church tonight to join the teenagers in the area in a night of games, worship, and testimonies. it was awesome. we played rock/paper/scissors, as well as a bunch of minute-to-win-it games. it was so cool because with those games we were able to get past the language barrier and have fun with kids the same age as us. the worship was awesome too, spanish music is probably the most exciting thing ever. it was so fun to dance and jump around with them even though we didn't understand exactly what the songs were saying. but when you realize that you're all worshiping the same God, and the other teenagers love God as much as you do, it's such an incredible time, I loved it.
after the games and worship, we had a chance to share our testimonies, with the help of a translator. Claire, Nathan, and Melissa all shared, and a few mexican kids also did. it was such a great time.
after that, Reed pulled Kaitlyn, Tyler, and myself together to play a song at the end. with absolutely no preparation, we whipped out "hosanna" and rocked it. it was so awesome to see our kids and the mexican kids all worshiping together. after that, it just became a party when Reed and I played "you are good", "unchanging", and "open the eyes of my heart" with the help of the spanish lead singer and drummer. it was so much fun, and so impacting to see our youth group kids interacting and dancing and jumping and singing with their spanish peers. it was really incredible. i can't wait to see what God has in store for the rest of the week !
gloria Dios!
love, Jess.
PS, Rebecca has really great moves. really.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
so far... by Rebecca Wakeley
Hello world!
I dont even know where to begin, this trip has been so exciting, life changing, and awesome. The last few days I have seen my team members stretched, changed, strengthened, and so much more. I am going to write in chronological order so that you can follow me easily.
Day one: Saturday
Sunday was our travel day, whether it was on a plane or in a car, we were sitting alot. Travel has become easy to me because I do it quite often, so basically when everyone else is loud and obnoxious at four o'clock in the morning, I am sleeping on every plane and in every airport. (I even started a trend of sleeping under the chairs during our layover in Minneapolis) Moral of the story- day one travel was awesome. Other than a loud first flight, everyone in the group did an awesome job staying together and being respectful of the many people that we encountered. WE DIDNT LOSE ANY PEOPLE! After a few hours of flying, we piled into four vans and headed off to eat at an awesome burger place called In and Out. Great burgers, fries, and milkshakes! Then we jumped back into the car and drove across the border into Mexico. After a scenic two hour drive we made it to the Envision site where the interns and missionaries were waiting for us.
Day two: Sunday
As our first official day in Ensenada, Mexico, we experienced the culture by attending five different church services. (The whole group divided into smaller groups which then traveled at different times to the various Alliance churches in the area) I attended a service that was held in the building that we are staying and I thoroughly enjoyed it. After figuring out the correct technique to stay awake, I understood more than 75% of the message. Our pastor could not make it to the service for some reason so his wife taught- what great teamwork! Anyways, she taught about how as Christians we are called to love, referencing tons of Bible verses. I thought it was awesome how she incorperated over 20 different verses into her message! She also explained that the Americans who were siting in the service (my group) care for and love the Mexicans so much that we sacrificed our time to come down and make a difference. It is so awesome to watch other church services because although you don't know the language completely, we are connected through the holy spirit and our love for Christ. And although we may not know all of the worship songs in Spanish, we know the words and phrases in English and can worship the same God.
Day three: Monday
Monday was our first day of work. After a group discussion with Pastor Scott followed by a time of prayer with the interns and missionaries, we had an awesome breakfast. Then we split into our groups and dispersed to our various sites. Some groups went to work on roofing of a house, others to a lady's house to pray with her, and others to work on building the second floor to a house. (There was also two other groups but I dont know exactly what they did) I was in the group that started the second floor to the pastor's house. Some team members painted siding, others cut wood, some began preparations for the second floor, others tore down dry wall. I had the opportunity to work alongside the pastor, working on cutting the stair stringer. We were able to work together and communicate really well which was awesome! After working for a few hours, a few members of the team jumped into the van, traveled back to the envision center to change and get ready for VBS, and drove to the VBS site. Then we gathered the children from their homes and played some games outside of the church. After singing a few songs, teaching a lesson, doing a skit, and then a craft, we went outside to play again with the kids and have a snack. After VBS was over, we ventured back to the Envision center for our dinner and evening activities (debrief, prayer, worship, etc). In all, the first day of work was amazing :)
Day four: Tuesday
I accidentally overslept through the optional devotions but made it down in time for prayer and breakfast. Just as the day before, we divided into groups and went our different ways. I went to the same house again because I went to VBS. After doing a few random jobs, I nailed down the plywood (second) floor to Renariou's house and painted siding. Just as the day before, a few of the team members hoped into the van and prepared for VBS. Another very successful VBS followed. Lots of playing with the kids at the beginning, then singing, a lesson, craft, and a snack. We did not have an opportunity to do the skit because we had to get back to the Envision site in time to leave for the beach. On a side note- the wonderful dirt roads make the potholes in Pittsburgh look like ants, and there is no site of white cars anywhere- everything is coated in dirt. Back to the brief description. Once every team has returned to the Envision center, we changed and got ready for the beach. After a lovely ride to the beach, we jumped over waves, ran in the sand, took pictures, had a ball, and then went back home. Then we did our daily debrief with prayer, testimonials, and worship. Day two again was fantastic!
Day five: Wednesday
We did it, we got to today! To begin the day we had our daily devotions and prayer time followed by breakfast. But instead of dividing, we stayed together and traveled to a market to barter our hearts out, and get you guys some great gifts ;) Some of the students and leaders bartered for the first time in their lives, and loved it. Then we traveled back to the Envision center to eat and divide into our groups. Again I headed off to VBS, where we had our best day yet. There were over 40 little kids singing to Jesus, learning about David and Goliath, and playing with the team members. After an awesome VBS we headed back to shower and get ready to eat dinner. Other groups slowly came back and also got ready for the night. We had an extra 30 minutes before dinner so some of us went to a market thing down the street (it was more like a garage sale where random people brought new and old things to sell under their tents). Then we had an awesome dinner and now I am finally finishing up my blog post.
I hope you guys have enjoyed my stories and brief descriptions, but a few other people need to use the computer. The students have been moved, stretched, and lives have been changed. I am so encouraged every night when I hear how Christ has worked in each person's life each day. The testimonials from this trip will be so exciting to hear! Get excited!
I hope everyone is doing as great as we are down here in Ensenada, Mexico. See you all soon.
In his hands,
~Rebecca Wakeley
I dont even know where to begin, this trip has been so exciting, life changing, and awesome. The last few days I have seen my team members stretched, changed, strengthened, and so much more. I am going to write in chronological order so that you can follow me easily.
Day one: Saturday
Sunday was our travel day, whether it was on a plane or in a car, we were sitting alot. Travel has become easy to me because I do it quite often, so basically when everyone else is loud and obnoxious at four o'clock in the morning, I am sleeping on every plane and in every airport. (I even started a trend of sleeping under the chairs during our layover in Minneapolis) Moral of the story- day one travel was awesome. Other than a loud first flight, everyone in the group did an awesome job staying together and being respectful of the many people that we encountered. WE DIDNT LOSE ANY PEOPLE! After a few hours of flying, we piled into four vans and headed off to eat at an awesome burger place called In and Out. Great burgers, fries, and milkshakes! Then we jumped back into the car and drove across the border into Mexico. After a scenic two hour drive we made it to the Envision site where the interns and missionaries were waiting for us.
Day two: Sunday
As our first official day in Ensenada, Mexico, we experienced the culture by attending five different church services. (The whole group divided into smaller groups which then traveled at different times to the various Alliance churches in the area) I attended a service that was held in the building that we are staying and I thoroughly enjoyed it. After figuring out the correct technique to stay awake, I understood more than 75% of the message. Our pastor could not make it to the service for some reason so his wife taught- what great teamwork! Anyways, she taught about how as Christians we are called to love, referencing tons of Bible verses. I thought it was awesome how she incorperated over 20 different verses into her message! She also explained that the Americans who were siting in the service (my group) care for and love the Mexicans so much that we sacrificed our time to come down and make a difference. It is so awesome to watch other church services because although you don't know the language completely, we are connected through the holy spirit and our love for Christ. And although we may not know all of the worship songs in Spanish, we know the words and phrases in English and can worship the same God.
Day three: Monday
Monday was our first day of work. After a group discussion with Pastor Scott followed by a time of prayer with the interns and missionaries, we had an awesome breakfast. Then we split into our groups and dispersed to our various sites. Some groups went to work on roofing of a house, others to a lady's house to pray with her, and others to work on building the second floor to a house. (There was also two other groups but I dont know exactly what they did) I was in the group that started the second floor to the pastor's house. Some team members painted siding, others cut wood, some began preparations for the second floor, others tore down dry wall. I had the opportunity to work alongside the pastor, working on cutting the stair stringer. We were able to work together and communicate really well which was awesome! After working for a few hours, a few members of the team jumped into the van, traveled back to the envision center to change and get ready for VBS, and drove to the VBS site. Then we gathered the children from their homes and played some games outside of the church. After singing a few songs, teaching a lesson, doing a skit, and then a craft, we went outside to play again with the kids and have a snack. After VBS was over, we ventured back to the Envision center for our dinner and evening activities (debrief, prayer, worship, etc). In all, the first day of work was amazing :)
Day four: Tuesday
I accidentally overslept through the optional devotions but made it down in time for prayer and breakfast. Just as the day before, we divided into groups and went our different ways. I went to the same house again because I went to VBS. After doing a few random jobs, I nailed down the plywood (second) floor to Renariou's house and painted siding. Just as the day before, a few of the team members hoped into the van and prepared for VBS. Another very successful VBS followed. Lots of playing with the kids at the beginning, then singing, a lesson, craft, and a snack. We did not have an opportunity to do the skit because we had to get back to the Envision site in time to leave for the beach. On a side note- the wonderful dirt roads make the potholes in Pittsburgh look like ants, and there is no site of white cars anywhere- everything is coated in dirt. Back to the brief description. Once every team has returned to the Envision center, we changed and got ready for the beach. After a lovely ride to the beach, we jumped over waves, ran in the sand, took pictures, had a ball, and then went back home. Then we did our daily debrief with prayer, testimonials, and worship. Day two again was fantastic!
Day five: Wednesday
We did it, we got to today! To begin the day we had our daily devotions and prayer time followed by breakfast. But instead of dividing, we stayed together and traveled to a market to barter our hearts out, and get you guys some great gifts ;) Some of the students and leaders bartered for the first time in their lives, and loved it. Then we traveled back to the Envision center to eat and divide into our groups. Again I headed off to VBS, where we had our best day yet. There were over 40 little kids singing to Jesus, learning about David and Goliath, and playing with the team members. After an awesome VBS we headed back to shower and get ready to eat dinner. Other groups slowly came back and also got ready for the night. We had an extra 30 minutes before dinner so some of us went to a market thing down the street (it was more like a garage sale where random people brought new and old things to sell under their tents). Then we had an awesome dinner and now I am finally finishing up my blog post.
I hope you guys have enjoyed my stories and brief descriptions, but a few other people need to use the computer. The students have been moved, stretched, and lives have been changed. I am so encouraged every night when I hear how Christ has worked in each person's life each day. The testimonials from this trip will be so exciting to hear! Get excited!
I hope everyone is doing as great as we are down here in Ensenada, Mexico. See you all soon.
In his hands,
~Rebecca Wakeley
Day 5: Rain
So it's rained for the past 3 days. However when I say rain, I mean 30 seconds. However, today was a little different. Waking up this morning, the porch was wet, the cars windows were dripping with water, the brown dust streaking down the vans and pooling.
This is atypical. It rains 10 days a year in Ensenada. This is special.
There are typically 52 days of sun each year in Pittsburgh. As you are well aware, rain is always a possibility. So My question is: What things are we missing down here because we find them typical back home? Is the freedom to have morning prayer time atypical in Mexico? Is the food wonderfully prepared for us by Leda above and beyond what the locals typically eat? As we pray today, pray that the Lord would open our eyes to see the surroundings of life and take joy in the "rain" with our brother and sister in Mexico.
This is atypical. It rains 10 days a year in Ensenada. This is special.
There are typically 52 days of sun each year in Pittsburgh. As you are well aware, rain is always a possibility. So My question is: What things are we missing down here because we find them typical back home? Is the freedom to have morning prayer time atypical in Mexico? Is the food wonderfully prepared for us by Leda above and beyond what the locals typically eat? As we pray today, pray that the Lord would open our eyes to see the surroundings of life and take joy in the "rain" with our brother and sister in Mexico.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Day 4: Is it really day 4?
Since yesterday was our first crack at our projects, today really feels like day 2. Armed with more of and understanding of what to expect in a days work, some students and leaders headed to bed a little earlier. Yesterdays projects included tar roofing, home building, sheet rock demo, painting, playing with children, VBS, and prayer. Today will include a lot of the same activities but my prayers is that it will be a little different today. Since our students and leaders had an opportunity to connect with some of the neighborhood adults and children, I pray that today, our students would actively invite them into interaction.
With a language barrier, it can sometimes be easier to invite people into tasks of love: Building, painting, playing, hugs, laughter. At home with strangers, we often make small talk, shallowly talk about our lives or faith, and then work in silence. However in Mexico, our actions are the only thing that speaks. We have the opportunity to speak the love of Christ loudly. Pray that our students today would speak volumes to this community with Love.
In Him,
Reed
With a language barrier, it can sometimes be easier to invite people into tasks of love: Building, painting, playing, hugs, laughter. At home with strangers, we often make small talk, shallowly talk about our lives or faith, and then work in silence. However in Mexico, our actions are the only thing that speaks. We have the opportunity to speak the love of Christ loudly. Pray that our students today would speak volumes to this community with Love.
In Him,
Reed
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