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
Monday, July 4, 2011
Day 3: Projects
With the time change disorientation not fully complete, many students are up by the 6 or 6:30 hour, congregating and setting out with leaders for a morning run, or a hike up the mountain. The absolutely beautiful day and cool temp makes it a joy to run... Im just too tired to do it right now. So as the day begins, some students grab their allotted 1 shower a day while others (including me) hold off until after our projects to get clean, while still other have yet to logically choose when a shower would be most appropriate.
Scott gathers the students for a morning devotion that includes a reading and group discussion. Most of the students weigh in on the issues pertaining to their faith, share their hearts, and spur on more thought amongst themselves. While looking back over our first intercultural experiences in church yesterday, the students reflected on differences, similarities, realization moments, and Holy Spirit guided.
Like every good community, everyone rolls up their sleeves and tends to the local chores of the mission like dishes, sweeping, and cleaning. I'm not sure if it has become a labor of love yet, but maybe in time. (As parents, we can only pray that chores would become a labor of love for our children. Yet by the time they figure that out (definitely in my case), they're probably parents themselves.)
While talking with Pastor Jim Turnbull, we talked about this idea: The mission trip and our leadership is shaping and preparing future missionaries who will do this full time. Some of your children and peers will become missionaries going everywhere and telling everyone the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So when a short term mission feels awkward, is difficult, is frightening as a parent to release your children into, and confusing, we should rest in the fact that God cares about us and provides for us now, in the present, and that this moment is important to the development of his people now... and in the future.
I often look at experiences as being important in the future, like going to school. The end result is what I am constantly striving for. In the same pattern, I look at experiences as being important only in the present, like going paint balling with students for fun and relaxation. Seldom do I look at my experiences as both important now, and important in the future, but it is a practice I should work on. Pray for our students for our "now" moments and God's "future"moments. We covet your prayers.
In Him,
Reed
Scott gathers the students for a morning devotion that includes a reading and group discussion. Most of the students weigh in on the issues pertaining to their faith, share their hearts, and spur on more thought amongst themselves. While looking back over our first intercultural experiences in church yesterday, the students reflected on differences, similarities, realization moments, and Holy Spirit guided.
Like every good community, everyone rolls up their sleeves and tends to the local chores of the mission like dishes, sweeping, and cleaning. I'm not sure if it has become a labor of love yet, but maybe in time. (As parents, we can only pray that chores would become a labor of love for our children. Yet by the time they figure that out (definitely in my case), they're probably parents themselves.)
While talking with Pastor Jim Turnbull, we talked about this idea: The mission trip and our leadership is shaping and preparing future missionaries who will do this full time. Some of your children and peers will become missionaries going everywhere and telling everyone the good news of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So when a short term mission feels awkward, is difficult, is frightening as a parent to release your children into, and confusing, we should rest in the fact that God cares about us and provides for us now, in the present, and that this moment is important to the development of his people now... and in the future.
I often look at experiences as being important in the future, like going to school. The end result is what I am constantly striving for. In the same pattern, I look at experiences as being important only in the present, like going paint balling with students for fun and relaxation. Seldom do I look at my experiences as both important now, and important in the future, but it is a practice I should work on. Pray for our students for our "now" moments and God's "future"moments. We covet your prayers.
In Him,
Reed
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Day 2: Sabbath at Sundown
Delante de los ojos de Dios
You are under the eyes of God.
This is what we heard in the sermon today at church. Please rest in this friends and family. We have been and continue to be under the watchful eye of God.
Sarah G says she loves her mommy
Josh S says theres real coke down here (dont say coke say coca cola)
George says theres no nutritional facts on the pop down here
Shaggy does George impression all day
George goes by George (pronounced hor-hay) but asks to be called (to no avail) Senor
Mexico is going to George's head
Dios te bendiga (God bless you)
Today's weather was crisp and cool
...this group of people is slowly degrading the reputability of my blog.
In Him,
Reed
You are under the eyes of God.
This is what we heard in the sermon today at church. Please rest in this friends and family. We have been and continue to be under the watchful eye of God.
Sarah G says she loves her mommy
Josh S says theres real coke down here (dont say coke say coca cola)
George says theres no nutritional facts on the pop down here
Shaggy does George impression all day
George goes by George (pronounced hor-hay) but asks to be called (to no avail) Senor
Mexico is going to George's head
Dios te bendiga (God bless you)
Today's weather was crisp and cool
...this group of people is slowly degrading the reputability of my blog.
In Him,
Reed
Day 2: Sabbath in Ensenada
We woke up rather early this morning to go on a good run. Some of the kids really like running, but I had an ulterior motive: I wanted to see the town. So I went for a run and took some pictures. On this brisk hazy morning, the dirt roads under our feet, the brightly colored buildings, and the barking dogs at almost every house and fence was foreign to us. The town is beautiful. I felt that it was very short, however. What I mean is that most buildings are 1 story, or barely 2. It just feels short. There is a lack of continuity, and form which makes everything unique and wonderful to look at. I pray that the students are paying as much attention to their surroundings and that God is moving the hearts to a place of compassion and care for this place.
Take a look at some of our photos
Today, we venture to 5 different churches in the neighborhood to accommodate our size. By splitting up, we will be able to fit into these small congregations. The service times are all spread out through out the day and are typically 2 hours long with lively music and entirely in Spanish. We were told it would be ok to take our bibles and read during the sermon. Pray that this time would be God inspired and that we would reach out to the men and women of the community with respect and love.
So at 8:00 am now, we get ready to have breakfast, do our chores, and begin our day of Sabbath in Ensenada Mexico.
In Him,
Reed
Take a look at some of our photos
Today, we venture to 5 different churches in the neighborhood to accommodate our size. By splitting up, we will be able to fit into these small congregations. The service times are all spread out through out the day and are typically 2 hours long with lively music and entirely in Spanish. We were told it would be ok to take our bibles and read during the sermon. Pray that this time would be God inspired and that we would reach out to the men and women of the community with respect and love.
So at 8:00 am now, we get ready to have breakfast, do our chores, and begin our day of Sabbath in Ensenada Mexico.
In Him,
Reed
Saturday, July 2, 2011
I think we made it
George is so stinkin happy to be in Ensenada.
We finally made the trip. As you can see from our post time (aprox 7:00pm local, 10:00 pm Eastern), its been a super long day. But we are here, safe, sound, and well fed. Keep us in your prayers.
The students are asking for prayer. Prayers that come along with being in a new place that is very different from our own. When a neighborhood looks so much less "financially" fortunate, fears of being robbed or having the cars broken into begin to surface. From what I can tell, and the comfortableness of our hosts in Ensenada, these fears are just that; fears. Pray for our safety, of course, but pray for our hearts, and how God will show us his heart for this neighborhood and these people.
In Him,
Reed
Landed
Our flights have ended. We now patiently await the arrival of our luggage. What is interesting is how disoriented the flights have made us. You are completely aware of the fact that it us 5:30 in the evening, but to us its 1:30 and time for lunch. What's odd is that there doesn't seem to be any evidence on our students to the reality of a 13+ hour trip. Not to say they aren't tired, but that they are convinced its mid day. I haven't set my watch back yet and don't plan too. I don't want to be dooped out of my precious sleep. Maybe when I wake up tomorrow I will succeed and assume the local time. I may be the only one thus stubborn, but that just means the kids are doing wonderfully. Keep us in prayer.
Off to In-N-Out burger.
In Him
Reed
In Flight
Seriously People. We are in the air right now. At the time of this post we are zooming over Milwaukee. If you're online now, you can track our first flight to Minneapolis.
Track our flight!
Too cool right?
After that we will have a quick layover and then on to San Diego. Follow that flight
Track This Flight
So I'm sitting in a row with Sarah Coss ("Hi Mom, you probably won't read this") and Melissa Karl ("Hola mi familia! Te Amo!") as we contemplate what ridiculous things we should purchase from Sky Mall and have sent to Pastor Scott's house. Let us know which you think would be best;
The iRestore Hair Laser
or the GermBana
We really want one of these Animated Hoodies!
We are having a great time yet I think the effects of an early airport arrival (4am) may be rearing it's ugly head. I know I am feeling tired. Perhaps a good breakfast in the Minneapolis Airport may help wake me up. I know that I will be looking forward to lunch at In-N-Out Burger.
Pray for our leaders and students for our mind and spirits, that we would have patience, endurance, stamina, and energy for this long day of travel. A covering in prayer is something we will all constantly need. Thank you.
If you like, leave us some comments!
In Him,
Reed
Your Faithful Blogger
Track our flight!
Too cool right?
After that we will have a quick layover and then on to San Diego. Follow that flight
Track This Flight
So I'm sitting in a row with Sarah Coss ("Hi Mom, you probably won't read this") and Melissa Karl ("Hola mi familia! Te Amo!") as we contemplate what ridiculous things we should purchase from Sky Mall and have sent to Pastor Scott's house. Let us know which you think would be best;The iRestore Hair Laser
or the GermBana
We really want one of these Animated Hoodies!
We are having a great time yet I think the effects of an early airport arrival (4am) may be rearing it's ugly head. I know I am feeling tired. Perhaps a good breakfast in the Minneapolis Airport may help wake me up. I know that I will be looking forward to lunch at In-N-Out Burger.Pray for our leaders and students for our mind and spirits, that we would have patience, endurance, stamina, and energy for this long day of travel. A covering in prayer is something we will all constantly need. Thank you.
If you like, leave us some comments!
In Him,
Reed
Your Faithful Blogger
Airport schmairport
Hazy eyed kids haul around their luggage while navigating the sea of people, bags, and rope partitions. Once the bags have been checked, the waiting game continues and degrades into people watching, ipods, Facebook, and chatting about boys/girls. Everyone holding their pillows while talking secretly says "I really wish I was asleep". It's only a matter of time until they realize it will be about 24 hours before their heads hit a pillow for "real" rest. So for know, we continue to wait, dreary eyed and tired. Pray for us. The trip has begun.
In Him,
Reed
Friday, July 1, 2011
Well well well... the hour is drawing near! We have about 12 hours left that could be used for precious sleep! I know you have your alarm, back up alarm, stove alarm, and house alarm set to get you up and out of bed at some ridiculous hour to get you to the airport by 4am! Well, if you need some help falling asleep, why not watch a soothing topical video to get you ready for you trip tomorrow!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
We're All in This Together - part 1 from Allegheny Center Alliance Church on Vimeo.
We're All in This Together - part 2 from Allegheny Center Alliance Church on Vimeo.
We're All in This Together - part 3 from Allegheny Center Alliance Church on Vimeo.
We're All in This Together - part 4 from Allegheny Center Alliance Church on Vimeo.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Tee **minus** Ei8ht Days
Count downs are always fun. There is an aire of importance about them. They signify the importance of a moment in time. We are counting down to Saturday, July 2nd; the beginning of our trip to Ensenada Mexico. And as that date approaches, we mark the days with pre-trip preparations: Passports - 20 days out, training - 6 days out, Concert of prayer - 4 days out, packing - 2 days out, 3:00 am alarm - 8 hours out.... then you see the "van". You look past all other things, and focus on the van.
The "van" is that moment when you know you are really on your way. The "van" doesn't have to be an actual "van". It can be a car, a plane, a trail marker. It's the official location of the start. (Incidentally, we are meeting at the air port and not taking the vans, so, for this trip, the "van" would probably be the air port... it's a metaphor people).
When you see the "van" (insert air port metaphor), it changes your attitude. You know right then that this trip is happening, and you will be thrust into travel where your only thoughts revolve around the trip. It's exciting.
I'm seeing the van now. As I walk towards the van over the next days, I am preparing, praying, wondering, hoping, and engaging the idea of this mission trip. You too can start looking towards the van, start focusing on the van and all the physical and meta realities that the van represents.
Here's the thing... The van will eventually leave.
Have you prepared? Have you packed? Do you have what you'll need? Did you leave behind what you don't need? Do you know what you need? Are you forgetting something?
It's time to approach and focus on the van ladies and gentlemen.
The "van" is that moment when you know you are really on your way. The "van" doesn't have to be an actual "van". It can be a car, a plane, a trail marker. It's the official location of the start. (Incidentally, we are meeting at the air port and not taking the vans, so, for this trip, the "van" would probably be the air port... it's a metaphor people).When you see the "van" (insert air port metaphor), it changes your attitude. You know right then that this trip is happening, and you will be thrust into travel where your only thoughts revolve around the trip. It's exciting.
I'm seeing the van now. As I walk towards the van over the next days, I am preparing, praying, wondering, hoping, and engaging the idea of this mission trip. You too can start looking towards the van, start focusing on the van and all the physical and meta realities that the van represents.
Here's the thing... The van will eventually leave.
Have you prepared? Have you packed? Do you have what you'll need? Did you leave behind what you don't need? Do you know what you need? Are you forgetting something?
It's time to approach and focus on the van ladies and gentlemen.
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