February 19, 2005

Mission Blogging Pt VI

This is Jake's final report from his mission trip in Mexico:

No One Told Me About This Part

Wow! A little warning would have been nice. We had such a great day, and week, right up until 1 hour ago. After dinner we went to the Friday night service at the church. After the message, the pastor, Omar, thanked us for coming this week- this was expected. We all know the routine- well, at least I thought I did. They began to talk about the history of the church 50, 100, or even 200 years from now, if the Lord tarries that long. Then he said that our names were written forever on all of the walls that we built at the new church and in all of the lives that we touched, that we would never be forgotten. Yeah, I know, thatīs the same part that got me too.

All week I couldnīt believe how hospitable these amazing people were. From Marco and Vickie (Marco is the brother of Omar),who opened their house and their kitchen to us, to Chuyito and Paul, the mother and son from the church who took in the other half of us, to the church for being so welcoming and eager to shake our hands or hug us. They are the ones who have no idea what they are sending back to the United States. If they only knew what they have taught us.

What a week. I wish there were more weeks to do more work. I pray that God will make a way for my whole family to come back and experience the love and joy that I have. I came to help and have a unique experience. No one told me I would go back broken, humble, and wanting just one more day. Blake, get ready. I will be the one to warn you: leaving is infinitely harder than any amount of work you will do while you are there. The kids smiles, their hugs, their tender hearts soaking in the love and attention that you will be feverishly trying to dish out, will be in your heart forever. I pray they will remember me as Rosey Cheeks (the nickname they gave to me), the gringo that brought love, dulces (candy), bibles, and a church in which to find hope in an otherwise hopeless existence. But mostly I hope they remember the love of Christ, his unequaled sacrifice and gift to all mankind, and that he loves them more than I could ever hope for.

I leave you with the most important Spanish that I learned from my amazing little Gramma just before I left the States:
1. Jesus Cristo morio por sus picados.
2. El sangre de Jesus Cristo limpiandos sus picados.

Part I; Part II; Part III; Part IV; Part V

Also, be sure to read about my upcoming mission trip to Moldova and how you can help.

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