Turtles Unite

Mrs Coppens did an amazing job chronicling our mission in the Baja. Enjoy!

Mexico Journal

Monday, May 5 evening Babysitting Night for the Houseparents

Jennifer: It was so sweet. I had the sick baby girl (15 months) with the feeding tube. They wanted us to keep her up so when the parents came home, she’d sleep through the night. I was holding her and kissing her head and falling asleep. The “father” was so protective of her. I told him, “I promise I won’t break her.”

Charlotte: We had a great group of kids. They played soccer and did crafts. Tyler, Evan and Linde enjoyed typical adolescent bantering and the house girls were “smoozing and fawning” over Tyler and Evan. I could never do what these houseparents do — 12 kids, the noise factor, etc. At the same time, the obedience and “parenting” of the older with the younger kids was equally impressive — for our kids to know the structure, obedience and responsibility of these kids would make life so much easier.

Cindy: It was a really good experience in Casa Six. I really liked watching the 12 kids interact with each other. It was very obvious that they were trained to care for the others. They had their jobs. We played charades in Spanish and English and used the craft box. They are very creative kids.

Jan with Jill and Alex: In Casa 2, the housemom couldn’t speak English. No one prepared us for what it was really going to be like. We were given instructions to care for them and we spent the whole night trying to find them. They didn’t listen and they just wanted to go out and play.

Kim with Jeanne, Tiffany, Felicia and Jenna: In Casa 5, Kim had the pleasure of meeting her friend Linda Sones’ sponsored child Rebeca. Rebeca and Linda met 12 years ago when Linda came for a work week. Linda gave Kim some photos and a small gift for Rebeca and fortunately, they were able to meet. Rebeca is 16 and thriving. Tiffany was very smart at the onset of our housesitting duties. She immediately enlisted the help of the oldest girl to help us identify each of the children in Casa 5. Next to the list of names, Tiffany wrote some identifying trait for each one. Jeanne opened the craft box to entertain about 5 of the girls, Felicia and Jenna went outside to play with a few more. Kim and Tiffany spent the next hour keeping track of the two boys, Moises and Antonio, who wanted to wander and interact with all of the other children outside. I think it was Antonio’s night to ride the scooter because that’s all he wanted to do. Kim got a nice tour of the place by following him around to make sure he was safe. They told us to treat them like our own kids and make sure they didn’t go into the street. Jenna played with 4 year old Victoria and her remote control truck. As things became more familiar, everyone seemed to settle down. Kim taught the older girls (including Rebeca) how to play group solitaire. An 11 yr old handicapped girl taught Kim and Felicia a new card game in her broken English. Before bed, they had a snack of popcorn and watched a short portion of a movie. They had one small TV and VCR in the house. Moises was very territorial about the community popcorn bowl. When a younger girl took some, he pushed her into the hallway and started to strangle her. Kim spent some time with both of them trying to teach them proper behavior and self defense. Antonio took off his socks, went outside and washed them in the sink and washboard, and hung them to dry on the clothesline. Once dressed for bed, Little Victoria took her dirty day clothes and went outside to put them in the laundry can. The children under 12 went to their bedrooms around 8:30 and put themselves to sleep. The older children stayed up until the parents came home at 9pm.

Tuesday, May 6

We had a private NCA chapel time before the group Sala time.

Rodger gave the students the assignment to journal everyday and memorize Philippians 2:14: Do everything without complaining or arguing, (so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.) He also challenged them to serve other people and that starts with your fellow students, chaperones and the people here. The people closest to you are the ones you take advantage of most often because you think they can take it. If you can serve the people you know best, you can serve anyone.

Work Assignments on Tuesday:

Dr. Laura: I worked in the clinic this morning and saw 10-12 people. Cases included pneumonia, a well check on a 6 week old infant, allergies, rashes, an older woman who gets dizzy – she wasn’t a Christian so Elle the nurse spent a lot of time with her sharing the gospel

Jill, Felicia, Brieanna and Jan: we work in the soup kitchen bagging rice, raisins and beans to give to the families who come in… only elderly and single women with kids… they don’t give to men b/c they need to be providers for their families. We swept and mopped the soup kitchen.

Evan: weeded the prayer garden

Linde, Krista, Kelly, Jon, Tyler, David and Alex: pulled weeds in the fruit orchard

Charlotte: nut processing and made cookies at the Nut House Bakery; Peanut Butter and Chocolate Chip/Macadamia Nut Cookies for the Mother’s Day Celebration. I talked to 5 girls from a local high school who are volunteering 2 weeks of their time to serve at the Mission. They were not Christian and Dorothy, the woman who runs the Nut House and Bakery, was praying that someone would come who could take the time to work alongside them and talk to them. (Charlotte was brushing up on her Spanish as a result of this assignment — great experience!)

Dave: Looked at remodeling some of the home with the architect; measured and looked at his drawings; taped drywall in the boys’ home with Ted and Phil

Jeanne: painted the boys’ home

Rodger: dug ditches for the sewer pipes in front of the Bible Institute where they are building a new building

Cindy and Ginny: helped in the special needs day care

Tiffany: went to La Cuna and played with the toddlers… play-doh, danced, read books, walked the babies around. Then I helped set up lunch.

Abbi: pulled chicken in the kitchen for lunch; washed and put away dishes… they had a specific system… wash, dip in bleach, rinse, dry and put away.

Jennifer and Sue: continued with the medicine sorting

Brenda: cut hair for 8 people who live at the mission… male, female, kids and adults

Jenna and Kim: helped in Motel 6 with the infants. We watched the healthy newborn girl and the toddler with spina bifida. During the intercessory prayer time, Kim got the words spina bifida and didn’t understand it. When she got her assignment and then met the children, it was amazing to hear that one had spina bifida. The infant was the 33^rd baby to be cared for by the current couple in Motel 6… they’ve been at the mission for 6 years. They take care of infants until they sleep through the night and any very sick young ones. They both seemed weary in their work – overwhelmed at the fact that so many kids don’t have moms and they won’t be able to do this forever. The man is 69 and wanted to leave the mission when he’s 70, but he currently doesn’t see a way. 2 of the children in their care are adoptable, but it takes 4-8 years for a non-Mexican citizen to work through the system. The reason we babysat that day was because they were taking the baby with a cleft lip and feeding tube for an assessment to see if she can have her operation soon. I asked the lady (Betty) the following question: When the children get to an age where they can understand what’s going on, are they thankful for all that is given to them here… a safe shelter, 3 meals a day, running water, indoor toilets and showers, free education (through college if they stay that long and want to go), and people who take care of them? She replied: They all long for their mothers. They would go back to their home no matter how bad it was if they had a choice. Nothing can replace a mother’s love. It is really hard for me to see the children that are brought here and no one ever comes back to visit them. While Betty was gone at the doctor, her husband stopped by to “check on us.”

Tuesday afternoon… several people had their first child evangelism experience… here are there thoughts:

Jeanne: my favorite thing so far was today at child evangelism…. Their smiles. 35-50 kids ages 2-12. What was really cool was driving through about a 10 block x 5 block neighborhood and the mission employee Adrianna was sitting in the front passenger seat with a microphone saying something like “come learn about Jesus; have some warm milk

and peanut butter.” Then, when we parked, most of the kids were there. It was like an AWANA night… we played games, sang songs, heard a Bible story, and served milk and peanut butter to the kids. The neighborhood wasn’t houses but shacks with bricks and very small. Also, about 10 community outhouses.

Rodger: Child Evangelism was the most joy I’ve felt since Christmas when I was 10.

Brieanna: We drove around the neighborhood and the lady on the microphone was calling all the kids. We stopped at the church. They seemed very happy… they smiled a lot. It was like we gave them a million bucks. They were friendly.

Tiffany: Their garbage was in a ditch and it looked like they probably burned it each night. Garbage cans were outside the door of their house and they were filled with fresh water. They did laundry and dishes outside. The toilets were outside. Sheets were hanging and served as doors to their houses. Kids were sick with bad coughs and runny noses. All the kids had shoes on. There were puppies everywhere full of fleas… I don’t know how the dogs survive. The kids are rough with them.

Ted: It was rough. All 4 walls of one man’s house were made with wax cardboard, typically used for orange crates. The openings for the handles of the crate were exposed so wind and insects got into the house. This was one of the better homes.

We all had the experience of Adult Evangelism on Tuesday night. We all went together to the same place. As we drove in to a neighborhood, the kids came running and latched on to the back of the vans and ran with us as we drove in. The kids wanted to be picked up and play with us. Jump ropes, tennis balls, bubbles, music for dancing, piggy back rides, and the fascination of seeing themselves on the back of a digital camera, all brought smiles. After play time, the mission employees showed 2 movies on the side of a white van. One was a cartoon, and the other was a more adult movie. The kids got comfortable on our laps and the adults stood around the perimeter. Not all kids were accompanied by an adult… some were brought by older siblings, some came on their own. The speaker gave a short message after the movies and we prayed with those who wanted it.

Ari: I was upset that I couldn’t pick up the dogs like I do mine. I was looking around the edges and trying to get as many kids involved as possible.

Kim: The kids were smiling but when I would take their picture, they would make a serious face like on a Compassion International ad. I kept retaking and encouraging them to smile. It took about 15 retakes to get a 12 year old girl to smile for the camera even though she’d laugh and smile between takes. When we sat down to see the movie, a little girl sat on my lap. After awhile, she said several words in Spanish to me… the only one I recognized was “bano”. I immediately released her and she ran off to go to the outhouse. I am so glad that I remembered some of my high school Spanish!

Tiffany: I couldn’t stand up or sit down because I’m so sore from working in the nursery and digging in the garden. (Maybe it was one too many piggy back rides, too! J)

Charlotte: it went every way better than expected. I was very anxious about mass evangelism. It was out of my comfort zone. I was pleasantly surprised. It was easier to be there than I thought. It was an answer to prayer. The cool thing of the day: The girls I met this morning in the Nut House asked if I was coming back and was disappointed that I wasn’t assigned there in the afternoon. The women in the kitchen asked me when I’m coming back. This is more in my comfort zone. One-on-one relationship building.

Wednesday, May 7

Sala song: Lord, I want more of You (Senor quiero mas de ti)

Wednesday Work Assignments

Jenna, Brieanna, Jeanne, Felicia: weed pulling in the Macadamia Nut orchard; it was really hot… a big black beetle went up Jenna’s jeans.

Rodger: continued to dig ditches and move big rocks; Dear Debbie: I must have a “go dig dirt” face!

Tyler: hand sawed branches off of a tree; I dug a really long ditch with Mr. K. It was filled with big rocks. (To pass the time, he also discussed movie trivia with Mr. K)

Sue and Jennifer: CONTINUED to organize the medical supplies and medicine

Brenda: gave more haircuts, including the special needs day care kids

Cindy: worked in the special needs day care; One of the boys with MS had a special day today. His mom left him, his dad is in rehab and his grandma is raising him. His dad came to visit today. We picked up Jose and carried him to see his dad. He leapt for joy! If he could have walked, he would have. No matter what parents have done, or their absence, a child still desires that relationship.

Phil, Dave and Ted: put up drywall on a ceiling in the boys’ home; From Ted to Linda: Guess what? I did drywall.

Kim and Abbi: we helped on the Dump Run… emptied all the garbage cans at the mission and broke down all the cardboard boxed. We rode on the back of a flat bed truck amongst the garbage cans. We visited each place at the mission. Our favorite stop was the Nut House bakery which was in full production baking cookies. Charlotte was there again baking cookies and ministering to the girls. They gave us a sample of the macadamia shortbread cookies. Yumm! The kitchen smelled much better than the garbage truck. We met a cat in a garbage can. Ketchup was spilled all over a can. I felt like I smelled it until I took a shower. Wonder if I’ll ever be able to eat it again? At the kitchen stop, I found the label for the powdered milk that we drink in the morning and give out at Child Evangelism. It takes VERY sweet… it’s like a dessert. I thought it probably had 300 calories a glass, so I was pleasantly surprised that it only had 50 calories per 8 ounces! I took a photo of the label so I can study it later. We rode in the truck to the dump which was mountains of garbage (literally) with a small fire. At the rate they are burning, it will never make a difference… just an open spot for the next day’s garbage. Along the rode up the mountain to the dump, there are houses. We gave out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to a poor village woman who came out to greet our truck. We had more to give it others came out, but today no one else did. Abbi said, “Dios te bendiga” (God Bless You) to her because they are taught that God will provide for them so it was very important to give Him the glory for the sandwiches.

When Abbi and I returned, we immediately took showers. Thank you Jennifer for getting us clean clothes out of our suitcases. We sprayed our shoes and items we brought along with Lysol. We’ll spare you the details as to why we felt compelled to do this. After my shower, I was so pleased that I didn’t smell like ketchup anymore. Sue said, “Kim, you smelled like a lot worse than ketchup!” God has a sense of humor because when we went to lunch next, it was hot dogs with ketchup. Yes, I made myself eat it to get over it. All is well. My sister’s prayers for God to use me in my weakness are being answered. Everyone should spend one day as a garbage person… and thank the people who have to do it every day.

Ginny: worked in the soup kitchen packaging raisins. Cleaned the dining room. We saw the people eating oatmeal, milk, toast and juice (the same breakfast we had). There were a couple of visitors who prayed with the staff.

Jeanne: stuffed newsletters in envelopes in the Printing House. 14,000 people receive them. I was in awe of the number of people who support this ministry and they desire to stay connected.

Jill: organized the linen closet in the visitor’s lounge and cleaned the visitor’s lounge. Dr. Laura noticed the improvement!

Wed evening activities

We all went to the local church to worship and hear a message. Many of us wore our matching skirts from Coldwater Creek. We were quite fashionable J We were formally welcomed as American visitors. They sang many songs in Spanish and some in English. They clapped most of the time… I’ve never clapped for an hour straight in my whole life. It was a fun and active worship experience even though I didn’t understand most of the songs. Some of the tunes were familiar. We used individual headsets to get an English translation of the sermon and prayers. We participated in their communion. We waited in line to go to the front tables where they had loaves of bread. We broke off a piece of bread and were asked to share it with someone else. We also were offered a very small plastic container filled with juice… the same containers that are frequently used in the States. People stood around the tables together to eat the bread and drink the wine. We didn’t go back to our seats during this time. It was a community communion experience.

After church, we had the best dinner of the week at the mission. It was a nice chicken dinner with vegetables at the Bible Institute. (We later found out that the canned vegetables were 10 years old… they don’t get donations of vegetables very often) We heard a presentation on their ministry and needs. The students sang songs for us and we clapped some more! The students are from all over Mexico and are preparing to be pastors and teachers of the Bible. They attend school for free at the Bible Institute (it’s an arm of the orphanage, where we dug several of the ditches) and raise support for their missionary trips throughout Mexico during the course of their education. They ranged in age from 20-55, both male and female. They were talented singers and speakers.

Thursday, May 8

Songs from Sala:

One day every tongue will confess you are God

(Todo lengua confesara que es Dios)

One day every knee will bow

(Las rodillas se doblaron)

This is my desire, to honor You

(Este es me deseo, amarte a ti)

Lord, with all my heart, I will worship you

(Con mi Corazon te servire)

During Sala time, Evan and David got special mention for their hard work weeding in the prayer garden.

We learned about child sponsorships. Most of the kids at the orphanage are here because of a trauma in their home. There are some “real” orphans; but, most do have families. They come here with a lot of baggage. They encouraged us to sponsor a child… $25/partial sponsorship; $200/month full sponsorship.

We wish we could have spent more time developing relationships with the kids. We have done more jobs to support the orphanage rather than interact with the kids. Maybe they don’t want them developing relationships and then saying good-bye, week after week. They try to give them a routine and a “normal” life rather than “putting them on display.”

Thursday am work assignments:

Morgan and Linde: worked in the salon washing hair and cleaning; cracking nuts in the Nut House

Dave, Rodger, Evan, Alex and Kim: dug ditches. Rodger passed on his technique to the others. Dave partnered with Evan and Kim with Alex to finish two of the ditches. Everyone worked hard. Rodger poured water all over himself when he was finished. We all got a ride back to the visitors’ center on a pick up truck when we were done. We talked about how we felt like we were in the movie, “Holes.” After all the work, we still didn’t finish enough to see them pour the concrete. Jenna showed Rodger how to use an aloe plant from the landscaping to treat his sunburn.

Phil and Ted: tied rebar to be used in the ditches for concrete footings

Jenna, Kelly and Krista: Cleaned windows and swept in the kitchen; then Jenna and Kelly worked in the warehouse. We loaded boxes of food into a truck and took it to the soup kitchen. We sorted donated suitcases, giving the good ones to the Bible Institute students for their trip, and the old ones went to the soup kitchen to be filled with food and supplies for the needy families. Krista joined Ari and Felicia and decorated cakes with the day care children.

Ari and Felicia: weeded in the orchard and then decorated cakes with Krista at the day care.

Cindy and Ginny: watched infant and 20 month old spina bifida girl while the housemom took the infant with the cleft palette to the doctor for consultation for surgery.

Jon: washed and detailed a van that was used for child evangelism…. It was dirty!!!

Tiffany: worked in the printing house folding newsletters

18 of us participated in Child Evangelism in the afternoon. There are regular weekly visits to specific neighborhoods. The children expect us to come and they want to play with us. We were divided into 4 teams.

Brenda, Kim, Kelly and Jenna went to a neighborhood that had a church in the middle of it. We used the sanctuary for our lessons. The kids were well behaved. They entered the church in an orderly fashion with the girls sitting in the pews on the right and the boys on the left. We sang songs, heard a Bible story and made a craft for Mother’s Day. We each worked with a small group of kids to do the craft. We were able to help them without using much Spanish. It seemed like a very “normal” experience. The kids were patient, waiting their turn. They loved to get their picture taken. But, as soon as the call went out to get in line for the peanut butter and milk, no matter what they were doing, they immediately stopped and ran outside to get in line behind the van. We gave out the milk and peanut butter in the cups they brought from home, scraping a spoon of peanut butter against the side of the cup. They didn’t care if it fell in the milk or stayed attached to the side. They enjoyed it either way. I found out that the mission adds liquid vitamins to the milk… It costs $60 for vitamins for each 5 gallon pail of milk. We usually gave out 2 pails at each site. We also gave out Easter candy to the kids. The third girl in line said, “Gracias.” That was the first time I had heard any of the children say that. I mentioned it to the Spanish speaking leader and she told the children. The majority of the remaining kids in line followed suit and said “gracias” after they were served.

Dinner was beans and pork rinds. Several of us passed on the dinner.

We went to Adult Evangelism in a transient community. When we first arrived, we weren’t sure if we could stay because another group was already there. However, we found out the group was from our mission doing medical outreach. Dr. Laura and Sue were part of the medical team that saw lots of people in the village that day at their temporary clinic. They created a check-in table, waiting area and a place to see patients. If the patients had a more private matter, they went behind a curtain. This temporary clinic was out in the middle of an open dirt field with some grass around. The people were very patient waiting for their turn… as if they had nothing else to do that day and/or were so thankful for the opportunity to see a doctor and get medicine, that they would wait as long as needed. Very different type of patient than those a doctor sees in the US! It was exciting to run into our medical group in action and take a few photos of them. There was also a group there giving out clothing. So, this was a big day for this neighborhood. We topped it off with quite a celebration. We brought jump ropes, soccer balls, face painting, dancing, piggy back rides, a movie, cupcakes and cookies for the Moms for Mother’s Day, and took instant photos of each family to give to them. It was like a carnival! After the movie, the leader gave a short sermon and gave out Bibles. There was one man quietly waiting on the perimeter during the movie and when they offered the Bibles, he walked up purposefully to get one and then prayed with some of our team.

It was a fun, eventful evening; however, some of the teens were not very thankful. They threw rocks at our vans as we left. There was also some “machismo” behavior going on in the dance circle and some attempts to pick fights; however, our boys didn’t take the bait. We witnessed kids lying to get more food or extra photos. So, amidst the fun and outreach potential, there was also the harsh reality that life is hard for them. They have certain behaviors that help them “survive” in their environment. This reality disheartened some of the people in our group. It can make you feel that it’s hard to really make a difference. However, God does have the power to use ordinary people to bring His message to the people and to change hearts, no matter what the circumstance.

Friday, May 9

Many of us were ill during the night with Montezuma’s revenge. It affected at least half of our group. So, many missed the Morning Sala which was unfortunate because it was our turn to be the leader in the worship and teaching time. Jennifer rearranged the roles for the drama with several students taking multiple parts so that the “show could still go on.”… great teamwork! Through much analysis, the food to blame was the bean and cheese burritos from yesterday’s lunch, since the illness affected not only our group, but also some staff and children. The 10 year old canned vegetables that were served on Wed night were also served for Thursday’s lunch, but somehow they weren’t determined to be the culprit. The pan man who came by everyday to sell empanadas got a hit to his business on Friday because some feared that this was possibly the source. It is common

for cooking oil to be reused for many different food items. He is an “approved” vendor at the mission, but several were afraid to take the chance after the night’s illness.

Charlotte served as a “nurse” to some of the ill members and also interviewed them to pass the time. She asked them, “Name one way you feel you’ve made a difference or had an impact?”

Linde: definitely with the kids. At the first adult evangelism, I was holding a girl name Aricella, and when we had to go, she didn’t want me to leave. She kept saying, “Otra vez, Otra vez” and wanted to play more. She wouldn’t let go of my hands. I think she got a lot of joy and love from that. Also, I realize that when I’m not working while I’m here, I feel guilty, and I hope that the jobs I did made an impact and helped.

Jenna: At the child evangelism, I passed out milk and peanut butter. We’d call them to come and they’d be running and smiling. It touched me to see how grateful they were.

Morgan: At child evangelism, there was this little girl who was really dirty and had scars on her face. I asked her if she wanted to sit on my lap and she got a huge smile on her face.

Jon: At child evangelism, there was a little boy that had the biggest smile while we were playing soccer.

Dave: helping people sit down at the adult evangelism movie. I invited about 10 people each night to sit down and watch the movie if they were standing on the perimeter. I hope they felt welcomed.

Charlotte: interacting with the five high school girls who volunteered for 2 weeks at the mission while working at the nut house bakery. I learned from Dorothy that she was praying for someone to come who could talk to them (Dorothy couldn’t speak Spanish). I feel like I was an answer to her prayer and am honored to be used by God. I invited them to church on Wed night and 2 said they would come. I was disappointed when they didn’t. I waited at the door for them for a long time.

Krista: the kids… whenever we’re with the kids anywhere they seem so happy. Linde, Kelly and I went to play with the kids in the day care. We spun them in circles and stuff and they were so happy.

Friday am work assignments:

Brieanna, Felicia, Jeanne, Jon, Ari, Jenna, Kim, Linde: They needed a lot of workers in the macadamia processing area. We cracked open a lot of nuts and sorted the pieces and whole nuts (whole nuts are more valuable).

Cindy: used the nut equipment to crack some of the nuts, making it easier for the troops to follow up with the handheld nut crackers.

Sue and Jennifer: We finished the medicine sorting…. Alleluia! So, we went to the nut house to sort nuts!

Charlotte: helped in the kitchen

Kim: After a while of sorting nuts, Dorothy from the bakery came over to us and asked if anyone was a professional cake decorator. She needed someone to teach the high school volunteer girls (Charlotte’s gang) how to decorate cakes they made for their moms. I offered, telling her I’m not a professional but I know how to use the tools and I’ve decorated cookies at a bakery before. She said I was hired! So, I tried to orientate myself to her BUSY kitchen filled with many laborers making sticky buns, washing dishes and getting the cakes ready for decorating. The hardest part was working in a place where you didn’t know where anything was and there were lots of people, a little amount of free space, and lots of chatter!!! At one point, I was thinking… I don’t think I should have said I could do this. I haven’t done this in a long time. I can’t speak to these girls very easily and I can’t even find what I need. The frosting wasn’t the consistency that we needed to create flowers which is what Dorothy asked for. There is so much mess around me. I took a deep breath while I was in the walk-in pantry and prayed that God would calm me and give me a direction, and that I wouldn’t quit. Then, we took out some of the decorating books and I showed them simpler things they could do with what we had and what the frosting could do. Charlotte came by and helped me converse, and stayed to wash dishes. Cindy came to help with the dishes as well. Then, eventually, most of the others left, so the bakery settled down to a lower noise and confusion level. I was so grateful that Charlotte and Cindy stayed so I wasn’t “alone” in this daunting task. The girls really took off with their plans and each made a unique and beautifully decorated cake. I decorated the extra one with a flowering tree on it, deep roots and the letters NCA across it. When I was finished, a woman offered me a ride back to the visitor’s center. At first, I thought… I don’t need it, but I said yes anyway. I’m glad I did because during that short stint inside, I forgot how dusty it was outside. The cake would have been covered with dust on my journey back.

Since it was a fasting day for the people at the mission, we were on our own for lunch. Jill ordered HUGE pizzas for us. I gave the group the tree cake, but I don’t think anyone actually had some until the next morning at breakfast.

After lunch, we gathered together as our group of 30 and reflected on this mission experience. Here’s what each person shared:

Jeanne: I feel so fortunate to have been born into the family I have. It had nothing to do with anything I’ve done or not done. It could have just as easily been here. Life is harder here.

Ari: God has been showing me in a different lifestyle without all the material things that I need to rely on Him for help instead of material things.

Dave: The picture of Adam and God by Michelangelo…. I see myself as Adam who is sitting comfortably reclining and God is reaching out to me. I need to reach out more. It’s amazing how much joy the kids got from the simple things we gave them.

Jenna: During Child Evangelism, it was great to see them come for stories and songs. When they heard peanut butter and milk, they ran. God used me to bring them that joy.

Tyler: Did I want to come? Yes, because I wanted to come to help. But was that the reason God wanted me to come? Sometimes, God uses big things for small things. This trip was a big thing for me. But, now I think it’s a small thing… it’s just a jump start to a bigger thing.

Alex: I was really glad they would include us in their soccer games. We go to know them and I heard one of them use my name by the end of the week.

Jon: During Child Evangelism, we made Mother’s Day cards and then kicked a soccer ball around. This made them smile. Here, my soccer talents can bring others joy. Back home, I try to use my talents to beat others.

Felicia: At Adult Evangelism, I met Alejandra. I loved her laugh. We can’t rally give them much but we can give them more than material things. If we give them a smile, it’s better than money. If we give them Jesus, it’s even more valuable.

David: So much has happened, I could fill a book. I feel God’s presence here. I feel He’s more active here because the people are more receptive here. At Child Evangelism, a gang ruined it, so I wasn’t looking forward to Adult Evangelism at the same place. I went with a bad attitude, but it was a better experience. I met Roberto, 9 years old, and he told me he was a Christian – he touched my life.

Phil: I had the same attitude as David. Kids were being disobedient. In my flesh, I wanted to go off on them. I can understand if I were in their situation, I would try to get a second cupcake. Coming down here can make you feel like you’re a Super Christian, but we’re all sinners.

Brieanna: When we were leaving, kids were throwing rocks at our van. How could they do this to us after we’ve given them all that? But, I realized that “how often do I do that when people are nice to me and I don’t treat them right?”

Cindy: All of the teachers have been praying that we could come around at the end and share, so their prayers are being answered. I have a background in Special Needs and I was hoping I could help in that way. Mary shared with me their needs and what I can send to them from home. That’s the least I can do for this couple that serves here.

Jan: It was neat to read “Charla’s Children.” (The book was required reading for the students… it’s the founding story of the orphanage written by the founder named Charla.) I was moved by it. But, coming here, it is real. How it began and is still going…. Doing

more than it started as. They are always looking for how to share Christ. They set apart prime time 8-9am every day for Salla. How can I be more aware of my mission field at home? I don’t need to come here to reach others; I can do it at home.

Morgan: A little girl asked for my blanket, but I couldn’t give it to her. How much that blanket would mean to her. They don’t have anything, but they have a lot with God. I don’t have a lot with God because I have so many things.

David: We were able to jump into the “Charla’s Children” book.

Jennifer: I have been so blessed by the 7^th and 8^th grade kids. They were pushed out of their comfort zone, worked hard, and made it work with what we had. They didn’t complain; they rolled with it. Thank You for the maturity I have seen. It’s a great graduation gift. I thank the moms. I can see a different side of them. It’s now another season for me. There is joy. I can laugh. Situations are never hopeless when God is a part of it. One person can make a difference.

Charlotte: I’m not a Field Trip Mom. This was a big leap for me. I am blown away with how the kids have matured…. The depth of your understanding of Christianity, God’s love and The Bible. The spiritual maturity you have at your age…. You have so much ahead of you with big, solid roots. It’s a great testimony to your parents and your teachers. It was fun hanging with the moms. How will I be different? I haven’t had time to think about it and hear god. You have to take the time when you get home to really be open and think about this. I challenge you to do this.

Tiffany: Raise them up in the way they should go. Look at where you are at now. If you continue to see Christ and the guidance of your parents, where you can go! We brought new energy, ideas, emotion to share with them. It was encouraging for them for us to be here. We need to spread The Word at home… do Backyard Bible Clubs. Keep the ministry going at home.

Dr. Laura: I’ve been on missions trips with adults who whined and complained more than you did. It’s hard to go and do something that you are not used to. I have been proud of how you’ve jumped into things. Your attitudes really blessed me. Coming and knowing that I had the Starbucks and nobody else did. Is it all for me or am I going to share? I have these choices everyday. This is the first place where I could feel… WOW… I could see myself working here… merging evangelism and medical care in a good balance. This place showed me it can be done. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Thank you, Rodger, for working with the kids this year to prepare for this trip.

Jan: Thank you for all of the preparation work done for this trip. I’m so glad you had the vision for what it could mean to the kids.

Linde: Things that made an impact for me.. how passionate the man was when he was praying… you don’t need to understand the language… and housesitting the kids. I was eager to work. When I wasn’t, I felt guilty if I wasn’t able to finish. Each area I worked still had more to do. I liked the style of intercessory prayer. I was sad that I wasn’t getting anything, but I realized that I was getting something from everyone else. I think I will probably come back so I can finish more work.

Ginny: Thank you to everyone for being kind to me. The poverty… I go home and I feel so selfish. I have so much. They seemed so joyful in spirit. They will be in my prayers.

Rodger: Seeing Ginny here… it’s not even on other people like you’s radar.

Jeanne: I remember when the idea was first presented. Felicia was so excited. And her prayers over the year for each student to be touched by this… every prayer of hers was answered. I was thankful that with the work I did here, I was able to weave into the tapestry here

Krista: At Adult Evangelism, I looked around and everyone was having fun… holding hands and running in a circle. It brought them so much joy. There’s so much we can do for them.

Brenda: When we were doing the circle (running around with them), we kept going and going. As we were running, I felt like God was carrying us. I heard Him say, “Stretch out your hand. If you stretch out your hand, I will carry you.” All we have to do is stretch out our hand and He will carry you. Then, the next day at Salla, they showed the Adam and God painting. I am so blessed because this is the kind of life I lived, and to see the joy… look what God can do.

Kim: This trip wasn’t just for us. This was just a seed. Share your experiences with people at home. We know what it’s like now to see kids run out for peanut butter and milk… before I came here, I couldn’t imagine how that would be. Kids back home wouldn’t run out if we came into neighborhoods like we did here. Tell people about your experiences so they can catch it, too. (Reaction upon coming home: I so appreciate the value of grass. To live in a “baseball infield”… you never feel clean. And, never again will I question the value of my role as a stay-at-home mom.)

Kellly: I have so much stuff that I don’t appreciate. I should appreciate what I have and not forget that.

Evan: It was fun to play soccer. I liked working in the prayer garden and digging trenches.

Kim: I saw another side of Evan on this trip. So peaceful, hard working and cooperative. You did a great job. It was fun to work with you.

Rodger: I saw another side of Kim. Usually, she is so reserved. We laughed so hard together!

Abbi: I saw different side of Evan, too. I was really blessed by you. I got to see who you are – you weren’t the student who interrupts my class. I was blessed by your joy.

Also, I’m amazed at the students. It’s been 2 years since I’ve taught you. To hear your maturity and you really stand out. Each and every one of you. I wish I had another week with you. I’ve been learning about spiritual warfare a lot lately. On one of my other missions trips, I was in so much pain one day. A person I was with told me to pray through it. The next day, God used us to deliver a demon-possessed woman. He tried to hold us back from what we were going to do. Because we sought out God and we pushed through it, this woman is now free. I’ve never done it alone… to push through warfare. Satan is trying so hard to get into God’s work. PUSH. Pray until something happens. Do it with all your heart.

Sue: I have seen enormous growth in the kids from last year. A lot of times we think they should be perfect. We want to correct it right away. But, really they are because they have a loving heart. It’s so hard for the kids here to be good because of all of the bad around them. It’s easy to be good when you are around good people. It made me sad for these kids. There are outreach ministries that make a difference. It takes a long time, but it needs to continue. This trip was more for us than for them because we can take what we have learned to other places.

Jill: We’ve been talking about trees. It looked like a menorah and it intertwines and reaches to heaven. It will be this group that closes this NCA ministry and honors God in its closing. We need to knit our body together before we leave so we can honor God for what the school was. What a joy it is to see your child launched.. that God has answered my prayers for Anna. We get the kids for a little while but they were always His.

Anna: I was really excited that you were coming. I was praying this morning and I came across these verses that I believe God put on my heart for each one of you. So, I wrote you each a note with your verse. (She handed out the notes to each student.)

After Reflections, some of the group went to the beach and some went to a local market. Others stayed at the mission and rested, read or talked. At night, we went out to a local restaurant for a very nice dinner. We took our group photo underneath a tree.

Saturday, May 10

We woke up early. Finished packing and cleaned up our rooms, the bathrooms and visitor’s lounge. We donated many items… some new and used that we brought from home, that students donated during missions week at NCA, things we used on our trip but couldn’t bring back due to the change in luggage allowance on United Airlines (2 bags coming because it was before May 5; only 1 bag returning)

Stopped in La Bufadora to do some shopping at the touristy market stands. Typical souvenirs included: jewelry, clothing, wrestling masks, soccer jerseys, purses, blankets. Many tried fried churros and some tempted the fresh mango with chili powder and lime…. Very good!

Crossing the border was a site to see. Many vendors went up and down the rows of cars selling much the same items that we saw in La Bufadora. Kids were juggling for coins and a few members of our group got out of their van to pray with a handicapped young girl and her parents looking for handouts. When it was finally our turn, we covered it in prayer. We crossed with no inspection other than showing our passports. We learned later that the other group that went to the same mission with us had all of their bags inspected. It took them over 2 hours to cross the border.

We ate at International House of Pancakes in San Diego. We saw green grass and lush landscaping. We ordered in English, drank the water, ate the salad, had protein from other things besides beans, and flushed paper down the toilets. Brieanna text messaged one of the girls in the other group and they stopped by after they crossed the border. One last time to say good-bye to our fellow missions workers and new friends in Christ.

Final question posed to the group: If you could do any job at the mission for 6 months, what would you do?

Phil: child evangelism

Sue: work as a nurse in the medical clinic

Abbi: Do the Dump Run… it would keep me humble.

Charlotte: lead children’s worship; volunteer coordinator or work in the bakery

Dave: design new buildings for them

Linde: house mom, day care or Nut House

Jenna: work with special needs infants; house parent

Kelly: La Cuna (nursery); house parent

Krista: Nut House or La Cuna. I liked the atmosphere of the Nut House.

Kim: I would develop a sports ministry for the children

Jeanne: print shop; tour guide or public relations

Rodger: teach Theology at the Bible Institute (I wish I knew Spanish); or serve as a professional Adult Evangelism face painter

Jill: pay more attention to the physical needs of the staff members; it’s a shame what they have to live in (trailer park); serve as an efficiency expert to improve the facilities (for ex: cut down on the water used because when they get to a certain point in the month, they will get fined for additional water usage. Then, the staff can’t wash clothes and has to take a shower every third day)

Alex: construction

Evan: housesitting Casa 6

Felicia: Adult Evangelism

Ari: Nut house; helping with the disabled children

Morgan: child evangelism

Brieanna: babysit the infants

David: weeding in the prayer garden because I’d be done by then

Jan: preschool

Tiffany: Child Evangelism; preschool

Tyler: volunteer coordinator – public relations

Ted: house parent with teenage boys

Ginny: food pantry or work with day care for handicapped kids

Laura: doctor in the medical clinic and medical outreach

Brenda: volunteer coordinator

Jennifer: caring for special needs infants

We landed at O’Hare at 4:30am on Mother’s Day. Thank you for your prayers for safe travels. They were answered! I think we all agree, “We will never be the same!” Wow… what an experience. It took many of us a good week to recover from exhaustion. Some have already started asking, “So, where are we going next year?”

Ginny: food pantry or work with day care for handicapped kids

Laura: doctor in the medical clinic and medical outreach

Brenda: volunteer coordinator

Jennifer: caring for special needs infants

We landed at O’Hare at 4:30am on Mother’s Day. Thank you for your prayers for safe travels. They were answered! I think we all agree, “We will never be the same!” Wow… what an experience. It took many of us a good week to recover from exhaustion. Some have already started asking, “So, where are we going next year?”