Saturday 30 March 2019

We’re through!!!

The title says it all.


We’re through the border, at the aldergrove crossing.

See you all at LIVING HOPE in 20mins.

#lhmex2019 - Saturday, March 30

We’re at the border lineup!

At the aldergrove crossing.




#lhmex2019 - Saturday, March 30

For those following us closely, We’ve just landed!!!

Sitting on the tarmac waiting for a parking spot, I’m assuming.  

Hi from all of us!


^ the excited faces of our teams after landing.

#lhmex2019 - Saturday, March 30

We’re all currently sitting in the San Diego airport.  Flight leaves at 11:25.  Crossing the border this morning went with out any issue, other than us and our luggage walking through the rather small meta turnstile.  

See you all soon!


^ this guy is pretty excited for his first flight!


Friday 29 March 2019

#lhmex2019 - Friday, March 29

It was another good day.

We visited an orphanage this morning.  We made the children a hot breakfast (which is a real treat for them).  While some of us cleaned up the kitchen, others went and played with a few of the children.  I'm not 100% sure what they were playing, but it looked like a lot of jumping around off the walls, balls being tossed at each other, and sometimes at the basketball net.  In the chaos, smiles and laughter abounded.

The orphanage was the last ministry stop for us, in our mission adventures.

We then returned to the base, and went for lunch (taco's AGAIN!!!), went to the local markets, and found a beach to relax on.

After our usual pattern of supper and session, we had our final fire time.  These times around the fire have been a real blessings to us leaders, as it's where we really get a chance to hear how the students are learning and growing through this trip.  This time, like the last trip in 2017, we challenged the students to read their bibles and reflect on their week for 30 minutes.  The time FLEW by, as we gathered back together, we chatted through the process and what the time meant to us.  We were reflecting mostly on how Monday morning would look, after we've experienced this amazing week.

Responses were fantastic -
- I'll let the negative comments slip.
- I'll pick up my bible more.
- I'll be more obedient.

The great part of this all, was that as they read and reflected for the 30mins, we saw that we can actually do it.

We closed our time together there, and spread out to pack up and tuck in.

We're gathering at 6.15am with Team Trinity to begin our journey home.    Would you pray for a smooth border crossing at the worlds busiest land border crossing.  Would you pray for safety as we travel.  Would you pray for a smooth and timely crossing as we enter Canada tomorrow evening.

Check back here for updates as the day goes by.

Sorry - no pictures today - I need to get to sleep. 

See you all soon!

A.

ps.  A quick thought towards chatting with your students about the trip when you see them.

They've been in constant community since last week Thursday.  There's been very little free time, or even alone time.  We've been constantly reflecting on our experiences, and have been going from place to place to place on a constant basis.  Your children will be tired.  Exhausted.  Both physically, mentally, emotionally - and definitely spiritually.  Give your child space.  Let them know you want to hear about their experiences and see their pictures - but allow them to come to it naturally.  I assure you, they've all had AMAZING times this week, they've learnt a TON, and have all grown in their relationship with God, with their fellow students, and us leaders.  If you have any questions or concerns in the coming weeks, please contact me.

Thursday 28 March 2019

#lhmex2019 - Thursday, March 28

Our day started with an opportunity to serve at a meal center, Padre Chava, to serve breakfast to the homeless in Tijuana.  After a brief introduction to the center, we were assigned roles alongside another group from San Fransisco.  Our roles were divided between filling plates, bring plates of food to the tables, setting the tables, handing out fruit, and cleaning up the finished plates.  Our whole team served incredibly well, especially those who had the less-than-glamorous jobs (scraping & rinsing unfinished plates & holding the towel at the entrance...).  We served 739 plates of food this morning - it was incredible to see that many needy people come through the doors (some multiple times..).  We were reminded that there is joy in serving, and being a part of the solution to the problems amongst us.

Our hearts were overjoyed as we were driven into the best taco place that Tijuana has to offer (I still have yet to catch its name...).  We enjoyed the authentic mexican flavours once again, and had the best soda that Mexico has to offer.  We went back to the base to rest up, and many of us found our beds to stretch out on, some had naps, others enjoyed an episode of 'the office', and others just starred at the ceiling.  1.30pm came quickly, as we loaded our van to go to the elderly home.

Our afternoon started at a grocery store, where we bought cookies, banana's, and juice boxes for the residents.  We were told ahead of time that this was a tough place to visit - but there wasn't really much for words that could have fully prepared us for what we experienced.  We pulled up to the home, and already our hearts sank.  As we entered the courtyard, we saw so many people in various states of health and comprehension abilities.  The reality that sits in my heart is a deep sadness for the frail human condition.  The small courtyard, which seemed smaller than it was, was filled with over 100 residents, needing various levels of attention, and more were still in their rooms.  We handed out the fruit and snacks to very eager hands.  We made balloon animals and hats, many were deeply enjoyed.  We blew bubbles, and coloured with the residents.  The time came to pack up, as visitors' hours were coming to a close.  We all left with heavy hearts, sad that this place is what it was.

Arriving back at the base, our team took some much needed time to follow up on that rest that began at noon.  Supper, then our session, then our team time around a fire.  A great close to a great & difficult day.

Tonight marks our second last night here.  We've grown to love our home here, and many of us miss our home in Abbotsford.  I think also, we are seeing that there's so much more that can be done here.  More homes to be built, more children to play with, more breakfasts to serve.

Adam.

*prayer requests:
1. Tomorrow will be a simpler day, a visit to an orphanage, and a bunch of team time - hopefully a time to see our rest begin.
2. Pray for those who serve at that elderly center - may they continue to be the presence of God to those residents, His children.

*few pictures of the day:


^ Padra Chava meal center, this was us waiting for our service assignments.


^ A group shot at Padre Chava, with the coordinators, once all was said and done.


^ our iconic team shot on the steps of the Defender building at the base.


^ tacos.  *nothing more needs to be said.


^ the elderly home.  We weren't allowed to take pictures inside (understandably so). 



^ I had to include this one ... here was my view at the end of our long day, before supper.  This base is AMAZING.  It honestly feels like a resort here.  A close friend of mine said it this way, "there doesn't need to be suffering in servitude."  My friend, you know who you are - you are more right than you know.  This place is very special.  I hope you all can have a chance at some point to serve here.





Wednesday 27 March 2019

#lhmex2019 - Wednesday, March 27

Input from Mitch & Alicia:

Today we started our day with devotions and preparing for our day before heading to the La Roca Ranch, the name meaning "the rock". We focused on testimonies in our life where we experienced God's grace and where we saw the Holy Spirit at work. After spending time alone praying, reflecting and writing we gathered back together and closed our morning session with encouragement for the day.

After an hour drive we arrived at the Ranch. La Roca Ranch is a recovery home for men who struggle with alcohol and drug addictions. We started with general safety rules but then, without a minute to waste, jumped right into a time of sharing testimonies. A couple of our team members shared and then we heard from the men at the Ranch how they have experienced the grace of God and got a second chance at life. Our team then got up and did a drama for the guys that we had prepared before hand and then the men got up and sang a song of praise with dancing and music.

After a time of testimonials, a bunch of us gathered around the volleyball court and setup for some games. We first started out with our students playing together on one team against a team of the Mexican men. After the first round we broke up into mixed teams and played together for 3 more hours. It was neat to play alongside the men as one unit.

Lunch was served at the lunch hall that our LH Mexico team painted in 2017. We shared stories around the table while we ate quesadillas which a couple team members helped prepare while volleyball was being played.

After lunch we spent some time hanging out with the men at the ranch and then said our goodbyes and left to return back to the base.

Our evening was filled with plenty more volley ball, building friendships and personal bible study time.

We ended the night around the fire pit hanging out and eating Pizza and Mexican snacks. As the students went to their rooms, the leaders spent some time in prayer for our students.

We are so thankful for the opportunity to be here and see God's spirit at work and appreciate all your prayers dearly.

All glory be to God!

*thanks Alicia & Mitch.

Prayer requests:

1. As our unity of teams continues to develop, would you pray for all kinds of relationships, and that the Spirit of grace and compassion would reign!
2. Our team is up early for meal service at Padre Chava - a meal center that serves upwards of 1500 people in a morning.  We're growing weary from long days, early mornings and late nights, pray for strength.

A few pictures from the day:



^ our team doing their new skit “casa se quema” (the house is on fire!).  They did great with it!!


^ the men at the ranch then performed a song for us.


^ we played volleyball for 3 hours, rotating teams, on their court that we helped repair 4 years ago. 


^ the whole gang.

Tuesday 26 March 2019

#lhmex2019 - Tuesday, March 26

Build Day 2

It's a long one today, brought to you by Clarissa.

This morning one of the guys woke the rest up at 6. While he got a lot of flack for it, he was thanked by some who feel they did benefit from it. 

Today was an earlier day because it's the second build day, with breakfast at 7. We left the base for the build site at 8:40 after morning devotions, arriving shortly after 9. We started with a circle of prayer for the day, family, and house.  Dividing into groups of roof, trim, painting, and shopping crews, the work began.

The roofing crew was super fast and finished the shingles in 40 minutes. Inside the house things were going a bit slower, as the trim people had to work around the painters and vis versa. 

While we were working on the house, the women of the family were working on lunch for us. They made us Empanadas and they were delicious! After lunch the shopping crew ventured out with the family while the rest finished the house and assembled the furniture package. 

Camryn and I got to join the group for shopping. When we got to the store the family was told how much money we approximately had. The first thing that they wanted was a blender. The second was a fridge. A fridge is expensive, so we made sure we paid for it first to know how much we had left to spend, and loaded it into the van. Then continued with the rest of the shopping. It's kinda weird for me to follow people while they shop, but to watch them, especially the Grandma was amazing! Both the kids were able to pick out toys as well, there was crying in the car when they weren't able to temporarily hold them.

Getting home we drove Mexican style in the van, as the fridge took up three seats. Arriving back at the house, we saw that it has been completed all the site had been cleaned up. We unloaded the groceries and the fridge and brought it all into the house, while the family watched from a distance.

We then took a picture with everyone in front of the house, one picture was printed out and put on a plaque for the family. Then a circle was made and everyone got a chance to hold the keys to the house and say a few words to the family, and the house was prayed over.

The moment the family entered the house was amazing, there were screams of joy! We joined them shortly after, took pictures and said goodbye.

Session this evening was another tough one with lots for the students to think about. Again there were tears, and walk and talks after. It's amazing to see God working through everyone!

*thanks Clarissa!

Prayer requests:
1. Tomorrow, we're entering a different style of ministry, while these past two days have been absolutely amazing - they've been more project based.  As we enter ministry over the next three days, we'll be doing more relational work, conversations with people.  Pray that we all may be bold & effective.
2. We're at the point in our trip where we start feeling tired.  We've been away from home for 5 days, been doing a lot of driving around, and staying up late, and getting up early.  Pray that we'll remain strong and fit for these days ahead.

A few pictures from the day:



^ the best roof crew ever!!! We shingled the whole roof in 40minutes - Our team leader (Ismael, on the left) was pretty impressed.


^ trim work on the interior.  Instead of mudding and taping the drywall, trim covers all the seems.


^ lunch time.



















^ completed house with our whole team, and the family in the middle.



^ our team has been making great use out of this volleyball court on the base.  It's an odd size, and don't get too caught off guard by the exposed rebar everywhere, but when we have down time, even if only for 15 minutes, our team is found here.  It's been a riot to watch those who know the game coach those who don't.  Of all those prayers for unity, many are being answered here.

editors note (adam): To the parents of these students - your students are AMAZING.  They press through the challenges and serve to the best of their abilities.  They step up and ask where else they can serve.  The go the extra mile.  They love what they're doing here.  They're deeply learning from our sessions and team times.  It's an honour to share this week with them.  It's a privilege to walk along side them on this journey.  You're all so blessed to call these students your children.  Thanks for sharing them with me for this week.  We as leaders are so very proud of them, for their efforts of inclusion, work-ethic, desire to have fun, & evidenced spiritual depth in each one of them.  They're all safe, happy, and healthy.  And I think a few of them have grown another inch.  That might have been the taco's the other day ...


Monday 25 March 2019

#lhmex2019 - Monday, March 25

By Camryn!

Today was build day 1!

So exciting!

We had breakfast at 7:00 to get to the build site! We got to the build site around 9:00 and the family was so happy to see us! At the build site we all introduced are selves to the family. We all got split into groups (1) walls, (2) painting, and (3) roof!

I was in the painting group but after awhile I got changed to the roof group and I got to go on the roof and nail down the plywood. There was one time of the day the mom was taking pictures of the house and how it was going along, I waved to her and the biggest smile came into her face and that made my day! The kids of the family were involved in painting and it was so fun to see their smile on their faces when they got to contribute. The day was long but exciting. I am going to get a good sleep and get ready for build day 2 tomorrow! 😀

*thanks Camryn!

Prayer requests:
1. For a peaceful and rest filled night for our team.  It's was a great day, but tiring, and we've got a house to finish tomorrow.
2. For the family who receive this home tomorrow, may their faith in God be strengthened by this gift, and that they would continue in life healthy, strong, and together.
3. The Lord was working hard tonight on our students through the evening session here at the base, and in our team time that followed.  Would you pray that we as individuals would continue to feel the Lord drawing us all in.

Some pictures from our day:


^ meeting the family, circling the work site in prayer.  The hills around Tijuana this time of year are actually quite stunning!


^ raising the first of the four walls.


^ the house as we left it at the end of the day.  We made some great progress with a pretty stellar team pulling all their weight all day long!  We cannot wait to hand the keys over to the family - just think, this family will tomorrow evening have a home to call their own, four walls, a concrete floor, roof over their heads, and a table to share their dinner at.





Sunday 24 March 2019

#lhmex2019 - Sunday, March 24

By Camryn,

In the morning had breakfast around 7:15! After that we had free time until 8:15 and from 8:15 to 9:30 we had devotions with our YWAM staff, and during devotions we learned a skit in Spanish and it was really fun.

After that we went to La Roca (Church). The Church was awesome it was really chill and there was people dancing! 💃🏼 The power went out for a little bit but every kept going and we still glorified the Lord. After Church we went for Tacos!!! 🌮 

After Lunch we were planning to go to an Orphanage but the plans were changed and we went to to the border wall and learned about what life for the people of Tijuana is really like. After that we came back to the base and  some of us played volleyball and that was fun. The day didn’t go as planed but we still learned stuff and had fun!

*thanks Camryn!

Prayer requests:
1.  We're starting our house build tomorrow morning - we're all pretty excited.  Pray for safety.  Pray for opportunities to get to know the family who is receiving the home!
2.  That our team unity would continue to deepen, and that others would see Jesus in us!

** few pics of our day:


^ practicing the Spanish skit - REALLY proud of these students for embracing learning their lines in Spanish and acting quite silly!  *maybe we can perform the skit at our church?!?


^ first team vanfie (van selfie).  First of many???


^ the best tacos in all of Tijuana, I (Adam) enjoyed them so much, I didn't take a picture ... 


^ the border wall that extends into the ocean.  As much as we hear in Canada about the tensions, this place is really quite something else.  The beach here was filled with families enjoying a sunny afternoon, kids playing soccer, beach bbq's, and kids running from the waves.  It seemed so peaceful, while yet in the shadow of this steel barricade.  One individual I chatted with for a while expressed his desire just to have the two countries be simply, friends; not feeling any animosity towards the Americans at all.





Saturday 23 March 2019

#lhmex2019 - Saturday, March 23


the day at a glance:
4.00am - finally got settled.
11.30am - met for brunch.
2.00pm - team training
5.30pm - dinner
7.30pm - session
8.30pm - team time

The first day of these trips are always a little bit 'wonky.'  Everyone is all so exhausted from the days of travel.  Listening to the team tonight, a common theme of the happy moments of the last 24 hours, were the moments of finally being able to lay down in a bed.  Flat.  It was an absolute delight to see everyone this morning come out of their rooms and explore the YWAM base here south of Tijuana.  The sun was shining, palm trees swaying in the breeze.  Coffee was found. A volleyball game started.  Soccer was played.  A solid morning to recover.

After brunch, we met with both our teams (Trinity & LH) to begin some orientation and preparations for the ministry days ahead.  We heard a bunch of what life in Tijuana looks like for the locals.  It was neat to hear that many people in Mexico consider this area to be a place of hope, a place where jobs can be found, and where a chance to enter the USA can be found.  Our team got to hear that what we get to participate in here, is being a part of the realization of that hope - but a deeper hope - a hope that is found in the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Not just a city.  Not just a desire to enter the States.  Not just a job.

We broke off into our two teams to prepare some kids story ministry that we'll lead at separate orphanages tomorrow.  It was great to see our students step into those roles, rediscover stories in scripture, find their meaning, and develop a way to communicate scriptural truths to kids.

Dinner came and went, our first evening session was a great introduction to exploring our theme for the week, based in Isaiah 43:10 -

"You are my witnesses," declares the Lord,
"and my servant whom I have chosen,
that you may know and believe me
and understand that I am he.
Before me no god was formed,
nor shall there be any after me.

We'll spend a bunch of time looking at who we are, and who God is.  

Then we closed our evening as a team, by a fire that couldn't be lit, talking through the day.  

It's now 10.00pm, everyone is in their rooms, likely in the early stages of sleep.  It's been a long few days, and the days ahead are going to be jam packed.  

We thank you for your ongoing prayers.  For tomorrow, Sunday, can you pray for:
1. Open hearts as we attend a local church, and a spirit of understanding that we may be able to follow a long.
2. Compassionate hearts as we visit an orphanage.  They're really hard to visit, as the stories and lives of each kid are hard and ripe with pain.  We are only there for a few hours, but this is their home, and staff are there each and every day.  Pray that these few hours will be a blessing to the children and the staff.

Thanks & good night.

~ adam.


A few pics of our day:


^ Sunset this evening.  This really is a stunning campus.  It's such a privilege to call this home for a week.

^ Orientation & training this afternoon, led by Michelle.

^ A volley-ball pit.  It's a little scary with all the rebar, but it works. Many of us got a little unburnt in there.  *yes moms, we've now reminded everyone to get that sunscreen you packed for them all out of the bottoms of their bags and APPLY.