A Successful Missions Trip...

We had another wonderful, successful and blessed missions trip.  A team of 8, from Bellingham WA, came down for a week to serve and minister in Bachiniva.  Their objective was to paint the inside of the orphanage, but also, be open to anything else the Lord had in store.  God definitely had some other things in store, especially for me.  As we were heading up to pick up the team, I got word that my grandmother had passed away.  After lots of prayer and seeking the Lord, it was clear that I was to go to Vegas, to be with my siblings and mom for the memorial service.  That of course meant, me being away from the team, which was a first for me.  It was strange in the beginning, however over the next few days, it became apparent that this is exactly what the Lord had in store. This was a very special team.  It was evident that they had spent many months, praying, planning and seeking the Lord, before leaving.  They were not only physically and emotionally prepared for the trip, however, more importantly, spiritually.  As a team, they spent a lot of time studying through the book of Philippians, sharing testimonies, praying and worshipping together.  I must admit as excited as I was to get updates about how the trip was going, I wanted to be there and was very anxious to get back to Bachiniva and join them.

Although it was a short and quick trip to Vegas, it was both a blessed as well as fun time.  It was the first time the five of us kids had been together and with our mom in over 4 years.  Although it was only for 18 hours in total, we had an incredible time.  The Lord did a lot of amazing things that trip and I'm glad He led me there.  One thing that stood out, was during the memorial service as my grandma's brother, Chuck, shared.  He spoke of a phone conversation he had with grandma a few years ago.  Grandma had grown up a very devote Catholic, however, towards the end of her life, she understood the importance of "relationship" and not "religion".  That was why she called Chuck...just to remind him that Jesus is right here, and we can talk with Him whenever we want.  He is always there for us and we don't need anyone else to go before us to meet with Jesus.  What an encouragement and wonderful reminder to hear.  First of all, confirming that my grandma is spending a lot of time with Jesus right now, in Heaven, and also that we, on this earth, have incredible access to the King of Kings...

"Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).

My flight arrive at midnight on Tuesday the 9th and I was on the road, early Wednesday morning.  Everything was going smooth, and I was making great time to meet up with the team and see my family.  That of course was until I had a blowout of not ONE but TWO of my truck tires.  Fortunately, there was an area on the side of the road for me to pull over.  I don't know what I hit, but my back right tire was completely shredded.  My back left one had a bulging tumor the size of a grapefruit.  It looked like it would explode anytime.  Great, here I was, in the middle of Mexico, 12 miles away from the nearest town, with 2 jacked up tires and only 1 spare.  I was angry and frustrated, and then that quickly turned into laughing by myself on the side of the road, truly thinking, "only in Mexico."  I'm not sure why the Lord allowed this to happen, but, I know that His hand was with me and watching out for me.  I was able to use the spare for the shredded on and safely and slowly drive the 12 miles to the next town, to get the other tire replaced.  So, 2 hours and 800 pesos later, I was back on the road.  The Lord has yet to reveal to me why that happened, but, I must trust and believe in this verse...

"And we know that all things work together for good to who who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

I was amazed to see all that was accomplished when I arrived Wednesday afternoon.  Only after a day and a half of working the orphanage was nearly finished painting.  What we thought would take the week, took only a few days.  It was so beautiful to see and brought so much more warmth and life to the orphanage.

Boys bedrooms...

Kitchen area...

Foyer and dining hall...

Girls bedrooms...

Nursery and playrooms...

Because the team worked so fast and hard, it allowed us to get a few other things accomplished as well.  One brother on the team, Tony, was able to work on one of the murals in the dining hall area....

"...man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

We are praying that the Lord might lead Tony down here again to do some more murals, he's definitely gifted in this area.

The team was also able to pour a slab of concrete floor, in Nieves' house, as well as visit families in need, passing out food baskets and firewood, to heat homes and cook with.  That seemed to be everyones favorite time.  Being invited into homes, seeing how people live, how little they have, yet still full of  joy, and how much a $10 food basket or a load of wood can bless someone.

The guys chopping it up...

While delivering one basket, a little girl Rosa, had a nasty cut on her finger.  So, one of the team members Brad, who has been a nurse for 20 years, was able to patch her up.  It was both a team effort on Dan AND Ayantu's part.  Antu has a little obsession with band aids, and wanted to make sure Rosa had one of her Dora bandaids, to help her feel better!

The trip went by fast, like always, but what an incredible time it was.  This is probably my 20th missions trip I've been a part of and they NEVER get old.  Seeing peoples lives changed for Jesus, is just as powerful and beautiful as it was thousands of years ago when Jesus was ministering to people and then when Paul, Peter and company, traveled the globe to minister the love and compassion of Jesus!

There is still a lot of work to accomplish and people to love on down here in Bachiniva.  If the Lord stirs on your heart and you would like to be involved in one of our summer missions trips, or, one we are planning for the fall, please let me know.  It would be a blessing to have you.  We are also starting a Summer Service program, for those who are interested and able to come down for 1-3 months and serve.  I am working on the final details of that, and would love to hear from those of you who might be interested in that.

May the Lord bless and encourage you today.  May He reveal more of Himself to you as you desire to decrease, so He might increase!