Howdy from the U.S! Here are some of my thoughts from my last three weeks in Mexico!
Vacation Bible School:
My last two weeks in Mexico City were spent volunteering with my church to put on the largest VBS (escuelita) in our community. There were over 200 children! It was a lot of work, to say the least. Both Canaan and I were pretty sick off and on, which was incredibly unfortunate. But, our stubbornness helped us push through so we could see our "niños"! We were blessed with the opportunity of working with the four-year olds, who taught me a lot about Mexican culture, family life, the proper way to glue, how to laugh after spinning around in circles too many times, how to sing your heart out to Jesus, how to hug and never let go, how to love innocently, and how to be curious about absolutely everything. The Bible tells us in Matthew 18:2-5 that Jesus wants us to come to Him like little children-curious, innocent, and humble. Mark 10:13-16 gives another example of when Jesus said that people will never enter the Kingdom if they do not receive it like little children. I challenge you to observe and learn from the little children in your life. The Mexican kids I worked with did that for me.
What was your ministry?:
Since being home, people have asked me questions like "So what exactly did you do?" "Did you build a house?" "Did you pray for people on the streets?" The list goes on and on. What my blog and Facebook lack are testimonies of people seeking for the Lord and asking me to pray with them, to direct them, and to answer their questions. While I was in Mexico, I did not build houses, build wheelchair ramps, or visit hospitals. But, the mission field is so much grander than that. The Lord calls us to be servants. Meanwhile, He provides the opportunities. I believe that the Lord wanted me to plant seeds this summer, not to see the fruits of my labor. I learned a vital lesson these past two months. The field of missions is not solely works. It is relationships, laughter, questions, prayers, support, and trust. I believe that the Lord is using me, but sometimes I cannot provide concrete details. People have trusted me with their past, present, and future. I would be betraying many people if I blurted out their stories on social media. Please trust in that and know that even though it is frustrating to not always see the final outcome, God is still at work.
There were many times in Mexico where I waited-waited for the metro, waited in line, waited for my family, waited to go to sleep, waited to eat, and waited to see friends. God taught me that in life, I always seem to wait. But, I challenge you to ask yourself this question: What would life look like without waiting? In my opinion, life would be free, enjoyable, and fulfilling. The Lord's presence would ring out true. It would empower people to stand, rejoice, and absorb every bit of His love! Let's think about it. Would we rather sit in a garden day after day just to stare at the soil, or would we rather plant that seed and spend our days loving others, dancing, rejoicing, and trusting that the Lord is going to take care of it? I think that I chose option two most of the time in Mexico. Yes, there are many pictures of me exploring, spending time with my Mexican family, and just being goofy. But, I am just waiting and trusting that I was used. God might use someone else to water those plants. I am confident in knowing that the Lord used me to put that seed in the soil and am thankful for that opportunity, though. God wants to use each of us. Learn to give your life to Him-you might not see the results right away (or ever), but be content in knowing that the Lord is changing lives through you everyday.
Looking Forward: Plans for America, Funding, Placements:
With all that happened with me this summer, I am so excited to get back to the Cuidad de Mexico! But first I need to fund raise! If you would like to hear me speak, I will be at an event held through Calvary Chapel Farmville on August 23rd. I currently have about $1,500 left to raise by the end of this month. Please pray for my patience and confidence in the Lord during this time. After this deadline, I need to start raising funds for the spring. If you feel called to give, but haven't yet, now is your chance!
During the YearOut Program, I will most likely be living with a new family and working in a multitude of different ministries. These ministries will range anywhere from street outreach, after-school programs with under-privileged youth, and working in a home for women and children with mental disabilities who have been abused or abandoned. I am still uncertain with my placements, but will update my blog as soon as I find out.
Remember that the Lord is sufficient. He is enough for you. He is enough for me. He alone will carry us through trying times. Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10. It really helped me be in constant thanksgiving for what blessings I do have in life. Even in my many weaknesses in Mexico, He is perfect. He sustains us. We just have to believe that He is sufficient in our lives, and He will be glorified.
Until next time...
Amanda
