Mexico Trip | March 14th-20th, 2014 | Trip Of The Year

I'm ready to go back.  I enjoy being home, but I could literally pack, drive 6 hours,and do it all again.

These past few months the concept of love has been at the forefront of my mind.  What is love?  What does it mean to truly love someone?  How do you show love accurately?  A small, four letter word, that has such a large and important meaning.

But really, what does it mean to love? Unconditionally, without boundaries, expectations.  The college Bible study that I'm part of just finished going through a series by Andy Stanley, the main subject of the series was love.  Jesus gave us a *new* commandment right before He left earth "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12 ESV)  To love as Jesus loved, is probably one of the most challenging tasks that we have been given.  He loved/loves unconditionally. Without boundaries. Without expectations.

As my understanding of love, and what it means to love, grows it was only fitting that I would venture to Mexico.  I've never experienced a truer form of love than what I experience when I spend time in Mexico.  Between the lives that we get to be a part of while we're down there, and the lives the we bring with us, the love of Christ is apparent, it's real, and it's tested, and pushed to it's limits daily.  Being able to maintain an attitude of love, compassion, and patience, while pouring concrete, shoveling rock, lifting bucks, hauling wheel barrows, and working the mixer, in the scorching heat isn't easy.  You are pushed to your limits, you're hot, sweaty, hungry, and tired, and honestly not in the mood to be *nice*.  Though the entire time we were at the work site doing those challenging tasks, I never once saw someone with an attitude of anything other than love.

Though the love didn't stop at the work site, it was spread through out the days, whether we were preparing for VBS, loading or unloading a trailer, hanging out, or even rooming with someone who wasn't the easiest to handle, love was there.

I know quite a few of the days that we were in Hermosillo, I wasn't feeling well I was taking medicine every four hours, and it wasn't helping as much as I wished it would have, and it was difficult for me to keep a loving attitude.   I found myself stopping to pray, and asking God to change my heart towards others, and reminding myself that I was there to serve.   Without fail, God changed my heart, and gave me the little boost I needed to keep my loving attitude going.

You would think that love would be easy on a missions trip, because after all you're going down to share God, and God is love.  But when you're waking up super early, and living out long days where bed time isn't till 11:00 and you only get 5 or 6 hours of sleep, for 4 days straight, it's not easy.  Not to mention traveling with a group of 51 people, things get tough, people bump shoulders, things don't always go as planned, and going somewhere takes 3 times as long as it should.

This was the biggest Youth/College Mexico Trip yet.  51 people, tons of new teenagers getting to see what a life changing, heart breaking, relationship growing, limit testing, best trip you could ever be a part of experience is like.  I have heard many of those people say that this was the best trip yet, and I'd have to agree.  I built new friendships, grew ones I already had, and was able to repair old friendships that had been broken for some time.  Mexico is great for that.  Building, growing, and fixing friendships.  What better atmosphere to do those things, than the Jesus loving atmosphere of  the Mexico trip.

With limited to no internet access, I had a lot of time to think.  Lots of things to work through in my mind, without the everyday distractions of life that was easy to do.  At times it got hard, and I wanted to come home, but pushing through and sticking it out was one of my better decisions.

So many inside jokes, and funny stories are now able to be told because of this trip.  I honestly (and people never believe me when I say this.) love the long car rides.  I would much rather ride in a car for hours on end, than ride in a plane for hours on end.  I love that riding in a car for 6+ hours forces you to talk to, and build friendships with the people in your vehicle.  I was able to build tons of friendships, create inside jokes, and just laugh at things that probably wouldn't be funny now, but were funny at the time cause we were tired.

I'm probably forgetting things, and there will probably be a part two of this post.  There was just so much that happened, and so many things that changed my heart.  Mexico trips are my favorite, and I look forward to going every year.  Mexico changes your heart, grows your heart, and ultimately captures your heart.  I know a large piece of me, and who I am is in Mexico.  I'm forever grateful for the adults who put together this trip, and are willing to work extra hours, stay up a little later at night, just to plan this trip, so our lives can be changed.  The adults who planned this trip, drove the vans, and just kept an eye on us, are one of the biggest blessings in my life.   I'm so lucky that these people were placed in my life, and I will be forever thankful for these trips.

Funded.

I'm taking a big breath and letting it out in a sigh of relief!  Because of wonderful people (a.k.a you lovely people!)  I am fully funded for my Mexico Missions Trip!    I am so thankful for generous hearts, and lovely people, who want to help me be where God has put my heart.   You don't realize how much your generosity and prayers mean to me, but there is no true way for me to put my thankfulness into words!

In 15 days I will climb into a van with my youth group, and ride along for the 6 hours drive, until we arrive in Hermosillo, Mexico.  Let me tell you, that thought excites my heart beyond measure!  I am so ready, so, so, ready for this trip, for the fellowship, for the time spent with God, I am ready!  

Thank you, for blessing be, for encouraging my heart, for allowing me to include you in my journey with God.  Thank you.

With love,
Alyssa

My Mexico

Mexico, just the thought of it makes my heart jump.  It's one of my favorite places to be, to go, to visit.

In March, when I go down, it will be my 6th time visiting/investing in the lives at Casa Esperanza Para Ninos, this is the orphanage that we work with while we are down there.  My church is such a huge blessing, and they are offsetting the cost by a large amount (I am not sure of the exact number.) which makes it easier for more of the youth/college students to be able to go.  We still have a *small* amount that each of us have to raise, to be able to go on the trip, that amount is $315.  I think you can see where this blog post is going, but I don't want my readers to feel like I am *always* asking for money.  So please, allow me to tell you about "my" Mexico.  Allow me to share some of my joy, my heart, with you, then I will let you be the judge of whether you would like to help me get to Mexico.

In March it will be my 3rd time going on the large youth trips, I have also been on three smaller trips with groups of 4 or 5 people. Each trip has so many different things to offer, but I think the bigger trips may be my favorite.

I have never been very good at making friends, if you put me in the same room as someone new a lot of awkward small talk will happen, and eventually one of us will just walk away.  It's terrible. The Youth Mexico Trip gives you no other option than to build relationships with those around you, and whether you're pouring concrete, putting up sheet rock, installing door handles, making balloon animals, or dressing up like a clown, there is no room/time for small talk.  You are put in situations where you have to communicate with people that you otherwise wouldn't talk to.  Friendships are built, and it's pretty much effortlessly done.  I have made many friendships, and still have many of those connections to this day!  It helps me, (as I'm sure it does many others.) step out of my comfort zone, and reach out to those who are around me on a weekly basis.

Comfort zone.  That is another area that this trip has benefited me, as I'm sure it has others.  I am not one to go out of my comfort zone, or to be the center of attention.  It makes me nervous, and uncomfortable, I prefer to not do things that force me to be in that position.  Well on a Mexico trip, you kinda have no option.  Whether you are dressing up like a clown (pictured below) or dancing to songs that you don't understand, you have to act silly.  My first year going down to Mexico, I decided to volunteer myself to be a clown for Vacation Bible School.  It was honestly one of the funnest things!  Yes, I looked absolutely ridiculous, but the kids loved it, and I had fun too!

Attractive right? ;) 

The kids are truly amazing.  I don't think I can accurately describe their purely splendid personalities, smiles, and giggles.  Each and everyone of them, so perfect and special in their own little ways.  Your heart is so greatly impacted by them. They don't have to try, they probably don't even realize that impact that they have had on the many teens who have gone down.  Their selfless love, constant smiles, always pulling and tugging at you for a hug, or just some attention. Honestly, they are just truly incredible.

God always, every single time, without fail, shows me just a little more of His heart...and I adore it.

I find it so much easier to focus on God, and God alone while in Hermosillo, because there is very limited (and sometimes no) internet access, no phone service, and just pure community, with the other believers around you.  God says "This is how it's supposed to be.  Loving the least of these. Serving Me.  Loving one another. Fellowship." it's always so apparent, and clear in my heart that God is there. every minute. in every room. in every church. every van. every VBS. everywhere.

Worship is one of my favorite things, but when in Hermosillo, it is one of my very favorite things.  I love that we sing worship songs, anytime, anywhere!  Whether it's around a campfire, singing in English and Spanish, in the hallways of our hotel, in the van, wherever we are we sing, and it's in those moments that I feel God move, more than ever.  It's just so innocent, we have a guitar, and our voices, we sing lyrics that we've memorized from our favorite worship songs, and it's just such a joy.

La Vid, is the church that Casa (the orphanage) runs.  We go there on Sunday morning while in Hermosillo, and although I have no clue what the pastor is saying, I love it.  I don't understand the message, but I love that their church body is so welcoming, and loving towards us.  They take the time to translate their worship songs for us (even though we are more than willing to sing in Spanish!), as well as do some songs in English.  Funny thing is, they have some worship songs that they will only sing in English because they say it sounds better. :)

I could write on for hours, (and maybe on another day I will.) but I have laundry to do, and a bathroom to clean.  I love Mexico. More than I could ever put into words, like I truly don't think it's possible to put my love for this place into words.

I have a little under 30 days to come up with $315 dollars.  God's got a plan, He's got a will, I know He will provide. Maybe He will use you to help me go to "my Mexico"?

So, I have a question for you.

Will you help me get to Mexico?

My Mexico Fund: 

 https://www.youcaring.com/mission-trip-fundraiser/mexico-missions-trip/126125

Be Consumed With Your Story

I've probably confused some of you (or all of you.) when I said I was going to Mexico, but just days before I had said that I was hoping to go to Uganda.   I apologize, for the confusion.  I have been uncertain of where God wants me...even though it's quite clear.   I did this last year too, you'd think that by now I would know where God wants me to be huh?  Well, it's easy to get consumed and distracted with our own wants/interests.  Which is why I'm writing this post.

A friend of mine wrote a post recently, called "Follow Your Arrow" talking about how we like to follow others lives.  How reading about someone who is on fire for God, doing missions work in a foreign country, might excite your heart and make you want to jump into that life, but it might not be where you are supposed to be.   I read Kisses From Katie this past year, and it made my heart excited for Africa, and I convinced myself, that Uganda was where I needed to be.  I "prayed" about it, but I wouldn't really consider it praying.  I asked God to send me to Africa, but I asked with my mind already made up.  I prayed with the answer I was looking for already in my head.   I decided that I would go to Uganda, Africa, and I would love orphans, the poor, the widow, and I would have this amazing story, people would be inspired by my works.  I was so consumed with Katie's story that I lost sight of where God has asked me to go.

A few months later I met a beautiful family that has spent bunches of time in Uganda, their daughter lives over in Uganda, and I wanted to live her life so.badly.  I saw the wonderful things she was doing and wanted to be in her shoes.

At this point my heart didn't want the country, my heart wanted to be in the spot light.  I had become so consumed that I forgot who's works, unconditional love, and beautiful heart needed to be in the spot light.

Being consumed by someone else's story, with the details, and wanting so much to be like them, can be dangerous.  We each have our own individual stories, with their own details, struggles, callings, and if we were all called to be missionaries in Uganda, Africa how would the rest of the world know Jesus?  We each have our own place, that we are called, and our hearts tugged towards...my heart, isn't called towards Africa, anymore than it's called towards China.

When I was 13 and God brought the orphan crisis into my life, when I became aware, there were 2 places on my heart, Mexico, and Bulgaria.  I never liked to admit it, which was silly, I was almost ashamed of my story because I wasn't venturing to Africa to minister in orphanages.  But without fail, every time I decide "Africa is where I need to be!" God says "Ya, I don't think so.  I need you in Hermosillo, Mexico and working to save my kids in Bulgaria."  He turns me around and reminds me that my heart ins't in Africa, and I don't think it ever will be.  I've tried to convince myself for years that I need to be there, but it was never a genuine feeling of content, love for that country.

In March it will have been 6 times that I have gone down to Hermosillo, Mexico every. single. time. I fall more in love, with the city, the kids, the language, it captivates my heart.  If I wouldn't have made my own decisions without consulting God, I would know Spanish by now.  It's a sad thought, but it's true.  If I would have followed the path that God paved for me, I would be so much more involved in the things that truly have my heart.

My struggles, and failures are a part of my story.  So I'm not entirely heart broken that I could know Spanish by now, or that I could be more involved in the areas that I truly adore.  Over the past year, while fighting God and where He is asking me to be, I've learned that Africa, is not for me.  God has beautiful, generous, inspiring people, that He is sending to Africa to be His hands and feet. As for me, He is sending me to Hermosillo, Mexico to be His hands and feet, He is sending me to advocate, and potentially show love to the kids in Bulgaria, that were abandon and have never been shown love.

So no, I am not going to Africa.  March 14th-20th I will be in Hermosillo, Mexico.  I will be helping build a new building, doing VBS with different churches around Hermosillo, and loving on some of the sweetest kids I know, and I would love it if you would play a part in getting me there.  $315 is how much the trip will cost.  But I am jobless.  I have no doubt that God will provide the money in some way, last year I had the money in 3 days...Yes, God is that awesome.  There is a donation button below where you can donate to help me with the small cost of my trip. Thank you, for continuing to support me, even though I'm not always sure where God wants me.

I recently posted this on my Facebook, it was short but go my point across. 

"Follow your story. Follow God. Follow YOUR path. Yes, you may read a book that excites your heart, and makes you want to jump into Katie Davis' life, but that doesn't mean it's where God wants you. If we all went to Africa to be like Katie, then who is gonna reach the rest of the world? Go. Be a "Katie". But be a "Katie" where God calls you to go. For some of you, it may be Africa, but others it may be Ukraine, or China, Bulgaria, or Mexico, or maybe God wants you to be a "Katie" in your hometown. Because you know what makes Katie's story so exciting, real and inspiring? (In my opinion.) Her faith, trust, and obedience when she FOLLOWED GOD. When He asked her to leave everything. Her family, her boyfriend, her friends, her comfy life in the US, to FOLLOW HIM.

Be like Katie, but be like her in her faith, obedience, and trust when God asks you to go to a foreign land, or to the soup kitchen in your town. I've seen so many people recently (Including myself in the past year.) get so, so, so consumed in others lives, in their stories, so much so that they forget to say "God...Where does my story lead? Where do you need me to be?" It's easy to look at others lives, their passions, their "callings" and get consumed, and even wish we had their lives...But what about the unique, inspiring story that God has planned out for you, and your life? I encourage you to seek God, find out where He needs you to go."

 God is asking me to go to Mexico, that is where my story leads.  So...Have you asked God where your story leads? 

 

Be Consumed With Your Story.

Consider helping me get to Mexico, to make a difference, and further share God's perfect love. 

With love,
Alyssa