Twelve
weeks today, I embarked on a journey to Ensenada, Mexico and never realized
that six weeks could change my life as much as it did. I was there from June 5th
to July 15th, 2012. It was such a blessing to be there to start out
with. I got to spend time with my Mexican Family that I have missed so much. I
cannot stop talking about my experience because of the impact that it made in
my life. I know I am called back but I am waiting for the Lord’s timing because
His timing is always perfect. I want to share with you a little bit of my
experience but how do you put 6 weeks into a short story? So bare with me, it
is kind of long but it is worth the read.
Well
to start out with, I got called last summer of 2011 to spend this summer in
Mexico when I came with Harbor Christian Center, which is the church my parents
go to in Gig Harbor, Washington. I
finished my application for their internship and got accepted to serve for the
entire summer at Rancho Milagro. I was excited but than that excitement turned
out to be disappointment a few months later when I found out that my summer has
to be cut short due to the Mexican Social Services. At first I was upset and it
took me more than a few days to recuperate. But then the Lord reminded me that
what a blessing it is that I get to go down there at all with having the
support of family, friends, and my work. I got this overwhelming peace that
things are going to work out and I know that peace came from the Lord. He was
letting me know that He is in charge of my life and not myself. Sometimes I want
things to go my way but that road does not get me very far. When I follow the
path that the Lord wants me to go on, His path is always greater than my own.
When
I first arrived there, things were going great. I was so excited to see my
Mexican Family that I have not seen in almost a year but there was still a
little bit of a language barrier. I was speaking more English than Spanish at
the time and I wished that I studied more when I was home. At least the kids
were helping me with Spanish and I was also helping them with their English. So
thankful that there was a couple there from Canada that also stayed during my
time I was there. My experience would have not been the same if I did not have
Stephanie and Matthew there. The first few days, I was just in awe that God had
sent me here and brought me here. For the Lord put the desire in my heart to
serve at Rancho Milagro and for that I give Him all the credit. So many
emotions were going through my head at the time. It was just hard to process it
all but I knew that the Lord sent me here for a purpose.
As
the second week came, I started to feel lonely. I started to miss my friends
and family back at home. It was hard because nobody really knew me and it was
hard to vent when the majority of those around you did not even speak your
language. I was just mentally exhausted trying to translate in my head from
Spanish to English and vise versa. The Lord spoke to me as I was reading my
bible and said, “Your friends and your family may not be with your PRESENTLY,
but you are always in My PRESENCE.” That stood out to me like a sore thumb. It
is nice to know that I am always in the presence of the Lord no matter where I
go. For I know He is always with me and He will never leave me. (Heb 13:5)
I
was being a little bit selfish I admit. I realized though that when I go home,
I would be going back to a house in Gig Harbor, Washington filled with a Mom,
Dad, and siblings. I also get to go back with more items than just my suitcase,
food in the fridge, and so much more. The Ranch is their home, their family,
their friends, and the items they have is what they have at the Ranch. I had to
stand back a minute and say “Ok God, thanks for opening up my eyes. I really
needed to hear that.” It is comforting knowing that I serve a big God. There is
a quote that my church says “Small God = Big Problems and Big God = Small
problems.” I find that to be so true because I know that He looks out for me
daily but it is not just I, it is everyone around me as well.
Some
specific moments that stood out to me during my time there were seeing kids
that have come and gone in just a year. There was a girl that came a week
before I arrived at the Ranch and her name is Laura (8 years). She seemed to
fit right in which I love that about the Ranch. Whoever comes, they are family
immediately and they are there for them no matter what. I feel like we as a
church can learn from them. When people come to church we invite them in like
family. I then experienced for the first time about a week after I arrived where
there were 2 children that were dropped off at the Ranch from D.I.F, which is
similar to the Social Services that we have here in the United States. There
were two girls and they were sisters. Jaramar (6 years) and Brisa (22 months). Their
mom is looking for work and cant afford the time or money to take care of them.
Some of the kids from the ranch, their stories are similar to this as well
where the parent does not have the time or money to take care of them so they give
them to the Mexican Social Service.
Many
groups came to visit the Ranch during my time I was there. There was a family
that came from Canada and blessed the kids to see a movie and go out to lunch
after church. Those are two things that I know that I for sure take for
granted. I know that these kids will remember that weekend for a long time
especially Jaramar where it was her first time going to the theater at six
years old. There were many groups that came from California and dropped items
such as clothes or food off and then went back home. Everything helps to keep
this Ranch going. There was also a group from Oceanside, California that stayed
about a week. They got to see the graduation of the kids, played with the kids,
and so much more. Going to the graduation was one thing that I was blessed to
go see. It was something that I was thankful to be a part of. They have graduation for elementary
(primary), middle school (secondary), and for high school (prepatory) and this
year there was only elementary and middle school. The group from Oceanside made
such an impact and it was great to see the desire on their hearts to serve at a
place that I love so dearly.
When
the group from Harbor Christian Center in Gig Harbor, Washington came to visit
the Ranch I had one amazing time that I will never forget. I was so happy to
see my sister Grace for the first time in five weeks. There were many games of
capture the flag and soccer that the kids will remember forever that our group
participated with them. So many words cannot describe the time or impact that
Harbor Christian Center made at Rancho Milagro.
There
are two people from Mexico though that I will never forget and I truly believe that
my purpose of being in Mexico was for them two. My first person is Diana. She lives at the Ranch and it has
been her home for many years. The first week I got there, the Lord told me to
pray for her for a few things. One of them was that she believed the lies of
the enemy. I also told her what is impossible with Man is possible with God
(Matt 19:26). We found out that the tumor in her leg came back. She was first
diagnosed with this tumor at the end of last summer and got surgery to have it
removed. The recovery process though was a hard two months. Her faith in God
has been a little shaky due to her past and also with this tumor. It was as if
she were questioning God “Why would He let bad things happen to people?” I
think the tumor came back because God is saying, “I am in control, especially
over the things that you do not have control over.” During the time I was there
I believed in prayer that she would be healed. Every opportunity I got to pray,
I would pray for her leg.
When
HCC came, her surgery was scheduled on the same day that they arrived. So long
story short, she ended up not having the surgery and was able to enjoy time
with our group. So happy she got to spend the week with the group instead of
being stuck in the Dorm recovering.
As
the week went on with the group being here, I could see just a transformation
in Diana. Before, she would not want to participate when groups came and not
sing during worship. There was such joy in Diana that I have not seen before
and that made me happy. She was singing in worship during the campfire and was
participating in the activities. I could not believe such a transformation not
only in her attitude but also her heart. Two weeks after I left Mexico, I got a
call that said that Diana went to the doctor and the doctor could not feel the
tumor in her leg. It was as if it disappeared. I was in shock and could not
believe my eyes that she was HEALED! This boosted not only my faith but Diana’s
faith as well. Words cannot describe how great God truly is.
Another
story that changed my life would be going to Ochente Nueve with HCC. Ochente
Nueve is the poor area outside of Ensenada where we do our donations of food
and clothing. There was a day a group was going there and I felt sick the night
before I had to leave and still felt sick the next day. Later on, I realized
that it was an attack from the enemy for me not to go. So I decided to stay obedient
and go to Ochenta Nueve despite being sick. When we arrived, the Lord directed
me to this kid named Miguel. He was emo and had scratches on his arm, piercings
everywhere, and seemed like a total punk. My Spanish got a lot better by then and
so I kept telling him that Jesus is important. I also got to pray for his mom
that got into a fight because he was stressed about not knowing how she was doing.
There was a guy named Drew on our team who did his senior project and organized
a soccer game for the kids at Ochente Nueve. He also passed out soccer balls
and jerseys to the kids. Overall, because Drew organized a game of Soccer and
because I spent time with him and prayed for him, Miguel now wants to go to
church. Miguel made me realize that spending time with someone can lead someone
to Christ which is the ultimate goal being a Christian. Christianity is not a
something that we keep for ourselves but rather to share it for the world to
have.
This
experience to Mexico has changed my life. There is not a day that goes by that
I do not think about or not want to talk about Mexico. I love it with all my
heart. It seriously changed my whole perspective on life and possibly my
career. I want to become a Missionary down in Ensenada, Mexico but I want to
see if that desire is from the Lord or myself first. I want to be called by God
instead of going because I want to go.
Prayer Requests:
*Miguel – For him to become the Man of God that God has
intended Him to be. Strength from the Lord to live out His faith and protect
him from the enemy.
*Diana – For her faith to continue to grow and not to
believe the lies of the enemy
*Rancho Milagro – For God to provide financially and provide
for their specific needs.
*Ochente Nueve – For food be delivered and for God to
provide in many ways. Strength from the Lord for Verna and Cody (I believe that
is how you spell their names). For God to work in their ministry at Ochente
Nueve.
