As I look back on this life-changing trip, there are a few things that stick out to me, but to start off, I want to mention how grateful I am for the people that made it possible for me to go on this trip! This includes everyone at CrossCity Missions, the people that financially donated to my fund, and all of my friends and family that were praying for safety and courage over our team.
Before heading to Mexico City, my life felt like it was moving a million miles an hour. As a senior in high school, the assignments, events, and college prep did not let up. While I was definitely a bit nervous for certain things on the trip, I was really looking forward to spending a week of intentional serving time. The first morning, I questioned my choices when we had to get to the airport very early for the long travel day to Mexico City, but as time went on, I was very glad to be going. One of the most memorable moments for me is when we first arrived in Mexico City. Even though I am accustomed to Mexican culture because of the many times I’ve traveled there, a slight culture shock still hit me when we first arrived- things are just different. As I realized that I was stuck there in a foreign, uncomfortable place for an entire week, I began to doubt. I remember lots of cars and people honking and calling for taxis at the airport; I was glad to get in the team van and head to dinner. It’s in these times of fear, God calls us to lean on Him, and trust that we are right where He wants us to be!
One of my favorite moments from the next day (Saturday) was playing basketball with some of our team members, and a few of the kids from the church. This was one of the first moments that the awkward language and cultural barrier broke for me on this trip! It can be really hard at first, especially when you are not fluent in the language, to start up a friendship with the kids from the church. For me, these simple games and activities broke the ice and allowed for a connection!
On Sunday, our team got to help lead the church service at Manos de Vida, I got to be a part of the worship team! We learned a total of six songs in Spanish, and played them at the youth service, Sunday service, and both VBS days of the week. There is truly something so special about hearing God’s name be praised in another language. It makes us realize how big He really is. He is worshipped in so many different tribes and tongues around the world, yet He cares for us individually. Ultimately, this worship service was humbling for me. Although I may not have been singing some of the words correctly, the whole room was engaged and had their hearts in a place of worship to our Father. I will never forget that morning.
After church we delivered food packages to various homes and prayed with the families. As we drove, I looked around the city. Most buildings looked as though they were barely standing up. I was immediately convicted of the things I complain about at home– I truly have so much to be grateful for! Water I can drink from the sink, and yes, even the ability to flush toilet paper. My group was assigned to a woman who lived by herself, but whose joy in the Lord was so evident. I noticed her during worship, it was almost as if she seemed to glow and light up the room with her soft smile. Once we got to Marisilla’s apartment, we carried the food up the stairs, met her very sweet hairless dog, and prayed over her. The room was small, but it felt so bright and full of life. I later found out that she used to partake in some witchcraft, but that she’d been saved by Jesus. I truly never would’ve guessed that this woman had anything like that about her. Jesus changes us, and He makes us new from our old sins!
The next two days were for the VBS we had planned to put on. We prayed that kids would show up, so that they would be able to hear about the good news, and partake in the fun crafts and games our teams had worked so hard on, but we knew that it wasn’t about the number of kids that came, but about how God was going to provide and move as He does! The first day we had around 50 kids show up, so we divided them into two groups by age and did games and crafts with each group. We played David and Goliath with the kids, and had a blast chasing each other around on the field and the playground. Something I noticed specifically, is the gratefulness of the kids for everything that they got to participate in. For example, when the older group of kids came in for crafts on the first day, they were excited to do the sand art painting and other various activities.
Lastly, one of my favorite parts of the trip was the people I went with. Our team! It truly is refreshing to be around people that are happy to serve and quick to lend a hand. As I reflect I’m reminded to pray for the church of Manos de Vida. Pray that they would continue to grow and reach more people with the light of Jesus.