Well I've made it back to the states safely and I'm happy to be home. It's a blessing to see my family and friends and to be back in the Pacific Northwest. On the other hand I miss Mexico very much and I'm sad at the thought that my experience there really has come to an end. I haven't blogged for a couple of weeks and frankly my processing system is fried so I'd like to leave you all with an inspirational prayer from the Franciscan Monks:
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers,
hard hearts, half-truths, and superficial relationships,
so that you may live from deep within your heart
where God’s Spirit dwells.
May God bless you with tears to shed
for those who suffer from pain, rejection, starvation, and war,
so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them
and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe
that you can make a difference in this world and in your neighborhood,
so that you will courageously try what you don't think you can do,
but in Jesus Christ you’ll have the strength necessary to do.
May God bless you so that you remember we are called
to continue God’s redemptive work of love and healing
in God’s place, in and through God’s name, in God’s Spirit,
continually creating and breathing new life and grace into everything and everyone we touch.
Thanks everyone for following along and for your prayers and encouragement. I'd like to invite each of you to my commencement ceremony which will be taking place at New Hope Christian College on Thursday, May 3rd @ 7 p.m.
We are also planning a graduation party on Saturday May 5th (Details to come).
These are open events and I'd love to see you at one or both of them.
Blessings,
Kent
April 22, 2012
March 20, 2012
What's Going On...
Greetings family and friends!
It's been a busy couple of weeks here in Mexico and there's a lot to share. As I write I'm watching local news coverage of my first ever earthquake experience! Okay, well for some reason they're not covering MY experience specifically, so...I guess I'll do that myself ;)
At the Roque's house we felt the ground shifting for about 30 seconds. I spent the first half of that time trying to figure out what was moving the couch around, and the second half thinking...so this is what an earthquake feels like. The temblor was mild at the house as we're up on the mountain but apparently the buildings were really swaying downtown where the foundation is a dried up lake bed. So far we haven't heard of any deaths or injuries here in the city but I'm not sure how folks fared closer to the epicenter so prayers are appreciated.
In other news, the Pope visited Mexico this past week and that was a pretty big deal. Hopefully the people here are equally prepared for and excited about Christ when He comes!
The Saturday before last I had the privilege of helping out my host brother, Ivan, with a concert/youth event he was putting on at his church. We spent the morning setting up for 6 bands and about 120 people. Later, between two of the sets I got to share briefly from God's Word and Peter translated. I talked about how music is a gift from God but just like any gift from God it has the potential to be twisted and perverted by the enemy to lead to our destruction. I suggested we use the characteristics listed in Philippians 4:8 as a filter for what we listen to.
After the concert a group of students came over to the Roque's house to celebrate my other host brother, Elliot's, birthday. It was just like having a late nighter with the youth group at home. We had a great time but didn't end up going to bed until about 5:00 a.m. which made for a long Sunday starting at 7:00! But then again what would a school term be without a sleepless night here or there. Not to mention this was much more enjoyable than writing a paper!
Last Wednesday Peter and I went to share at a support group for people who are trying to break the addiction of alcohol. The group meets at a halfway house, of sorts. The house isn't run by a Christian organization as I understand it, but a friend of Peter's has been able to set up these weekly meetings for people who are interested in Biblically based support and teaching. He told us that all of the men who live at the house have accepted Christ at one time or another as a result of the meetings. Others who don't live at the house can attend as well. It was such a blessing to experience the responsiveness of many of the people there. They're at a place in their lives where they truly understand their need for God's salvation, grace, and strength. I appreciated their example of humility and dependance on God. I pray God would help me to never become so "self-sufficient" in my faith that I forget how desperately dependent I am on Him.
Fun in the supermarket with Ivan, Elliot, and Lilia, Ivan's fiance. I'm happy to report that I came in first place and that no cereal boxes were damaged in the making of this memory! Ivan and Lilia's wedding will be in August and if possible I'd like to return for it. I'm very thankful for all of the new friends that God's giving me here and I'm going to miss everyone a lot when it's time to leave just under a month from now.
Here's another photo from the kid's club that happens at the church every other Saturday. I was working with the younger kids on their craft. Some of you may recognize the photo frame projects...they were left over from VBS this past summer. I am thrilled that they were both put to good use here AND that they're no longer taking up space in the supply room at church! Some of you will appreciate that more than others, but no one can appreciate it like I do ;) Also, a special thanks to Ally for sending me with Extreme Sour Belts. They were used as prizes and I think you can see they're a big hit.
This is a picture taken later that same Saturday from Caja Roja, a street evangelism ministry that the church here does. The basic format is to set up a speaker in a public place, draw attention with a human video or skit , have someone give a simple 5 minute sermon when there's a crowd, and then pass out literature and be available if people want to talk or ask questions. Most of you probably know that I'm not evangelistic by nature (in fact it always lands last on the spiritual gifts tests) so this was a stretching experience for me but I really enjoyed it! People were generally very receptive and we passed out about 40 invitations to the church and the Easter play that's coming up. I decided that one benefit to the language barrier is that if anyone was making fun of us or saying rude things...I didn't know it :)
On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at Viviendo Al Maximo En Cristo (Living to the Max in Christ), the church where Peter and Delia pastor and my home church during my stay here. I've really grown to love the people here and I feel honored to be able to share with them from God's Word. I'm also starting to feel more comfortable preaching which is one of the areas that I have really been wanting to grow in so I'm thankful for all of the opportunities. I'm also thankful for Peter who smooths over my rough edges in translation and makes sense of my speech when it's less than coherent :)
Last week a college group of 10 people from San Antonio stopped in Mexico City for a layover on their way to a week long mission trip in Costa Rica. The Breits hosted the group at their home and I got to help by driving to and from the airport. Before they left we took them to the Aztec Pyramids and to eat some good authentic Mexican food at the church cafe! It was fun not being the newest person in the country for a while and to hear them asking some of the same questions I was asking my first week here. They were a great group full of passion for ministry and it was fun to get to talk with them. This picture was taken during their layover on the way back to San Antonio. We had a bonfire that night and enjoyed some food, worship, and fellowship. Unfortunately I don't have a group photo but just imagine that the hot dogs represent people :)
Yesterday after dropping off the San Antonio team at the airport, a group of us from a couple of different churches hiked the Sierra de Guadalupe mountains, to a peak at about 10,000 ft. The hike was awesome and made me a little homesick for Oregon. We were hoping for a clear day but unfortunately there was a lot of smog. Nonetheless, as you can see, the view was fantastic! Unfortunately all I can think about when I look at this picture is how thin the back of my head is getting. I might be caught up to my brother at this point! Thanks Glazier genes! Fortunately I got to enjoy the unobstructed view yesterday. Behind me in this picture is a tall, old, rickety watch tower that we climbed up on. Peter made the comment that this is not the place you'd want to be during an earthquake. I have a brand new appreciation for that sentiment today.
Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. I look forward to seeing you all next month :)
It's been a busy couple of weeks here in Mexico and there's a lot to share. As I write I'm watching local news coverage of my first ever earthquake experience! Okay, well for some reason they're not covering MY experience specifically, so...I guess I'll do that myself ;)
At the Roque's house we felt the ground shifting for about 30 seconds. I spent the first half of that time trying to figure out what was moving the couch around, and the second half thinking...so this is what an earthquake feels like. The temblor was mild at the house as we're up on the mountain but apparently the buildings were really swaying downtown where the foundation is a dried up lake bed. So far we haven't heard of any deaths or injuries here in the city but I'm not sure how folks fared closer to the epicenter so prayers are appreciated.
In other news, the Pope visited Mexico this past week and that was a pretty big deal. Hopefully the people here are equally prepared for and excited about Christ when He comes!
The Saturday before last I had the privilege of helping out my host brother, Ivan, with a concert/youth event he was putting on at his church. We spent the morning setting up for 6 bands and about 120 people. Later, between two of the sets I got to share briefly from God's Word and Peter translated. I talked about how music is a gift from God but just like any gift from God it has the potential to be twisted and perverted by the enemy to lead to our destruction. I suggested we use the characteristics listed in Philippians 4:8 as a filter for what we listen to.
After the concert a group of students came over to the Roque's house to celebrate my other host brother, Elliot's, birthday. It was just like having a late nighter with the youth group at home. We had a great time but didn't end up going to bed until about 5:00 a.m. which made for a long Sunday starting at 7:00! But then again what would a school term be without a sleepless night here or there. Not to mention this was much more enjoyable than writing a paper!
Last Wednesday Peter and I went to share at a support group for people who are trying to break the addiction of alcohol. The group meets at a halfway house, of sorts. The house isn't run by a Christian organization as I understand it, but a friend of Peter's has been able to set up these weekly meetings for people who are interested in Biblically based support and teaching. He told us that all of the men who live at the house have accepted Christ at one time or another as a result of the meetings. Others who don't live at the house can attend as well. It was such a blessing to experience the responsiveness of many of the people there. They're at a place in their lives where they truly understand their need for God's salvation, grace, and strength. I appreciated their example of humility and dependance on God. I pray God would help me to never become so "self-sufficient" in my faith that I forget how desperately dependent I am on Him.
Fun in the supermarket with Ivan, Elliot, and Lilia, Ivan's fiance. I'm happy to report that I came in first place and that no cereal boxes were damaged in the making of this memory! Ivan and Lilia's wedding will be in August and if possible I'd like to return for it. I'm very thankful for all of the new friends that God's giving me here and I'm going to miss everyone a lot when it's time to leave just under a month from now.
Here's another photo from the kid's club that happens at the church every other Saturday. I was working with the younger kids on their craft. Some of you may recognize the photo frame projects...they were left over from VBS this past summer. I am thrilled that they were both put to good use here AND that they're no longer taking up space in the supply room at church! Some of you will appreciate that more than others, but no one can appreciate it like I do ;) Also, a special thanks to Ally for sending me with Extreme Sour Belts. They were used as prizes and I think you can see they're a big hit.
This is a picture taken later that same Saturday from Caja Roja, a street evangelism ministry that the church here does. The basic format is to set up a speaker in a public place, draw attention with a human video or skit , have someone give a simple 5 minute sermon when there's a crowd, and then pass out literature and be available if people want to talk or ask questions. Most of you probably know that I'm not evangelistic by nature (in fact it always lands last on the spiritual gifts tests) so this was a stretching experience for me but I really enjoyed it! People were generally very receptive and we passed out about 40 invitations to the church and the Easter play that's coming up. I decided that one benefit to the language barrier is that if anyone was making fun of us or saying rude things...I didn't know it :)
On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking at Viviendo Al Maximo En Cristo (Living to the Max in Christ), the church where Peter and Delia pastor and my home church during my stay here. I've really grown to love the people here and I feel honored to be able to share with them from God's Word. I'm also starting to feel more comfortable preaching which is one of the areas that I have really been wanting to grow in so I'm thankful for all of the opportunities. I'm also thankful for Peter who smooths over my rough edges in translation and makes sense of my speech when it's less than coherent :)
Last week a college group of 10 people from San Antonio stopped in Mexico City for a layover on their way to a week long mission trip in Costa Rica. The Breits hosted the group at their home and I got to help by driving to and from the airport. Before they left we took them to the Aztec Pyramids and to eat some good authentic Mexican food at the church cafe! It was fun not being the newest person in the country for a while and to hear them asking some of the same questions I was asking my first week here. They were a great group full of passion for ministry and it was fun to get to talk with them. This picture was taken during their layover on the way back to San Antonio. We had a bonfire that night and enjoyed some food, worship, and fellowship. Unfortunately I don't have a group photo but just imagine that the hot dogs represent people :)
Yesterday after dropping off the San Antonio team at the airport, a group of us from a couple of different churches hiked the Sierra de Guadalupe mountains, to a peak at about 10,000 ft. The hike was awesome and made me a little homesick for Oregon. We were hoping for a clear day but unfortunately there was a lot of smog. Nonetheless, as you can see, the view was fantastic! Unfortunately all I can think about when I look at this picture is how thin the back of my head is getting. I might be caught up to my brother at this point! Thanks Glazier genes! Fortunately I got to enjoy the unobstructed view yesterday. Behind me in this picture is a tall, old, rickety watch tower that we climbed up on. Peter made the comment that this is not the place you'd want to be during an earthquake. I have a brand new appreciation for that sentiment today.Thanks everyone for your prayers and support. I look forward to seeing you all next month :)
March 1, 2012
Pracitce What You Preach
Perspective:
Mine vs. God's
Mine vs. God's
Can you tell what this is?
It's a close up photo of something that would be obvious from a little further away.
Sometimes our perspective as humans is limited by our proximity to our current situation. It's like when a child wants you to see something and puts it right in front of your face. You may be able to make it out vaguely but it's hard to get the whole picture.
The Bible teaches that our perspective is limited because of our humanity.
That's why time after time we're exhorted to trust God and place our faith entirely in Him.
God says through the prophet Isaiah,
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways...for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."
God isn't simply giving Himself a pat on the back here. He's reminding us that His perspective far exceeds ours in every way. Because He is able to see things from a heavenly vantage point while we are limited to the close up view, we can place our full confidence in His leading and guidance. We would be wise to take every opportunity to seek out His will and give every effort to follow it in all of life's decisions and circumstances.
What circumstances are you facing that require placing confidence in God? In
Jeremiah 29:11 God says to His children, "For I know the plans I have for you...plans to prosper you and not to harm you; to give you a hope and a future." It's not always easy to let go, but we can rest assured that God has our best interest at heart if we put our faith in Him!
This is the message I had the privilege of sharing with the young adults at Viviendo al Maximo En Cristo (Living to the Max in Christ) a few days ago. We were able to share some of the decisions/circumstances we're facing in life and pray together that God would lead us and give us the strength to follow Him.
One of my frustrations in Mexico has been that because of my unfamiliarity with the language, culture, and ministries here I'm not able to contribute as much as I'd like to. At home, I have a good handle on the ministry that's taking place and I know exactly how I fit into helping fulfill it. Here I feel kind of like a little kid in a big world trying to figure it all out, and I think that's a big part of what cross-cultural ministry is all about. It would be so much easier to be content with the familiar and comfortable but as I continue to seek God's direction for my future I have to practice what I preach! I have to be willing to trust that His will for my life, whatever it may be, is in accordance with His perfect plan, based on His perfect perspective.
Thank you all for your prayers and support! Communication is getting a little easier for me here and overall I'm having a really good time! The people are fantastic and I'm really well taken care of. I fell perfectly safe for those of you who are concerned with such things (love you mom!).
Since I last blogged...I've done some more sightseeing, shared the message at the young adult group, gave a chapel message at Peter and Delia's children's school, finally beat Peter on the basketball court, ate pizza (twice!), embarrassed myself on the running trail with my host family, witnessed an entertaining wrestling match, and had my first adventure driving here in Mexico. Let's just say the rules here don't mean as much as they do at home. I thought it went well but my host family kept saying "Cuidado! Cuidado! Mas despacio." Which translates "Careful! Careful! Slow down." more or less. I'm not really sure what that was all about ;)
Well thanks for checking in. I hope and pray often that everyone at home is doing well.
Love and miss you all!
Since I last blogged...I've done some more sightseeing, shared the message at the young adult group, gave a chapel message at Peter and Delia's children's school, finally beat Peter on the basketball court, ate pizza (twice!), embarrassed myself on the running trail with my host family, witnessed an entertaining wrestling match, and had my first adventure driving here in Mexico. Let's just say the rules here don't mean as much as they do at home. I thought it went well but my host family kept saying "Cuidado! Cuidado! Mas despacio." Which translates "Careful! Careful! Slow down." more or less. I'm not really sure what that was all about ;)
Well thanks for checking in. I hope and pray often that everyone at home is doing well.
Love and miss you all!
February 22, 2012
My life in Mexico
Greetings everyone!
Thanks for being patient with the blog updates. Things have been very busy here and my internet access is limited. I'm happy to be able to check in, though, and share what's been going on since I arrived here in Mexico City. I'll post some pics below which can help tell the story, and if you'd like to see more I'll try to get them posted on FB :)
This is my host family, the Roques. They are very hospitable and I always have PLENTY to eat. Since I miss my family at home quite a bit, it's a blessing to have people here who love and care about me. The whole family jogs together early in the morning so between that and playing basketball with Peter I think I'm getting enough cardio to burn off all of the calories!
Here I'm with my host brothers, Ivan (25), and Elliot (19). They're fun guys and I've enjoyed getting to hang out with them. They're really into music and are very talented! They attend a school of Christian music here in Mexico City and help lead worship at their church. They have been really helpful in communication as they know some English and are patient with my attempts at Spanish!
This is Peter Breit, the missionary who's supervising my internship (he's the one with his head still attached to his body). Peter and his entire family have been incredible hosts and mentors. They pastor a small church here which is enough to keep anyone busy with weekly services, prayer meetings, outreaches, Kid's Club etc. Additionally they're involved in training nationals for ministry leadership, getting a cafe up and running to provide work for some of their congregants, developing great relationships with locals, and serving on boards and committees. Peter and are really enjoying playing basketball when there's spare time.
This picture was taken atop an Aztec pyramid, which I think was built in like 300 A.D. (you can Wikipedia it and let me know for sure if you want). I'm standing on the sun temple and in the background is the moon temple where the Aztecs would perform human sacrifices to appease their gods. I'm thankful to serve a God who sacrificed Himself for me! The view was extraordinary and the history fascinating. Peter's wife Delia shared other things with me about Mexican culture and history. It's all very intriguing and understanding these things helps give me a more complete picture of the Mexican people.
El Club De Ninos (The Kids Club) is one of the minstries of the church, Living to the Max in Christ. This cement slab outside of a home is the meeting place for the club as well as for the church. The club consists of singing, puppets, Bible teaching, English classes, arts/crafts, games, and a good lunch! There is such a BIG need for this type of ministry here. This is one of the poorer neighborhoods in Mexico and the kids are exposed to so much! The club gives them a safe place to come and experience the love of God through a wonderfully caring staff.
After the club we got to play soccer with some of the kids in the street. It means so much to them that we're simply with them on their level. I also got the privilege of sitting and talking with some of them while they ate a good meal at the church (something some of them might not get all the time). No amount of programming can replace the simple presence of people who care! I feel so blessed to be a part of this ministry while I'm here! Some of you donated money and supplies specifically for children's ministry and I'm proud to let you know that it was given to help sustain the efforts of this Kid's Club to share the love of Christ with the children of Mexico City!
Beyond that I've been staying pretty busy preaching and just trying to adjust to the culture. The preaching has been going really well! Speaking through an interpreter is a new and interesting experience but the Gospel is powerful in every culture and it's been amazing to see it at work here. Also, in a place where so much is new and unfamiliar I'm so thankful that God's Spirit is with me and remains a consistent guide in my life and ministry.
The most difficult and frustrating part of my experience so far has been the language barrier! It makes me feel helpless and dependent...I'm not used to that! It's humbling to be sure but God is using it to teach me and mature me so I'm thankful for that. I look forward to learning more and more and to being able to communicate more effectively and I appreciate your prayers in the matter.
Actually, I appreciate everyone's love and prayers from back home. I don't have a lot of time for the internet but the blog responses and FB messages mean a lot. I love and miss you all! Until next time...
Adios
Thanks for being patient with the blog updates. Things have been very busy here and my internet access is limited. I'm happy to be able to check in, though, and share what's been going on since I arrived here in Mexico City. I'll post some pics below which can help tell the story, and if you'd like to see more I'll try to get them posted on FB :)
This is my host family, the Roques. They are very hospitable and I always have PLENTY to eat. Since I miss my family at home quite a bit, it's a blessing to have people here who love and care about me. The whole family jogs together early in the morning so between that and playing basketball with Peter I think I'm getting enough cardio to burn off all of the calories!
Here I'm with my host brothers, Ivan (25), and Elliot (19). They're fun guys and I've enjoyed getting to hang out with them. They're really into music and are very talented! They attend a school of Christian music here in Mexico City and help lead worship at their church. They have been really helpful in communication as they know some English and are patient with my attempts at Spanish!
This is Peter Breit, the missionary who's supervising my internship (he's the one with his head still attached to his body). Peter and his entire family have been incredible hosts and mentors. They pastor a small church here which is enough to keep anyone busy with weekly services, prayer meetings, outreaches, Kid's Club etc. Additionally they're involved in training nationals for ministry leadership, getting a cafe up and running to provide work for some of their congregants, developing great relationships with locals, and serving on boards and committees. Peter and are really enjoying playing basketball when there's spare time.
This picture was taken atop an Aztec pyramid, which I think was built in like 300 A.D. (you can Wikipedia it and let me know for sure if you want). I'm standing on the sun temple and in the background is the moon temple where the Aztecs would perform human sacrifices to appease their gods. I'm thankful to serve a God who sacrificed Himself for me! The view was extraordinary and the history fascinating. Peter's wife Delia shared other things with me about Mexican culture and history. It's all very intriguing and understanding these things helps give me a more complete picture of the Mexican people.
El Club De Ninos (The Kids Club) is one of the minstries of the church, Living to the Max in Christ. This cement slab outside of a home is the meeting place for the club as well as for the church. The club consists of singing, puppets, Bible teaching, English classes, arts/crafts, games, and a good lunch! There is such a BIG need for this type of ministry here. This is one of the poorer neighborhoods in Mexico and the kids are exposed to so much! The club gives them a safe place to come and experience the love of God through a wonderfully caring staff. 
After the club we got to play soccer with some of the kids in the street. It means so much to them that we're simply with them on their level. I also got the privilege of sitting and talking with some of them while they ate a good meal at the church (something some of them might not get all the time). No amount of programming can replace the simple presence of people who care! I feel so blessed to be a part of this ministry while I'm here! Some of you donated money and supplies specifically for children's ministry and I'm proud to let you know that it was given to help sustain the efforts of this Kid's Club to share the love of Christ with the children of Mexico City!Beyond that I've been staying pretty busy preaching and just trying to adjust to the culture. The preaching has been going really well! Speaking through an interpreter is a new and interesting experience but the Gospel is powerful in every culture and it's been amazing to see it at work here. Also, in a place where so much is new and unfamiliar I'm so thankful that God's Spirit is with me and remains a consistent guide in my life and ministry.
The most difficult and frustrating part of my experience so far has been the language barrier! It makes me feel helpless and dependent...I'm not used to that! It's humbling to be sure but God is using it to teach me and mature me so I'm thankful for that. I look forward to learning more and more and to being able to communicate more effectively and I appreciate your prayers in the matter.
Actually, I appreciate everyone's love and prayers from back home. I don't have a lot of time for the internet but the blog responses and FB messages mean a lot. I love and miss you all! Until next time...
Adios
February 12, 2012
First Impressions
Greetings from Mexico City!
A big THANK YOU to those who were praying for my flight. I arrived safely here in Mexico late Thursday night after an uneventful flight from Portland, with a layover in Houston. The last hour of flying seemed like it took forever! I was so anxious to arrive and get through customs that I felt like the plane might never land...but it did!
As it turned out, though, landing wasn't even the climax of the flight. Have you ever looked out over a big city at night, in awe of all the the lights and the thought of the many people who call that place home? As Mexico City came into view from window seat 22A of flight 1094 my jaw literally dropped. I have never seen a more incredible display of urban beauty in my life!
The city stretched out for miles and miles (the picture doesn't even come close to doing it justice), a sea of lights making small islands of the majestic mountains it surrounded. It was truly a breathtaking site; one that I will never forget. The sheer vastness and expanse of the city from view of the heavens made me wonder at the unfathomable greatness of God, a blanket of His love covering the approximately 25 million people who reside here!
It took about 15 to 20 minutes from when the city was visible to the time the wheels actually touched the ground. When they did, I got to experience it in a much more personal way. After clumsily making my way through customs, baggage claim, and airport security (you know, like a foreigner), I was greeted by missionary Peter Breit and taken to the home where he and his family live, and where I have spent my first few days adjusting to the new culture.
The Breit's have been incredible...I couldn't have hoped for better hosts! They have 4 great kids and have helped me to feel right at home. I'm looking forward to being mentored by them and can see already that I'm going to learn so much.
I've spent the first couple of days settling in and getting to know some wonderful nationals that are involved in ministry here. They are all very gracious with me as I stumble through a few Spanish phrases and ask them often to repeat themselves. One thing I have going for me is that I LOVE the food here. Apparently that makes me a good guest so it's a win-win!
Some of you might be interested to know that I, the person who can hardly stomach a tomato, have already eaten pig snout, tongue, and other adventurous items! I've requested that I not be told the ingredients of the food until after I've eaten ;) I do appreciate that edible parts of the animal aren't wasted here, but still, I prefer not to know!
I look forward to meeting the family that I'll be living with tomorrow and should have plenty more to share soon. I hope and pray that everyone back home is doing well. Love you all!
A big THANK YOU to those who were praying for my flight. I arrived safely here in Mexico late Thursday night after an uneventful flight from Portland, with a layover in Houston. The last hour of flying seemed like it took forever! I was so anxious to arrive and get through customs that I felt like the plane might never land...but it did!
As it turned out, though, landing wasn't even the climax of the flight. Have you ever looked out over a big city at night, in awe of all the the lights and the thought of the many people who call that place home? As Mexico City came into view from window seat 22A of flight 1094 my jaw literally dropped. I have never seen a more incredible display of urban beauty in my life!
The city stretched out for miles and miles (the picture doesn't even come close to doing it justice), a sea of lights making small islands of the majestic mountains it surrounded. It was truly a breathtaking site; one that I will never forget. The sheer vastness and expanse of the city from view of the heavens made me wonder at the unfathomable greatness of God, a blanket of His love covering the approximately 25 million people who reside here!
It took about 15 to 20 minutes from when the city was visible to the time the wheels actually touched the ground. When they did, I got to experience it in a much more personal way. After clumsily making my way through customs, baggage claim, and airport security (you know, like a foreigner), I was greeted by missionary Peter Breit and taken to the home where he and his family live, and where I have spent my first few days adjusting to the new culture.
The Breit's have been incredible...I couldn't have hoped for better hosts! They have 4 great kids and have helped me to feel right at home. I'm looking forward to being mentored by them and can see already that I'm going to learn so much.
I've spent the first couple of days settling in and getting to know some wonderful nationals that are involved in ministry here. They are all very gracious with me as I stumble through a few Spanish phrases and ask them often to repeat themselves. One thing I have going for me is that I LOVE the food here. Apparently that makes me a good guest so it's a win-win!
Some of you might be interested to know that I, the person who can hardly stomach a tomato, have already eaten pig snout, tongue, and other adventurous items! I've requested that I not be told the ingredients of the food until after I've eaten ;) I do appreciate that edible parts of the animal aren't wasted here, but still, I prefer not to know!
I look forward to meeting the family that I'll be living with tomorrow and should have plenty more to share soon. I hope and pray that everyone back home is doing well. Love you all!
February 4, 2012
Is thing on? Testing 1,2,3...
Bienvenidos!
Greetings, and welcome to "Adventures in Mexico!" Maybe the first adventure is trying to figure out this whole blog thing, so please bear with me. I plan on blogging once a week with reflections and updates on my experiences in the big city.
I guess if you're reading this then we're off to a good start! Actually, it's still 5 days before I leave on a jet plane (don't worry, I know when I'm coming back) and it's been an incredible journey already!
I'd like to begin by thanking each person who has contributed to this trip with prayer, encouragement, time, energy, and financial gifts. The level of support I have received has been nothing short of amazing, and I am humbled by it. I feel so loved!
My path to this experience has been unfolding for years now. It was about 10 years ago that I first sensed a call to missions and especially to the destitute places of the world. The Psalmist cried out to God:
"May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly
and guide the nations of the earth."Gladness and joyful singing...what a contrast to the tragic picture we see of so many nations today! I whole-heartedly believe that as the seeds of the Gospel of Christ take root among the nations of the earth, the fruit of gladness and joyful singing will be bountiful!
This belief has lead me to pursue an education in cross-cultural ministry at New Hope Christian College. Pending completion of this internship I will graduate in May (an event you all are invited to attend) and will be open to the guidance of the Lord in how to use my education to plant those seeds.
Thank you for being a part of this journey, and stay tuned for more!
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